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Ready to level up your birthday? Lock in the fun with Nerf, Laser Tag, or Combat Archery with IRL Battle Arena! Bookings are now open for Saturdays at the Glenlyon Norfolk gym starting from September 9th. Secure your preferred date before the slots are filled!
It’s a big weekend for events, Victoria!
Prepare yourself for this exceptional cluster of things to do — including a couple of outdoor movies, a BIPOC music festival, anniversary celebrations for Lighthouse Brewing, a sunflower festival, and so much more.
It’s important to get outside, get moving, and enjoy the lovely weather while we still can!
Without further ado, here’s 17 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, August 19th and 20th.
2nd Annual Function Festival
This is Victoria’s first ever BIPOC music festival completely geared towards emerging Canadian BIPOC talents and international stars!
Ship Harbour invites everyone to partake in this engaging and energetic event filled with vibrant performances and unique experiences like a a barber corner and live art installations.
Performers will include, KYLE, Zach Zoya, Khanvict, Desirèe Dawson, DACEY, and Dilly Cooner.
Additionally, if you’re hoping to find some dinner, you can enjoy some of your favourite food trucks throughout the event!
This event is all-ages — they will have a kids zone as well as a section for audience members who are 19 years or older.
Ticket prices will vary depending on the package you wish to purchase. There is a general admission and VIP package. Children 12 years and younger get in for free!
- Where: 812 Wharf Street
- When: Saturday, August 19th from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.)
Free-B Film Festival
Catch a massive movie-lover favourite, Napoleon Dynamite at Beacon Hill Park!
This outdoor movie experience is a part of Victoria Film Festival’s Free-B Film Festival where loads of classics are playing throughout the month of August.
Be sure to stay tuned so you can catch the next one too!
They ask that you bring a blanket, some snacks, a flashlight, and maybe a teddy bear. There is no cost to enjoy the movie, admission is free — just make sure you pack out what you bring.
- Where: 250 Bridge Way
- When: Saturday, August 19th at 9 p.m.
Lighthouse Brewing Co.’s 25th Anniversary
An exciting anniversary is coming up for Lighthouse Brewing and in celebration, they’re inviting everyone out for a block party!
Described as a pioneer in BC’s craft beer industry and one of the province’s longest-operating craft breweries, they’re excited to share this momentous milestone with the community and look forward to the memories ahead.
It’s free to attend — just bring your craving for beer and some money to satisfy it!
- Where: 836 Devonshire Road Unit 2
- When: Saturday, August 19th from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dance Party at the Victoria Event Centre
For the dancers in the room — this is for you!
Come for the Soul and Funk music from the mid 1960’s to the early 1980’s with a heavy emphasis on Northern Soul rarities and dance the night away.
Bring your pals and dress to impress — there isn’t a dress code but smart dress is strongly encouraged!
Tickets are $15 at the door and coat check will be available.
- Where: 1415 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, August 20th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Blackwood Kings Farewell Show
Local band, the Blackwood Kings are going into their hiatus in style!
With the first of their farewell shows on Friday, August 19th, they’re excited to give the crowds of Victoria one last hoorah on Saturday, August 20th.
Head over to Quadratic Sound with your buddies and give this reggae, ska, and punk band a proper send off with bands Everybody Left and other guests!
Tickets are $22.50 in advance or $25 at the door.
- Where: 655 Queens Avenue
- When: Saturday, August 20th from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Outdoor Movie at the Fairgrounds
Grease lightening incoming…can you feel the electricity?
Catch the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds in their turf during the screening of Grease at the Saanich Fairgrounds!
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., so come for dinner offered by the 4H club, or check out the other fabulous food vendors, plus popcorn and other treats!
That’s not all — you’re also incited to check out the live music by Shenanigans, classic cars on display from the Early Ford V8 club, plus an amazing display of Saanichton in the 50’s by the Saanich Pioneer Museum before the show!
Movie and entertainment is free but bring cash or cards for food/drinks.
- Where: 1528 Stellys Cross Road
- When: Saturday, August 19th at 6 p.m. (gates at 5:30 p.m.)
IRL Battle Arena
Fun for the whole family! Book this epic experience with a group of people and enjoy the socialization, the great outdoors, and the thrill of a game come to life.
IRL Battle Arena’s most commonly used outdoor public venue for play “anywhere” laser tag is the picnic area beside the Ash Road parking lot of Mt. Doug Park. This location has ample parking, excellent washrooms, picnic tables and an area of forest perfect for our games.
Ready to level up your birthday? Lock in the fun with Nerf, Laser Tag, or Combat Archery with IRL Battle Arena! Bookings are now open for Saturdays at the Glenlyon Norfolk gym starting from September 9th. Secure your preferred date before the slots are filled!
- Where: Mt. Doug Park
- When: Saturday, August 11th
The Proper Table Summer Sidewalk Sale
Lovers of all things home and kitchen, this is for you!
This neat summer sale kicked off on Friday, August 18th and will run until the end of the day on Saturday, August 19th.
They need to start making room for their fall lineup, so don’t miss out on some exceptional and summery dinnerware, silverware, table linens, and so much more!
- Where: 2534 Estevan Avenue
- When: Saturday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Beachfront Blowout with Nautical Disaster
Back for another bumping show, Nautical Disaster will be taking over the beach at the Esquimalt Lagoon!
Come check them out as they rock to some seriously awesome Tragically Hip fan favourites.
The music starts at 5 p.m. but if you’re hoping to catch a bite to eat, you’re welcome to come early and check out the lineup of delicious food trucks they’ve selected for everyone.
