With this week’s heat wave incoming and expected to last throughout the weekend, August is coming in hot!
If you’re looking to get out of the house and enjoy the long weekend, there are plenty of new events being announced for you to enjoy!
Here are 16 things to do in and around Victoria this BC day long weekend, July 31st to August 2nd:
Watch the Pacific FC soccer game and get vaccinated!
Tonight, the Pacific FC soccer team takes on Calgary’s Cavalry FC in their first match since the pandemic.
Vax Van, Island Health’s mobile COVID-19 immunization clinic, will also be in attendance to make it easy for anyone (age 12 or older) to receive their first dose of the vaccine if they haven’t already done so, without an appointment while attending the match.
- Where: 1089 Langford Parkway, Starlight Stadium
- When: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday July 30th
- Tickets: Pacific FC vs Cavalry FC tickets can be purchased here. No appointment required to be vaccinated with Vax Van.
Check out the Cadboro-Gyro sand castles
Visit the Cadboro-Gyro Park in Saanich to enjoy the sandcastle artwork of four incredible artists. Once there, vote for your favourite to be entered to win prizes!
Voting closes at midnight on August 2nd but the sculptures will remain at the park until August 8th at 4 p.m.
Attend an electric-acoustic music festival
Wonderment, a free outdoor music festival is taking place this August long weekend right here in Victoria.
Attendees have the option of 5 different locations to enjoy the music over the long weekend. Select events will also be live streamed.
The event is hosted by the Garden City Electronic Music Society.
Details can be found below:
Saturday, July 31st:
- 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fisherman’s Wharf Park
- 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., West Bridge Plaza
Sunday, August 1st:
- 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Beacon Hill Park Cameron Bandshell
- 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Beacon Hill Park Cameron Bandshell
Monday, August 2nd:
- 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Banfield Park
Sooke Country Market
Visiting Sooke Country Market is a perfect Saturday morning activity. Browse through the vendors selling everything from fresh produce, jewelry, gardening supplies and more.
Check out the list of vendors.
- Where: John Phillips Memorial Park, 2201 Otter Point Road
- When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturdays until October 9th
Moss Street Market
2021 marks Moss Street Market’s 30th season in operation. If you prefer contactless pick up, you can visit the online Moss Street Market to pick up your order.
Check out the list of vendors.
- Where: 1330 Fairfield Road
- When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturdays through October
See a movie at the drive-in!
No, you haven’t been transported back in time, this is real! Legacy Drive-In has announced showtimes for their outdoor theatre at Westshore Motorsports Park.
This weekend, see Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Mission: Impossible and Downsizing from the comfort of your car as you enjoy food by Westshore Burger Co.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and it is recommended patrons arrive 30 minutes before showtime to ensure they get the best spot.
- Where: Westshore Motorsports Park (formerly Western Speedway) 2207 Millstream road
- When: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: 10:00 p.m., Friday July 30th, The Wizard of Oz: 9:30 p.m., Sunday August 1st
- Price: $30/car. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sidney Street Market
The Sidney Street Market is back! After a prolonged COVID-19 absence, the market has returned to a new location at the Mary Winspear Centre. While you’re there, be sure to check out Glory Bakehouse for some delicious brownies.
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
- When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday through October 10th
Metchosin Farmers Market
Visit the Metchosin Farmers Market for fresh vegetables, breads, jams, salsa, baked goods and more!
- Where: Metchosin Municipal Grounds, 4450 Happy Valley Road
- When: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sundays until the end of October
Attend Silent Disco Yoga at Sea Cider
This summer, attend a completely unique yoga experience at Sea Cider, a silent disco yoga class. Enjoy a complimentary cider tasting after the class!
- Where: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, 2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd, Saanichton
- When: Most Sundays at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- To book: Buy your tickets online
Try a new workout class
Fitness classes are back!
As restrictions ease, workout classes are finally re-opening and going back to regular capacity.
If you are interested in trying something new but want to try out some different workouts before committing to a lot of money we have a list of 15 new-member deals at local fitness studios!
Take a stay-cation on Vancouver Island
BC was recently named Canada’s #1 staycation destination! Which means we are envied by the rest of Canada for our beautiful views, nature and relaxing environment.
Plan a staycation on our very own island with this list of 10 unique Airbnb getaways right here at home!
Take in the views on the Malahat Skywalk
The Malahat Skywalk is open and they saw over 5000 visitors in their first weekend!
The attraction includes a viewing platform 250 metres above sea level, cafe, shops and a 600m elevated TreeWalk and nature trail.
The Skywalk offers scenic views of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries.
View the Malahat Skywalk website for ticket information.
Visit the animals at Beacon Hill Children’s Farm
After a long hiatus due to COVID-19, the Beacon Hill Children’s Farm has re-opened for the summer.
COVID-19 safety protocols are in place and the farm will be viewing only at this time. The daily public goat stampede will also not be running.
Check out an Island Distillery (or a few!)
From the creators of the ‘Islands Passport’ comes a brand new addition, the ‘Distillery Passport’. The passport includes a complimentary flight and deals at 37 distilleries across British Columbia, with 14 of them located on Vancouver Island alone!
The Distillery Passport is $47.99 and can be purchased online.
- Where: Vendors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and throughout BC!
- When: Available July 21st at 9 a.m., and can be used until June 2022.
- To buy: Grab yours online today!
Try some of Victoria local’s favourite meals
On a local subreddit, r/VictoriaBC, user fyrite asked the public to share their favourite local dishes, the go-tos, the ones people can’t live without.
Victoria delivered, and over 300 recommendations were posted to the thread.
Fyrite took the recommendations and created a mass spreadsheet and map to allow the suggestions to be easily accessible and enjoyed by everyone!
Show your appreciation to front line workers and first responders
This BC Day, Premier John Horgan invites all British Columbins to salute both front line workers and those battling wildfires in our province with a public cheer.
At 7 p.m. on Monday, August 7th, take a moment to bang pots and pans and make noise outside your home to express your gratitude for all that these workers do.
- When: Monday, August 2nd at 7 p.m.
- Where: Anywhere in Victoria, whether it be your patio, backyard, etc.!
