We’re gearing up for the weekend, Victoria!
This Friday is set to be a busy one with all of the incredible festivals kicking off and carrying through until the end of the weekend, so be sure to check a few of them out for yourself.
Spend some time outdoors during a social paddle in Brentwood Bay, dive into some delicious Greek food at GreekFest, discover the magic of the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival, and much more!
Keep reading to learn more about the chosen 5 things to do in and around Victoria on Friday, August 25th:
The Victoria Jazz Society is kicking off their annual BC Smoke Shop Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival this Friday, August 25th, and it will run until Sunday, August 27th!
They promise a weekend of exceptional performances, high energy, meaningful connections with the lyrics and crowd — all underneath the beautiful summer sky at Ship Point in downtown Victoria or within the atmospheric walls of Hermann’s Upstairs.
Friday’s lineup will feature Samantha Fish with Jesse Dayton, and special guest Boy Golden — playing at Ship Point at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $42.50 and can be purchased here.
Additionally, another great show from Mazacote will be taking place at Hermann’s Upstairs at 9:30 p.m. for tickets can be purchased for $31.50.
- Where:
- Ship Point, 812 Wharf Street
- Hermann’s Upstairs: 753 View Street 2nd floor
- When: Friday, August 25th
- Ship Point: 7 p.m.
- Hermann’s Upstairs: 9:30 p.m.
Brentwood Bay Social Paddle
Blue Jellyfish SUP Adventures is offering a twist on the beauty of socializing!
Every Friday, they’re now offering a Friday Night Social Paddle, where residents can enjoy a semi-guided sunset paddle that’s free if you have your own gear.
It’s described as a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of Brentwood Bay, engage with fellow community members, and learn or refine their paddleboarding skills.
For the first Friday of every month, paddlers gather at Swartz Bay, and the following Fridays will occur at Pacifica Paddle Sports in Brentwood Bay!
If you don’t have your own gear, they offer rentals for $35.
Be sure to sign up as there are limited spots!
- Where:
- Pacifica Paddle Sports, Portside Marina, 789 Saunders Lane in Brentwood
- Swartz Bay
- When: Every Friday from 5:50 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. between May and through until the end of September.
GreekFest
Back for their 22nd year is Victoria’s GreekFest — a celebration of Greek cuisine, mesmerizing dances, and fascinating ethnic and cultural performances at the Greek Orthodox Church and Community Centre.
It occurs over the course of two weekends (the more the merrier!), so you can get your fill this weekend, from Friday, August 25th to Sunday, August 27th as well as Friday, September 1st to Monday, September 4th.
You can take a look at the schedule for the full list of performances and their dates and times!
It’s free to attend, but be sure to bring cash for the food because their wonderful vendors don’t accept cards.
- Where: 4648 Elk Lake Drive
- When:
- Friday, August 25th to Sunday, August 27th — 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday, September 1st to Monday, September 4th — 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Free-B Film Festival
Back with another classic, the Free-B Film Festival presented by the Victoria Film Festival will be screening Pacific Rim Uprising!
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.
Their very last showing is coming up this weekend, Saturday, August 26th, so keep an eye out for that!
- Where: 250 Bridge Way, Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park
- When: Friday, August 25th at 9 p.m.
Fringe Festival: Theatre SKAM
As a part of Fringe Festival, the Theatre SKAM is thrilled to showcase Chaz Avery & Gay Jatsby’s show, Like Father, Like Hatchling!
The iconic pair share laughs and tears via stories and songs about the transmasculine experience through their drag personas — it’s been described as “a perfect panacea for your daddy issues.”
All tickets are sold in advance and are priced at $12 plus the additional $1.50 processing fee.
You also need a Fringe Festival button to view the show (a membership pass for the festival), and it’s $6 if you haven’t grabbed one yet! They can be purchased at the venues, online, or at the Fringe’s box office.
- Where: 849 Fort Street
- When: Friday, August 25th from 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
