i-Land Fest to heat up Victoria’s Ship Point this July
Published 5:30 am Saturday, June 27, 2026
Victoria’s i-Land Fest is set to return with a Canada Day kickoff and an expanded schedule.
As Canada moves closer to officially recognizing July as Caribbean Heritage Month, the Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub is preparing for its largest celebration yet, extending the event from three days to five days of Caribbean culture, music, food, and community.
With two extra days, the festival will feature events in both Victoria and Vancouver.
The festival will begin with a Canada Day Caribbean Boat Cruise from Vancouver, followed by a Lime and Sip VIP event on July 2.
Then, the signature waterfront celebration will take place at Ship Point in Victoria from July 3–5, offering free admission and family-friendly programming throughout the day.
The free event at Ship Point will feature live performances, a marketplace with more than 45 vendors, a licensed Beer Garden featuring local favourites, a family-friendly kids zone, cultural demonstrations, interactive experiences and opportunities to learn about Caribbean history, traditions, and contributions to Canadian society.
The Caribbean Carnival Parade takes place on July 4, heading to Ship Point from Centennial Square.
Organizers are expecting people to travel from across the Island, Lower Mainland and beyond to take part in this year’s events.
We invite everyone to join us,” said Randall. “Whether you have Caribbean roots or are experiencing Caribbean culture for the first time, i-Land Fest offers an opportunity to connect, learn, celebrate, and build community together.”
The expansion reflects the growing interest in Caribbean culture throughout B.C. and Canada. July was chosen as the proposed month for Caribbean Heritage Month due to many cultural celebrations and milestones in Caribbean history taking place during the summer month, including the establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on July 4, 1973.
On June 9, Senator Paulette Senior presented Bill S-248, the Caribbean Heritage Month Act, for Second Reading in the Senate of Canada. The bill passed Second Reading and has now been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology for further review.
“Canada’s Caribbean community has made significant contributions to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of this country, and it’s encouraging to see growing momentum toward national recognition through Bill S-248,” said Oneil Randall, president of the Vancouver Island Caribbean Hub.
“As we work toward Caribbean Heritage Month in Canada, i-Land Fest provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to experience and celebrate the rich cultures, music, food, and traditions of the Caribbean right here in British Columbia.”
For more information, tickets, and event details, visit www.ilandfest.com.