It’s the weekend and there’s plenty to do!
And better yet, after a four-year hiatus, Rifflandia has returned and is taking over the city.
If that’s not your thing, there’s plenty of other things to do, from Serena Ryder to family fun events to keep to you occupied.
Not sure where to start? Here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, September 17th to 18th:
Rifflandia
It’s back! One of the most highly anticipated music festivals in Victoria is returning to the city this weekend after a four-year hiatus.
The four-day event features performances by nearly 100 acts on eight stages throughout downtown Victoria, including Lorde and Charli XCX headlining, and performances by Lauv, Cypress Hill, Black Pumas, Shaquille O’Neal as DJ Diesel, Ben Harper and more!
- Where: 1014 Caledonia Avenue, Royal Athletic Park, Electric Avenue at Discovery Street, Pembroke Street and Store Street
- When: Thursday, September 15th to Sunday, September 18th
Serena Ryder at the McPherson Playhouse
Seven-time Juno Award winner Serena Ryder is coming to Victoria this weekend. The tour is named in support of her award-winning album “The Art of Falling Apart”. With the Art of Falling Apart, Serena invites listeners to join her mental wellness journey and helps us understand the importance of sitting with the uncomfortable moments and the wisdom in their messages.
Over a driving pop sound bursting with irresistible rhythms, pulsing bass lines, and the full range of her powerful and expressive voice, she pulls listeners through her own winding, transformational journey, detailing despair, toxic relationships, and breakdowns, alongside hope, joy, and big big love.
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, September 17th – opener starts at 7:30 p.m.
Mind Garden x Capital Ballroom
Want to keep dancing after the Rifflandia’s Electric Avenue closes?! Head to Capital Ballroom for late night funky vibes to keep the party going!
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, September 17th –
Victoria Blues Society: Nadine States and Band
Nadine States and Band will be performing with special opening guest Kelly Fawcett.
- Where: Hermann’s Upstairs, 753 View Street
- When: Saturday, September 17th – starting at 8 p.m.
Olav & Lefty at the Rose Pub
Olav & Lefty are an energetic acoustic duo from Victoria BC that cover a wide variety of genres. They live to play, and it shows in their performance including hits from Bruno Mars, Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles to name a few.
- Where: The Rose, 592 Ledsham Road
- When: Saturday, September 17th – starting at 8 p.m.
Light Up the Hills 2022
The Hills are alive with art, light, and music! The Westhills community is hosting their sixth annual Light Up the Hills festival which brings over 3,000 people to the Westhills community.
Light Up the Hills is a family-friendly outdoor festival of light held after dark, that features illuminated artworks that creates a spectacular glowing effect throughout the community. Event participants walk along a designated path, passing by various performances and artworks, and bring their own hand-made lanterns to guide their way.
- Where: Belmont Secondary School and Westhills Park
- When: Saturday, September 17th – 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tillicum Summer Send-Off
Head to the Tillicum Centre parking lot this Saturday for an end of summer celebration! There will be live music, market vendors, and entertainment for the whole family.
There will also be some special guests from Sesame Street making an appearance (around 11:30 a.m.)! Free admission.
- Where: Tillicum Centre in Saanich
- When: Saturday, September 17th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Comedy at Hecklers: Dwayne Perkins
Looking for a laugh? Hecklers is ready to fulfill your comedy needs every Saturday night! Dwayne Perkins will be the main comedian for the evening.
- Where: Hecklers Bar and Grill, 123 Gorge Road East
- When: Saturday, September 17th, 8 p.m.
Broadmead Community Days
After a two-year hiatus, the Broadmead Community Day event returns to Broadmead Village Shopping Centre. The purpose of the event is to bring together Broadmead residents and businesses alike to celebrate this unique community. The celebration includes music, food, door prizes, children’s activities, and Village merchant sidewalk sale for those interested in participating.
- Where: Broadmead Village Shopping Centre, 777 Royal Oak Drive
- When: Sunday, September 18th – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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: Saturdays from May 7th to September 24th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Corner of Menzies and Superior Street
Vic West Corn Roast 2022
Celebrate Vic West and Spiral Cafe’s 21 st Anniversary on Raynor Street at Craigflower
Road with local music, food and fun! Munch on delicious roasted and boiled corn, sip fresh apple juice made from Vic West apples, visit with friends and neighbours while local musicians perform, and so much more!
- Where: Raynor Street and Craigflower Road
- When: Sunday, September 18th – 11 p.m. to 4 p.m.
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
