Folktoria 2025: A Cultural Mosaic Awaits in Victoria

Imagine a place where the rhythms of Africa, the melodies of the Balkans, and the dances of Punjab converge in a celebration of global heritage. This isn't a distant dream—it's Folktoria 2025, returning to Victoria's Centennial Square for its 8th year. This free, family-friendly festival promises a weekend filled with music, dance, art, and culinary delights from around the world. Whether you're a local or a traveler exploring Vancouver Island, Folktoria offers an immersive experience into the diverse cultures that enrich our community.

more

less

Event Overview

Dates & Times:
• Saturday, May 31, 2025: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday, June 1, 2025: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Centennial Square, Victoria, BC Do250
Admission: Free

Folktoria is more than just a festival; it's a vibrant tapestry of cultures woven together through performances, crafts, and cuisine. Organized by the Greater Victoria Folk Festival Society, this event showcases the rich cultural diversity of our community.

Folktoria 2025 Performance Schedule

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Time	Name of Performance
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM	Welcome Ceremonies – Led by Piper Jamie Orr; Diane Sam, Songhees Nation; Councillor Marg Gardiner; Madison Sutcliffe (DVBA); Sarah Kell (Dancer); Kerry Patriarche (President)
12:35 PM – 1:05 PM	The White Eagle Band – Polish Folk Group
1:10 PM – 1:30 PM	Kalyna Ukrainian Choir
1:40 PM – 2:00 PM	Shan-e-Punjab Dance, Performing Arts and Heritage School
2:05 PM – 2:50 PM	Morris Dancers – Island Thyme, Quicksbottom, Hollytree
2:55 PM – 3:10 PM	Balkan Babes – Singing Troupe
3:15 PM – 3:35 PM	Fusio Chibcha – Columbian Dance
3:40 PM – 4:10 PM	Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club – Demonstration & Lion Dance
4:15 PM – 4:35 PM	Sons of Norway Leikarring – Participation
4:50 PM – 5:10 PM	Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association
5:15 PM – 5:30 PM	Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM	Vancouver Island Peruvian Association – Pichanga Music Band
6:30 PM – 6:50 PM	Saanich International Folk Dancers – Participation
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Mufaro Marimba – African Music Ensemble

Time

Name of Performance

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

Welcome Ceremonies – Led by Piper Jamie Orr; Diane Sam, Songhees Nation; Councillor Marg Gardiner; Madison Sutcliffe (DVBA); Sarah Kell (Dancer); Kerry Patriarche (President)

12:35 PM – 1:05 PM

The White Eagle Band – Polish Folk Group

1:10 PM – 1:30 PM

Kalyna Ukrainian Choir

1:40 PM – 2:00 PM

Shan-e-Punjab Dance, Performing Arts and Heritage School

2:05 PM – 2:50 PM

Morris Dancers – Island Thyme, Quicksbottom, Hollytree

2:55 PM – 3:10 PM

Balkan Babes – Singing Troupe

3:15 PM – 3:35 PM

Fusio Chibcha – Columbian Dance

3:40 PM – 4:10 PM

Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club – Demonstration & Lion Dance

4:15 PM – 4:35 PM

Sons of Norway Leikarring – Participation

4:50 PM – 5:10 PM

Veselka Ukrainian Dance Association

5:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Vancouver Island Peruvian Association – Pichanga Music Band

6:30 PM – 6:50 PM

Saanich International Folk Dancers – Participation

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Mufaro Marimba – African Music Ensemble

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Time	Name of Performance
11:00 AM – 11:20 AM	Rejean Bussieres – French Guitarist
11:25 AM – 11:40 AM	Shan-e-Punjab Dance School – Bhangra Workout
11:55 AM – 12:20 PM	Daniel Lapp Ensemble – BC Fiddle Orchestra
12:25 PM – 12:45 PM	Victoria Edelweiss Dancers
12:50 PM – 1:10 PM	Furusato Dancers
1:15 PM – 1:35 PM	O'Brien School of Irish Dance
1:40 PM – 2:00 PM	Unity Dance Group
2:05 PM – 2:25 PM	Victoria Scottish Gaelic Choir
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM	Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society
2:55 PM – 3:15 PM	Chinese Dance Victoria
3:20 PM – 3:50 PM	Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club – Demonstration & Lion Dance
4:00 PM – 4:20 PM	Flamenco Dance
4:25 PM – 4:40 PM	The Hankies – Canadian Folk Songs
5:00 PM – 5:25 PM	Vancouver Island Brazilian Association – Sinostros Band
5:30 PM – 5:50 PM	Victoria Filipino Canadian Association / Sampaguita Dance
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Novo Drom – Balkan and Roma Music

Time

Name of Performance

11:00 AM – 11:20 AM

Rejean Bussieres – French Guitarist

11:25 AM – 11:40 AM

Shan-e-Punjab Dance School – Bhangra Workout

11:55 AM – 12:20 PM

Daniel Lapp Ensemble – BC Fiddle Orchestra

12:25 PM – 12:45 PM

Victoria Edelweiss Dancers

12:50 PM – 1:10 PM

Furusato Dancers

1:15 PM – 1:35 PM

O'Brien School of Irish Dance

1:40 PM – 2:00 PM

Unity Dance Group

2:05 PM – 2:25 PM

Victoria Scottish Gaelic Choir

2:30 PM – 2:50 PM

Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dance Society

2:55 PM – 3:15 PM

Chinese Dance Victoria

3:20 PM – 3:50 PM

Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club – Demonstration & Lion Dance

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM

Flamenco Dance

4:25 PM – 4:40 PM

The Hankies – Canadian Folk Songs

5:00 PM – 5:25 PM

Vancouver Island Brazilian Association – Sinostros Band

5:30 PM – 5:50 PM

Victoria Filipino Canadian Association / Sampaguita Dance

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Novo Drom – Balkan and Roma Music

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Getting There & Staying Nearby

Location: Centennial Square is centrally located in downtown Victoria, easily accessible by public transit, bike, or on foot.
Parking: Limited street parking is available. Consider using nearby parking garages or public transportation to reduce congestion.
Accommodations: For those traveling from out of town, several hotels are within walking distance:
• Royal Scot Hotel & Suites: Approximately a 22-minute walk to Centennial Square.
• Hotel Grand Pacific: Located near the Inner Harbour, offering comfortable stays.
• Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel: Situated in the heart of downtown Victoria.

more

less

Volunteer Opportunities

Folktoria thrives on community involvement. Volunteers are welcome to assist in various capacities. Please contact the organizers through the official website for more details.

Setup Crew

Help prepare the venue on Friday, May 30.

Event Support

Assist during the festival days with logistics and attendee engagement.

Take-down Team

Aid in dismantling and cleaning up post-event on Sunday evening.

Tips for Attendees

Bring Essentials

Stay Informed

Engage Respectfully

Experience the world in a weekend at Folktoria 2025—where cultures unite in celebration. For detailed schedules, performer lineups, and additional information, visit the official Folktoria website.

more

less