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Congratulations, Victoria—you’ve officially arrived at the weekend!
With Monday being a stat holiday for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, there’s plenty of events planned to honour impacted Indigenous individuals and communities. Whether it’s an Indigenous book signing, the South Island Powwow or a weaving workshop, take some time to reflect on ways in which you can contribute to truth and reconciliation.
Other events happening around the city this long weekend include Saturday night Dinner & Drag, a carnival for pets, a sour beer event, a Grateful Dead tribute and much more.
Without further ado, here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—September 28th to 30th:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Monday, September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada, and there are plenty of events taking place this weekend leading up to the day.
It is a time to reflect on the oppressive colonial history of Canada and how forced assimilation through initiatives like Indian Residential Schooling caused intergenerational trauma that has continued to affect Indigenous communities.
To honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we have put together a list of ways in which you can show your support.
Full article: 6 ways Victorians can honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this weekend
Luxton Fall Fair
The Luxton Fall Fair is back and the weekend is shaping up to be a good one for it.
Spanning over two days in Langford, catch your usual rides, games, and delicious goodies!
- Where: Luxton Fairgrounds, 1040 Marwood Avenue
- When: Saturday, September 28th to Sunday, September 29th
From Alaska at The Belfry
From Alaska is an award-winning francophone play that casts audiences into the world of magical realism.
The story follows a retired librarian who is held hostage by a tough-talking teenager, and they gradually discover that they share grief.
Tickets are charged on a ‘pay-what-you-can’ basis, and prices start at $19.95.
- Where: The Belfry, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
- When: Showtimes vary
4 Paws & Critters Carnival
Been looking for a new adventure to bring your pet on?
The Langford Station is hosting a fun-filled day of activities and excitement for all of your furry, feathered and/or scaly friends—the 4 Paws & Critters Carnival!
There will be a variety of pet vendors with toys, treats and other goodies. Plus, don’t miss out on the pet parade, where you’re encouraged to dress up your pet and show them off.
- Where: The Langford Station, 720 Station Ave
- When: Saturday, September 28th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dinner and Drag
Every Saturday, Friends of Dorothy hosts a gourmet dinner experience with the iconic Queen Mina Mercury and phenomenal weekly guests!
With a mixture of incredible food, drag performances, and cocktails, it has quickly become one of their most popular events.
Bring your family and friends and embrace the unique and marvelous atmosphere!
You can book a table on their website or by calling (778) 432-4565.
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, September 28th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tires Unlimited Westshore Grand Opening
Tires Unlimited invites the community out to check out their grand opening event on Saturday!
It’ll take place at their new Westshore location, and will feature a bouncy castle, BBQ, deals on services and tires and more.
Bring the whole family and have fun!
- Where: Unlimited Tire Westshore, 110-721 Station Avenue
- When: Saturday, September 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fall Wild & Sour Event at The Drake
Mark your calendars and cheers to fall with all your fellow beer lovers!
The Drake Eatery is hosting an autumn Wild & Sour beer event—a chance to celebrate the passionate brewers who continue to produce traditional method, wild fermented, sour beers.
No tickets are required to attend, just bring your lovely self and some friends!
- Where: The Drake Eatery, 517 Pandora Avenue
- When: Saturday, September 28th at 12 p.m.
Canadian Beauty Presents: A Grateful Dead Tribute!
Head downtown to the Victoria Event Centre (VEC) for Canadian Beauty’s tribute to the iconic Grateful Dead!
They promise lots of group improvisation, folky roots-country, harmony singing and dance floor favourites. As always, there’s a different setlist every show, so if you’ve been to one of their tributes before, there’ll be something fresh for you to enjoy.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased via Showpass.
- Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, September 28th from 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Warehouse Sale
Join The Dancing Lily & Jodi Bryan’s for their biggest sale of the season in Market Square on Saturday, September 28th!
As described, The Dancing Lily will bring you clothing, accessories and shoes from the shop at the lowest prices and seasonal decorations from windows past.
Jodi Bryan’s will bring you lightly worn or never worn clothes from her impressive closet, home decor and seasonal decorations from her interior design & staging company.
- Where: Market Square, 550 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, September 28th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Celebrating Fraser MacPherson: Concert and Book Launch
Cellar Music Group is proud to announce the publication of the book, Fraser MacPherson: I Don’t Have To Go Anywhere, I’m Already Here by the late author Guy MacPherson.
The book, written by Fraser’s son, reveals a loving portrait of a brilliant musician and a private man, along with stories from a golden age of Vancouver nightlife.
Celebrate MacPherson’s wonderful story with Cory Weeds, playing the tenor saxophone; Bill Coon on guitar; Louis Rudner on bass; and John Lee playing the drums.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Sunday, September 29th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
South Island Powwow
To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, the Songhees Nation and the City of Victoria are welcoming the community to the third annual South Island Powwow.
It will take place on the homelands of the lək̓ʷəŋən people at Royal Athletic Park on Monday, September 30th. It is free to attend and open to everyone.
This powwow is held in recognition of the survivors of the Indian Residential and Day Schools, the families of those impacted, the Sixties Scoop and the children that never made it home.
Attendees can expect a traditional grand entry of Nations alongside Indigenous song and dance with two host drum groups, Smokey Valley and Wild River, as well as guest speakers, more than 80 vendors and many food trucks.
- Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue, Victoria
- When: Monday, September 30th at 12 p.m.