Victoria is about to be treated to some beautiful sunshine this weekend after a confusing week of weather behind us.
With the prospect of Daylight Saving Time coming to an end on Sunday, and the advent of Spring just a few weeks away, this sunshine couldn’t be more welcome!
So without further ado, here are 13 things to do to get you out the door in and around Victoria this weekend:
Saturday
10th annual Lego Mania
Tillicum Centre’s annual Lego Mania event has returned!
Perfect for the young or young at heart, bring your own LEGO bricks and build an original creation for all to see. This year’s theme is landmarks from around the world, or something travel related.
- When: Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Road
FIRST Canadian Pacific Regional Robotics Competition
BC’s first ever Pacific Regional robotics competition continues!
Over 30 teams of high school students from across the province have brought their self-built and programmed robots to compete in obstacle courses and tasks in the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
- When: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
The Esquimalt Japanese Tea Garden – Righting a Historical Wrong
Seven decades ago, riotous Victorians destroyed the country’s first Japanese garden and teahouse. Today, University of Victoria researchers are working with a local community group to address this wrong.
This session will feature new research revealing the complicity of everyday Canadians, including Victorians, in the unlawful dispossession of Japanese-Canadians in the 1940s. The presentation challenges audiences to consider the roles of ordinary people in injustice.
- When: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Where: UVic – David Lam Auditorium, 3800 Finnerty Road
Aerobics and Mimosas
Need we say more?
Join the Womxn’s Week community for an epic Saturday of awesome aerobics and tasty mimosas! Dress up in your best or silliest aerobic gear and join along in retro aerobics videos projected on the big screen.
- When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Where: The Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
Archer Airbrushing Gallery Grand Opening
Come explore the works of internationally known Vancouver Island artist, Paul Archer
The gallery will showcase Archer’s wide range of airbrushing work, including his stunning portraits of people and wildlife.
- When: 12 p.m.
- Where: Archer Airbrushing Gallery, 847 Fort Street
Pugs Workshop
Head down to the Esquimalt Recreation Centre for some painting fun, and learn how to create a cute and gorgeous “Pug” painting on Japanese art paper!
The skills learn will also help you paint your own pets too! Bring your own art supplies or rent some from the centre.
- When: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street
Mad Hatter Tea Party
For all you Alice in Wonderland fans, prepare to go mad as a hatter because you’re invited to an upcoming tea party here in Victoria!
Jump down the rabbit hole and enjoy a lovely afternoon with tea and pastries, followed by a historical fashion show exhibiting outfits inspired by Victorian-era fashion. All proceeds will support the funding of schools for children and youth, and sustainable development projects and infrastructure in communities in Tanzania, Africa.
- When: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Where: Cordova Bay United Church, 813 Claremont Avenue
Victoria Beer Week – Saturday Night Casks
Try over 25+ unique cask-conditioned beers from BC breweries down at the Victoria Public Market tonight!
The market’s usual vendors will also be selling special food dishes for the event!
- When: 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Where: Victoria Public Market, 1701 Douglas Street
Sunday
Wonder Sunday: Wildlife Photography
Learn what it takes to be a wildlife photographer at this fun afternoon program at the Royal BC Museum!
The event will feature discussions, examinations of various photographs/photographers and their backstories. Located on the second floor.
- When: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: The Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
Nautical Book Sculpting Workshop
Book lovers are invited to the Maritime Museum of BC, to breathe new life into vintage nautical books by transforming them into works of art!
Their workshop leader will teach you the technique of book sculpting, by folding the pages into unique nautical scenes, all the while sharing local stories and folklore surrounding the sea.
- When: 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Maritime Museum of BC, 634 Humboldt St
2019 Irish Whiskey Hooley
Throw on your Irish best and get ready for Victoria’s 2nd annual Irish Whiskey Hooley!
This massive, authentic Celtic party is organized by the Greater Victoria Festival Society, and will feature live music, dancing, folk stories, Irish tapas, and a collection of Irish whiskies to taste.
- When: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Where: Yates Street Taphouse, 759 Yates Street
Get Cozy with The Vixens Burlesque
Shake of those winter chills and get your blood pumping with The Vixens Burlesque!
The Vixens, Busty, Cherry, Sophie, Victoria, and Vogue are here for their Victoria debut as part of their 2019 Spring Island Tour. Besides their usual routines, the crew is bringing a new performances and a special guest performer, Vivian Vieux!
- When: 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Where: The Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
Drag Sunday
Enjoy a beautifully orchestrated evening of Drag Performances. Drag Sunday plays host to local Victoria Drag Queens, Kings, and Things.
Expect some gag-worthy performances as these shows are uncensored and un-moderated, so you never know what you’re going to see.
- When: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Where: Paparazzi Night Club, 642 Johnson St
