subject: Living In Victoria Entertainment [print this page] Victoria may be considered a small city, but due to its popularity as a destination for tourists, a healthy population of post-secondary students attending various institutions, and the fact that the city is a highly desirable location for retirees (and younger people) from across the country, it boasts a thriving entertainment culture.
People who are on a holiday as well as retired folks have free time and funds, and are looking for something fun to do. University and college students may have less free time and cash, but they are certainly looking for entertainment too! Even people with families and busy lives need to cut loose occasionally and in response to the demand, a variety of groups and businesses are flourishing, providing countless choices for Victorias citizens.
Whether you are interested in enjoying some quality theatre productions, visiting tourist attractions like the world famous Butchart Gardens, attending a concert featuring your favourite musical genre, or just kicking back at a local pub, there is no shortage of options for entertainment in Victoria.
There are plenty of nightclubs in Victoria that are popular with students and the younger set. Some of these venues feature live music or visiting djs, weekly events and contests. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, there are a plethora of pubs and lounges to meet your friends for a drink, and often excellent comestibles!
If youre in the mood for some theatre, there are several excellent establishments which host all manner of shows, check out whats on offer at the Royal Theatre, The Belfry Theatre, MacPherson Playhouse, or Langham Court Theatre.
You can investigate the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, The Victoria Conservatory of Music, and The Victoria Jazz Society; these organizations provide a steady stream of events and festivals at which you may take in some outstanding performances by both local and touring artists and groups.During the summer months (May through September) there is a program of free Concerts in the Park, at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park. This unique series ranges from high school band concerts, dance performances of all styles, interdenominational church services, to blues, jazz, ethnic, folk, swing, and classical musical presentations.
Throughout the year there is a progression of events, festivals and celebrations in the city and neighboring municipalities. People who are living in Victoria can take advantage of the many opportunities for entertainment. Some highlights include;
Chinese New Year celebrations in Victorias historical Chinatown,
The Victoria Day Parade (Victorias largest annually held parade),
Jazzfest International, a huge festival encompassing ten days and nights of music held in numerous downtown venues,
Canada Day celebrations and fireworks eh, at the legislative grounds and inner harbour, eh,
Symphony Splash which features the Victoria Symphony Orchestra playing to a backdrop of fireworks and cannons at the inner harbour on a hot summer night in August,
The Fringe Festival, the long running very popular twelve day explosion of creative energy from around the globe, and
The Saanich Fall Fair, an agricultural fair which will be held for the 143rd time on Labour Day weekend 2010.
One other highly anticipated event each year is the Be a Tourist In Your Own Home Town event. This promotion allows locals to purchase one ticket that gains you admission to about a dozen tourist attractions, and discounts and coupons for countless other attractions, restaurants, and events. For long time residents and people new to Victoria alike, this is a great way to experience many of Victorias treasures. It usually takes place in early March, when these attractions are not yet too busy. If you are moving to Victoria, you will need ID with a local address to purchase these tickets.
These are just a few ideas; there are so many more ways to be entertained in Victoria, from sporting events to historical tours, The Royal BC Museum to the Victoria Flower and Garden Show. Wherever your interests lie, you are sure to find something to do, and something that will entertain you, in beautiful Victoria, BC.
This brief summary of the entertainment scene in Victoria is provided by Geoff McLean, a Victoria Real Estate Agent. Geoff has been helping people purchase the right real estate in Victoria BC for over twenty years.
