So much to do, so much to see! It’s going to be a rainy weekend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun… June 17 – 19.
FRIDAY June 17
Victoria Aboriginal Cultural Festival
- What: Join the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in celebrating National Aboriginal Day. Performances from two local Host Nations, and shows from Aboriginal performers from across the province. 3 time World Hoop Dancing Alex Wells will perform. Aboriginal artisans on site selling their carvings, prints, jewellery and more. Sample food from the culinary talents of the Songhees Nation. Event from 9:30am-5:00pm
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
21st Annual FernFest
- What: Family-friendly event. Enjoy local musicians, performers and dancers. Food and beer available. There will be a kid’s zone, face painting, magic, artisan market and so much more. Event takes place 5:00-10:00pm.
- Where: Fernwood Square
YYJ 4 YMM: A Fort McMurray Fundraising Concert
- What: Local musicians playing music to raise funds for the local national charity Disaster Aid Canada. A way to show support to the victims of the wildfires in Northern Alberta. Event takes place from 4:00-10:00pm, tax receipt provided for all donations over $20.00.
- Where: Centennial Square
Victoria Harbourcats
- What: Victoria Harbourcats vs. Cowlitz Black Bears. Home Opener. Game begins at 6:35pm. Tickets available starting at $10.00.
- Where: Royal Athletic Park
The Sooke River Bluegrass Festival
- What: Family-friendly event with a great local music line-up. Vendors and food on site, as well as instrument workshops. Children under 14 are FREE with an adult.
- Where: Sooke River Campground, Phillips Road
Beach Food Fridays at the Colwood Waterfront
- What: Partake in some delicious eats while enjoying your time at the beach. Wannawafel and The Crispy Fish (11:00am-3:00pm) will be set up at the Ocean Boulevard from 11:00am-7:00pm.
- Where: Esquimalt Lagoon, Ocean Boulevard
Ship Point Night Market
- What: Find some of the best vendors in downtown Victoria, jewelry artisans, soaps, arts and crafts, food stalls and so much more. Enjoy the live entertainment as Ship Point comes to life, 6pm-9pm.
- Where: Ship Point Pier at Inner Harbour
SATURDAY June 18
Victoria Aboriginal Cultural Festival
- What: Join the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in celebrating National Aboriginal Day. Performances from two local Host Nations, and shows from Aboriginal performers from across the province. 3 time World Hoop Dancing Alex Wells will perform. Aboriginal artisans on site to sell their carvings, prints, jewellery and more. Sample food from the culinary talents of the Songhees Nation. Event from 11:00am-5:00pm.
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
Ambient Picnic
- What: An afternoon of free ambient music in the heart of downtown. A selection of artists from across BC will share the stage. DJ sets and live performances will fill the sun-lit, open expanse of the capital city’s downtown core. Bring the kiddos. Enjoy some Eno. Food trucks will be on site (vegetarian options will be available) as will a 19+ beverage garden serving beer and cider. Event from 1:00pm-7pm.
- Where: Centennial Square
21st Annual FernFest
- What: Family-friendly event. Enjoy local musicians, performers and dancers. Food and beer available. There will be a kid’s zone, face painting, magic, artisan market and so much more. Event takes place 5:00-10:00pm.
- Where: Fernwood Square
Ship Point Night Market
- What: Find some of the best vendors in downtown Victoria, jewelry artisans, soaps, arts and crafts, food stalls and so much more. Enjoy the live entertainment as Ship Point comes to life, 6pm-9pm
- Where: Ship Point Pier at Inner Harbour
Victoria Harbourcats
- What: Victoria Harbour Cats vs. Cowlitz Black Bears. Game begins at 6:35pm. Tickets available starting at $10.00.
- Where: Royal Athletic Park
Don Mann Excavating Night at the Races
- What: Featuring the Keg Steakhouse & Bar late model drivers challenge twin 50’s competing for the Rick O’dell Memorial Trophy, Galaxy Motor Stock Cars, Mini Stocks, Dwarf Cars and Old Timers Racing Association. Grandstands open at 4:30pm
- Where: Western Speedway
TICKETS: $15/adults, $10/senior, youth and military, $7/kids (age 7-12), $35/family pass (2 adults, 4 kids), $49/triple pass for 6 including 6 hotdogs and drinks.
The Sooke River Bluegrass Festival
- What: Family friendly event with a great local music line-up. Vendors and food on site, as well as instrument workshops. Children under 14 are FREE with an adult.
- Where: Sooke River Campground, Phillips Road
The Robert Bateman Centre’s Junior Nature Sketch Club
- What: Experience art outdoors, guided by a naturalist and sketch artist. Event for children age 5-12 years old, $50/child includes sketch book and pencil and an exhibition at centre. Event from 9:30-11:30am or 1:00-3:00pm. Email marketing@batemancentre.org to register.
