Here in Victoria, we’re known for embracing things that are a little bit weird. Take a walk through downtown and you’re sure to see more vibrant tattoos, rainbow coloured hair and pierced faces than in your average city centre, decorating people from high school ages to those well into their later years. It’s this acceptance of all things edgy that is part of what makes Victoria such a unique place to be.
It is with this unconventional spirit that the Intrepid Theatre Company brings the annual Victoria Fringe Festival back for it’s 27th season this summer. For 10 days, the Fringe Festival will showcase over 50 live theatre, comedy, drama and spoken word shows by performers from around the world at dozens of venues throughout the city.
What makes the Fringe Festival so special is that on top of being one of the oldest Fringe Festivals in the country, it’s also a true grassroots celebration of all things theatrical put on and run by the very artists you see performing in front of you. The festival is juried and uncensored so things are sure to get a little hairy! All participating theatre companies and artists bring their 100 percent self-produced shows to the festival and receive the entire full box-office revenue, so every show ticket you purchase goes directly to the artist who made it possible.
Tickets are all set at exceptionally reasonable and affordable prices in order to be accessible to the widest possible theatre audience. No snooty box seats here, folks. The festival is entirely run by volunteers from throughout the community, which infuses the entire ten-day event with a great sense of local pride and involvement. The 2013 season begins on August 22nd and runs till September 1st.
On top of all the fantastic performances you’re sure to see at this year’s Fringe Festival, there are also a number of free special events that help to round out the 10 days of fun-filled antics and theatrics. In Market Square, there’s the FringeKids Fest for all the little theatre monsters in your life. The FringeClub hosts a nightly cabaret throughout the festival, and a number of pre-fest kickoff events will be taking place as the dates draw near at Centennial Square. Make sure to keep checking the official Fringe Festival Website so you’re sure not to miss a minute of all the weird and wild action.
With numerous Best Western Vancouver Island locations situated all throughout the Island, finding a place to stay while you soak up your summer playbill is easy. In Victoria, both the Best Western Inner Harbour Hotel and the Carlton Plaza Hotel are minutes away from many of the sites which will play host to this year’s Festival performances. Or, if you’re looking for something a little quieter and away from the hustle and bustle of it all, the Best Western Premier Prestige Oceanfront Resort in Sooke is just a short scenic drive away from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, making for a beautiful trip at the end of a Fringe filled day.
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The West Coast is home to some of the most talented artists in the country. From the totem poles of Emily Carr to the beautiful sculptures of Bill Reid, there’s no shortage of exquisite art that has been created and crafted right here in our very own backyard. With the gorgeous mountain backdrop and lush temperate rainforests, it’s easy to see how artists throughout history have found British Columbia to be an absolutely inspiring space to live and create their work.
The gorgeous landscape that makes up Vancouver Island is no exception and artists from all walks of life have situated themselves away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities to find tranquility and solace in the communities that populate the island. On August 2-5th, many of these fantastic local artists will feature their work at the annual Filberg Festival in Comox. The largest juried outdoor art show in Western Canada, the Filberg Festival sees artisans and musicians from all across the country gathered together to showcase their wares and put on this fantastic weekend of collective creative spirit.
What better way to celebrate the breathtaking beauty of Vancouver Island than to hold an art show in the beautiful outdoors that serves as an inspiration to so many artists? Located at the beautiful 9 acre Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox, the venue alone is enough to inspire the creative spirit in anyone. The lodge is home to rustic buildings, beautiful gardens and a breathtaking view of the Comox Harbour and Beaufort Mountain Range.
Since it began over 31 years ago, the Filberg Festival has served to encourage the creation, sale, and promotion of highest quality arts and crafts. It has gained a world-wide reputation due to the exceptional work by its artisans. At this year’s festival over 120 artisans will be showcasing their wares in addition to excellent food and fabulous entertainment to round out the weekend.
Advance tickets can be purchased online with a complete weekend festival pass available for the excellent price of $40. Early bird single day tickets are $13 or $15 at the gate, and children under 12 are offered free admission.
With our Best Western Vancouver Island Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre located just a short ten minute drive away; it’s easy to get to and from your weekend of artistic appreciation. The Westerly is the only full service hotel in the entire Comox Valley, and second to none in comfort and quality service. Be sure to book your stay with us today.
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