Our picks of places to go and things to do to make the most of your month on Vancouver Island.
SPLASH TO THE MUSIC HERE – Thousands of people will take to Victoria’s Inner Harbor on Sunday, August 4 for the 30th annual Victoria Symphony Splash. The Victoria Symphony will take the stage—the floating stage—performing with special guests and ending with a grand finale performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, set to fireworks. A splash zone on the lawn will feature activities for the whole family from 1-4pm, and Lighthouse Brewing will serve beer and wine in the family-friendly beverage garden beginning at 3pm. The orchestra parade begins at 6:20, and the main performance begins at 7:30pm.
SPEND YOUR FRIDAY NIGHTS HERE – Kick off the weekend at Victoria’s Friday Nights on the Breakwater Barge, running every Friday through August. The city’s favourite floating music venue is just below the popular Ogden Point breakwater and features food trucks, live music, craft beer and cider. The Barge opens at 5pm, with music from 6-9pm.
CATCH A FLICK HERE – There’s no reason to head indoors to enjoy a movie thanks to the Free-B Film Fest running all August long. Free movies are screened outdoors every Friday and Saturday night through the 24th at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria, including Legally Blonde, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hook, Jurassic Park and more. Bring the family, a full picnic basket and enjoy the classics under the stars, with movies beginning at 9pm.
SPEND YOUR WEDNESDAY EVENINGS HERE – One of Nanaimo’s most beautiful and popular parks is the venue for August’s free Concerts in the Park series. Enjoy live music every Wednesday from 6-7:30pm at Maffeo Sutton Park, with performances by Tropic Mayhem (60s beach party), South Island Rhythm Kings (blues), Don’t Tell Julie (dance party rock), and The Clanns (Celtic Roots Rock). Bring the lawn chairs and picnic baskets to these family-friendly events. 
GET YOUR VEGGIES HERE – Downtown Nanaimo’s original farmers’ market, located at Pioneer Waterfront Plaza on Front Street, gives shoppers the chance to meet and mingle with the people who grow their fruit and veggies. Running every Saturday from 9am-2pm through September 14, the market features local farm-fresh produce, meats, eggs and dairy, as well as baked goods, preserves, deliciously prepared cuisine and one-of-a-kind artisan crafts. Special events and activities are offered every week.
FEEL THE GLOW HERE – One of Tofino’s most beloved, mind-blowing and magical festivals, The 19th Annual Tofino Lantern Festival lights up August 11, from 7:30-10:30pm at the Tofino Botanical Gardens, rain or shine. The festival is the Rainforest Education Society’s signature community event and fundraiser, featuring colorful handmade lanterns, live music, dance performances, food vendors and other entertainment all evening long. The family-oriented event is car free, with shuttle service running between the gardens and the village green.
