Victoria Events Aug 27 - Sept 3

Saanich Fair, Fringe Fest, Boy & Bear, and more!

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, the newsletter equivalent of an open diary filled with Victoria's weekly wonders.

On our radar

🍻 The Great Canadian Beer Festival: The fest will take place at its new location, Topaz Park, Sept 6-7. 

🤘 Rifflandia: Victoria’s biggest music festival will take place Sept 13-18 at its new location at Matullia Lands.

🏮 Esquimalt Lantern Festival: Check out this annual festival to explore beautiful lanterns lit after sundown at Gorge Park, Sept 13.

🎶 Paula Abdul: The pop star and former American Idol host will bring her classic tracks to Victoria, along with openers and fellow ’80s stars Taylor Dayne and Tiffany, at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, Sept 24. 

👠 Bob the Drag Queen: See the hilarious winner of season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race perform her solo comedy show at McPherson Playhouse, Sept 28. 

🤣 Russell Howard: The British comedian will bring his optimistic outlook to McPherson Playhouse, Oct 5. 

😂 Jimmy Carr and Jim Jefferies: Two headliners for the price of one—see the comedians at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, Oct 26.

💄Queen Priyanka: See the first-ever winner of Canada’s Drag Race as she tours her new music at Capital Ballroom, Nov 1.

😆 Russell Peters: See the hilarious Canadian comedian at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, Nov 2.

🎤 Tommy Tiernan: The Irish comedian and star of Derry Girls brings his standup show to Royal Theatre, Nov 5.  

🎙️ Sarah McLachlan: The Canadian legend brings her 30th anniversary tour to Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Nov 20.  

🍌 Raffi: Bring your little ones to see the iconic children’s performer at the Royal Theatre, Nov 23 & 24. 

🎸 Sum41: See the pop punk legends at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, with special guests PUP and Gob, January 10, 2025. 

🎭 Whose Live Anyway: See improv legends from Whose Line Is It Anyway—including two original cast members—at the Royal Theatre on Jan 17, 2025.

Happening this week and weekend

🎡 Saanich Fair 

Fri-Mon | Saanich Fairgrounds | 10am-10pm

Ring in the fall season with this annual fair, featuring rides, games, farmers market, animals, and more. [$15]

Sunday | Capital Ballroom | 8pm

See the indie favourites perform new and old music. [$32+]

Fri-Mon | Inner Harbour 

See these classic boats gathered in the Inner Harbour and check out boat racing all weekend. [$5/by donation]

Soul Source | Tuesday | 7pm

See this 20-piece R&B band at Herrmann’s. [By donation]

Jimmy Hogg | Tuesday | 6pm

The British comedian will bring his popular Fringe show to Wood Hall. [$15]

Spiritualarious | Tuesday | 6pm

Learn about one person’s journey through two cultures—Canada and India—at SKAM Satellite Studios. [$13]

South Island Farmhub | Wednesday | 11:30am-2pm

Shop local produce at this special farmers market at Victoria Public Market. [Free]

Garden City Harmony | Wednesday | 5:30pm

A drop-in choir for everyone—sing indie, pop, rock and folk songs with other Victorians who love to sing. [Free]

Chase Ward Quartet | Wednesday | 7pm

The Canadian drummer will lead this quartet at Hermann’s. [$20]

Geeky Girls Patio Party | Wednesday | 4:30-7:30pm

Ocean Networks Canada will host this party for women in STEM. Your ticket will include two drinks, appetizers, and a chance to win prizes. [$21]

Cabaret of Murder | Wednesday | 7pm

This hilarious Fringe show at Metro Studio will poke fun at the art skills of notorious serial killers. Running until Sunday. [$15]

Cabaret of Murder. Photo: Victoria Fringe Fest

Catch this experimental, house-party improv show at Redfern Party House. Running until Sunday. [$15]

Our Lady, Star of the Sea | Wednesday | 8pm

This Fringe show explores one woman’s spiritual journey at Cecelia Cove Park. Running until Sunday. [$15]

Adonis & Valentin Puentes | Thursday | 7pm

This talented father-son pair will perform together at Hermann’s. [$30]

Dan Duvall & Friends | Thursday | 8pm

Catch this hilarious standup lineup at Hecklers. [$15]

