Victoria Events Feb 11 - 18

Valentine’s Day and Family Day are this weekend. There are lots of events going on in the city, including music, comedy, workshops, and more!

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, the newsletter equivalent of a local's whispered secrets about Victoria's best things to do.

On our radar

🤴 The Little Prince: See the emotional opera, based on the beloved French novella, at the Royal Theatre on Feb 19, 21, 23, and 25. 

🥘 Savour Sidney: Exclusive prix-fixe dining experiences at participating restaurants in Sidney from Feb 21-March 15. 

🍽 Culinaire: Vancouver Island’s finest food and beverage event will return to the Victoria Conference Centre on Feb 26. 

😂 Nikki Glaser: The Emmy Award-winning comedian—and recent Emmy host—will bring her standup to the Royal Theatre, Feb 27 & 28.

🏆 A Night at the Oscars: An evening of glitz, glamour, and movie music at the Royal Theatre on March 8 & 9. From The Wizard of Oz and E.T.: The Extraterrestrial to Chinatown and Chariots of Fire, relive some of cinema’s most magical musical moments.

🎭 Hot Flash Comedy: See comedian Cory Mack and Island funny woman Syd Bosel at the McPherson Playhouse on March 22. 

🎵 The Beach Boys: See the popular band’s Endless Summer Gold tour at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre on March 22. 

👗 Shine Gala: A Night of Fashion: The annual fundraising event dedicated to supporting the work of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation is back on April 5 at the Fairmont Empress.

🎪⛸️ 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.

Happening this week and weekend

Monday | Ship Point | 10am-6pm

This new cultural and family-friendly event is happening at Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The free event promises to bring a burst of Caribbean warmth to the winter season, making it a day to remember for the whole family. [Free]

Friday | Rifflandia Showroom | 7:30pm

Head to the Rifflandia Showroom and see pitches of singles. Help friends make connections and enjoy a night of laughs and good times. [Sold out]

🤣 Sara Pascoe 

Friday | McPherson Playhouse | 7pm

See the British comedian and writer’s new standup I Am A Strange Gloop at McPherson Playhouse. [$36.75]

Sara Pascoe. Website.

Galentine’s Event at The Shoppe | Tuesday | 3-6pm
Celebrate love and friendship at The Shoppe Furniture & Decor and enjoy 20% in store. [Free]

Beat Night: Poetry and Music | Tuesday | 7-9pm
Join Youth Poet Laureate Eva Haas for an evening of interdisciplinary creative collaboration at Hermann's. [Free]

The Treat Shop Pop-up at Uptown | Wed, Thurs & Fri | 12-6pm and 10am-6pm
Get your Valentine’s sweet treats at this fun pop-up at Uptown Shopping Centre by House of Luo. [Prices may vary]

The Treat Shop at Uptown. Uptown Shopping Centre’s Instagram.

Cafe Scientifique: What’s In Our Guts? | Wednesday | 7-9pm
Attend a free lecture by UVic Café Scientifique at Hermann's, exploring the workings of our intestinal immune system. [Free]

Harland Williams | Wednesday | 7pm
Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian and actor Harland Williams, bringing his unique humour to the McPherson Playhouse. [$50+]

Paint and Cider Night | Thursday | 6pm
Head to Sea Cider Farm for a special paint night experience where you can create your own canvas that forms a larger, beautiful masterpiece when brought together. [$130]

Kellylee Evans | Thursday | 7-9pm
Experience jazz and soul vocalist Kellylee Evans live at Hermann's. [$43]

Kellylee Evans. Hermann’s website.

Slow Burn Dating | Thursday | 7pm
Have a good time at an evening of low-pressure connections and inspiring conversations at the Royal BC Museum's Old Town. Hosted by intimacy coach Tanille Geib and Cora Bilsker of Nested Heart Counselling, this inclusive event is designed for individuals aged 25 to 55. Non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks are included. [$40]

Enjoy a fun date or spend some time with family and friends while learning the basics of chocolate making in this fun workshop, hosted by the mother-daughter team of Pure Lovin' Chocolate. Each participant will leave with nine chocolate truffles in a gift box, one large piece of chocolate fruit and nut bark, and a handout with recipes. [​​$138]

Join comedian Dylan Williams for a night of laughter and love at the Metro Theatre. This Valentine's Day special features stand-up comedy, live music, and surprise guests, promising an unforgettable evening. [$25]

