Victoria Events April 1 - 8

Esquimalt Farmer’s Market is back for the season, Kidovate youth market, pet photos with the Easter Bunny, music, crafts, book signings, and more!

Author

Amelia Acedo
April 01, 2025

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, your cheat sheet for an unforgettable week in town.

On our radar

🎤 The Story of Taylor Swift: Experience the journey of Taylor Swift's rise to fame on a tribute starring recording artist Charity Eden at McPherson Playhouse, April 10.

😆 Che Durena: See the standup comic at the McPherson Playhouse, April 11. 

🍸 Victoria Cocktail Week: A week-long festival will transform the Garden City into the ultimate cocktail party, April 13-20.

🐰 Easter Weekend at Bilston Creek Farm: Enjoy a family-friendly Easter celebration with an egg hunt through the orchard, food vendors, and farm-fresh treats, April 19-20.

🐣 Easter Brunch at The Empress: Celebrate Easter Sunday with a decadent brunch buffet at the Crystal Ballroom, featuring carving stations, seafood, pastries, and more, April 20.

🤣 Jerry Seinfeld: The legendary comedian and sitcom star will bring his standup to Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, April 26.

💬 TED at Royal Roads University: Join thought leaders and innovators at Royal Roads University for a day of inspiring TEDx talks exploring ideas that shape our future, May 2. 

💕 Legally Blonde: The Musical: Follow Elle Woods on her journey from California to Harvard Law in this high-energy, feel-good musical, performed by VOS, at the McPherson Playhouse, May 2-11.

💐 Mother's Day Artisan Market & Workshops: Discover unique gifts and participate in creative workshops at The Bay Centre’s Mother's Day artisan market, May 3. 

🎵 ​​Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Victoria Chamber Orchestra and the 90th of the Victoria Choral Society with a powerful performance at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium, May 3.

🐶 Victoria Pet Expo: Explore pet-related vendors, services, and demos at the Victoria Pet Expo at Pearkes Recreation Centre, May 3-4.

🎪⛸️ Cirque du Soleil Crystal: A breakthrough ice experience, where world-class ice skating and unexpected acrobatics fuse to create the first on-ice experience from Cirque du Soleil, coming to Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, May 8-18.

🍭 Sweet Street: The one-day food festival celebrating all things sweet is returning for a fourth year to the Westshore Town Centre, June 21.

🦀 BC CrabFest: Celebrate BC’s coastal culture at Ship Point with a fresh Dungeness crab boil, family activities, and an interactive marketplace focused on sustainable seafood, June 29. 

🍻 Phillips Backyard Music Festival: Mark your calendars for the weekend of July 4-6 and August 8-10 for the return of epic music, cold beer, and summer vibes at Phillips. 

Happening this week and weekend

Thursdays (Starting April 3) | Memorial Park | 4:30-7:30pm

One of Victoria’s most popular farmer’s markets is back for the season starting this Thurs. Expect fresh-baked breads, farm fresh produce, kid’s activities, food trucks, music, and more. [Free entrance] 

Photo: Esquimalt Farmer’s Market Website

Saturday | The Bay Centre | 10am-4pm

Support young entrepreneurs as they showcase and sell their handmade products at The Bay Centre. [Free entrance]

Sat & Sun | Westshore Town Centre | 4-8pm

Bring your pets for a photo with the Easter Bunny at Westshore Town Centre. Proceeds go to Raincoast Dog Rescue. [$30]

Bon Victoriage! Season Premiere Screening Party | Tuesday | 7pm

Watch the screening of Episode 1, “We Came Here with Nothing” at Paul Phillips Hall. Featuring a live Q&A with Charlayne Thornton-Joe, Sam Low, and Nora Butz. [$10+]

Children of God | Tues & Wed | 7:30pm

See the powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children are sent to a residential school, exploring resilience and healing, at McPherson Playhouse. [$12+]

See the artist perform a unique take on great songs from John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, and more artists, alongside the sounds of his new album, Lightning Rod, at The Coda. [$20]

Photo: John Michael Lind Website

Trivia Night | Wednesday | 7pm

Head to Spinnakers for an evening that will test all the random knowledge your brain has been stockpiling: movies, music, sports, history, geography, and more. [Free to play]

The Grapes of Wrath | Wednesday | 8pm

See the Canadian folk-rock legends The Grapes of Wrath perform live at Capital Ballroom, bringing their classic hits and timeless sound. [$50]

Craft and Connect | Thursday | 3pm

Drop in every Thurs. to work on your own art project or try something new at Luther Court Society Main Lounge. This spring, experiment with rock painting, leaf printing, card making, and more. All ages are welcome. [Free]​

Experience a night where drummer Kelby MacNayr leads a stellar lineup, featuring Cuban trumpet sensation Miguelito Valdes, saxophonist Roy Styffe, and pianist Dr. Tony Genge at Hermann’s. [$25]