Jewish-ish | Thursday | 6pm

This Fringe show explores Jewish identity and secularism, weaving music and speech, at Wood Hall. Running until Saturday. [$15]

Tango, It Takes Two | Thursday | 7:30pm

This Fringe show presents award-winning Argentinian dance company PointeTango at Kirk Hall. [$15]

Tango, It Takes Two. Photo: Victoria Fringe Fest

Horseface | Thursday | 8pm

This funny Fringe show delves into the inner world of a woman dealing with unruly men at SKAM Satellite Studio. Running until Sunday. [$15]

Four Friends Having Fun | Friday | 10am-4pm

See the work from these local artist friends at ArtSea Gallery. Closes Sept 5. [Entrance fee may apply]

A Tribute to Neo Soul | Friday | 7pm

Listen to a timeless blend of jazz, soul, and R&B at Hermann’s. [$25]

Brad Williams | Friday | 7pm

This popular comedian will perform his standup at The Farquhar at UVic. [$50+]

See the Fringe story of one man coping with mental health issues through new wave music at the Baumann Centre. [$15]

This immersive show will see performers weave a story while serving coffee at Habit. Running until Sunday. [$15]

Multiple Organism | Fri 5:30pm & Sat 8:45pm

See this Fringe show about an artist’s model who takes control of art at Metro Studio. [$15]

Jane Stanton | Saturday | 8pm

See the standup comedian perform, with local openers, at Hecklers. [$22]

See this tribute by Victoria jazz musicians to the music of Steely Dan at Hermann’s. [$30]

52 Stories | Saturday | 7pm

Explore the memories of one man in this dramedy Fringe show at the Baumann Centre. [$15]

Who Drinks Mocktails on the Beach | Sat 7:45pm & Sun 12pm

A party girl heads to a destination wedding in Mexico in this Fleabag-esque Fringe show at SKAM Satellite Studio. [$15]

Photo: Victoria Fringe Fest

Jon Bennet: American’t | Sat 4pm; Sun 2:45pm 

The Australian comedic storyteller reminisces about his relocation to the US in this funny Fringe show at Metro Studio. [$15]

Are You Lovin’ It? | Sunday | 4:15pm

Catch the last performance of this kooky Fringe show at the Baumann Centre. [$15]

This family event at Herm Williams Park in Colwood will have fun stuff for kids and insightful conversations about climate for adults. [Free]

Ongoing events

Free Yoga in the Park | Tuesdays | 6-7pm

Stretch with your neighbours at this free weekly yoga class at Willows Park in Oak Bay. [Free]

Oaklands Sunset Markets | Wednesdays | 4:30-8pm

Check out 50 local vendors, a huge variety of food trucks, great music, kids activities, and more at the Oaklands Community Centre until Aug 28. [Free]

Music in the Park: Beacon Hill | Every Fri-Mon | 1:30-3:30pm

Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy some live music from local bands at the Cameron Bandshell until Sept. [Free]

Music at Ship Point | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6-7pm

Catch live music in the Inner Harbour from June 11 to Sept 19. [Free]

Fort Common Music Series | Thursdays | 12-1pm

Hear live tunes at this music series running June-August. [Free]

Music in the Park | Every Friday and Saturday | 5:30pm

Check out these free live music shows, happening at parks across Colwood every weekend this summer. Check the schedule to find info on locations and performers. [Free]

James Bay Market | Every Saturday | 9am-3pm

Check out this summertime favourite market at the corner of Menzies and Superior from May 4 to October 5. [Free]

Westshore Swap, Shop & Market | Every Sunday until Sept 1

Browse a variety of local vendors with new items available every week at Westshore Parks and Rec. [$2]

Esquimalt Farmers Market | April 4 - Sept 26

Head to Memorial Park every Thursday to pick up farm-fresh goods. [Free entrance]

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

Drag Brunch at Vicious Poodle | Saturdays & Sundays | 11am

Enjoy a hearty brunch while Victoria’s top drag performers put on a show. [Free entrance]

Moss Street Market | Saturdays | 10am-2pm

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

Feel Free: Free Gallery Days at AGGV | First Saturday from 10am-5pm | Thursdays from 5-9pm

The first Saturday of every month and every Thursday evening will be a Free Gallery Day at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

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

What did you think of today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

❤️ Review of the Week