As we hang on to those last few dreamy days of summer, there’s plenty to do and plenty to see (safely, of course!) and we’ve got all the details on the best of the best of the happenings this weekend.
As you head out to activities and events, please follow the restrictions and guidelines that these businesses require to keep their employees and patrons safe during the pandemic.
As always, wash your hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you feel sick or show symptoms!
Without further ado, here are 13 things to do this weekend, Saturday to Sunday, August 29-30:
Fresh Aire Saturday: Live Outdoor Music
BEAUTIFUL LUCK: Sue Black and Carlo Lefebvre’s harmonies span the genres of roots, folk, pop and rock – with a couple of originals for good measure.
COLLEEN ECCLESTON: a gifted songwriter with a remarkable and powerful voice that deftly ranges from ballads to full-frontal folk.
ALLEN DOBB: a rare appearance by one of Canada’s finest and most literate tunesmiths. Allen’s music blends folk roots and country to perfection.
- When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Brentwood Bay Village Empourium, 12 -7103 West Saanich Road
Saturday Moss Street Market
One of Victoria’s largest weekly summer farmer’s markets is back for its 29th year at a new and expanded location to help vendors and customers practice proper physical distancing. Enjoy fresh, local produce, delicious food and handmade goods.
- When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Sir James Douglas school grounds and Moss Street and Thurlow Road boulevards
Sooke Country Market
Sooke farmers provide fresh produce, plant starts, home baking and preserves. Fine artists and crafters showcase pottery, jewelry, fabric arts, woodwork, body care products and inspired west coast art. Talented musicians play every week!
- When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Otter Point Road at Eustace Road
Discover Local YYJ
Discover Local YYJ is an economic initiative created and hosted by the Victoria Women’s Professional Group to promote the small businesses in the Greater Victoria Area that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
They have partnered with locally owned and operated small businesses to provide discounts and special offers to the residents of Victoria between August 15th and 30th. Participants purchase a Discover Pass online, then use it to claim promotions and discounts offered by the vendors during the 15 days.
- When: All day long! Runs from August 15th to August 30th
- Where: All across Victoria
- Tickets: Purchase your Discover Pass online
3rd Degree the Loft Pub
Head to the Loft this Saturday with Doug Blondeau’s The Third Degree. He is a high energy rocking R&B band that you won’t want to miss out on. Purchase tickets online.
- When: Saturday, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Where: The Loft Pub, 229 Gorge Rd E
Goldstream Farmers Market
The Market supports and promotes a sustainable and vibrant local agricultural industry and artisan community by providing an outlet for the farmers and artists. If you grow it, make it, or bake it, sell it at Goldstream Farmers Market in the heart of downtown Langford.
- When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Veterans Memorial Park
North Park Social
Join friends and neighbours in a physically distanced, COVID-19 friendly pop up social in Franklin Green.
This is a chance to spend time in your local park, connect with new and old friends, and support local musicians and businesses!
Drop in to see three incredibly talented artists beginning with Ora Cogan – an acoustic set of dark wave/folk. Next up is the funkiest crew this side of Fernwood, Downtown Mischief with their own brand of funkified soul.
The summer day will be finished off with the world wide jams of Caleb Hart. It all starts at noon, with food trucks nearby and a climbing gym for the kids.
- When: Saturday, 12 p.m. -4 p.m.
- Where: Franklin Green (behind Wellburns)
Forest Therapy Walks
The walk will start off with a one-hour discussion, followed by a one -hour “light” version of a forest therapy walk.
Reconnect with yourself and nature through a mindful walk in the beautiful Gardens at HCP.
An ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide will offer you a unique “forest bathing” experience, an “immersion” into the space of trees, plants and the beings of the forest and gardens. During a guided walk, the guide will offer you a series of “invitations” or suggestions, to help you to slow down and connect with your senses.
- When: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: The Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
Tally-Ho & Sea Cider Picnic Experience
Tally-Ho is now offering a Tally-Ho & Sea Cider Picnic Experience for a limited time: it’s a three-hour long carriage tour showcasing the Saanich Peninsula, and including a complimentary coffee or tea from Fresh Cup Roastery Café, a flight of six award-winning ciders selected by Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, and a fresh gourmet meal prepared by Truffles Catering.
- When: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:45 p.m.
- Where: Tours depart from Fresh Cup Cafe & Roastery (101-1931 Mt. Newton X Rd, Saanichton, BC)
The Butchart Gardens
No matter the season, The Butchart Gardens are sure to put on a show.
- When: Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with viewing until 5:00 p.m.
- Where: The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue
Miniature World
Often called “The greatest little show on earth,” Miniature World is a one-of-a-kind Victorian experience. The perfect activity for the young and young at heart, this little museum brings everything from historical battles to childhood fantasy lands to life in miniature.
- When: Daily (except closed Monday), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Miniature World, 649 Humboldt Street
Drink & Think Trivia Sunday
So you think you’re smart?! Grab your friends and head down to the Times and flex your brain muscle. Drink, eat and win some prizes!!
- When: Sunday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: Irish Times Pub, 1200 Government Street
Seal Island Kayak Tour
Take part in a guided 3 hr kayaking tour. The kayaks will be launched in protected water near Split Rock and then follow the coastline to Seal Island. From there we continue past Work and Berens islands and into Victoria’s West Bay harbour. Enjoy a scenic paddle that gives you an amazing view of the diversity of the harbour, Victoria’s historic buildings, peaceful scenery and interesting wildlife. This tour is beginner and family-friendly.
- When: Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Esquimalt Anglers Clubhouse, 1101 Munro Street
