Summer is here, beach weather has arrived and the weekend is loaded with events.
From celebrating the nation in downtown Victoria to snacking on locally grown strawberries, here are 16 things to do around town this weekend.
Concerts:
Spirit of 150 Victoria – Celebrate Canada
- What: For the next 11 days, enjoy free outdoor events in our beautiful Inner Harbour. Commemorate our nation and city’s multicultural artistry, while enjoying diverse food and beverage offerings and the grand finale of Main Stage programming and a spectacular firework display on Canada Day, July 1, 2017. See calendar for daily events.
- When: From now until Saturday, July 1
- Where: Ship Point Inner Harbour and BC Legislature Lawns
Sail Cassady
- What: Colin Craveiro returns with his solo indie pop project Sail Cassady. Also featuring Jaya Bremer, the lead singer of Wise Child
- When: Friday, June 23, 9:30 pm
- Where: Northern Quarter, 1724 Douglas Street
- How Much: By Donation
TD Victoria International JazzFest
- What: Professional arts organization committed to presenting the highest quality of jazz to the community. View the full schedule for performance times and locations.
- When: Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
- Where: various locations, downtown Victoria
Quinn Bachand’s Brishen plus Blue Moon Marquee
- What: Quinn Bachand is a 21-year-old acoustic guitarist/vocalist who has already recorded five CDs, won several of awards and nominations and earned an enviable international reputation as a virtuoso blessed with boundless creativity.
- When: Saturday, June 24
- Where: Dave Dunnet Theatre, 2121 Cadboro Bay Road
- How Much: $28
Performances:
National Aboriginal Day
- What: First Nations traditional songs and dances. Young singers and dancers will perform ancient songs and dances passed onto them from generations., and demonstrates relationships to Mother Earth and all the Creation.
- When: Friday June 23 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Where: Cook Street Village Activity Centre
- Tickets: $12
Outstages
- Who: The most exciting queer artists from across Canada, including Ivan Coyote and Tomboy Survival Guide, Laugh With Leila, aIzad Etemadi, Lee-Anne Poole, and lemonTree creations, plus new work from BC playwrights and a Cabaret of local & festival performers.
- When: Various shows from Tuesday, June 20 – Saturday, June 24
- Where: Intrepid Theatre, 1609 Blanshard St
- How Much: Single tickets: $20-$25, 3-Show Pass: $50
Sports:
The Island Summer Games
- What: Don’t miss out on this year 4th Annual Mascot Dodgeball Game, along with touch football, dodgeball, slow pitch, soccer, basketball, bocce ball and ball hockey. Live DJ Beats, local vendors, beer gardens and grab some delicious food at the BBQ. Opportunities to volunteer.
- When: Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
- Where: Topaz Park (corner of Blanchard and Finlayson)
Olympic Day – Free Racing
- What: In celebration of Olympic Day, BMX Canada is hosting a free day of BMX racing. Bring your family and friends, and don’t forget to sign up for the Granny Panty Relay and backward racing during the break.
- When: Saturday, June 24, registrations from 2:00-3:00 pm, racing to begin shortly after
- Where: Greater Victoria BMX, 1767 Old Island Highway (behind JDF, lower level)
Nichol Marine Night at the Races
- What: Featuring Lordco Demo Series, Bombers, Loan Rangers Financial Claimers and Richlock Rentals Drifters. Grandstands open at 4:30 pm, racing begins at 6:30 pm.
- When: Saturday, June 24
- Where: Western Speedway
- Tickets: available online or at box office
Festivals and More:
Strawberry Buzz Festival
- What: It’s strawberry season. Meet growers and makers, enjoy free food and drink samples. Farm or winery tour. Live entertainment and activities for the kids. Don’t forget to pick your own strawberries. View the brochure for more details.
- When: Saturday June 24 – Sunday June 25 from 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Where: Saanich Peninsula
Paint the Town Red & White Party
- What: Family friendly event. A birthday party to celebrate Sidney’s 50th and a celebration of Canada’s 150th. Plenty of kids activities provided by Panorama Recreation. Food vendors on site. Live music by Super Sauce and Shaky Ground.
- When: Saturday June 24 from 6pm to 9pm
- Where: Beacon Avenue and Firth Street, Sidney
Cordova Bay Days
- What: Collector car show, fire truck and police vehicles on site, exhibits, sidewalk sale, free golf tips at the driving range, drafts, games, live entertainment and more. Snack shop and fundraising BBQ.
- When: Saturday June 24 from 11:00am – 3:00pm
- Where: Matticks Farm, 5325 Cordova Bay Road
Sausage Fest
- What: Hosted by the Oak Bay Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation. Enjoy sausages, live music, dunk tank, face painting and more. Raising funds to purchase a few bike fix stations for the community of Oak Bay and to complete phase 2 for the Monterey Middle School outdoor classroom.
- When: Saturday June 24 from 12:00pm – 9:00pm
- Where: Willows Beach Park
Thoughtfully Made Pop-Up Market
- What: Showcasing the work of over 30 vendors who will be onsite with their diverse collection of handmade and locally produced goods.
- When: Sunday June 25 from 11:00am – 5:00pm
- Where: 747 Fort Street
Canada 150 Children’s Carnival
- What: Lots of entertainment, magician, games, and activities. Make sure to dress up the kids in their best Canadian Spirit outfit – winner of the costume contest will be named “Fire Chief of the Day”
- When: Sunday June 25 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Where: 2440 Sidney Avenue
Love a Kitty
- What: In support of Dee’s Orphan Kitty Fund. Enjoy live acoustic music performances and dance the night away all while supporting a non-profit organization raise much-needed funds for kittens and cats. There will be a 50/50 draw and silent auction. Fish & Chips $9, Sleeves of Darcy’s Lager $4.
- When: Sunday June 25 from 5:00pm – 10:00pm
- Where: Darcy’s Pub, 737 Goldstream Avenue
- Tickets: $10/at the door
