Free Music Events In and Around Vancouver Island
Catching Live Shows on the Islands Without Spending Money
May 29, 2009
While British Columbia’s mainland will be rocking this summer with hundreds of different music festivals and events, the live music lover shouldn’t forget about the Islands.
With so many festivals to choose from across the province, Vancouver Island and surrounding areas will have their share of great music and celebrations. However, like other festivals in B.C., many of them cost money. Here is a list of some of the free music festivals happening in the more obscure locations. So get off the mainland and check out these hidden secrets.
The Gulf Islands
Salt Spring Island's 101 Nights of Music Under the Stars
Location: Salt Spring Island - Tree House Cafe
Enjoy live music under the stars every night of the summer. The Tree House Cafe, a heritage cottage in Ganges Village, offers live music from local artists. Get serenaded under the stars at this quaint little cafe.
May 8 – September 5 from 7pm – 10pm
Lower Vancouver Island
Location: Comox - Filberg Park
Enjoy lazy Sunday afternoons by the seaside from June to August. Sunday Sounds is a free concert showcasing a variety of local artists. Talented musicians will play throughout the summer, so bring a blanket and watch some live music in the park.
June 21 – August 30 from 2pm – 4pm
Bayview Residences Victoria Symphony Splash
Location: Victoria - Inner Harbour
The Victoria Symphony Orchestra performs on a floating stage secured in Victoria’s beautiful harbour. The free concert is an afternoon event, which also offers children’s activities and local food vendors. The performers will play a mix of classical and popular selections and end with a rendition of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture complete with a fireworks display and booming cannons.
August 2 at 2pm
Location: Nanaimo - Diana Krall Plaza, Commercial St.
The Nanaimo Blues Society hosts this weekend-long event, which offers free outdoor blues concerts. Some of Canada’s talented blues artists will be performing, as well as a few of B.C.’s very own.
August 20 – August 23
Location: Victoria - Various Locations
Celebrate Labour Day weekend listening to live blues and R&B music. The Island Blues Bash festival offers free afternoon performances and ticketed evening shows. There will be 14 bands performing on three stages to provide free entertainment.
September 4 – September 7
These are just a few of the wonderful music festivals and events taking place on the Islands this summer. There are also a number of events and festivals happening on the mainland, including free concerts and performances taking place in the Rockies, Okanagan, Fraser River and Vancouver area.
Make the most of the summer and get out there and enjoy the music!
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