TGIF!
Earlier this week, a heat warning was issued for Courtenay to Campbell River, Duncan to Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay to Fanny Bay. Although no heat warning was issued for Greater Victoria, it is still sure to be a hot one!
This weekend, attend the opening of a brand new skatepark, snap a photo in the sunflowers and enjoy a BOGO deal at Cineplex.
The annual Tour de Victoria cycling event is also happening this weekend, so be sure to check ahead for road closures before heading downtown on Saturday.
Here are 28 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, August 19th to 21st:
Visit a sunflower festival
Get ready to soak up these last few weeks of sweet summer sunshine at one of our favourite local hidden gems—the Saanichton Sunflower Festival is back!
This is one seasonal pastime that you’re not going to want to miss out on before it’s gone, as the flowers only bloom until early September.
The Saanichton Sunflower Festival is nestled within the fields of the stunning Ocean View States, located on the Saanich Peninsula.
- When: 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week
- Where: 7979 Central Saanich Road
- Tickets: Available online
Platinum Jubilee Festival
The Government House will be hosting a Platinum Jubilee Fest, a free, rain or shine event to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The event will feature performances from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Pacific Opera Victoria and Ballet Victoria.
There will also be food trucks, free light refreshments courtesy of Government House as well as activities for kids including a bouncy castle and games.
- Where: 1401 Rockland Avenue, Government House
- When: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, August 19th
Fridays at the Station
Langford Station has a whole new look and it is sure to be the new place to be!
The station turned community hub features cold drinks, delicious food and plenty of shopping every Friday throughout the summer.
The weekly pop-up summer series is hosted by Victoria Beer Society who will also be on site serving up cold sleeves and flights of craft beer each week.
- Where: Langford Station, 720 Station Avenue
- When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., every Friday until August 26th
Free-B Film Festival
It is the last weekend for free movies in Beacon Hill Park!
On Fridays and Saturday, you are invited to the park’s Cameron Bandshell to enjoy some B-movie classics and nostalgic cinema.
Attendees to the event are invited to bring blankets, snacks and treats!
On Friday, August 19th, The Tingler will play. On Saturday, August 20th, visitors will enjoy Journey To the Centre of the Earth.
- Where: Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park
- When: 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays throughout August
Topaz Park Skate and Bike park grand opening
The new bike and skate park at Topaz Park will celebrate its grand opening next weekend, following a nearly $8 million investment.
On Saturday, August 20th, a community celebration will mark the opening of Topaz Park’s new skate and bike parks.
The public is invited to attend the grand opening which will feature prizes, games and demonstrations by some of Canada’s top professional riders.
The event will include tours with New Line Skateparks to introduce the various park features to the community, as well as food trucks, community booths and a live DJ.
- Where: Topaz Park
- When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday August 20th
Malahat Skywalk Summer Saturdays
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The Malahat Skywalk are celebrating their one year anniversary with their new ‘Summer Saturdays’ series!
On Saturdays in 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 Kelly Fawcett.
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., August 20th and 27th
Victoria Health and Wellness Fair
This weekend, a Health and Wellness Fair will take place in North Park, focusing on all things relating to health and wellness.
The event will include a trade show, a food fair and a collection of information sessions and free exhibits.
The event is hosted by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society.
- Where: 1000 Block of North Park Street
- When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday August 20th
See a comedy show at Hecklers
Looking for a laugh? Hecklers is ready to fulfill your comedy needs every Saturday night!
- Where: 123 Gorge Road East, Hecklers Bar and Grill
- When: Julia Hladkowicz and Matt O’Brien: 8 p.m., Saturday, August 20th
- Tickets: $20. Tickets can be purchased online here.
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.
Masks are mandatory while touring the Villa.
- Where: 2 p.m. every Saturday afternoon
- When: 1490 Fairfield Road
- Tickets: $5 per person. Tickets must be booked ahead of time here.
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
10th Annual Langford Show & Shine
Head down to the arch on Goldstream Avenue for the 10th Annual Langford Show and Shine, with classic muscle cars from 1975 and earlier. Awards will be handed out at 1:00 p.m. at the Langford Station Stage.
Parking for cars is open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. or until full on first. Click here to register.
- Where: Goldstream Avenue Arch
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, August 21st
Uptown Car Show
The first annual Uptown Car Show will take place on the top level of Uptown this August. Have you restored a vintage car, own a hot rod, or know someone who does? Show it off and this newest event. Registration is free.
- Where: Uptown Shopping Centre, on L4 by Whole Foods
- When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, August 21st
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
Try one of Canada’s best new restaurants
If you’re looking for a delicious new restaurant, a brand new addition to North Saanich just made a list of best new restaurants in the country!
Since 2002, Air Canada enRoute has embarked on a mission to put Canada’s best new restaurants on the map.
Any food establishment that fully opened between late spring 2021 and May 31st, 2022 was up for consideration.
And this year, North Saanich’s very own Fox and Monocle made the top 30 list.
- Location: 2300 Canoe Cove Road #3, North Saanich
- Hours: The bakery is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Monday. The restaurant is open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday to Monday.
Check out this Saanich mural
On Saturday, 40 volunteers from the Falaise Community Association, the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network, and the local neighbourhood, installed a road mural on Falaise Crescent.
The mural was designed by Desiree Shelley, a local artist, who worked with neighbours to develop a design that reflected the identity of the street.
The artwork portrays a motif of yellow montane violets, chosen because Falaise Park is one of the few places in the region where the rare flower is found.
BOGO at Cineplex
Cineplex’s BOGO deal is back just in time for you to catch a summer flick with a friend this weekend.
When you book a ticket for any showtime between August 19th and 21st, and use the promo code 2022241 at checkout, you’ll get a second ticket at no extra charge.
With three Cineplex locations in Greater Victoria, and a collection of amazing movies playing, the possibilities are endless.
