Cheers to another sunny and fun-filled weekend, Victoria!
Get together with loved ones and attend a number of festivals, including the Phillips Backyard Music Festival, Whistle Buoy’s fourth Big Patio Days event, Upper Fort StreetFest and another outdoor film at the Free-B Film Festival.
Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the creative endeavors of the city’s residents at a number of different art shows and plant sales happening this weekend!
For all of that and more, here’s 13 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—August 10th and 11th:
Phillips’ ‘Reverb’ Music Festival
Welcome to the Phillips Backyard Music Festival finale weekend, ‘Reverb’—running from Friday, August 9th to Sunday, August 11th!
On Saturday, August 10th, one of the greatest rappers alive, Earl Sweatshirt will be taking the stage. As a long-time member of the group Odd Future, alongside Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator, it’s no wonder someone like Kendrick Lamar considers him one of the best in the game.
For the Phillips Backyard finale of 2024, the one and only Jungle will take the stage and are sure to have the crowd dancing from tip to tail of their performance. They are coming to Victoria all the way from the UK, where they consistently perform to tens of thousands of people.
Tickets can be purchased as weekend passes or day passes, and are available for purchase online.
- Where: Phillips Backyard, 2000 Government Street
- When: Kicked off on Friday, August 9th and runs until Sunday August 11th
Upper Fort StreetFest
Fort Street will come alive with vibrant festivities this Saturday, August 10th, as it is transformed into a pedestrian haven for the second annual Upper Fort StreetFest.
The street will be closed to vehicles and cyclists from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for this popular event, which promises a day of fun for all ages.
This year’s Upper Fort StreetFest features a diverse lineup of activities, including an adult beverage garden, a local maker’s market, and a variety of family-friendly attractions such as a bouncy castle, face painting, and balloon twisting.
For more information on the event, visit the Downtown Victoria Business Association’s website or check out social media updates.
- Where: Fort Street between Cook Street and Vancouver Street
- When: Saturday, August 11th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free-B Film Festival
This community-favourite film festival will once again bring a huge lineup of free outdoor movies to Beacon Hill Park!
The Free-B Film Festival features a mix of classics and cult classics—all you have to do is bring a blanket and some snacks.
As mentioned, there is no cost to enjoy the movie, admission is free. Just make sure you pack out what you bring!
This Saturday’s showing will feature, The Breakfast Club.
- Where: Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, 250 Bridge Way
- When: Saturday, August 10th at 9 p.m.
Arts & Music in the Garden
The Gardens at HCP are throwing another annual Arts & Music in the Garden event!
This community-focused celebration brings everyone together in celebration of the power of music and art, as well as the chance to check out local vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, plant sales and more.
Attendees will catch up to 50 artists across three stages!
Admission is $12 and you can purchase yours here.
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- Where: Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Road
- When: Saturday, August 10th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bay Street Bridge Art Gathering
Come and check out a unique art gathering!
Located right underneath the Bay Street Bridge, this free exhibit will feature all sorts of neat pieces that you’re free to wander and look at as you see fit!
If you wish to have your own art displayed, set up starts at 12 p.m.
- Where: Bay Street Bridge
- When: Saturday, August 10th at 1 p.m.
Whistle Buoy Big Patio Days: Surf Rock Beach Day
Rather than one big ‘Whistlemania’ birthday bash, they’ve expanded the celebration and the fun by giving attendees six smaller events over the course of the summer and into the fall!
This Saturday marks the fourth of these events, themed ‘Surf Rock Beach Day,’ featuring music by Oily James and Halibut Cowboys.
Admission is only $5 and includes an afternoon of great beer, fantastic entertainment, games, food and other wonderful additions!
- Where: Whistle Buoy and Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, August 10th from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
August Plant Sale & Celebration
Don’t miss out on some epic plant finds!
The Victoria Compost Education Centre is thrilled to welcome everyone to their plant sale and celebration event.
Here, guests will find a selection of annual vegetables for fall and winter growing, native plants for low maintenance gardening, berry bushes and other fruit shrubs, medicinal herbs and live music.
Bring your loved ones and find some new green friends to take home with you!
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- Where: Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park Street
- When: Saturday, August 10th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Victoria Guitar Society
The Victoria Guitar Society is thrilled to present Stephen Lochbaum!
He’ll be bringing his wonderous music to Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, located on the University of Victoria (UVic) campus.
Lochbaum specializes in jazz and continuo experience as established him as a strong chamber musician with a wide variety of genre exploration—including medieval songs, early Baroque Opera, Mozart, flamenco, Bach, Frank Zappa and more.
He also recently recorded an album with renowned audio specialist Drew Henderson!
Tickets are $30 for general admission, and those can be purchased via Eventbrite.
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- Where: Phillip T. Young Recital Hall, Ring Road University of Victoria, McLaurin Building
- When: Saturday, August 10th from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Annual Walk to Feed Soweto Junior School
Every year, there is a walk held in support of the Soweto Junior School, with proceeds going towards food security for the students.
This year marks their 4th annual year and the 5 kilometre loop will begin at Clover Point. Participants can choose to walk or run it, and everyone is encouraged to get friends and family members to sponsor the walkers.
They are hoping to raise $10,000, and as of this publication, they’ve raised $6,080.
- Where: Meet at Clover Point
- When: Sunday, August 11th at 10 a.m.
Drag Bingo & Clothing Swap
Join Oaklands Community Association at their family friendly Drag Bingo Food Security Fundraiser!
The event is hosted by drag artists and all donations go towards supporting their Food Security program, including Queer Community Dinner.
The next room over will feature the first Oaklands Queer Clothing Swap—so bring your gently used clothing and grab yourself something ‘new’!
There will also be beer, cider and pop available for purchase at the kitchen window.
Suggested donation for admission is $5 to $20, but no one will be turned away if you’re unable to pay.
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- Where: Oaklands Community Association, 2827 Belmont Avenue
- When: Sunday, August 11th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Karaoke at Friends of Dorothy
Sunday night karaoke at Friends of Dorothy is the perfect opportunity to let out your inner diva and give your vocals the time to shine!
They have plenty of bops to pick from, so you’ll have no troubles finding a favourite you know you can crush.
Gather your pals and get jamming!
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, August 11th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
LayedOut: Field of Dreams Show & Shine
If you’re into lowriders, this is a car show you won’t want to miss!
The LayedOut: Field of Dreams Show & Shine is welcoming everyone back for their third year of family-fun and gawking at stunning cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Plus, there will be food trucks, games, a bouncy castle and more for everyone to enjoy!
No costs needed to enter.
- Where: Juan De Fuca Recreation, 1767 Island Highway
- When: Sunday, August 11th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hawaii Martin Martin Mars Water Bomber Final Journey
A milestone event in aviation history is set to take place this weekend as the iconic Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber embarks on its final journey to its new home at the BC Aviation Museum.
Accompanied by the renowned Canadian Forces Snowbirds, this event promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
On Sunday, August 11th, the Martin Mars water bomber, a symbol of Canadian aviation prowess, will be making its way to the Patricia Bay (Pat Bay), located next to the Victoria International Airport, to join the museum’s expanding BC Wildfire Aviation exhibit.
- Where: For best viewing spots, visit their website.
- When: Sunday, August 11th—expected to arrive at Pat Bay between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
