If you wandered the streets of downtown Victoria last summer, chances are you heard the strum of a guitar, caught a juggling act in action, or paused to listen to a local singer’s soaring vocals. The pilot program to bring street performers back to life in downtown Victoria, first launched in 2024, set out to restore energy and creativity after a few quieter pandemic years. At the meeting on June 12, 2025, the city council gave its support for the city’s busking program for another season in 2025.

This summer, the program expands with “elevated” busking zones — curated performance areas, where selected artists will audition for scheduled time slots. These prime spots will offer a diverse showcase of music, magic, and street theatre in a more organized, high-quality format.

Elsewhere around the city, open-access busking locations will remain available to licensed performers, giving more artists the chance to take part in Victoria’s outdoor arts scene. This means, first of all, opportunities for local talent to shine in front of diverse audiences.

A new code of conduct will help ensure a positive experience for everyone: artists, businesses, and audiences alike. In particular, amplified sound is limited to certain locations and times to maintain a balanced downtown atmosphere.

As Victoria’s arts and culture manager, Nichola Reddington, put it: “It’s about making the city feel alive again.”