AUGUST 2 & 3, 2025

The Inner Harbour welcomed back a beloved tradition this B.C. Day long weekend: Symphony SPLASH!

Making its much-anticipated return to the water after a six-year hiatus, and expanded to two days for the first time in its 31-year history, SPLASH! drew an estimated 60,000+ spectators.

With support from the City of Victoria’s Major Community Initiatives and Events Grant, presenting sponsor Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, and many others, Symphony SPLASH! reaffirmed its status as one of the most iconic events in Greater Victoria — and the only event of its kind in North America.

The programming included appearances by the 91 members of The National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Juno award-winning Indigenous vocalists Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, BC Entertainment Hall of Fame percussionist Sal Ferreras, Cuban vocalist Adonis Puentes, a Latin Jazz Sextet, and the Victoria Symphony.

Filming and editing by Roll.Focus.

Gustav Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity”. Performed live by the Victoria Symphony on August 3, 2025.

Conductor: Sean O’Loughlin
Concertmaster: Terence Tam

Schedule

Saturday, August 2

  • 1:00 – 3:30 pm: Family Zone
  • 1:30 – 2:00 pm : Community Stage Performances
  • 3:00 – 9:30 pm: Food and Beverage Vendors
  • 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Barge Concert 1 – Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish with The National Youth Orchestra of Canada
  • 4:45 – 5:15 pm: Community Stage Performances
  • 7:30 – 9:30 pm: Barge Concert 2 – Latin Nights with Sal Ferreras Ft. Adonis Puentes and the Victoria Symphony 

Schedule and timing subject to change.

Sunday, August 3

  • 1:00 – 3:30 pm: Family Zone
  • 1:30 – 2:00 pm: Community Stage Performances
  • 3:00 – 9:30 pm: Food and Beverage Vendors 
  • 3:30 – 4:30 pm: Barge Concert 1 – The National Youth Orchestra of Canada
  • 4:45 pm – 5:15 pm: Community Stage Performances
  • 7:30 pm: Barge Concert 2 – Traditional Symphony SPLASH! with the Victoria Symphony 
  • 9:40 pm (approx.): Grand Finale & Fireworks

Schedule and timing subject to change.

Celeigh Cardinal & Shawnee Kish

With The National Youth Orchestra of Canada

Saturday, August 2, 3:30 pm
Inner Harbour

NAOMI WOO, conductor
CELEIGH CARDINAL & SHAWNEE KISH, vocalists
THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF CANADA

RON RICE, emcee

Two powerhouse voices. One unforgettable afternoon by the water.

JUNO-nominated singer-songwriters Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish join forces with The National Youth Orchestra of Canada for a genre-defying celebration of strength, identity, and transformation—set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

From the anthemic energy of “Wild Women” and “I Surrender” to the evocative storytelling of “Wandering River” and “There Are Some Things We Will Never Do,” this concert showcases two of Canada’s most vital contemporary Indigenous artists alongside 91 of the country’s most gifted young orchestral musicians, led by NYO Canada Music Director Naomi Woo.

The set also features iconic favourites like “Live and Let Die”, “At Last”, and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, arranged for full symphony orchestra!

Latin Nights with Sal Ferreras Ft. Adonis Puentes

With the Victoria Symphony

Saturday, August 2, 7:30 pm
Inner Harbour

SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
SAL FERRERAS, percussion / vocalist
ADONIS PUENTES, vocalist
MILES BLACK, piano
LATIN JAZZ SEXTET
VICTORIA SYMPHONY

AJ CRUZE, emcee

They say Latin America’s greatest contribution to the world is joy.

Sal Ferreras’ Latin Jazz Sextet with vocalist Adonis Puentes join forces with the Victoria Symphony for an unforgettable evening! VS Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin leads the orchestra in an irresistible evening of joy, rhythm, and the eclectic musical styles, traditions and dances of South America and the Caribbean. Highlights include music by Alberto Ginastera (Argentina), Blas Galindo (México), Michel Camilo (Dominican Republic), Rafael Hernández (Puerto Rico), and Adonis Puentes (Cuba).

Join us for some “serious” joyful folk music from Guatemala, Paraguay, and Venezuela. 

The National Youth Orchestra of Canada

Sunday, August 3, 3:30 pm
Inner Harbour

NAOMI WOO, conductor
JUSTIN SAULNIER, violin

DARREN WORTS, emcee

Mozart: Overture to The Magic Flute
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63, III. Allegro
Mahler: Symphony No. 5, IV. Adagietto
Smyth: Overture to The Wreckers
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10, II. Allegro
Andrew Balfour: Omaa Biindig
Matthew Emery: Lead Us Home

An afternoon of intensity and beauty from the country’s most promising orchestral musicians.

