GoodSide Pastry House at Culinaire. Culinaire’s Website
Attending local events is more than just a way to fill your calendar, it’s an opportunity to connect with the heart and soul of the community. For Victoria food enthusiasts, local food events are especially meaningful. They offer a chance to explore the culinary diversity of a city known for its history, blend of culture, fresh seafood, and innovative chefs and restaurants. These gatherings celebrate the art of cooking, the passion of local producers, and the creativity of restaurateurs who bring it all to life.
From food festivals to tastings, events allow attendees to discover new flavours, support local businesses, and deepen their appreciation for the Island's vibrant food scene. Here is a list of food events coming to Victoria this year. Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge.
Dine Around 2025 Gala Launch
Date: Jan. 23
Kicking off the Dine Around festival, the gala launch offers attendees a sneak peek into the participating restaurants' offerings, complete with tastings and entertainment. It's an excellent opportunity to mingle with chefs and fellow food enthusiasts.
Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria
Dates: Jan. 24 - Feb. 9
This 17-day culinary festival features over 50 of Victoria’s top restaurants offering set three-course menus at various price points, allowing both locals and visitors to indulge in the city's diverse culinary offerings. Participating hotels also provide special rates, encouraging a complete "staycation" experience.
Savour Sidney
Date: Feb. 21 - March 18
For the first time, the Sidney Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Savour Sidney are coming together for a culinary celebration. The event kicks off with a launch party on Feb. 21 at Atelier Restaurant, followed by exclusive prix-fixe dining experiences at participating restaurants in a period of 22 days. Make sure to check back closer to the event for a complete list of menus, participating eateries, and reservation details, so you can plan your perfect dining experience.
Culinaire
Date: Feb. 26
Hosted at the Victoria Conference Centre, Culinaire immerses guests in a culinary experience featuring dishes and drinks from Victoria and Vancouver Island's favourite restaurants. Attendees can savour a diverse selection of BC wines, ciders, craft beers, and creative non-alcoholic beverages, as well as special dishes to sample.
Victoria Hot Chocolate Festival
Dates: Feb. 1-28
A delightful event where local cafes and chocolatiers craft unique and decadent hot chocolate creations. Each establishment offers its twist on the classic beverage, making it a perfect treat during the winter months.
Victoria Cheese and Meat Festival
Dates: TBA. This event is usually held in May.
A celebration of artisanal cheese, cured meats, and complementary beverages like wine, beer, and cider. Guests can sample and purchase some of the best locally crafted items.
Greek Fest
Dates: TBA. This event is usually held in the summer.
Greek Fest is an annual celebration of Greek culture in Victoria, traditionally hosted over two weekends in late August and early September at the Greek Community Centre. The festival offers attendees an immersive experience into Greek heritage through authentic cuisine, traditional dances, and cultural performances. Visitors can indulge in a variety of Greek dishes, including roasted lamb, souvlaki, gyros, spanakopita, loukoumades, and baklava, all prepared by dedicated volunteers. In addition to the culinary and performance aspects, Greek Fest often includes a marketplace, or "Agora," where attendees can explore and purchase Greek goods, further enriching the cultural experience.
Vancouver Island Feast of Fields
Dates: Aug. 24
The Vancouver Island Feast of Fields celebrates local food, drink, and sustainable agriculture on Vancouver Island. Typically held in late summer, this event is a walking tour and culinary experience that connects attendees with the farmers, chefs, and artisans who make Vancouver Island's food scene so vibrant.
The Feast of Fields event brings together an impressive selection of local farmers, ranchers, seafood producers, chefs, brewers, distillers, and wineries, offering a unique opportunity to taste and experience some of the island's best and most innovative offerings. Local chefs, many from renowned restaurants across the Island, prepare small plates using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farms. These plates are paired with beverages, such as wine, beer, or spirits, also produced locally.
Brewery and the Beast
Date: Sep. 21
An outdoor culinary experience focusing on ethically-sourced meats prepared by top local chefs, paired with a selection of craft beers, wines, and ciders. Event tickets include unlimited access to the chef's creations, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, and live music.
Esquimalt Ribfest
Dates: TBA. This event is usually held in September.
A family-friendly event featuring mouth-watering ribs, live music, craft beer, and entertainment for all ages. Held at Bullen Park in Esquimalt, this festival supports local charities and brings the community together for a weekend of fun and flavour.
Victoria Tea Festival Revival
Dates: Oct. 4
Presented by the International Tea Appreciation Society (ITAS), the Victoria Tea Festival Revival offers a grassroots farm-to-cup experience with community learning. The 10th annual event is happening on Oct. 4 this year from 11am to 5pm at Nootka Court, located at 633 Courtney St. Festival activities include a tea fair with tastings, a tea symposium, live music, food, a ceramics gallery, documentary screenings, and the World Tea Championship. Attendees can enjoy teas from around the world, presented by experts in their fields, creating an authentic farm-to-cup experience.
Tickets are available on a pay-what-you-can basis, with limited availability both online and at the door. For more information, including the lineup and symposium details, visit the official website at victeafestrevival.org.
Victoria International Wine Festival
Dates: October. TBA.
A premier event showcasing wines from around the world. Attendees can participate in tastings, seminars, and masterclasses led by industry experts, making it a must-attend for wine enthusiasts.
Art of the Cocktail
Dates: TBA. This event is usually held in October.
Celebrating the art of cocktail making and the craft cocktail scene, this event typically takes place in the fall and brings together local bartenders, mixologists, and enthusiasts for a series of events, workshops, and tastings. The event features cocktail competitions, masterclasses, and unique experiences designed to highlight the creativity and skill involved in cocktail creation.
Attendees can sample a variety of innovative cocktails crafted by some of Victoria’s best bartenders, learn about new trends in the industry, and explore local spirits. The event often includes a blend of educational content and social events, making it a popular gathering for both industry professionals and cocktail lovers. It’s an excellent way to explore the growing cocktail culture in Victoria while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Craft Spirit & Cocktail Festival
Dates: TBA. This event is usually held in October.
An annual event that celebrates the innovative craft distilling industry on Vancouver Island. Hosted by Merridale Cidery & Distillery, the festival showcases a curated selection of the Island's premier craft distilleries, offering attendees the opportunity to explore a diverse range of spirits and cocktails.
Please note that some dates are tentative and subject to change. Make sure to check the official websites of each event for the most up-to-date information and ticket availability. We will update this list as soon as event dates are announced.
