Yay—here’s to another Friday, Victoria!
If you’re looking for ways to kick off your Labour Day long weekend, start at the Victoria Classic Boat Festival.
Taking over the Inner Harbour from Friday to Sunday, there’s plenty of opportunity to tour the exquisite vessels!
Don’t forget about the Fringe Festival, catch another Strath Laughs, jam to some live music and more.
Here’s 5 things to do in and around Victoria on Friday, August 30th:
Victoria Classic Boat Festival
Don’t miss one of the largest and most renowned festivals of the summer, hosted by The Maritime Museum of BC!
From Friday, August 30th to Sunday, September 1st, the most beautiful boats from Vancouver Island and beyond will bring an air of majestic grace to the Inner Harbour for the 45th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival.
This festival celebrates the craftsmanship, elegance and the classic design of vessels new and old, hoping to bring excitement and intrigue to Greater Victoria while also honouring a long-standing tradition.
Admission is open, with a $5 suggested dock donation to help with the continuation of this event for years to come.
- Where: Inner Harbour, downtown Victoria
- When: Friday, August 30th to Sunday, September 1st
- Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Strath Laughs
Heads up, comedy lovers—there’s another Amps 2-11 Productions Strath Laughs event coming up at the Strathcona Hotel!
Only this time, there’s a twist! Included in their regular lineup will be an open mic portion as well as an improv component.
Those brave enough will put their names in to be randomly selected the night of the show, and 13 performers total will have three minutes of stage time for their sets.
This month’s featured performer will be Kevin Matviw—a Second Theatre (Toronto) alumni and the founder of Victoria’s Garden City Improv.
Admission is by donation, with a $5 to $10 suggested amount, cash only.
- Where: The Maple Room (above Sticky Wicket), 919 Douglas Street
- When: Friday, August 30th at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
Fringe Festival 2024
Intrepid Theatre’s Fringe Festival has officially kicked off as of Wednesday, August 21st and runs until Sunday, September 1st!
There will be 150 performances from 28 local, national and international talented artists at venues across downtown Victoria.
You’ll have the opportunity to check out a number of different live entertainment genres—including dance, comedy, drama, kids programming, spoken word and late-night cabarets.
Some of Friday’s highlights include 40 Year Old Puberty, Jon Bennett: AMERICAN’T, The Illusionary Magic of Sitruc James and more!
All tickets must be purchased in advance, either online or in person at the Intrepid Theatre box office. There’s also a one-time payment of $6 for your festival membership button, which is required to see shows.
- Where: Locations vary by performance
- When: Kicked off on Wednesday, August 21st and runs until Sunday, September 1st—showtimes vary
OK Charlie at Darcy’s Pub
Popular local band OK Charlie rocks Darcy’s Pub every Friday!
They bring the best of both modern and retro to the stage, always playing songs that fill dance floors, excite crowds, and leaves people feeling fantastic.
No tickets necessary, just arrive ready to have a great time!
- Where: Darcy’s Pub, 1127 Wharf Street
- When: Friday, August 30th from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Dinner & Drag
Friends of Dorothy is thrilled to present another Dinner & Drag happening this Friday!
It features a delicious three-course meal and fabulous local drag performers, hosted by the fabulous Queen Mina Mercury, for the ultimate dining experience.
Make sure you reserve your table quickly, it’s a popular event for a reason! Call (778) 432-4565 to grab a seat for you and your pals.
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Friday, August 30th at 5:30 p.m.
BONUS EVENT: Midway Rides open at the Saanich Fair
While the main events at the 156th Saanich Fair kick off on Saturday, the midway rides will be running Friday night and no admission cost is required.
If you want to get a head start on the rides, Friday night is your night!
- Where: Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stellys Cross Road
- When: Friday, August 30th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
And for the football fans, don’t forget about the Touchdown Pacific Football Festival taking place over the next few days!