The event is free to attend!
- Where: Esquimalt Lagoon Beach
- When: Saturday, August 19th at 4 p.m. (music starts at 5 p.m.)
Barbie World at Capital Ballroom
Lovers of all things pink — it is YOUR time to shine!
Captial Ballroom has completely transformed their atmopshere into a true Barbie’s world with loads of pink decorations, a custom Barbie photo booth, a pink runway, a photo wall, and so much more.
And yes, there will be outfit contests, so grab all of your pals and get as creative as you possibly can!
DJ Jansom will be keeping the party bumping late into the night with top Barbie songs and a whole lot of Nicki Minaj.
Tickets and associated prices are sold based on tier — check here to see what’s still available.
- Where: 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, August 19th at 10 p.m.
Saanichton Sunflower Festival
Get ready to soak up these last few weeks of sweet summer sunshine at one of our favourite local hidden gems—the Saanichton Sunflower Festival is now open!
In its fourth year, the Saanichton Sunflower Festival has 23 different varieties expected to bloom over the course of the next 3-5 weeks.
The annual festival is nestled within the fields of the stunning Ocean View States, located on the Saanich Peninsula, and attendees are invited to walk through acres of beautiful sunflowers.
Tickets are available online, and are sold in 1.5 hour timeslots — so you can pick which date and time you want to visit this weekend to make the most of your experience.
There are several photo-ops scattered throughout the fields, as well as a dedicated U-Pick field!
- When:
- Weekdays – 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Weekends – 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Where: 7979 Central Saanich Road
Rugby Canada in Langford’s Starlight Stadium
Canada’s Women’s and Men’s Rugby Sevens Teams will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to qualify for Paris 2024 right here in Langford, and you could be a part of the action.
This August 19th and 20th, you’re invited to Starlight Stadium to watch the teams battle it out on home soil in front of family, friends, and Canadian rugby fans.
Tickets are now on sale, and not only will they get you access to two-full days of rugby action, there will also beer gardens, BBQ, DJs, food trucks, and tons more fan fun all weekend long!
- Where: 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Saturday, August 19th and Sunday, August 20th — game times vary
North Saanich Flavour Trails
Prepare your taste buds, Victoria!
Community-driven and celebrating all things local, the District of North Saanich and Destination Greater Victoria are excited to present you with the North Saanich Flavour Trails Festival.
This incredible festival kicked off on Friday, August 18th and will run until Sunday, August 20th!
It will feature a collection of 18 vendors — taking visitors all over Saanich to explore the rich and delicious venues our farmers and creators have to offer.
So, grab your preferred mode of transportation of hop to it! For those that are biking, the Flavour Trails have once again partnered with Capital Bike to bring you readily-available bike routes, so pump up your tires and let’s go!
- Where: All over North Saanich!
- When: Friday, August 19th to Sunday, August 20th — location hours vary, view their map.
CatVideoFest at Vic Theatre
The Vic Theatre is once again hosting the CatVideoFest — a 70 minute cat compilation that will capture audiences in a cuteness overload.
Plus, a part of every ticket purchased will go directly to Cat’s Cradle Animal Rescue who operate locally out of Greater Victoria!
The shows kicked off on Friday, August 18th and will run until Sunday, August 20th — and although this is a 19+ event, the 3:30 p.m. showing on Saturday will be all-ages!
Tickets are around $13 available here.
- Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
- When: Kicked off on Friday, August 18th and runs until Sunday, August 20th
11th annual Langford Show and Shine
Car enthusiasts and families alike are invited to this free event along Goldstream Avenue and Station Avenue in Langford, — which promises a thrilling spectacle of classic, concept, and unique vehicles!
In addition, the Langford Show & Shine is not just about cars, attendees can immerse themselves in a day of entertainment, music, and activities that extend beyond the automotive realm.
Including local artist Scott Gillies, who will be turning the pavement into a canvas with his mesmerizing 3D chalk art, and Langford’s very own magician, Jason Verners, ready to dazzle the crowd with his enchanting tricks.
- Where: Goldstream and Station Avenues in Langford
- When: Sunday, August 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Judy and Doris Tribute at the Mary Winspear Centre
Get ready for a night of nostalgia!
Back by popular demand, this double-tribute, Doris & Judy Together will feature talented jazz singers, Diane Pancel and Kim Greenwood!
To add to this extra special Doris Day and Judy Garland performance, musicians Ashley Wey on piano, Louis Rudner on bass, Barrie Sorensen on saxophone, and Jon Miller on drums will also accompany the singers.
Tickets are around $42.50 — get them as soon as you can because the show is expected to sell out quickly!
- Where: 2243 Beacon Avenue
- When: Sunday, August 20th at 2 p.m.
Redfern Parkfest
Get ready for a Sunday of family fun!
The South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association is hosting Parkfest at the Redfern Playground in Victoria in celebration of their gardens unveiling at Redford Commons.
You’ll get the works here at Parkfest with live music, lawn games, a bouncy castle for kids 12 and under, a free hot dog or veggie dog (grilled by Little Piggy Catering), popcorn, and a beer garden for attendees aged 19 and over!
Performers will include Zuva and Izzy, Finest Summer/Jody Lubin, Sara Rose, Marina Avros, Mbira Sprit, and more.
You’re also more than welcome to bring your pets because they have a whole corner entirely dedicated to your furry friends called Barkfest!
There will be contests for best doggo costume, best trick, best park manners, and a race.
This incredible community event is free to attend!
- Where: Leighton Road
- When: Sunday, August 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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