Depending on how broad your interests are, Victoria can be really lively - but you've gotta get informed. All the different artsy, craftsy, music-y, community scenes stay organized with e-mail newsletters, calendars on websites etc. Here we've put together all the resources we know of - and you can add to the list by contacting us!
Although most events can be found on some of these calendars, many underground promoters specifically avoid advertising their events in Monday or anywhere else, opting instead for more word-of-mouth coverage. So the best way to stay in touch with what's going on is to go to a couple of the events listed in these calendars and websites, and then start chatting with people there. They'll tell you about some other event, and you can get deeper and deeper in the direction of what you're interested in.
Event calendars & resources
CFUV - UVic Student Radio (music & culture)
You can tune in online and listen to what I think could authoritatively be called Victoria's favourite music (and the only good radio station in the city), as well as learn about local events and happenings.
Monday Magazine (all kinds of events & local info)
A fairly reliable source of information on what's going on in Victoria - it's like Vancouver's Georgia Strait or Seattle's Stranger. It's the best at-a-glance look at what's going on in town. They do, however, miss out on really underground and low-profile (or last-minute) shows.
The newspaper can be picked up at Ocean Island, QV's Cafe/bakery, and a dozen other spots around town.
Anteism (visual arts)
Anteism is a really cool website that brings the local... I guess you could say "indie" arts community together. There's art around here that you won't believe - and you can check a bunch of it out on their site, then get info on the events!
Live Victoria (live music)
An online community site with even info, very lively forums etc - mostly supports the rock/folk/punk/indie scene. Also mentioned on our music scene page.
Bran X Media (indie music & art)
A very Victoria-flavoured online scene zine, with event listings, album reviews, message boards, DIY resources etc.
Music
Check out the music scene page!
Awesome Festivals
These are some of the major festivals that go on every year in Victoria.
Folkfest (music & culture of all sorts)
Every summer, Folkfest brings its magic to downtown Victoria, attracting performers from all over the city, the country and the world, to blow us away with their talent. It's a well-organized, well-promoted multi-venue, multi-event festival that nobody should miss out on. The main Folkfest venue features a big performance stage, food stands from the different cultural societies in Victoria (there's food from the traditions of Germany, Tibet, Israel, Holland, First Nations, the Orient... it's awesome!), a big beer garden, and vendor tents with clothes, jewelry, soap etc. Last year K-OS closed the show. Don't miss out on the next one!
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Victoria Literary Arts Festival
Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival
Antimatter Underground Film Festival
A really, really interesting and varied presentation of crazy underground film. Definitely not to be missed. Some of it will confuse the hell out of you and your friends, and some of it will blow you away.
Jazzfest
Victoria Electronic Music Festival
Should probably be called the "Victoria Dance Music Festival," since they've been entirely focused on house, techno, breaks, drum n bass etc. Every year, this fun outdoor event takes over Centennial Square, and dance music lovers come in throngs to get down to their favourite DJs' selections.
Conventions
Kei-Kon UVic Anime Convention
Otaku (Japanese for "Geek") and gamers alike flock from all over the Pacific Northwest to check out this rad little Anime convention. The website warns that people have to stop coming naked. Where was I last year????
Your convention here?
We know there's tons more conventions... so tell us about them if you want :D
