12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, March 18th-20th

If you love comedy, you’re in for an amazing weekend. 

On Friday, comedians with Comedy Pants will be making their way over from Vancouver to bring the laughs to a unique location.

On Saturday, pro comedians will take on roasts of their homelands at Hermann’s Jazz Club and a live show will be filmed at Hecklers!

Here are 12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, March 18th to 20th:

Help support the people of Ukraine

Across Vancouver Island, many are looking for ways to support Ukraine.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th, Victorians have been showing their support for Ukrainians in the form of rallies, fundraising and donating.

From humanitarian aid for civilians to medical support on the front lines, here’s a list of how you can help.

Comedy Pants Comedy Show

Alistair Ogden and An-Te Chu are bringing their one-of-a-kind stand-up comedy showcase back to Victoria and this time, it’s in a unique location!

This weekend, check out their Comedy Pants show at the Ollie Quinn Optometrist office in Market Square.

• Where: Ollie Quinn, 531 Pandora Avenue
• When: 8 p.m., Friday March 18th
• Tickets: Limited tickets available at the door.

Comedy at Hermann’s Jazz Club

This Friday, a territorial roast battle will be taking place at Hermann’s Jazz Club, where pro comedians will roast on behalf of their homelands. 

Battles include Victoria vs. Nanaimo, British Columbia vs. Quebec, Langford vs. Sidney and more!

Come enjoy this all ages event!

• Where: 753 View Street, Hermann’s Jazz Club
• When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m., Friday March 18th
• Tickets: $20 each. You can get your tickets here.

Watch a Victoria Royals game

This weekend, the Victoria Royals face off in back-to-back games against the Prince George Cougars.

• When: Friday, March 18th; puck drops at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, March 19th; puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
• Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
• Tickets: Available online and at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre box office

2022 Annual Rock and Gem Show

This weekend, the Victoria’s annual rock and gem show returns!

The event, presented by Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society, is the perfect place to browse and take home some new treasures. 

As per provincial health mandates, vaccine passports will be required.

• Where: 195 Bay Street, Leonardo Da Vinci Italian Centre
• When: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday March 18th, 10 a.m to 6 p.m., Saturday March 19th and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 20th.
• Admission: Cash only at the door. $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/students, $12 for a family of 4, $10 for a weekend pass. Children aged 12 and under are free.

Crossroads: Grand National Fibre Art Exhibition

From now until May 22nd, visitors to the Victoria Arts Council Main Gallery will be treated to a stunning display of quilts, felting, weaving and other fibre art from across Canada. 

The showcase, which is on a national tour, aims to showcase the incredible creativity of Canadian quilt artists. 

• Where: 1800 Store Street, Victoria Arts Council, Main Gallery
• When: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays until May 22nd
• Admission: $2 to $20, by donation.

Franco Fest

This Saturday, the Victoria Francophone Society (SFV) is launching the first edition of Franco Fest. 

The festival will celebrate French culture, music and traditional French-Canadian food. 

Throughout the day, the public will be able to buy local products and discover francophone surprises during the Plaza Franco market, located around Bastion Square.

• Where: 1218 Langley Street
• When: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, March 19th
• Reservations for Sugar Shack Meal: $30 online here or $35 at the door.

Dodd’s Furniture Fundraiser for Ukraine

Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress is partnering with The Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, Soap for Hope and HeroWork for a fundraiser!

This weekend, a percentage of each sale will be donated to Ukrainian relief. As a thank you for your donation, Gordy Dodd will also pay 10$ of your purchase!

On Saturday, Dodd will be going up in a scissor lift, high above the ground at Dodd’s Victoria to draw attention and raise donations that will help fill a shipping container full of items destined for the Compassionate Resource Warehouse and the Ukrainian Community here and at home.

Dodd’s Furniture locations in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River will also be accepting soap, socks, shampoo, sleeping bags and more.

• Where: 715 Finlayson Street
• When: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday March 19th and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday March 20th

See a comedy show at Hecklers

After being closed for nearly two years, Hecklers is back to fulfill your comedy needs. Every Saturday night, enjoy a comedian followed by Comedy Here Often?’s The Late show.

This weekend, Chris Betts will be recording his comedy album during his set!

• Where: 123 Gorge Road East, Hecklers Bar and Grill

• When: Chris Betts: 7 p.m., Saturday, Comedy Here Often? The Late Show: 10 p.m., Saturday, March 19th
• Tickets: $20. Tickets can be purchased online here.

UVic Full Moon Dance Jam

Do you need to destress? Are you looking to dance, connect with others and lose yourself in the music?

This Saturday, Silent DJ Victoria will be hosting the first ever UVic Full Moon Dance Jam with electronic and house music.

Reserve a headset by suggested sliding scale donation of $15, $18 or $20 on Eventbrite or send an etransfer to info@silentdjvictoria.com.

• Where: Cadboro-Gyro Park
• When: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday March 19th
• Tickets: You can grab your ticket here.

Audition to be on Family Feud Canada

The Canadian version of the iconic game show is back for a fourth season, and they’re on the hunt for energetic families with quick wit for an unforgettable experience.

The show, hosted by actor and comedian Gerry Dee, is looking for Canadians from across the country to participate.

And you can audition virtually!

All team members must be over 18 years of age. For health safety reasons, no in-person auditions will be happening until further notice.

Ready to play the Feud? You can apply for a virtual audition here.

Check out BC Park’s new reservation website

The brand new BC Parks’ reservation website launches on Monday, March 21st, but users can already visit the site to create their user accounts and save booking preferences to ensure a smooth booking experience in the future.

Once reservations have opened, users will be able to reserve campsites up to two months before their desired arrival date at most campgrounds.

You can check out the website here.