We finally saw the sun, Victoria!
This week, we got a glimpse of spring and it was incredible and if the forecast is correct, we have more on the way.
This weekend, there are plenty of markets, shows and other events to attend to celebrate the season.
You can also support Ukraine through a bottle drive or attending this weekend’s upcoming rally!
Whatever you plan to do, be sure to prepare for the weather as Environment Canada has just issued a wind warning for Friday afternoon and evening.
Here are 16 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, April 9th-10th:
Check out a Polish and Ukrainian Easter Market
Attending a rally isn’t the only way Victorias can show their support for Ukraine this weekend. A Polish and Ukrainian Easter Market is set for Saturday, April 9th.
It’s happening at the White Eagle Polish Association on Dock Street from 12 to 3:30 p.m., and all funds raised from sales will help Ukraine.
Stop by to purchase pierogies, Ukrainian borsch, cabbage rolls, traditional polish poppyseed cakes, cheesecakes, vegan cookies, chocolate truffles, Polish food products, sheepskin products and many other treats!
- When: Saturday, April 9th from 12 to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: White Eagle Polish Association, 90 Dock Street
Donate bottles to support BC Children’s Hospital
Did you know that only 40% of kids with mental health challenges in BC are getting the specialized care they need?
You can help fix that.
This April, your spring cleaning and donation of old recyclable bottles and containers can help kids across the province get the help they deserve.
Every month, proceeds from recyclable beverage container donations at Bottle Depots’ three donation bins support a new local charity.
In April, all generated proceeds from those donated, recyclable containers will help support mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital.
- When: The whole month of April!
- Where: Bottle Depot donation bins located at 3961 Quadra Street, 4261 Glanford Avenue and 655 Queens Avenue
Attend Kidovate
An annual event inspiring the next generation of young entrepreneurs in Victoria is back and, this weekend, you can help make their dreams become a reality.
Every year, the initiative helps middle and high school age students in Greater Victoria develop products and services to sell at the Kidovate market.
Kidovate also connects youth with UVic business student mentors who can help them with their business!
On April 9th, young entrepreneurs aged 12 to 17 will take over the centre court at the Bay Centre to display and sell their new products and services.
- Where: Centre Court in the Bay Centre
- When: 10 a.m to 5 p.m., Saturday April 9th
Shred some documents
Hey Greater Victoria
We are holding a Community Shredding Event this Saturday (April 9th) at the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre.
If you have any paper documents that you need to have disposed of safely and securely, please stop by and see us.
Hope to see you there. pic.twitter.com/KTZph2KJuF
— GV Crime Stoppers (@VicCrimeStop) April 5, 2022
This Saturday, Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers will be holding a Community Shredding event at the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre.
Stop by if you have any paper documents that need to be disposed of safely and securely.
Shredding will be by donation, with a suggested donation of $10 per box.
- Where: Juan De Fuca Rec Centre, 1767 Island Highway
- When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday April 9th
- Donation: Suggested $10 donation per box.
Broad View Thrift Store Bottle Drive
This weekend, the Broad View Thrift Store will be holding a bottle drive, with all proceeds donated to the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
No sorting will be required, just bring your bottles down for donation.
- Where: Broad View Thrift Store, 3703 St. Aidan’s Street (Parking lot)
- When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday April 9th
Rockin’ the West Coast
This weekend, enjoy a musical performance by Victoria’s newest band Last Night in Vegas.
The professional cover band performs everything from Guns and Roses to Lady Gaga.
If you would like to attend as a ‘signed-in’ guest, send them a message via the event’s Facebook page.
- Where: Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans Club, 9831 4th Street, Sidney
- When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday April 9th
Take a Tour of Ross Bay Villa
Tours at Ross Bay Villa are back!
Every Saturday, take a journey back in time to Ross Bay Villa Historic Museum, a volunteer-led restoration project and museum located in Fairfield.
On your tour, you will stroll past heritage apple trees and blooming plants and step into one of only a few 1860’s homes still standing in the city.
- Where: 1 p.m. every Saturday afternoon
- When: 1490 Fairfield Road
- Tickets: $5 per person. Tickets must be booked ahead of time here.
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.
- Where: 123 Gorge Road East, Hecklers Bar and Grill
- When: Simon King: 7 p.m., Saturday, Comedy Here Often? The Late Show: 10 p.m., Saturday, April 9th
- Tickets: $20. Tickets can be purchased online here.
This weekend, Pacific FC takes on Forge FC in their season home opener. Get your tickets now!
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: 4 p.m., Sunday April 10th
- Tickets: Can be purchased online here.
Attend a rally for Ukraine
Crowds are expected to gather on the front lawn of BC’s Legislature again this weekend, increasing awareness and standing in solidarity with war-stricken Ukraine.
Another Stand with Ukraine rally is scheduled for Sunday, April 10th at 12:30 p.m. on Belleville Street—and organizers are inviting the public to attend, bearing signs, flags and other symbols of support.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Victoria branch is hosting the rally with the UVic Ukrainian Students’ Society and Victoria Ukrainian Cultural Centre.
- When: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 10th
- Where: Lawn of the BC Legislature, Belleville Street
Caravan World Rhythms Presents: Wesli
This weekend, enjoy a performance by Wesli at the Victoria Events Centre!
His music brings together a wide range of Montreal talents, unititing Haitian voodoo and rara styles with roots, Afrobeat and hip-hop styles.
- Where: Victoria Events Centre, 1415 Broad Street
- When: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7:30 pm., Sunday April 10th
- Tickets: $20 advance, $25 at the door. You can purchase your tickets here.
Take a walk through Butchart Gardens
Brentwood Bay’s brilliant Butchart Gardens has won another accolade!
In a recent release by House Fresh, Butchart Gardens has been ranked as one of the most beautiful gardens in the entire world and the number one in all of Canada.
According to the report, Butchart Gardens was described as beautiful 5,022 times, while the Gardens by the Bay was described as beautiful 12,385 times.
The Butchart Gardens is enjoyed year-round by locals and tourists and has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
- Location: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday
- Tickets: Can be purchased upon arrival or online here.
Apply for a reality dating show
Calling all BC farmers, it’s time to delete those dating apps.
Farming for Love, an upcoming CTV series, is currently looking for single, BC-based farmers of all ages, backgrounds, genders and orientations who are looking for their life partners.
The new, unscripted dating series will follow five Canadian farmers searching for their soulmates and you could be one of them!
You can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply here!
Indulge in mini egg desserts
Easter is right around the corner, which means soon we will be eating copious amounts of chocolate and desserts.
Across Victoria, restaurants, bakeries and confectionaries are putting an Easter spin on their products by adding mini eggs to their recipes!
There’s no hunting for these desserts.
Check out our list of places to get chocolate mini egg desserts in Victoria ahead of Easter long weekend here!
Eat a burrito
Although National Burrito Day is over, there is never a bad day to have a burrito and celebrate the amazing creation.
If you’re looking to try a local restaurant, check out our list of places in Victoria to get a delicious burrito here.
Try a delicious local pastry
Let’s face it—your morning cup of joe is always best accompanied by a delicious pastry.
The sweet, flaky, delectable treats are often paired with a warm beverage, but can also be enjoyed all on their own, and make the perfect breakfast, dessert, or even afternoon delight.
Luckily for Victorians, there’s no shortage of spectacular cafes and bakeries that carry an abundance of the scrumptious fare—the hardest part is choosing where to go!
Check out our list of 22 places to get a delicious pastry in Victoria here.