Experience a vibrant multicultural market at Centennial Square, with international cuisine, unique crafts, and a DJ jamboree. [Free entrance]

"On Hold" | Friday | 7pm

See a contemporary dance production at McPherson Playhouse, humorously exploring the emotions of being on hold and the mutual support needed during life’s waiting periods. [$48+]

“On Hold.” Photo: brokenrhythmsvictoria.com

Join Jody Wilson-Raybould at Bolen Books for the launch of her new book, True Reconciliation, exploring the path toward meaningful change. [$26. Including book]

Enjoy an evening of songs with SingYourJoy at the Oak Bay United Church, featuring a diverse repertoire, including works by Bob Dylan, Elton John, and more. [$25]

Tommy Emmanuel | Friday | 8pm

Legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel brings his world-renowned fingerstyle guitar mastery to the Royal Theatre. [$79+]

See some of the Island’s best women comedians at The Mint. [$15]

A curated market at North Douglas Church featuring 50+ local vendors with crafts, art, baked goods, and more. [Free entrance]

Feel Free: Free Gallery Days | Sunday | 10am-5pm

Explore the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for free on the first Saturday of each month, featuring exhibitions and interactive experiences. [Free entrance]

Join Dave and Kelly Hutchison at Indigo in Mayfair Mall to celebrate their new book, featuring 20 years of Vancouver Island’s stunning landscapes intertwined with its rich history. [Free]

The Clay Pigeons: The Music of John Prine | Saturday | 7pm

Head to Hermann’s for a fresh take on the music of John Prine and other classics. [$30]

Fleetwood Magic | Saturday | 7:30pm

See a tribute to Fleetwood Mac at McPherson Playhouse, capturing the iconic band's timeless hits and magical sound. [$65+]

Moontricks | Saturday | 8pm

Experience a night of soulful blues, folk, and electronic music at the Royal Theatre. [$34+]

Theatresports | Saturday | 8:30pm

Catch this competitive improv show—performers will go head to head in hilarious contests, with audiences deciding the winner. [$25]

Latin Funk Night | Saturday | 9:30pm

See the West Coast Cuban Orchestra blend funk, soul, and R&B hits with Cuban and Latin rhythms at The Coda. [$32]

Climate Change and Sports: A Real Challenge | Sunday | 2pm

Dr. Madeleine Orr, a sports ecologist, explores how climate change is disrupting sports and how athletes, events, and organizers are responding at the Hotel Grand Pacific. [$15]

Canvas & Cocktails at Seahorses Cafe | Sunday | 5:30pm

Join Seahorses Cafe for an evening of artistry, guided by local artist Barb Morris. Create your own turtle masterpiece while enjoying a full bar and tapas menu. [$55]

Kip Moore | Sunday | 7:30pm

See country music star Kip Moore bring his signature Southern rock-infused sound to the Royal Theatre. [$70+]

Beethoven Symphony No. 6 | Sunday | 2:30pm

Experience Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the Pastoral Symphony performed at the Farquhar Auditorium. [$39+]

Test your knowledge and grab a bite. [Free to play]

Head to Six Mile Pub for a fun-filled evening of painting a portrait of a Highland spring cow. [$50]​

Benji’s Pub Quiz | Next Tuesday | 7:30pm

Join Whistle Buoy Brewing for a unique and popular entertainment piece for those who want to step beyond the typical trivia. [$26]

Big Band Tuesday | Next Tuesday | 7pm

Experience a journey through classic jazz standards while Stelly’s Jazz Band showcases young talent with a variety of swing, Latin, and rock at The Coda. [$15]

Ongoing events

Drag Bingo at Vicious Poodle | Wednesdays | 8pm

Have fun with local drag stars and fun prizes at this weekly bingo night. [Free entrance]

Trivia Thursday at Brickyard Pizza | Thursdays | 7:30pm

Test your knowledge and grab a bite. [Free to play]

Music Bingo at Browns Crafthouse | Saturdays | 8pm

Join Browns Crafthouse in Vic West every Saturday for music bingo. Two games, first come, first serve. [Free to play]

Weekly Cloverpoint Parkrun | Saturdays | 9am

Join a fun and friendly 5K run starting at Cloverpoint. [Free]

Moss Street Winter Market | Saturdays | 10am-1pm

Discover local vendors, get farm-fresh produce, and listen to live music at this weekly market. [Free]

Ross Bay Historic Villa Guided Tours | Saturdays | 2pm

See the restored home, built in 1865, and learn about the family who lived there. [$8.50]

Karaoke Sunday | Sundays | 8pm

Visit Friends of Dorothy for a fun night of singing and dancing. [No cover]

That’s it!

Thanks for checking in this week. Hope you found something good to add to your calendar. If not, reply back and let us know what you’re looking for. Consider us your concierge to good times.

See you next week? Same time, same place.

✌️ TWIV

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