Whatever you’re in the mood for this weekend, there is a festival being held in Victoria to take your focus.
From June 13 to 15, there are three festivals being held in Greater Victoria, one focusing on Indigenous culture, another on Filipino culture, and the third a community gathering.
FernFest
FernFest will kick off the weekends festivities from 5 to 10 p.m. on June 13, then 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 14.
“Fernwood will once again come alive with music, art, food, and a whole lot of heart as FernFest 2025 returns for its 28th year,” Fernwood Neighbourhood House says in a news release about the festival.
It will take place in Fernwood Square, Fernwood Community Centre and Stevenson Park, Gladstone Avenue, and the Fernwood Community and Arts Association.
“This year’s event is set to be more exciting than ever with the addition of a third stage—a brand-new performance space located behind the Fernwood Community Centre, offering another venue for artists to showcase their talents,” the neighbourhood association says.
The big stage will have a lineup including music styles like dance, funk, soul, country, blues, and acoustic. In addition to the music, there will be dance performances, magic and more.
The little stage will host a variety ranging from local legends to “big-sound headliners.”
Artists at the festival include Pastel Blank, Garret T. Willie, Hank Pine, Paris Pick and the Pricks, Vic High RnB Band, Mariachi Sin Frontera, Devours, and Zoubi and the Sea.
On top of the performances there will be a Kid’s Zone with activities, local organizations sharing their work, an artisan market, food trucks, pop-up food vendors and a beverage garden.
Change-Makers Gathering Festival
Next on this weekend’s offerings is the Change-Makers Gathering Festival at the Langford Station on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The festival will offer traditional, modern and innovative Indigenous activities, entertainment and teachings.
“We want to create an opportunity for all community members to spend time together and to experience some Indigenous culture and knowledge sharing,” said Charla Huber, event organizer.
“There are people who want to learn more and aren’t sure where to start, and other people come because it’s a fantastic day, and it’s all free.”
Some new additions this year include an interactive Coast Salish Community Chalk Art project, Beaded Word Art, Métis dot painting stations, and a lineup of Indigenous hip hop artists and traditional drum groups.
Coming back for another year is a free taco bannock lunch, cedar weaving workshops, Coast Salish collages, Indigenous artisan market, and a teen zone with an arcade and activities.
“I organize events for the City of Langford, and as a Métis woman, this one has a special place in my heart,” said Terri Foggitt, Langford event planner.
“Every year I learn something new and look forward to the warm and friendly atmosphere promoting learning, sharing, and friendship.”
One of the theme’s of the Elder’s teaching include “Small children grow into big families,” which is a reminder that all efforts are important and even small steps will grow and evolve with the teachings and lessons they carry, the festival says.
“Change-Makers is one of my favourite community events of the year. Our youth come to share their culture and leadership at the festival. I am so proud of them, and I love to see them representing our community by sharing with others,” said Chief Russ Chipps, Sc’ianew First Nation.
Mabuhay! Festival
Wrapping up the festivals this weekend is Mabuhay! which runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Centennial Square in Victoria on June 14 and 15.
The festival celebrates Filipino heritage and is returning for its seventh year.
“The beloved community festival continues to grow—bringing together over 65 vendors, exhibitors, and community organizations, including 31 food vendors, for two full days of culture, cuisine, and community,” the festival says in a news release.
“Mabuhay! is a dynamic, family-friendly celebration of Filipino identity, heritage, and multicultural unity.”
This year’s festival will include performances by Male Ensemble Philippines, and Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society’s first youth band performing an original song.
A 360° photobooth, karaoke, cultural exhibit, Bingo, 50/50 draw, kid’s activities, a showcase of Filipino cuisine, handcrafted goods, and cultural presentations from local talents, youth groups, and community dancers.
“We’re most excited to see the Filipino Canadian community out and about—celebrating, sharing, and connecting with people from all walks of life,” said Melvin “Cobb” Carbonel, project manager of Mabuhay!
“This festival is about resilience, creativity, and community spirit.”
Looking for more events? Check out our Events page!
