David Foster Foundation 40th Anniversary Concert: Everything you need to know
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is excited to host the forthcoming David Foster & Friends 40th Anniversary Concert in the Inner Harbour on Saturday, August 8.
GVHA is the Official Harbour Event Partner for this free public waterfront concert, which brings together world-class performers for a spectacular night of music.
The evening starts at 7:15 p.m., with the concert, staged on a barge in the harbour, starting at 7:30 p.m. Performers include David Foster, Josh Groban, CeeLo Green, Katharine McPhee, Pia Toscano, The Tenors, Daniel Emmet, Loren Allred, Shelea, and Sydnie Christmas.
Born in Victoria, David Foster is a 16-time Grammy Award-winning artist who has produced and written material for countless musicians and performers. The David Foster Foundation supports families with children in need of life-saving organ transplants across Canada and raises awareness about the importance of being a registered organ donor. Since 1986, it has supported more than 1,600 families.
Event details
The southern portion of the Lower Causeway, from the marina gates to the Clipper terminal, will not be open to the public.
The public can enjoy the concert from the Legislature lawns. Two large TV screens on Belleville and one screen on Government Street in front of the Fairmont Empress will provide close-up views of the show. Smoking is not permitted on Legislature grounds.
Accessible seating will be located on the Upper Causeway on Belleville.
Belleville and Government streets will be closed to traffic.
Food trucks will be located on Government beside the Legislature.
A public water station will be located at the corner of Belleville and Government.
Temporary public toilets will be located at Ship Point, Confederation Garden Court, and off Government Street next to the Legislature. Each location will have an accessible washroom.
A large crowd is expected. Plan your visit and arrive early. Dress warmly with layers.
Water safety
Spectators on water can see the show from a viewing area in front of the barge. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and vessels up to 14 ft (4.27 m) in length are permitted within the viewing area.
- Use of engines and electric motors is not permitted.
- All vessels must be paddled or rowed to the viewing area.
- Anchoring is not permitted.
Safety Ambassadors may limit spectator numbers in the water viewing area.
Please comply with Transport Canada safety regulations. Wear a life jacket or a personal flotation device (PFD) and have effective lights.
Transport Canada Harbour Patrol will restrict vessel traffic in the Inner Harbour between 9:00 pm and 10:15 pm as a second barge is towed from the Upper Harbour near the former Capital Iron location to the centre of the Inner Harbour. It will then be towed and back to the Upper Harbour at approximately 10:15 pm. Please use caution and keep clear of the tugs and barge.
An exclusion zone marked by buoys will be in effect from approximately 9:15 pm until 10:15 pm. Vessels will not be permitted to transit through the Inner Harbour during this time.
Transport Canada Harbour Patrol can be reached on VHF 18a. Event safety ambassadors in kayaks will assist spectators near the barge. Please follow their instructions.
Review the Port of Victoria traffic scheme before attending the show.
The Coast Guard, RCMSAR and RCMP will also provide support throughout the event.
Road closure (Friday, August 7)
- 5:00 am.: Belleville between Menzies and Government closes.
Road closures (Saturday, August 8)
- 3:00 pm.: Government from Superior to Belleville closes.
- 4:00 pm.: Belleville to Douglas closes. Government from Humboldt to Belleville closes.
- 10:30 pm.: Belleville to Douglas reopens. Government from Humboldt to Superior reopens.
Getting to the harbour
Parking – Downtown Victoria street parking and parkades are available as usual.
BC Transit – Plan your route. BC Transit accepts payment by cash, UMO card or app, and various transit passes. Credit card tap is not available.
Cycling – The Downtown Victoria Bike Valet on Pandora, and all City of Victoria parkades, offer free, covered bike parking. Bike racks are available around the event, including on the corner of Belleville and Government, the Legislature grounds with Bike Valet available through Capital Bikes, and the Visitor Centre at Wharf and Government.
