entertainment
The schedule of events for BC Crab Fest 2025
Diving Into Discovery
At BC CrabFest, entertainment goes beyond the main stage.
Wander through our interactive Market, where science meets storytelling. Meet local marine experts, fishers, and conservation groups who are working to protect the waters we love.
Music, live shows, and cultural performances keep the energy flowing all day long.
commercial crab boats
Ever wonder where your seafood comes from? Walk the pier and meet harvesters — with commercial crab boats moored right in the Inner Harbour.
Seaside Family Zone
From 11:00am – 5:30pm
The Seaside Family Zone is where creativity, play and fishers of all ages come together, all just steps from the water! This hands-on area is packed with fun activities that celebrate life by the ocean. Located at Ship Point on the Astro Turf giving the vibes of the grassy park. Pic Nic Benches and Pic Nic blankets!
Little ones can get messy with crafts and experiences hosted by BirdHouse creative studio supplies donated by Supply Victoria.
Main Stage Schedule
11:00am – 11:15AM
DJ BellyFish
11:15AM
Welcome
11:30AM – 12:00PM
Lekwungen Traditional Dancers
12:15PM – 1:00PM
DJ Bellyfish
1:00PM – 1:45PM
Salty Singers – sea shanties
2:00PM – 2:45PM
Neil Jamz
3:00PM – 3:45PM
Daniel Lapp & the BC Fiddle Orchestra
4:00PM – 4:45PM
The Mand (Main Stage)
5:00PM – 5:45PM
The Mand
6:00PM – 7:00PM
DJ Bellyfish
Education Market
BC Crab Fisherman’s Association
The BC Crab Fishermen’s Association represents hardworking fishers across the coast. Their booth is a great place to ask questions about how crab is caught, domestic and international crab fisheries, sustainability, and life on the water.
Reciprocity Trusts
This Indigenous-led organization helps return land wealth to First Nations across BC. Visit their booth to learn about their land tax model, how settlers and supporters can contribute, and why reciprocity is an essential part of a just and thriving coastal future.
Songhees Tours
Songhees Tours offers immersive canoe and walking tours of Lək̓ʷəŋən territory in downtown Victoria. Led by Indigenous guides, each tour weaves together songs, stories, and history to bring the land—and its people—to life.
Stop by and say əyʔ skʷéčəl (good day) at our booth and have a safe and intentional conversation.
Həyšxʷq̓ə (thank you)
Oceanwise
Ocean Wise is all about protecting our oceans through science, education, and sustainable choices. At their CrabFest booth, they’ll be sharing how you can make smart seafood decisions, spot the Ocean Wise symbol when you shop or dine, and help protect marine life—starting with what’s on your plate.
Peninsula Streams Society
This team of streamkeepers and habitat heroes is working to restore local creeks and watersheds on the Saanich Peninsula. At CrabFest, they’ll have hands-on displays and info about how you can support stream health, salmon habitat, and native biodiversity right in your own backyard.
Gorge Waterway Action Society
Dedicated to the care of the Gorge Waterway, this group will share how they’re protecting one of Victoria’s most iconic urban waterways. Visit their booth to learn about green crab invasion, community cleanups, and how we can all help keep the Gorge clean and thriving.
SeaChange Marine Conservation Society
SeaChange helps coastal ecosystems thrive by restoring eelgrass meadows and educating communities about healthy shorelines. Stop by to hear about their restoration projects, see real eelgrass up close, and learn how healthy oceans start with healthy habitats.
T. Buck Suzuki Environmental Foundation
This organization supports fishing communities and defends ocean health through policy, research, and grassroots action. At their booth, they’ll be sharing stories from the fishing community, showing how environmental justice and sustainable seafood go hand in hand.
Maritime Museum of BC
Bringing history to life, the Maritime Museum will showcase stories, artifacts, and fun activities that celebrate BC’s coastal heritage. Drop by their booth to try knot-tying, explore ship models, and discover the deep roots of seafaring in our region.
Dakini Tidal Wild
Calling all seaweed enthusiasts and seaweed-curious folks! Did you know we have an estimated 650 species of seaweed including 30 different kinds of kelp growing right here in the Pacific Northwest? Come and meet marine biologist and local author, educator, and wild, edible seaweed harvester, Amanda Swinimer and discover the amazing world of seaweeds!
Island Chefs Collaborative
The Island Chefs Collaborative (ICC) is a dynamic network of chefs, food producers, and culinary professionals based on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. United by a shared commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and community-driven food systems, ICC works to strengthen the connection between the island’s chefs and the farmers, fishers, and artisans who supply their kitchens.
Through events, workshops, and community initiatives, the Collaborative fosters public awareness and celebrates the unique flavours and culture of the island’s diverse food landscape.
Victoria Chefs Foundation
The Victoria Branch of the Culinary Federation (CF Victoria) is a dynamic community of professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts dedicated to advancing the culinary arts in Victoria, British Columbia. CF Victoria’s mission is to unite chefs and cooks in a shared commitment to professional excellence.
Camosun Culinary Arts
Established in 1971, Camosun College in Victoria, BC, offers a comprehensive Professional Cook Training program designed for both aspiring chefs and current industry professionals seeking to advance their culinary careers.
Food Day Canada
Food Day Canada engages and inspires everyone to shop, cook & dine Canadian. It’s a chance for all Canadians to join hands in one massive celebration in praise of our farmers and fishers, our chefs and researchers and, above all, our home cooks. Take the pledge and celebrate Canadian Food with Food Day Canada August 2, 2025.
Cool Aid
Since 1968, the Victoria Cool Aid Society has supported marginalized people in building healthier, more stable lives through housing, health care, and community connection.
Pacific Dive Fisheries
The BC Dive Fisheries Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and sustaining British Columbia’s dive fisheries, which include geoduck clams, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. The society fosters collaboration among harvesters, industry partners and communities to raise awareness of these sustainable fisheries and their value to B.C.’s economy and culture.
Benjamin & Friends
Come meet Benjamin, the Blue-Footed Booby and all his animal friends! Also meet Sue Macartney, local author-illustrator of BENJAMIN’S BLUE FEET. Join in with fishing games for little fishers and “let’s draw Benjamin” printables.
Prince of Whales
Prince of Whales is excited to host an educational booth featuring real sea life specimens, offering guests a hands-on opportunity to learn about the incredible marine biodiversity of our coastal waters. Our team will be on-site to share fun facts, answer questions, and inspire curiosity about ocean conservation!
Surfrider Foundation South Vancouver Island
Nulla Cup
In 2019, Caroline and Nancy co-founded The Nulla Project as a circular economy option to eliminate waste from the to-go culture on Vancouver Island.
The problem they solve is wanting to go for a run or a walk without carrying their reusable cups (or leaving for work and forgetting); what about renting one for an hour or two?
The network is an important part of what we do; we have partners across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, making it easy for customers to pick up and drop off their reusable items everywhere.
