Victoria will be the place to be on the Island come summertime with a host of free outdoor concerts and festivals this year.
Starting on July 2, enjoy free live music on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the 16th annual Summer in the Square Lunchtime Concerts in Centennial Square. Bring a lunch and enjoy all kinds of music, including folk, world beat, jazz, baroque and blues.
Also starting on July 2-Sept. 3 at Centennial Square on Thursdays is the Eventide Music series, an all-ages event featuring an eclectic mix of independent local and visiting musicians and artists. Each Thursday there will be a different theme ranging from folk and pop or afrobeat and experimental. Food trucks and a licensed beverage area will also be available.
Also, keep an eye out for the 31st annual TD Victoria International Jazzfest, ROMP! In the Square, Symphony in the Summer, Victoria India Mela and Festival Mexicano.
Beacon Hill Park will also be busy this summer.
The Stage in the Park aka Cameron Bandshell (located off Arbutus and Bridge Ways) will host dance, theatre, band and choral performances all summer.
The season kicks off with the Concert in the Park series on Friday, June 19 with a performance by the Veselka Dancers. The concerts are free and continue on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and on holiday Mondays from 1:30-3:20 p.m. until Sept. 11.
There is also a special concert for kids, which returns on Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29 and August 12, 19, and 26 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. It includes performances from Ivonne Hernandez, Tickles the Clown and Family, Peter Willing, the Puppet Booth and Brass Experience.