- Where: The Robert Bateman Centre, 470 Belleville Street
Bastion Square Public Market
- What: This outdoor market is celebrating 20 years. Wonderful selection of locally produced arts, crafts and entertainment. Watch artisans create their crafts on site. Market open from 11:00am-4:30pm.
- Where: Bastion Square, located at View and Government Street
Goldstream Farmers Market
- What: Fresh produce which is homegrown, hand-crafted goods from local artisans, enjoy lunch and baked goods. Live entertainment on site. Market open from 10:00am-2:00pm.
- Where: Veteran’s Memorial Park
James Bay Market
- What: Quality handmade, homemade and homegrown products for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy locally roasted coffee and seasonal drinks. Kids tent on site offering crafts, games, face painting and fun shops. Market open from 9:00am-3:00pm.
- Where: Corner of Menzies and Superior Street
Moss Street Market
- What: “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” organic farmers market. Local artisans and chefs offering a selection of their tasty creations. Everything is local and produced by the person at the stall. 10:00am-2:00pm.
- Where: Moss and Fairfield Road
Sooke Country Market
What: Fresh local vegetables and fruit, baked treats and breads, jams, plants, flowers and seeds, eggs, crafts, handmade items from local artisans. Market open from 10:00am-2:00pm.
Where: Otter Point Road and Eustace Road
North Saanich Farm Market
- What: Fresh local strawberries, pick up some produced, baked goods, crafts and more. Live music on site. Market open from 9:30am-12:30pm.
- Where: St. John’s United Church, 10990 W Stanch Road
Peninsula Country Market
- What: Over 50 vendors on site with farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, flowers, fresh meat, organic produce and more. Market open from 9:00am-1:00pm.
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stelly’s Cross Roads
SUNDAY June 20 – Celebrate Father’s Day
Car Free YYJ Day
- What: Leave your car at home! Victoria’s BIGGEST street fair is taking over 9 blocks from Chatham/Caledonia to Courtney Street from 11:00am-6:00pm. There will be over 275 vendors, four entertaining stages and three licensed areas. Bike valet will be available.
- Where: Douglas street
Victoria Aboriginal Cultural Festival
What: Join the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations in celebrating National Aboriginal Day. Performances from two local Host Nations, and shows from Aboriginal performers from across the province. 3 time World Hoop Dancing Alex Wells will perform. Aboriginal artisans on site to sell their carvings, prints, jewellery and more. Sample food from the culinary talents of the Songhees Nation. Event from 11:00am-5:00pm.
Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
Victoria Harbourcats
What: vs. Victoria Harbourcats Cowlitz Black Bears. Game begins at 1:00pm. Tickets available starting at $10.00.
Where: Royal Athletic Park
Navy Day
- What: Community event. 5km, 10km runs as well as 1km kids run, through Esquimalt. Registration still open.
- Where: CFB Esquimalt, Naden Athletic Centre.
The Sooke River Bluegrass Festival
- What: Family friendly event with a great local music line-up. Vendors and food on site, as well as instrument workshops. Children under 14 are FREE with an adult.
- Where: Sooke River Campground, Phillips Road
Board Games in the Square
- What: Chess and scrabble every Sunday afternoon 1pm-5pm, until September 4.
- Where: Centennial Square (near Govt. and Fisgard).
Social Salsa Sunday
- What: Free family event, with great music and a lot of fun! Watch the talented salsa dancers and give it a try yourself! Presented by Pachanga Latina. 4:30pm-7pm, every Sunday til September.
- Where: Centennial Square
Sunday Funday
- What: Begin your day with a delicious brunch, enjoy live entertainment and shop around from local vendors and artisans. The fun happens between 11:00am-3:00pm.
- Where: Victoria Public Market
Breakwater Market
- What: Come and enjoy Victoria’s newest market. This new market is original and includes hand-made items only. Live, local talent on the water. Also food trucks at this location; watch out for Island Mini Donuts this month. From 11:00am-4:00pm.
- Where: Ogden Point
The Sunday Market at Bastion Square
- What: This outdoor market is celebrating 20 years. Wonderful selection of locally produced arts, crafts and entertainment. Watch artisans create their crafts on site. Market open from 11:00am-4:00pm.
- Where: Bastion Square, located at View and Government Street
Metchosin Farmers Market
- What: Fresh homegrown veggies and freshly backed goods, lovely handmade arts and crafts. Something for everyone to enjoy. Market is open from 11:00am-2:00pm.
- Where: 4450 Happy Valley Road
Shirley Country Market
- What: This friendly pioneer market is located just before French Beach Provincial Park. Community organized with over 30 vendors from local artisans, farm fresh produce, great company and more. Market open from 11:00am-4:00pm.
- Where: Shirley Community Hall’s Pioneer Park (West Coast Road – 20km west of Sooke)
