It’s the weekend in Victoria, and there’s no shortage of fun things to do in this vibrant city!
While the weather has been less than ideal, don’t let that stop you from enjoying your free time. This weekend also marks the 53rd of Earth Day, an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainability.
Without further ado, here are 9 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend:
Saanich Earth Day Festival
The Saanich Earth Day Festival is all about everyday sustainability. It is a chance to celebrate the planet, fight against climate change, and learn about everyday ways we can lessen our impact on the Earth as a community and as individuals.
The event offers the opportunity to learn about small changes you can make in your life that will have a big impact on our climate. From composting and pollinator gardens to heat pumps and e bikes, there will be something for everyone.
Saanich Earth Day will feature live music by local musicians, a vendor village, food trucks, and interactive elements like a bike skills course. Try an e-bike, learn about new and amazing vegan restaurants, buy a bamboo toothbrush, and get crafty with eco-friendly art activities.
- When: Saturday, April 22nd, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: 770 Vernon Ave, behind Saanich Municipal Hall
Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens
Enjoy one last hurrah at Point Ellice House, presented by the Vancouver Island Local History Society. Don’t miss your final opportunity to see the captivating Animals of Point Ellice House exhibit. Staff and volunteers will be available to chat about the enchanting gardens, the historic house, and our numerous achievements in managing the site.
Parking is restricted, so please consider cycling, walking, or using public transportation.
- When: Saturday, April 22nd, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 770 Vernon Ave, behind Saanich Municipal Hall
Bay Centre Earth Day Plant Giveaway
This Saturday, we’re celebrating Earth Day at the Bay Centre—and you’re invited!
Earth Month isn’t just a way to celebrate this planet we call home, it’s also a call to action—and a reminder to always consider tomorrow.
And in celebration of Mother Earth, the Bay Centre has teamed up with Victoria Buzz to give away a free gift! The first 400 guests to stop by the Bay Centre’s Centre Court will get a FREE potted plant!
- Where: Bay Centre’s Centre Court, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, April 22nd from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Killing In The Name LIVE! w/special guests
Join Killing In The Name (Tribute to RATM), Apocalypse Meow, and Mount Rushka for a night of powerful music and civil disobedience.
Dedicated to bringing legendary music to the masses, Killing In The Name offers an unforgettable experience for fans seeking to relive some of the most influential moments in music history. This is a must-see event, according to Pol Plastino, host of The Zone @91-3.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, April 22nd from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Oak Bay Artists’ Studio Tour
The Oak Bay Artists’ Studio Tour is a chance to see and buy visual art created by local artists. This includes watercolour, acrylic, and oil paintings, photography, woodcuts, as well as fiberglass, and pottery creations.
The tour is self-guided and free, and Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture provides maps to help visitors find the artists’ homes and studios. Established and emerging artists use their personal spaces to showcase their work. The event is organized by Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture.
- Where: Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
- When:
- Saturday, April 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, April 23th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pop-up Community Pack Walk
These walks are designed for dogs that struggle with fear, excitement, or reactivity around other dogs and people. Events organizers aim to teach these dogs basic obedience skills and socialization in the presence of distractions. The goal of the event is to help dogs learn to exist around others without interacting with them.
During the walk, they focus on obedience skills, and we end with a weave exercise and a group photo. Dogs are required to be kept on a short leash and ask that owners maintain care and control at all times. If this is your first time walking, arrive at least 20-30 minutes early. This is a supportive, non-judgmental group that is focused on helping dogs improve their behavior.
- Where: Beacon Hill Children’s Farm
- When: Saturday, April 22nd from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Greater Victoria Outdoor Adventure Show
Outdoor adventurers, rejoice! Victoria’s first annual Outdoor Adventure Show is coming to Colwood this weekend.
The new exhibition is taking over the West Shore Parks and Recreation from Friday April 21st to 23rd, and it’s promising to be a wild ride.
- When: Friday April 21st to April 23rd
- Friday, April 21st from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, April 22nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, April 23rd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: West Shore Parks & Rec, 1767 Island Highway
Native Plant Sale at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
This year’s annual Native Plant Sale put on by the SLCHNS will be the first time the sale has returned as an ‘in-person’ event, as well as incorporating online sales.
All proceeds from the sale go toward funding the SLCHNS, which is a non-profit organization who act as stewards to the land their nature house occupies and tend to the natural ecosystems there.
- Where: 3873 Swan Lake Road
- When: Saturday, April 22nd and Sunday, April 23rd, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Comedy Event: Welcome to the Family
Spend some time with your Italian friends – Welcome to the Family! – music, comedy like you’ve never seen before….
- Where: Leonardo Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay Street
- When: Sunday, April 23rd, doors at 2 p.m., show starts at 3 p.m.