In this sweeping 40-minute performance, The National Youth Orchestra of Canada, under the baton of Naomi Woo, explores light and reckoning in seven striking works—ranging from the spirited charm of Mozart’s Magic Flute overture to the searing Allegro of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.

JUNO-nominated Cree composer Andrew Balfour brings a bold contemporary voice with Omaa Biindig, while Canadian composer Matthew Emery’s Lead Us Home offers a tender plea for belonging.

The program moves from the romantic depths of Mahler’s Adagietto to the turbulent energy of Smyth’s Overture to The Wreckers, building a portrait of an orchestra unafraid to ask big questions—and answer them with sound.

Traditional Symphony SPLASH!

With the Victoria Symphony

Sunday, August 3, 7:30 pm
Inner Harbour

SEAN O’LOUGHLIN, conductor
PATRICK CAO, young soloist / piano

ADAM SAWATSKY, emcee

The evening you’ve been waiting for is finally here—half a decade later! Victoria’s iconic night of symphonic music returns to a floating barge in the Inner Harbour.

Led by VS Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin, the Victoria Symphony brings you a celebratory program features highlights from the past Symphony SPLASH! events. From Shostakovich’s Festival Overture and Holst’s Jupiter from The Planets, to Star Wars and other pops favorites, the concert builds to the beloved spectacular grand finale with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Amazing Grace—complete with fireworks!

Grandstand Seating

SPLASH!, without the hassle.

Enjoy Symphony SPLASH! from the comfort of reserved Grandstand seating—no lawn chair or early arrival required!

Located directly across from the B.C. Legislature, the Grandstand offers spectacular views of the floating barge. Whether you’re basking in the afternoon sun or experiencing the magic of the evening concert and fireworks*, your seat in the Grandstand guarantees you a prime spot at the heart of the action.

Please note: Some rows have very limited visibility, clearly marked when purchasing. These seats are priced accordingly, starting at $5. While sightlines may be restricted, they remain popular as a planned and reserved seating option, so we recommend booking in advance. Seat cushions will also be provided for rows E – PR (tickets $25 – $68, afternoon | tickets $35 – $88, evening).

*Fireworks take place only on Sunday, August 3.

August 2 & 3 at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Seating Times:
2 pm onward for 3:30 pm concerts
6 pm onward for 7:30 concerts

Ticket Prices:
3:30 pm concerts: $5**–$68
7:30 pm concerts: $5**–$88

Special Offer: Add two Grandstand concerts to your cart and save 15% on your purchase!

SPLASH! is a free public event but your Grandstand ticket provides us with essential event support, so we thank you in advance for your purchase.

Grandstand tickets go off sale at 5pm Friday, August 1, but can be purchased from the on site Box Office as available.

Saturday, Aug 2 - Afternoon Saturday, Aug 2 – Evening Sunday, Aug 3 – Afternoon

Grandstand tickets for Sunday, August 3 evening performance are now SOLD OUT.

Community Stages

More Music. More Community

August 2 & 3, 1:30 pm & 4:45 pm

We are thrilled to introduce Community Stages to our revitalised Symphony SPLASH! programming. In select locations throughout the Inner Harbour, four small stages will spotlight local musical talent and energise the atmosphere before, and between, the afternoon and evening performances on the barge. Each Community Stage will showcase the sounds of our city and keep the vibe going all day long!

Museum Stage

Saturday, August 2

1:30 – 2:00 pm
Christian Petersen Band

4:45 – 5:15 pm
Linggo

Sunday, August 3

1:30 – 2:00 pm
PINDN & The Nation of Creation

4:45 – 5:15 pm
Niloo

Legislature Stage

Saturday, August 2

1:30 – 2:00 pm
Joy of Life Choir

4:45 – 5:15 pm
Apna Virsa Victoria

Sunday, August 3

1:30 – 2:00 pm
West Coast Barn Dances

4:45 – 5:15 pm
The Village Choir

Alcove Stage

Saturday, August 2

1:30 – 2:00 pm
Elbow Kiss

4:45 – 5:15 pm
Max Francis

Sunday, August 3

1:30 – 2:00 pm
Sofia Miller

4:45 – 5:15 pm
Gabe Elias

Wharf Stage

Saturday, August 2

1:30 – 2:00 pm
q brooke bachand

4:45 – 5:15 pm
West Coast Soul Collective

Sunday, August 3

1:30 – 2:00 pm
Brayden Wright

4:45 – 5:15 pm
Figrin Sam

Family Zone

August 2 & 3, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

Kick off your Symphony SPLASH! experience with fun for the whole family! Join us at the Family Zone on August 2 and 3 from 1:00–3:30 pm for free, family-friendly activities ahead of the two Symphony SPLASH! performances on the barge.

From face painting to an interactive Instrument Petting Zoo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids can also get creative at activity tables hosted by The Royal BC Museum, Pacific Opera Victoria, and Kaleidoscope Theatre.

