It’s the first weekend of May!
The weather is warming up and the tides are going to be low, whether you’re looking for a family event or something to do with just adults, there is something for everyone.
And if you’re a bookworm, you’ll want to make some time for the Times Colonist Book Sale!
Here are 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, May 6th to 7th:
TD Family Sport & Recreation Festival
Organizers of the TD Family Sport and Recreation Festival at PISE are thrilled for its return. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before, featuring popular activities suitable for all members of the family to enjoy. Last year’s festival attracted over 2,000 parents and children aged between 5 to 13 years old, who participated in a variety of sports, para-sports, obstacle courses, outdoor rock wall climbing, and much more.
The primary objective of the festival is to encourage families to adopt a more active lifestyle and to promote physical literacy in children by involving them in sports and recreational activities. It provides an opportunity for kids to discover new opportunities at the club and community level while allowing parents to learn more about ways to keep their children engaged in healthy activities.
- Where: Pacific Institute for Sport Education, 4371 Interurban Road
- When: Saturday, May 6th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Victoria Pet Expo
The 2-Day Pet Lifestyle and Education Conference invites attendees to learn from 6+ industry experts about their pet’s gut-brain connection, ways to boost their immune system, soothe their joint pain, calm their anxiety, and how to better understand their communication.
The conference offers a range of workshops, such as DIY lessons on how to bathe pets with safe products, clip their nails while keeping them calm, make homemade treats, stop leash pulling, or learn how to make pets “insta-famous”.
The conference also offers opportunities to stay active with pets, including no-equipment-needed workouts, and yoga classes led by industry-leading instructors. Attendees are also invited to bring their pets to play at the Victoria Pet Expo during the day.
- Where: Pearkes Rec Centre 3100 Tillicum Road
- When:
- Saturday, May 6th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 7th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Victoria Guitar Show
Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Amps, Pedals plus more. This all day event features guitar builders from across North America. Visitors are encouraged to celebrate the unique craft in building guitars and other stringed instruments by having the opportunity to talk with the builders, listen to performances and test world class instruments.
- Where: Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, May 6th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Buzz on location: GableCraft’s Viewing
Are you looking to make the West Shore your new home? Now’s the time to take the plunge!
The beautiful community of Royal Bay sits right at the edge of the water, with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains to south and the skyline of Victoria’s iconic inner harbour just to the east.
GableCraft Homes is rolling out a new phase of residences in this scenic community, featuring an exciting collection of homes that offers the flexibility to fit your lifestyle.
The show will take place both Saturday and Sunday, and we will be on site on Sunday, come say hi and try and WIN some prizes!
- When: Saturday, May 6th, Victoria Buzz will be on site from 12 p.m. 2 p.m.
- Where: 394 Tradewinds Avenue, Colwood
Times Colonist Book Sale
The annual Times Colonist Book Sale returns to the Victoria Curling Club this weekend! Half a million books will be for sale for $2 for children’s books and pocketbooks, $2 for softcovers and $3 for hardcovers. Payment is by cash, debit or credit card.
No entry fee. All proceeds go to literacy on Vancouver Island.
- When:
- Saturday, May 6th, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, May 7th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Victoria Curling Club, 1952 Quadra Street
World Naked Gardening Day
Don’t be alarmed if your neighbour is out gardening naked this weekend, Victoria.
This Saturday, May 7th, is World Naked Gardening Day, an annual international event celebrated on the first Saturday of May by gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
World Naked Gardening Day has become a day that highlights the art of weeding, planting flowers and trimming hedges in the buff.
- When: Saturday, May 7th, anytime of the day
- Where: Your garden!
Hike for Hospice
The Hike for Hospice 2023 returns to Fisherman’s Wharf Park this weekend in support of patients and families at Victoria Hospice. The event commences at 9 a.m., featuring a scenic walk in James Bay with entertainment, coffee, and treats.
Participants can compete for awards such as the top team and individual fundraisers, Workplace and Service Club Challenge, Pawsitive Spirit, and Best-dressed Dog Awards. While the 3.5 km route is accessible to all, some may choose to Hike on Your Site for any distance.
Hike for Hospice is an excellent opportunity to commemorate loved ones while raising vital funds for Victoria Hospice programs and services. Register and get more information about the event.
- When: Saturday, May 7th, starts at 9 a.m. The walk will begin at 10 a.m.
- Where: Fisherman’s Wharf Park, 12 Erie Street
Victoria Symphony presents The Doo Wop Project
The Doo Wop Project is a captivating performance that brings back the classic sounds of Frankie Valli, The Drifters, and other Doo Wop era artists. Led by Sean O’Loughlin, the project takes audiences on a musical journey from its origins to a modern interpretation of the era’s hits. Starring Broadway performers from Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical, The Doo Wop Project recreates some of the most remarkable music in pop and rock history, making it impossible to resist swaying and tapping to the beat.
- When:
- Saturday, May 6th – 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, May 7th – 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
“Meet the Makers” Market at the Bay Centre
The Market Collective invites everyone to join them on the first Saturday of each month to browse through 50+ local and handmade artisan booths, located on level 2 and level 3, as well as in the centre court of the Bay Centre. This is a free event to attend.
On May 6, 2023, Market highlights will include 3 hours of free parking in the Bay Centre’s underground parkade and the opportunity to discover over 60 local artisans. Customers who spend $50 or more at any “Meet the Makers” Market vendor will receive a Spring Bouquet courtesy of the Bay Centre. To redeem the offer, visit the Bay Centre table on level 2 across from the Market Collective. This offer is valid for the first 100 customers while quantities last, and must be redeemed in-person by customers aged 19 or older. The offer cannot be combined with any other promotion and has no cash value.
The Market Collective also encourages visitors to bring non-perishable food items, hygiene products, warm socks, toques, and gloves to help support the work of The Rainbow Kitchen and The Community Fridge.
- When: Saturday, May 6th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
BC Boat Show in Sidney
Ahoy there, boat enthusiasts! Get ready to set sail for Sidney, as the BC Boat Show makes its triumphant return this spring to Port Sidney Marina. The event runs from May 4th to May 7th.
With around 200 boats of all shapes and sizes on display, visitors can tour the latest models, explore used boats, and chat to certified yacht brokers about all the features on offer.
But it’s not just boats – marine businesses will be showcasing their wares, from navigation electronics to clothing.
And if you’re looking to buy, brokers are often prepared to offer special pricing for at-the-show sales.
- Where: Port Sidney Marina, 9835 Seaport Place
- When: Thursday May 4th to Sunday, May 7th
See low tides at Botanical Beach
Ready to explore the incredible tide pools at Botanical Beach?
This weekend, Port Renfrew’s Botanical Beach will experience super low tides, but an early wake-up call will be necessary to catch them.
Those living in and around Victoria will want to head out two hours prior to ensure you arrive in time. And while you’re headed that way, make sure to take in the the amazing scenery along the way.
- Where: Port Renfrew’s Botanical Beach
- When: Saturday, May 6th to Sunday, May 7th, see low tide times here
