15 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, January 28th – 29th

Happy Friday folks!

It’s the end of the work week and we’re excited as you are, Victoria.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy classic rhythm and blues or cheer on your favourite home team, here are 15 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, January 28th – 29th:

Government House Public Tours

Government House opens for a limited series of public tours. Explore the art and rooms of this unique residence, and learn about the ceremonial and constitutional roles of the Lieutenant Governor, and the role the Office of the Lieutenant Governor has played in the history of Victoria and the province of British Columbia.

• Where: Government House, 1401 Rockland Avenue
• When: Saturday, January 28th, 10 a.m.

Winter Pruning Workshop

We know that taking shears to your favourite fruit tree can be intimidating, however proper pruning is essential to maintaining tree health. Join local pruning expert Tim Fryatt at Welland Orchard as he shares his knowledge at our interactive winter pruning workshop.

• Where: Welland Legacy Park and Community Orchard, 1215, Stancil Lane Victoria
• When: Saturday, January 28th, 10 a.m.

Chinatown Walks

Walk in the footsteps of gold miners, merchants, labourers and revolutionaries as you experience Chinatown’s vibrant contemporary culture and learn the secrets of its remarkable past on an in-depth walk with an expert guide! 

• Where: 1689 Government Street
• When: January 28th, 10:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Black History Month – Launch Party

Sit down to hot and spicy African food to mark the start of Black History Month followed by a dance party!

• Where: Victoria Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara Street
• When: Saturday, January 28th, 6 p.m.

The Golden Rabbit Chinese New Year Dinner

You are invited to celebrate the Year of The Golden Rabbit at Golden City!

Serving eight courses of delicious Chinese cuisine followed by decadent desserts from La Roux Patisserie, a local French pastry shop in the heart of Victoria‘s Chinatown.

This event sells out each year so guests are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance

• Where: Golden City Restaurant, 721 Fisgard Street
• When: Saturday, January 28th, 6 p.m.

Victoria Royals VS Kamloops Blazers

The Victoria Royals will return to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre this weekend for a pair of contests (Friday and Saturday) against the BC Division-leading Kamloops Blazers on Friday and Saturday night.

• Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
• When: Saturday, January 28th, puck drops 6:05 p.m.

Vinyl Envy Presents: Chase the Bear

Chase The Bear is a rock and roll band from Vancouver, BC that mixes catchy hooks, roaring electric guitars, and hard-hitting rhythms inspired by classic rock with influences of indie, soul, R&B, and pop.

• Where: Vynl Envy, 1717 Quadra Street
• When: Saturday, January 28th, 7:30 p.m.

Victoria Symphony presents Mash-Up: Movies and the Masters

Film buffs and classical music lovers, this one’s for you!

If you’ve ever wondered how Beethoven’s Ninth would float next to music from Pirates of the Caribbean, or how Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite would wash with Slumdog Millionaire, now’s your chance to find out.

This weekend, Victoria Symphony is bringing together Mash-Up: Movies and the Masters! In this unconventional program, violinist Lisa Dondlinger merges some of Hollywood and classical music’s most iconic melodies to produce amazing and surprising results.

• When: 
  • Saturday, January 28th – 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, January 29th – 2:30 p.m.
• Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• Tickets: Tickets for the Saturday show can be purchased online here, and for the Sunday show here

Dance Temple w/ guest DJ Cat

Welcome to Dance Temple, 2023! Join DJ Cat at Edelweiss Club for a community ecstatic dance session this Sunday!

• Where: Victoria Edelweiss Club, 108 Niagara Street
• When: Sunday, January 29th, 11 a.m.

2023 Chinese Lunar New Year Parade

This year the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club is inviting you to the Lion Dance parade, where the lions will make their way throughout Chinatown, visiting merchants as they hang donations in red envelopes also known as lucky money.

Taking place on Sunday, January 29th, this parade will happen through all conditions, rain, shine and even snow!

• Where: Gates of Harmonious interest, Fisgard Street
• When: Sunday, January 29th, 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Intimate Sunday Afternoon Concert

Spend an intimate afternoon with Vancouver’s Jazz/Blues vocalist LJ, and pianist Jan Randall. Showcasing her recent album

• Where: 1010 Fort Street
• When: Sunday, January 29th, 3 p.m.

Kids vs Aliens

An all-time rager of a teen house party turns to terror when aliens attack, forcing two warring siblings to band together to survive.

Starring: Dominic Mariche, Pheobe Rex, Calem Macdonald, Asher Percival, and Ben Tector.

• Where: Victoria Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
• When: Sunday, January 29th, 6:30 p.m.

Victoria Baroque

Performing on period instruments, Victoria Baroque returns to play a gorgeous program of Bach, Telemann, Handel, and Boismortier with special guest harpsichordist, Marco Vitale.

• Where: CFB Esquimalt Wardroom, 1586 Esquimalt Road
• When: Sunday, January 29th. 7 p.m.

Drag Sunday

Victoria’s most sought after weekly drag show! Hosted by the legendary Shelita Cox, with rotating headliners and appearances

• Where: Paparazzi Nightclub, 642 Johnson Street
• When: Sunday, January 29th, 8 p.m.

Skate with the Victoria Royals

Skate with the Victoria Royals this Sunday! The Royals will be at the Langford Outdoor Rink on Sunday, January 29th at 3 p.m. for a public skate, plus a meet & greet! Plus there will be a signed jersey raffle at the event!

• Where: Langford Outdoor Rink, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Sunday, January 29th, 3 p.m.