Blending music and art with imagination, the Family Zone is perfect for families looking to make a splash this summer. 

About the Instrument Petting Zoo

Toot a trumpet! Visit a violin! Cuddle a cello!
Welcome to the Instrument Petting Zoo!

Victoria Symphony’s Instrument Petting Zoo offers young people of all ages the chance to try out real musical instruments in a relaxed, fun environment. It’s a hands-on way to spark a child’s interest in music and explore a variety of sounds and styles.

Our friendly student volunteers will be on hand to guide children on how to properly hold, blow, or bow each instrument—no experience necessary!

Food & Beverage Vendors

August 2 & 3, 3:00 – 9:30 pm

A delicious array of food and beverage vendors will be serving up tasty treats and refreshing drinks around the Inner Harbour. From local flavours and festival favourites to sweet treats and more, there’s no better view to enjoy your meal! 

Confirmed Vendors:

  • Berry Sweet
  • Holy Cow Mini Donuts
  • Country Crepes
  • FreshCoast Health Food Bar
  • Greek on the Street
  • Hotdog Hustlin’
  • Kao Gang by Dumpling Drop
  • L’Apero Wine and Cheese Bistro (pre-order picnics only)
  • MamaRosie’s
  • Poutine66
  • Sub-Zero Ice Cream Truck
  • Good Filling Sankaku

Symphony SPLASH! Picnic Box

Picnic in style and support the Victoria Symphony!

A Picnic Box from L’Apéro is the best way to fully enjoy Symphony SPLASH!. Please note pre-orders are now closed.

If you did place a pre-order, you can pick-up your items on site at L’Apéro’s vendor stand (Belleville and Government) from 3:00 pm onward on your scheduled pick-up day.

Plan Ahead (FAQs)

To avoid overcrowding and to comply with safety regulations, access to the Lower Causeway—from the Government Street entrance opposite the Empress Hotel to the Belleville Street ramp—is limited to a set number of spectators.

Access opens at 2:30 pm on August 2 and 3 via the Government Street entrance opposite the Empress Hotel. Limited accessible area is available via the Belleville Street ramp.

Please note:

  • No advance reserved seating is available.
  • Picnic blankets and cushions are welcome. Camping chairs are not permitted.
  • Some fixed seating is available. Saving or holding seats is not allowed.
  • Same-day stamped re-entry is permitted for brief absences.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and vessels up to 14 ft (4.27 m) in length are permitted within the Symphony Splash on-water viewing area in front of the barge.

  • Use of engines and electric motors is not permitted.
  • All vessels must be paddled or rowed to the viewing area.
  • Anchoring is not permitted within the harbour.

Please comply with Transport Canada safety regulations by wearing life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) and using appropriate lighting during evening performances.

Transport Canada will be monitoring the harbour for compliance

    • Wear bright colours for visibility
    • Keep signaling devices easily accessible
    • Bring warm layers for the evening
    • Ensure you are equipped with proper lighting, especially after dark
    • Follow all instructions from the on-water safety team

Aug 2

  • 8:00 am: Belleville between Menzies and Government closed.
  • 12:00 pm: Belleville to Douglas closed. Government from Humboldt to Superior closed.
  • 11:00 pm: Belleville to Douglas reopens. Government from Humboldt to Superior reopens.

Overnight

  • Belleville between Menzies and Government remains closed.

Aug 3

  • 8:00 am: Belleville between Menzies and Government remains closed.
  • 12:00 pm: Belleville to Douglas closed. Government from Humboldt to Superior closed.
  • 11:30 pm: All roads reopen.
  • Car Parking
    • Downtown Victoria street parking, Robbins parking, and City of Victoria parkades are available around the event venue. Please follow parking signage, hours or operation, and payment methods as listed. Street parking is free after 8:00 pm.
  • BC Transit
    • Plan your trip ahead of time. To check your transit route, click here. Please note BC Transit accepts payment by cash, UMO card or app, and various transit passes. No credit card tap option available.
  • Bike Parking
    • Downtown Victoria Bike Valet on Pandora, and all City of Victoria parkades, offer free, covered bike parking. Please refer to hours of operation as they may vary.
    • Bike racks are available throughout the event area, including at the Legislative Assembly of BC and Victoria Visitor’s Centre.
  • Smoking is not permitted on the Lower Causeway or at the Legislative Assembly of BC grounds.
  • Water refill station will be available at the intersection of Government and Belleville, on the Legislature side.
  • Protect yourself from the heat, bring warm layers for the evening, stay hydrated, and enjoy the music!
 
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Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1J6

  • Box Office:
    250.385.6515
  • Administration:
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Victoria Symphony respectfully acknowledges and offers gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations, whose unceded lands we live, work, and perform on. We honour their stewardship, care, and leadership — past, present, and future.