The weekend is here!
After a long week of work you deserve to enjoy yourself, take a break and recharge.
Slowly but surely, we are seeing more community events being announced. With new outdoor markets, pet get togethers and live music how can you possibly choose?
Before you plan your weekend, be sure to check weather forecasts and air quality. With the current heatwave and wildfire smoke which is expected to stay throughout the weekend, it will be important to take this into account when determining your weekend plans.
Here are 18 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, August 14th-15th:
Pet Palooza
The largest outdoor pet festival is back! Bring your furry friend to the Pet Palooza event to sample treats, find some new accessories and toys and get lots of free swag!
- Where: 1140 Lyall Street, Bullen Park
- When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday August 14th and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, August 15th
- Admission: Free!
Dragon Boat Festival
This year, the Canada Dry Dragon Boat Festival looks a bit different! Due to the pandemic, the 2021 festival will not include dragon boat racing but there will be plenty of other community events to take part in.
The theme of the 2021 event is “The Spirit of the Dragon – Resilience”. The theme, which will be threaded through all the events, celebrates a united community that persevered over the past year.
Events include a Battle of the Bands Event taking place via TikTok and Instagram as well as a Lights of Courage Campaign. Participants can purchase a colourful lantern for $2 at Fairways Markets, write a message of hope on it’s tag and add it to the lantern display, either at Ship’s Point when you visit our Festival celebrations on August 14th and 15th, or at their local Fairway Market.
The event honours those who are fighting cancer, those who have fought it and those who were lost in the fight against it.
$1 of each lantern sale will be donated towards the BC Cancer Foundation.
For more information on this year’s Dragon Boat Festival you can visit their website. The highly anticipated dragon boat race will return in 2022.
- Where: Downtown Victoria
- When: Saturday, August 14th and Sunday August 15th
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 a.m. to 2 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 a.m. to 2 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: The Great Gatsby: 10 p.m., Friday August 13th, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: 9:30 p.m., Sunday August 15th
- Price: $30/car. Tickets can be purchased here.
The NPNA Pop-Up Market
The NPNA is a pop-up market in North Park. Drop by this Sunday for food, art and more. Live music acts will be performing from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 1:15.
- Where: 1014 Caledonia Avenue, Royal Athletic Park
- When: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Sunday August 15th
- Admission: Free!
Down to Earth Market
If you love both art and gardening, this is the event for you! This weekend, 16 local artists will be showing off their original paintings, sculptors, mixed media works, prints, weaving, ceramics and more.
- Where: 1096 Derrien Place, Down to Earth Gardens & Nursery
- When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, August 15th
- Admission: Free!
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 a.m. to 2 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.
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!
Read a book and help fundraise!
This year’s Victoria Literacy Connection fundraiser is Book Bash! The event means your reading can help donate money to worthy literacy causes.
To participate, visit the event’s website to register and download your Pledge Form and Reading Log. Once you determine your pledges, get reading and log your progress! In September, donations will be used to help free literacy programs.
Go for a run!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, location has a huge impact on the quality of your running experience. Pick a cool August morning or break out the running shoes later in the day when everything cools down. If you’re not sure where to go for your run, we have created a list of 10 scenic routes just waiting for you to explore!
Apply to be on a Netflix reality show
Netflix is currently holding their biggest casting call ever, allowing the public to apply to be a part of some of their most popular reality TV series.
To apply, all you have to do is record and submit a one minute video of yourself.
If you’re ready for your big break, visit the Netflix Reality website to apply!
