

Welcome to the first weekend of May!
We’ve got clear skies and warm temperatures in the forecast, so let’s celebrate at these 15 events in and around Victoria:
Saturday
World Naked Gardening Day
Don’t be alarmed if your neighbour is out gardening naked this weekend.
This Saturday is World Naked Gardening Day, an annual international event celebrated on the first Saturday of May by gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
- When: Saturday, May 4, 2019
- Where: Your garden!
Victoria Pet Expo 2019
The Victoria Pet Expo is returning to Pearkes Arena once more, and you and your animal companions are all invited to partake in the fun. The much-anticipated two-day event features a wide variety of pet exhibitors, educators, and other activities for pets and their owners alike.
Victoria Buzz will be on location on Saturday, May 4th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., so come say hi! The first 100 people through the door Saturday and on Sunday will receive free pet-themed goodie bags – so get there early!
- When: Saturday, May 4th, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 5th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Where: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd
- Admission: Day Pass – Adult: $8, Senior/Student/Military: $6. Weekend Pass Available and can be purchased online or at the door.
Family Sport & Rec Festival
Drop by PISE (Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence) on Saturday for the 10th Annual Family Sport & Recreation Festival!
This FREE event is your pre-summer destination for introducing kids to new activities and sports, and for parents to learn more about keeping kids engaged in healthy activity.
- When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, 4371 Interurban Rd
The 29th annual BC Boat Show
The 29th annual BC Boat Show is returning to Sidney and this year’s event is set to be the biggest one yet. This year’s boat show is slated to attract thousands of boating enthusiasts from BC and Washington State over its 4 day schedule.
- When: Thursday, May 2 – Sunday, May 5
- Where: Port Sidney Marina, 9835 Seaport Place
PWA Wrestling: May 4th in Victoria w/ Carlito
Witness an evening of live Pro Wrestling firsthand with a lineup of athletes Carlito/Eli Surge vs. Jordie Taylor/Brett Matthews, Izzy McQueen vs. Riea Von Slasher, Eddie Osbourne(c) vs. “Golden Boy” Travis Williams vs. Haviko, Bishop vs Krofton, Daniel Makabe vs. “Born Sinner” Judas Icarus, and more!
- When: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Where: Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara St
May the 4th Be With You – A Star Wars Roller Disco (19+) event
Dust off your lightsabers and stormtrooper masks and get ready for the time of your life because this isn’t your average costume party!
Roller Skate Victoria presents: May the 4th Be With You – A Star Wars Roller Disco!
- When: 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
- Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Rd
Electric Timber Co, Mike Devlin, and Copper Lights
Electric Timber Co and Mike Devlin, present their “Fresh from Winter Break/Summer Starter Pack, Night Time, Event Thingy”. Featuring a lovely set by Copper Lights.
- When: 8 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- Where: The Rubber Boot Club, 1605 Store St
VOS presents Shrek: The Musical!
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire.
Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
- When: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m
- Where: Royal Theatre & McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square/805 Broughton St
Return of the Battle of the Dad Bands
Be sure to bring your voice and make some noise for your favourite band, as they battle it out on stage and cover legendary hits! Doors open at 8pm.
- When: 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates St
May The 4th Be With You at Paparazzi Nightclub
Get those costumes ready and head to Paparazzi for a Star Wars-themed party. Join in on the costume contest. You must be in costume to enter.
- When: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Where: Paparazzi Night club, 642 Johnson St
4000 Miles
Experience 4000 Miles, Amy Herzog’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play about growing up and growing old. Directed by Anita Rochon, 4000 Miles stars Brenda Robins (as Vera), Nathan Howe (as Leo), Julie Leung (as Amanda) and Lucy McNulty (as Bec).
“…funny, moving, altogether wonderful. . . A heartening reminder that a keen focus on life’s small moments can pay off in a big way onstage.” New York Times
- When: 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Where: Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave
Sunday
Victoria Model Railway Show
All model railway enthusiasts are invited to experience this event featuring operating model railroads, a popular vote contest, commercial and individual sales and displays, and hourly door prizes!
- When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Where: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Hwy
Saanich Cycling Festival
Explore Saanich by Bike!
The route will include community Celebration Stations where participants can collect stamps on their event map. Once you have explored Saanich by bike, return to the Saanich Hall to enter your map into the prize draw and take part in a variety of free family activities.
- When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Start at Saanich Municipal Hall, 780 Vernon Ave
8th Annual Hike for Hospice
Gather a team of friends and family, challenge your co-workers or join as an individual to help support end-of-life care in your community.
Come out and enjoy a variety of entertainment, including face painting, snacks and live music by Cookeilidh – Celtic Music!
- When: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf Park, 300 St Lawrence St
12th Annual Emergency Fair and Display
In an effort to kick off Emergency Preparedness Week, View Royal Fire Rescue are co-hosting the 12th Annual Emergency Preparedness and Display.
Police, Fire and Ambulance as well as other emergency organizations and suppliers will be there! This event is FREE.
- When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Juan De Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Hwy