Skankin’ Into Summer As Victoria Ska Fest Announces 2018 Lineup

Go stick your head out the window and take a big whiff. Smell that? Spring is in the air! Yes, putting up with the last four months are finally paying off as the raindrops turn to sunshine and warm air slowly trickles in. While the cherry blossoms and longer days are always welcome, for the past few years spring also marked another major event in PNW—Victoria Ska Fest!

Entering into their 19^th year, the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival has been host to a plethora of talent over the better part of two decades, and 2018 is looking no different. Much more diverse than the name entails, Ska Fest covers not one, not two, but all three waves of Ska. Plus, it can turn the clock back when it comes to Reggae as well. Legends of the scene, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones haven’t graced a Victoria stage in almost a decade, but they’ll be back at Ska Fest for their only western Canadian stop this year!

But, it hardly stops there; hip hop heads and electronic aficionados should be excited on the lineup as well! London’s own Jimi Needles will be making his long, loooooong awaited Canadian debut, while DMNW favorite Chali 2na will also be teaming up with LA based Ozomatli to deliver something you’re going to have to experience for yourself…because there’s no way we can come up with words on how to describe that.

Also on our lookout is the Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, a 17 piece onslaught of horns to get those feet skankin. Local favorites like Sam Klassik, Funkee Wadd, and Sweetleaf will also be delivering their own unique brand of beats throughout the weekend, but just in case that wasn’t enough, the homies from Illvis Freshly are returning for a second year in a row, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see what they’ve been up to!

Usually no good. (Photo: RMS Media)

Ska Fest has always been known to bring in some big names. If you live in Victoria you know they are a massive supporter of the local community in many ways as well, which is a vibe that one can feel throughout the festival as it takes over Victoria’s downtown and Inner Harbour. Check out the lineup below and click here for info on how to secure your tickets to North America’s longest running Ska festival, taking place June 20 – 24 in Victoria, BC. See all your beautiful smiles on the dance floor!

Have you attended Ska Fest in the past? Which acts are you most excited to see in 2018? Let us know below or leave your thoughts on our socials!