On Saturday, October 28th, from 11 AM-5 PM, tea enthusiasts will come together to drink teas from around the world presented by experts in their fields. Festival activities include a tea fair with tastings, tea symposium, live music, food, ceramics gallery, documentary screenings, and the World Tea Championship. ​

    The festival will take place inside Nootka Court (633 Courtney Street) under cover from adverse weather but outside for a farmer’s market feel. The symposium this year will feature topics on ‘Bhutanese Ash Fermented Local Tea’, ‘The Ethics of Wildcrafting’ by T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss, ‘The bond between Water and Tea’ by Ranga Pulukkody, ‘Common Mistakes Investing in Pu-er’ by Keira Xiao. Our full lineup is available on the website.

   The festival’s focus this year is to expand further into the education of tea making, art, history, and stories, a chance to connect with the earth and the families that produce teas year to year. “This festival is always a celebration of those who drink tea and want to enrich their lives, alongside those who wish to hone their tea-making skill,” said International Tea Appreciation Society representative Jared Nyberg. 

      Teas will be prepared by 20-plus merchant educators showcasing their teas, sourced from all over the world directly from the farm of origin in Squamish Nation territory, Hawai’i, Japan, China, India, Taiwan, Korea and more, creating an authentic farm-to-cup experience. 

      The 2023 Victoria Tea Festival Revival is an in-person and virtual event open to local and international guests! Presented by ITAS with support from the CRD, City of Victoria, Creative BC, the Province of BC, and the National Association of Japanese Canadians.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own teacup (BYOTc). However, they can also purchase a mini-mason jar by donation.