It’s the freakin’ weekend, Victoria!
Take some time to recover from your workweek and discover some new and exciting things around the city—including delicious Dole Whip and phenomenal handmade items from Indigenous artists.
There are a couple of must-see performances this weekend as well, such as the popular opera Marriage of Figaro and the off-broadway Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life.
If you’re feeling fancy, there’s a SHINE Gala happening for the BC Children’s Hospital and a Champagne and Cake bridal event!
For all of this and more, here’s 12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—April 6th and 7th:
Treat Yourself to Dole Whip
Attention pineapple and soft serve ice cream lovers…if you haven’t tried it already, Dole Whip is a magical must-try combination of the two.
If you’re already familiar with this wonderful pineapple dessert, you know that it’s the best frozen treat for any warm spring or summer day, and is worth repeated trips to your favourite Dole Whip spot!
To save you the time of finding a restaurant that serves Dole Whip, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to get it!
Full article: 6 places in around Victoria serving up Disneyland’s famous Dole Whip this spring
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Community favourite exhibition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year has returned to the Royal BC Museum as of March 1st!
This exhibit uses the power of photography to raise awareness around animal advocacy and environmental conservation while showcasing some of the world’s best nature photography.
Grab your family and friends and see what was worthy of display this year up!
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
- When: Opened Friday, March 1st and runs until June 2nd during museum hours
Indigenous Pop-Up Shop
The Norway House along Hillside Avenue will be hosting over 25 Indigenous artists for an artist pop-up shop!
Check out a wide variety of handmade creations, including beadwork, cedar bark weaving, silverwork, carvings, herbal medicines and more.
Admission is free and if you have a non-perishable food item, please bring it for the Community Fridge!
- Where: Norway House, 1110 Hillside Avenue
- When: Saturday, April 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
I Heart Trees Exhibition
Come and celebrate the beauty of trees at the Emily Carr House!
Local artist Helga Strauss celebrates the trees of Beacon Hill Park and the surrounding area through painting, writing, and collage in her new exhibition, I Heart Trees.
It opens this Saturday and will remain open on Fridays and Saturdays until May and will feature an artist talk and tour!
If you wish to attend, you can visit the Carr House website and sign up.
- Where: Emily Carr House, 207 Government Street
- When: Saturday, April 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Canabliss – Bass Series 001
Head downtown to Capital Ballroom and get ready for an evening of big sound in the first installment of Midnight Project’s Bass Series!
Led by Canada’s own queen of bass, Canabliss, her experimental mashups of genre are sure to treat you and your pals to an incredible evening of DJ finesse.
Ticket prices will vary depending on tier and you can purchase those here.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, April 6th from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
SHINE Gala Event
Victoria’s much-anticipated SHINE Gala event is back, gracing the halls of the historic Fairmont Empress this Saturday.
This illustrious affair, a beacon of glamour and philanthropy, promises an unforgettable experience for attendees while supporting BC Children’s Hospital—including a five-course meal and a silent auction.
As the red carpet rolls out, guests will be greeted by flashing cameras and a welcome glass of bubbly, setting the stage for an evening of opulence and elegance.
Tickets for the charitable gala start at $250, with the added opportunity to secure a table for 10 should you wish to extend invitations to your entourage.
- Where: The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Crystal Ballroom, 721 Government Street
- When: Saturday, April 6th from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Job Fair and Open House at the Bay Street Armoury
There’s a job fair and open house event happening at the Bay Street Armoury this Saturday, and everyone is invited!
Come learn about available jobs in the Army Reserve and see a display of the different vehicles and equipment used.
There will also be tours of this historic building available and a performance by the Pipes and Drums of the Canadian Scottish Regiment at 11:15 a.m.
- Where: Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay Street
- When: Saturday, April 6th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me at Langham Court Theatre
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life is an off-broadway, award-winning show and will be playing at the Langham Court Theatre for another two shows after kicking off on Friday, April 5th.
As described, Keith shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate board rooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion—playing the banjo!
He then faces a cancer battle, and his music becomes a key part in saving his life.
Tickets are $35 and the proceeds will go towards Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre and Langham Court Theatre.
- Where: Langham Court Theatre, 805 Langham Court
- When: Saturday, April 6th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
The Wisdom of Wonderland
Celebrate visual artist Amy Frank during the opening reception and meet-the-artist event for her new exhibition, The Wisdom of Wonderland at the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill.
Within this powerful collection of pieces, she explores her own experience with mental health struggles and addiction to create a surreal adventure for her viewers.
“This show is not just about my journey—it’s an invitation to start a conversation. My story is one of resilience, personal empowerment, and hope, evocatively showcased by both my visual and written works,” Frank notes on the event page.
The Wisdom of Wonderland opened on April 3rd and will remain on display until April 28th.
- Where: Arts Centre at Cedar Hill, 3220 Cedar Hill Road
- When: Saturday, April 6th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
‘Meet the Makers Market’ at the Bay Centre
In partnership with Market Collective, the Bay Centre is hosting their third ‘Meet the Makers’ Market of the year—featuring over 30 local makers as they come together to display their unique creations.
Get ready to be immersed in talent, from handmade jewelry and art pieces to gourmet treats and fashion accessories. There’s something for everyone at this vibrant market!
You’ll find the makers in Bay Centre’s centre court and on level 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the event is free to attend!
- Where: 1150 Douglas Street, Centre Court and Level Two
- When: Sunday, April 7th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Marriage of Figaro: Royal Theatre
The Marriage of Figaro is a favourite amongst audiences and has been known to be the perfect production for those experiencing opera for the first time.
It’s based in 18th century Spain and follows the complex web of relationships between the Count, his young wife the Countess Rosina, their clever and charming valet Figaro, and his betrothed Susanna.
Tickets for single performances to the Royal Theatre shows start at $30. To keep Pacific Opera accessible, Community Preview tickets are available to students and community organizations for $15.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When: Sunday, April 9th at 2:30 p.m.
Champagne and Cake Event
The Champagne and Cake event will be held at the Naden Wardroom—situated on a panoramic bluff over the pacific ocean, with patio spaces overlooking the water.
The event is every bride and groom’s dream, with an exceptional showcase of designers, planners, catering companies, photographers, hair and makeup artists, and so much more.
There will be a featured lineup of gorgeous wedding gowns being modeled all afternoon, as well as a few other featured activities!
Tickets are just over $14 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. All proceeds will go towards the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
- Where: Naden Wardroom, CFB Esquimalt, 1586 Esquimalt Road
- When: Sunday, April 7th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
