Symphony SPLASH! 2025

A Citywide Spectacle in Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Close your eyes. Can you hear the crescendo of an orchestra floating on water, mixed with the distant hum of excited applause and the scent of summer in the air? That’s the electrifying moment waiting for you at Symphony SPLASH!, but the story isn’t complete—nor should it be, until you read on.

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Event Overview

Dates & Times

Saturday, August 2, 2025

Afternoon Set: 3:30 pm – Headlining performance by Celeigh Cardinal & Shawnee Kish with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada
Evening Set: 7:30 pm – “Latin Nights” with percussionist Sal Ferreras, vocalist Adonis Puentes & Victoria Symphony

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Afternoon Set: 3:30 pm – National Youth Orchestra of Canada, spotlighting a rising violin soloist
Evening Finale: 7:30 pm – Traditional Victoria Symphony concert featuring pops favourites and a dramatic fireworks finale

All performances take place aboard a floating barge in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. This free public event forms the heart of the Symphony in the Summer Festival from July 24 to August 3—celebrating the acclaimed Victoria Symphony's 85th anniversary.

What Makes Symphony SPLASH! Unmissable

Two Days of Unforgettable Music

Indigenous Powerhouses: Saturday afternoon brings the emotive music of Juno‑nominated Celeigh Cardinal and Shawnee Kish, accompanied by the National Youth Orchestra.
Latin Jazz Pop & Pops Fusion: Saturday evening explodes with vibrant Latin rhythms—Sal Ferreras, Adonis Puentes, a sextet, and the full orchestra delivering tunes from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, plus pops faves.
Masterful Sunday Afternoon: The National Youth Orchestra, led by Naomi Woo, performs a powerful program including Mozart and Shostakovich.
Classic Finale: Sunday evening brings riotous celebration with Shostakovich, Holst, Star Wars, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture (complete with

fireworks!), closing with “Amazing Grace”.

Community & Family-Friendly Vibes

Expect a lively festival environment: four pop‑up community stages scattered around the harbour offering 30‑minute sets from local artists like Apna Virsa Victoria and West Coast Soul Collective. Add in food trucks, a children’s music‑petting zoo and face‑painting, plus synchronized ferry‑honking to the harbour overture—this is festival fun for all ages.

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.

Visitor Essentials

Tickets & Seating

General admission: Free and open—bring a blanket, lawn chair, or paddle up in a boat.
Reserved grandstand seating: Available opposite the Legislature, with tickets priced from $5 to $88, and optional cushion rentals for extra comfort.
Picnic Box Pre‑orders: Curated by L’Apero Wine & Cheese Bistro—$25 each, includes $5 donation to Victoria Symphony.

Getting There & Around

Arrive early: Inner Harbour access fills quickly.
Park in downtown Victoria lots or nearby streets—book in advance when possible.
Consider water taxis, kayaks, or ferries to join the audience afloat.
Bring layers—harbour evenings can turn cool.

Insider Tips

Tip	Details
Arrive early	Festival grounds open before afternoon sets; catch local acts and land a prime picnic spot.
Book grandstand seats early	Popular reserved tickets sell fast—secure your spot without the lawn scramble.
Bring a light jacket	Sunset over water can drop the temperature—prepare accordingly.
Capture the moment	Paddle‑on audience makes for picturesque social media shots (and envy‑inducing memories).
Support local	Grab snacks from Harbour‑front food vendors and support the vibrant community that powers the festival.

Tip

Details

Arrive early

Festival grounds open before afternoon sets; catch local acts and land a prime picnic spot.

Book grandstand seats early

Popular reserved tickets sell fast—secure your spot without the lawn scramble.

Bring a light jacket

Sunset over water can drop the temperature—prepare accordingly.

Capture the moment

Paddle‑on audience makes for picturesque social media shots (and envy‑inducing memories).

Support local

Grab snacks from Harbour‑front food vendors and support the vibrant community that powers the festival.

Why It Matters

✅ A triumphant return: Splash is back after a five‑year hiatus, marking the Victoria Symphony’s resilience and rebirth.
✅ An inclusive celebration: Free admission, a diverse musical lineup, family-friendly zones—all designed to bring the city together in harmony.
✅ Celebrating homegrown and rising talent: Featuring both local stars and national youth ensembles in one of Canada’s largest outdoor music events.

From stirring Indigenous voices to Latin beats pulsing across the harbour, Symphony SPLASH! promises two days of musical magic. Whether you arrive by kayak or grandstand, bring blankets or reserved seats, this is Victoria at its vibrant, celebratory best.
Don’t miss the waterborne wonder—mark your calendar for August 2 & 3, 2025, and experience Symphony SPLASH! in all its symphonic splendour.
For full program details, ticketing options, and picnic box pre-orders, visit victoriasymphony.ca .

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