This weekend, summer is finally in full swing.
With temperatures in Victoria predicted to reach 29ºC next week, it will be an important weekend to plan ahead.
Make sure your home is ready for the heat, checking in on your AC units and stocking up on plenty of fans.
This weekend, the sun is out and temperatures aren’t quite so extreme, so be sure to wear your sunscreen and enjoy some summer fun!
Here are 24 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, July 22nd-24th:
Victoria Shamrocks vs Coquitlam Adanacs
As community support continues to pour in for the police officers involved in last month’s bank shootout in Saanich, the Victoria Shamrocks announced they will be hosting a special “Stronger Together” game at The Q Centre this Friday.
The Shamrocks are hosting two auctions in an effort to raise funds for those injured officers’ families. An online auction will run from Friday, July 22nd until Tuesday, July 26th.
There will also be an in-game silent auction for fans to bid on, that will run until the end of the second period.
- When: Friday, July 22nd, ceremonies start at 6:45 p.m
- Where: The Q Centre! 1767 Island Hwy
‘Splash Around Town’ music festival
After being cancelled two summers in a row due to the pandemic, the annual Symphony Splash, produced by the Victoria Symphony, has announced they will return with a new ‘Splash Around Town’ event.
The 10-day summer music festival will feature special guests such as Dee Daniels, Steven Page, Craig Northey and more, providing musical performances at some of the city’s most beautiful locations.
Although the event is sure to be a hit, the annual Symphony Splash will be surely missed this year, as it marked one of the largest annual symphony events in North America.
You can learn more here.
- When: July 22nd to 31st
- Where: Various locations downtown Victoria
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online here
Test drive an e-bike or electric car
Currently, transportation accounts for more than half of our region’s greenhouse gas emissions—which is exactly why now is the best time to make the switch from fossil-fueled vehicles to electric and other low-emission modes of transportation.
This summer, the Capital Regional District is inviting residents across the region to get a hands-on feel for electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes and EV chargers at a number of different community events—and it all kicks off this weekend!
The first ‘Charge Your Ride’ test drive and ride event will take place this Saturday, July 23rd at Belmont Secondary.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day, residents will have the opportunity to experience both electric vehicles and e-bikes first-hand to help them decide if these technologies work for their lifestyles.
- When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 23rd
- Where: Belmont Secondary School
Victoria Flamenco Festival 2022
It’s the last weekend of the Victoria Flamenco Festival, showcasing a mix of local and international dancers, singers and guitarists collaborating to bring their love of the fiery art form directly to you!
- When: July 16th to 24th
- Where: Virtual events and events across Victoria
- Tickets: You can get tickets for For the Love of Flamenco, Music Night and QADAR: A date with Fate as well as workshops here.
Japan Fest
Japan Fest is back!
This Summer Matsuri (Japanese Festival) is a joint collaboration between the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society and FUDO Japanese Restaurant.
Enjoy cultural performances, delicious festival food and a raffle for 22 prizes donated by merchants of Broadmead Village Shopping Centre.
Proceeds from this event will help the VNCS support its cultural programs and groups.
- When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, July 23rd
- Where: Broadmead Village Shopping Centre
Malahat Skywalk Summer Saturdays
The Malahat Skywalk are celebrating their one year anniversary with their new ‘Summer Saturdays’ series!
On Saturdays in July and August, the Malahat Skywalk will be open late, with live music and discounts on tickets after 5 p.m.
This weekend, you can enjoy the musical stylings of Christopher Tate.
You can see a full list of entertainment here.
- Where :901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat Skywalk
- When: 9:30 a.m to 8 p.m. July 16th, 23rd, 30th and August 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
James Bay Market
The James Bay Market has been in operation for 28 years. Visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.
- When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th
- Where: Corner of Menzies and Superior Street
Goldstream Farmers Market
Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or home grown.
Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May to October
- Where: Veterans’ Memorial Park, Langford
Sooke Country Market
From April to October, you can find farm fresh veggies, crafts, baking, art and more at the Sooke Country Market.
The market is located in John Phillips Park, near the Sooke District Hall.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from April 23rd to October 8th
- Where: Memorial Park, John Philips, Sooke
Moss Street Market
Summer 2022 marks the 31st season of the Moss Street Market. The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.
Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday May through October
- Where: 401 Moss Street, Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
North Saanich Farm Market
2022 marks the 15th year of the North Saanich Farm Market!
The market is made possible by the love and work of many local growers, crafters, bakers, vintners and brewers and the dedicated volunteers and board.
