Festival season kicks off in Downtown Victoria this week with a brand new event: Upper Fort StreetFest, Saturday, June 3!
The first of several street festivals planned in downtown Victoria, the event showcases some of the unique things to see and do in the Upper Fort area, a new addition to the Downtown Victoria Business Association community, notes Becca Blachut, DVBA Marketing Manager.
The neighbourhood is home to lots of unique, trendy businesses, boutiques and eateries; pairing that community with a variety of fun activities has created what’s sure to be one of Downtown Victoria’s new favourite events.
Hosted on Fort Street, between Cook and Vancouver streets, the street will be closed to vehicles and cyclists to make room for lots of entertainment and activities between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“We want to welcome the community to come explore all the businesses of Upper Fort Street, in addition to enjoying a local maker’s market, lots of free family activities, food and more throughout the day,” Blachut says.
The DVBA’s boundaries were expanded last July to reach beyond the downtown core to Cook Street to the east and Bay Street to the north, and events like the Upper Fort StreetFest are a great way to welcome people downtown to have fun and support the local community, Blachut says.
“It’s a great way to celebrate some of the really cool businesses and neighbourhoods here and encourage locals to come explore a part of downtown they may not have visited in a while.”
Here’s a look at what’s on offer Saturday, June 3:
- Relax in the beverage garden by Bear & Joey and listen to live music throughout the day
- Explore the work of local artisans in a makers market, then try your hand at various arts opportunities
- Have fun with the kids with an array of free family-friendly activities, including face painting and a bouncy castle
- Create a keepsake of the day at Four Frames photo booth; for those attending with their furry friends, the Dogs of Downtown photo booth is a must!
- Practice your aim at the tankless dunk tank and get groovin’ at the silent disco.
Helping make the inaugural Upper Fort StreetFest possible are sponsors Volvo, Robbins Parking, ISL Engineering, the Victoria Downtown Residents Association and JAWL Properties.
Coming up next on the DVBA’s StreetFest calendar is a Market Square celebration in July. Learn more and keep up to date with all the downtown events at downtownvictoria.ca or follow them on Facebook and Instagram!