Bring on springtime events in Esquimalt

Spring has sprung in Esquimalt and we couldn’t be happier. Esquimalt is full of outdoor opportunities, from visiting our playgrounds to learning about our natural parks to relaxing by the ocean. Everything is nearby, so you can check out a local shop or eatery on your way to the next adventure.

Events are back! Esquimalt is a creative community and we are thrilled to host music events, art displays and live performances. Learn about Esquimalt’s rich history through some upcoming historical tours or go on a cultural journey through Explore Songhees (exploresonghees.com).

The new Gorge Park Pavilion will soon be hosting classes and events giving visitors a chance to have a waterfront view while enjoying the new space. The relocated library has already become a community hub and is perfectly placed in the new town square.

Check out our events or just take a wander and explore Esquimalt.

EVENTS:

Esquimalt Farmers Market Mondays at Gorge Park and Thursdays at Memorial Park 4:30PM–7:30PM

Esquimalt Farmers Market provides a marketplace which serves as a community gathering point that builds relationships and encourages healthy, local living. Find locally grown produce, live music, food trucks and artisans! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @esquimaltmarket or visit esquimaltmarket.com for vendor lineups.

Gods Acre Veterans Cemetery Candlelight Ceremony Gods Acre Veterans Cemetery, 1190 Colville Road May 26—6:45PM to 8:30PM

On the last Thursday in May, a Candlelight Tribute is held in the Veterans Cemetery to honour those who have served and continue to serve our country. Honour those who have served and are currently serving in the cause of peace and freedom. Please join us in laying a candle which will burn until midnight in silent tribute to our Canadian Servicemen and Servicewomen, past and present.

God’s Acre Veterans Cemetery is located off Colville Road behind the Base Hospital inside Gorge Vale Golf Course.

Fort Macaulay Historic Interpretive Tour Macaulay Point Park May 28—9:30AM to 2:00PM

The sixth annual

Fort Macaulay Historic Interpretation Tour will take place at Macaulay Point Park. The buildings and gun emplacements at the historic site will all be numbered and indexed to a handout with brief historical references to each. Guided tours will take place at 10:30am and 12:45pm. Tours are led by local historian, Jack Bates.

The event will also feature members of the Victoria-Esquimalt Military Re-enactors Association with their encampment, the Esquimalt Archives, Toad Hollow Photography and others. The Esquimalt Lions will provide a cash-only BBQ, serving up their famous hamburgers and hot dogs with proceeds going back into the community.

Neighbourhood Party Esquimalt Recreation Centre June 4—11:00AM to 2:00PM

Esquimalt Recreation is ready to kick off the summer season with a huge party and we want you to bring your neighbors and join us!! Esquimalt is working hard on building a strong, resilient community and it has been proven that communities that celebrate together are safer and more enjoyable to live in. We will be closing down the Esquimalt Recreation Centre parking lot for the festivities so plan your travel accordingly. Join in on the fun!

Urban Arts Tour June 25—10:00AM–4:00PM

Lace up those shoes, grab a tour map and join in the 2022 Urban Arts Tour! The Urban Arts Tour is an outdoor self-guided tour in Esquimalt featuring local gardens and artists. We’ve paired talented visual artists with some of Esquimalt’s most impressive gardens for a unique, family-friendly day of adventure. More at ecah.ca/ urban-arts-tour

Sculpture Splash; Sandcastle Edition June 26-29

Sculptor Fred Dobbs and crew will create a sand sculpture celebrating “renewal and transformation”.

There will also be summer program classes for kids in partnership with Esquimalt Parks & Recreation! Check Esquimalt.ca/events for details.

Bard Across the Bridge Gorge Park June 30 | July 1&2; 7-9—6:00PM

The Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival presents “As You Like It” in stunning Gorge Park. Details at vicshakespeare.com

Memorial Park Music Fest Tuesdays, July 5–August 23

Township Community Arts Council’s music in the park series is back! Join us for outdoor fun with different bands every week. Schedule at townshiparts.org

JazzFest June 26 | July 2 | July 3

For the first time, Esquimalt’s Bullen Park will be one of the fantastic JazzFest venues. Come to the “Funk & Soul in the Township (Esquimalt)” Series and check it out! Buy tickets for one night or go to all three. More at jazzvictoria.ca.

Pet-A-Palooza Bullen Park August 13–14

“The social event of the year for dogs and their people!” This free and pet friendly festival is not one to be missed! Details at petapaloozawest.com/ victoria1

Find our event list at Esquimalt.ca/events or subscribe to our newsletter.