- When: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturdays from June 5th to October
- Where: 10990 West Saanich Road
Peninsula Country Market
The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.
- When: 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanich Fairgrounds
- Where: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from June 4th to October 8th
James Bay Market
The James Bay Market has been in operation for 28 years. Visitors can still support local farms, food producers and craft vendors when they visit the James Bay staple.
- When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th
- Where: Corner of Menzies and Superior Street
Goldstream Farmers Market
Everything at the Goldstream Farmers Market is homemade, handmade or home grown.
Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked breads and goodies, unique and quality crafts and textile creations. There is also live music, a water park and food trucks.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from May to October
- Where: Veterans’ Memorial Park, Langford
Sooke Country Market
From April to October, you can find farm fresh veggies, crafts, baking, art and more at the Sooke Country Market.
The market is located in John Phillips Park, near the Sooke District Hall.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays from April 23rd to October 8th
- Where: Memorial Park, John Philips, Sooke
Moss Street Market
Summer 2022 marks the 31st season of the Moss Street Market. The family favourite offers local and organic produce, handmade crafts, artisan clothing as well as community education.
Moss Street Market now offers an online market with delivery and pick up options. The organization also runs a Winter Market (November through April).
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Saturday May through October
- Where: 401 Moss Street, Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
North Saanich Farm Market
2022 marks the 15th year of the North Saanich Farm Market!
The market is made possible by the love and work of many local growers, crafters, bakers, vintners and brewers and the dedicated volunteers and board.
- When: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturdays from June 5th to October
- Where: 10990 West Saanich Road
Peninsula Country Market
The Peninsula Country Market has more than 50 vendors weekly offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts.
- When: 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanich Fairgrounds
- Where: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays from June 4th to October 8th
Oak Bay Classic Car Festival
The annual Oak Bay Collector Car Festival is back, celebrating 22 years of showcasing the coolest and most sought after collector cars Vancouver Island has to offer.
On Sunday, July 24th car enthusiasts can bring their cars down to Oak Bay to participate in the festival.
Many of the local restaurants and businesses in the area will open for the day. There will also be a prime rib BBQ on the lawn of Municipal Hall.
You can learn more here.
- Where: Vehicles will be on display over five blocks of Oak Bay Avenue, Monterey to Mitchell Street plus a portion of Hampshire Road
- When: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 24th
- Registration Fee: $20
Metchosin Farmers Market
This summer, take a relaxing drive into Metchosin country, where the sheep and cattle graze and the rolling hills beckon.
Buy your fresh vegetables, breads, jams, salsa, baked goods and gifts (or crafts) for your loved ones.
- When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays from May 8th to October 30th
- Where: 4450 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin Municipal Grounds
Sidney Farmers Market
The Sidney Farmers Market is back with artisans, baking, clothing, health and beauty, entertainment and more!
Check out their website weekly for updated vendor lists.
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays from May 8th to September 25th
- Where: Outdoor parking area of Mary Winspear Centre
See an outdoor concert in Victoria
As in past years, the City of Victoria has organized a number of summer events in and around Victoria including live music at six different outdoor venues.
In May, the city announced the CityVibe was returning, a virtual go-to guide for free events, summer festivals, arts and cultural activities, galleries and public markets.
The guide showcases 40 festivals and outdoor activities and more than 100 free outdoor music concerts and activities.
Bands will perform at various featured spots downtown, including Fort Common, Broad Street Pedestrian Zone, Centennial Square, Fisherman’s Wharf Park, and Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park.
Check out the full list of concerts here.
Get your tickets to Serena Ryder in Victoria
This September, Toronto-born, seven time Juno Award winning singer Serena Ryder is coming to Victoria!
Ryder has released eight studio albums since 2007 and is a seven time Juno Award winner, including winning 2022 Adult Contemporary Album of the Year for her most recent album.
‘The Art of Falling Apart Tour’, titled after Ryder’s latest album, invites fans to join her mental wellness journey and to understand the importance of sitting with the uncomfortable moments and the wisdom in their messages.
Ryder will perform in Victoria at The McPherson Playhouse on Saturday, September 17th.
- Where: The McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square.
- When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday September 17th
- Tickets: $56 + fees per ticket. You can get yours at the McPherson Box Office, by calling (250) 386-6121 or online here.
Check out a romantic restaurant in the city
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It’s time for date night!
When it comes to choosing the perfect date night location, there are so many things to consider.
Do you have a favourite restaurant? Or do you want to try something new?
Do you choose based on food? Ambience? Views?
We’re here to help make your decision a bit easier with our list of romantic restaurants in Victoria!
