Pride weekend has arrived at last!
Buckle up your boots, strap on your heels, or slip into your sandals — doesn’t matter, just get your butt out there and participate in the wonderful Pride activities happening this weekend.
The famous parade and festival in MacDonald Park, a Pride literary event, and a nightclub after party are just some of the many events to look forward to in sunny Victoria!
There will be a few markets to peruse, an arcade pop-up to frequent, and plenty of strawberries to be eaten — don’t miss any of it!
Now that I have your attention, here are 13 things to do in and around Victoria for Pride weekend:
Pride In The Word
On Saturday, July 8th, you’re invited to enjoy the Victoria Pride Society for one of Canada’s largest pride literary events!
Get excited for readings from Tash McAdam, Adèle Barclay, and Tony Correia.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Lecture Theatre, Victoria Conference Centre 720 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, July 8th from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
Saanich Strawberry Festival
Come for the strawberries and stay for the entertainment!
$1 tickets for strawberry and ice cream treats can be purchased from 11 a.m. onwards (they usually sell out quick, so purchase early) and will be served between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Enjoy live music, face painting, an arts and crafts station, bouncy castles, and more!
Admission is free but make sure you have cash on you for the goodies (there won’t be any ATMs on site).
- Where: Beaver Lake Park
- When: Saturday, July 8th 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Frock and Floral Pop-Up
Peruse all things beautiful at this pop-up vintage and antique dress shop in a garden!
This event is brought to you by Bib & Tucker Vintage and BK Blooms, and will feature fresh floral arrangements and bouquets along with their curated selection of summer dresses.
Enjoy some refreshments while you browse!
- Where: 302 Montreal Street
- When: Saturday, July 8th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Reggae Dance Food Drive
Come and dance the night away at the Food Drive music event at the Victoria Event Centre on Saturday, July 8th.
A combination of Ska, Reggae, Afrobeats, and more awaits you and your pals for an evening of fantastic entertainment!
Your musical journey is brought to you by DJ I-lot, Natty MC, and DJ Judah.
Bring $10 cash and a non-perishable food item, or $15 without the food item — all donations will be given to food banks around Victoria!
- Where: 1415 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, July 8th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Pride Parade
This is the largest Pride event on the island!
Featuring over 100 different colourful entries and more than 40,000 spectators across the city, this parade is always guaranteed to blow your mind and fill your heart.
Grab your glitter, flags, suspenders, and whatever else you need to feel fantastic and we’ll see you there!
- Where: Starts at Douglas and Pandora
- When: Sunday, July 9th at 11 a.m.
Free Hot Core-ilates Class
Join your instructor Matt at Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Saanich for this free core and glutes focused Pilates class with an added O2 fusion flair.
The class will take place on Sunday, July 9th at 12 p.m. — respond as ‘going’ to the Facebook event page so Matt knows to expect you!
It’ll be sweaty, so dress accordingly!
- Where: 4454B West Saanich Road
- When: Sunday, July 9th from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Charity Slo-Pitch Game
This Sunday, on July 9th, the HarbourCats Foundation is presenting “Field of Dreams” —
a charity Slo-Pitch game!
The game will feature Greater Victoria First Responders and Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Famers.
Come by for a promised exciting and fun afternoon at Royal Athletic Park!
Tickets can be purchased here — $20 for adults and $10 for kids, 12 and under.
- Where: 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Sunday, July 9th at 1 p.m.
Pride Festival in the Park
The parade after party is open to everyone and will feature plenty of performances, vendors, water stations, bike valet, kids and adult game zone and more!
It’s licensed as well, so you’ll be able to enjoy a drink or two while you check out what’s happening on the main stage.
Stay tuned to their website as more details are released! The suggested donation is $5. There will also be additional entry points added off Simcoe this year!
- Where: MacDonald Park, Niagara Street
- When: Sunday, July 9th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. — begins after the parade!
Surfrider Beach Cleanups
If you’re looking for a relaxed and rewarding weekend activity, Surfrider hosts a lineup of beach cleanups — their next one set for Sunday, July 9th at Clover Point.
Care for the environment and meet some new pals!
It’s free to participate, they just ask that you sign a waiver and make sure to arrange your own ride.
- Where: Clover Point & Dallas Beach
- When: Sunday, July 9th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pride After Party
- Where: 642 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, July 9th from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Bay Centre/Quazar’s Pop-Up Arcade
They’ve extended their arcade pop-up space until Tuesday, July 11th!
So, this is the last weekend of arcade craze for you and all of your pals to enjoy before they move out of the Bay Centre.
Check out some of your favourite old games like Time Crisis 3, Ms. Pac Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more!
Don’t miss out!
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: All weekend long!
- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hillside Shopping Centre Summer Fling Market
Treat yourself to something special at the first weekend series in the Hillside Summer Fling Market!
This two-day pop-up market will feature 60+ local Artisans with handmade goodies, local musicians, and the alluring summer breeze.
It’s free to check out, but make sure to reserve a spot via Eventbrite!
- Where: 1644 Hillside Avenue #21
- When: Saturday, July 8th and Sunday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tilt! Phillips Backyard Music Festival
Kicking off on Friday, July 7th and continuing until Sunday, July 9th is the highly-anticipated beer and music extravaganza, the Phillips Backyard!
Don’t miss their exceptional lineup of artists scheduled for both days, including highlighted artists such as Snotty Nose Rez Kids, DJ Pee .Wee, Bahamas, and much more!
Check out the full schedule and buy tickets here.
- Where: 2010 Government Street
- When: Saturday, July 8th and Sunday, July 9th — showtimes vary