GAYBAR | Friday | 8:30pm

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Capital Ballroom on a night inspired by the '90s New York gay-bar scene. Enjoy music from Anika, DJ Miso, Mitchellitchell, REISHI, and MISTER. [$20] 

Family Day Weekend Storybook Walks | Friday to Monday | Self-guided

Embark on a self-guided Storybook Walk at four Langford parks and The Langford Station. Enjoy reading pages from beloved books like "Jamberry" and "Zoe & The Fawn" as you stroll through nature. [Free]

Notorious Run: My Notorious Valentine | Saturday | 9am
Join the Notorious Run Club for a Valentine's-themed 6km social run starting at Mile Zero Monument in Victoria. All paces are welcome, and participants are encouraged to wear red or pink attire. Post-run refreshments will be provided. [Free]

Family Day Free Classes at Spinco Westshore | Sat, Sun & Monday | Various times
Experience high-energy, full-body spin workouts at Spinco Westshore during Family Day weekend. [Free. Join the waitlist.]

Magic, Songs, and Storytime at Westshore Town Centre | Saturday | Various times
Enjoy interactive storytime sessions with princesses and superheroes, sing along with Melody Moonshaker, and experience magic shows by Derek "Magic" Johnson and Mr. Mojo at Westshore Town Centre. [Free]

Family Day at Westshore Town Centre. Instagram.

Family Day Weekend at Carr House | Saturday | 10am-3pm
Have a fun family day with stories and crafts inspired by historic toys and pastimes at Emily Carr House. [By donation]

Galentine's Yoga for a Cause | Saturday | 10am
Enjoy your Saturday morning with a yoga class and one hour of pool/hot tub time at the Bear Mountain Activity Centre to fundraise for the Goldstream Food Bank. [$40]

Family Day at the Sidney Museum | Sat, Sun & Mon | 10am-4pm
Visit the museum this long weekend for some family fun, featuring the Beacon Avenue scavenger hunt, watching LEGO® certified professional Robin Sather build a model of the Hawaii Mars, the Peninsula Co-op Community mosaic, a display at the Sidney Pier Hotel, and more. [By donation]

The Clay Pigeons: The Music of John Prine | Saturday | 7-9pm
Enjoy a performance by The Clay Pigeons at Hermann's, bringing a fresh approach to John Prine, Iris Dement, Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley's music, and more. [$25]

Queer Valentine's Contra Dance | Saturday | 7pm
Join a lively contra-dance event celebrating Valentine's Day, featuring live fiddle music at the Fernwood Community Centre. [$20]

Fashion Splash | Saturday | 7:15pm
Experience a fun fashion event, showcasing local designers, models, and beauty industry professionals at the Victoria Scottish Community Centre. The evening includes cocktails, refreshments, an interactive photo booth, and live music. [$65+]

Leif Vollebekk - McPherson Playhouse | Saturday | 8pm
Have an emotive and intimate evening with Montreal-based singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk at the McPherson Playhouse. [$45.50+]

Tsukino-Con 2025 at UVic | Sat, Sun & Mon | 10am-midnight
Celebrate Japanese animation and culture featuring panels, cosplay contests, AMV competitions, and special guests at the University of Victoria. [$35+]

Family FUNday | Sunday | 9am-12pm
Enjoy storytelling, dress-up, crafts, and imaginative play for the whole family at Kaleidoscope Theatre. [Free]

Family Sunday at the Art Gallery | Sunday | 2pm
Celebrate Black History Month with local artist Aya Behr leading an exciting art project at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. There will be a scavenger hunt throughout the gallery. Admission is free for visitors aged 25 and under, AGGV members, See Art Pass holders, Indigenous people, and support workers. [$15. Free for 25 and under]

Adonis Puentes & The Jazz Bohemians | Sunday | 7pm
Experience an evening of jazzy Cuban fusion music with Adonis Puentes and The Jazz Bohemians at Hermann's. [$30]

Legends Show: A Tribute to Elvis and Roy | Sunday | 7pm
Enjoy a tribute to the music icons, featuring top tribute artists and a live band performance at the McPherson Playhouse. [$65+]

PlayZone Play Day | Monday | 10am-6pm

Have fun with your kids and enjoy free access to the PlayZone at City Centre Park, featuring a goldmine-themed indoor playground. Parents can relax in the designated area while kids explore the play structure. [Free]

Trivia at Ross Bay Pub | Monday | 7pm

Test your knowledge and win prizes during this trivia night presented by Sixty Watt Trivia. [Free to play]

Mother Mother | Next Tuesday | 7pm
Experience Canada's biggest alt-rock band, Mother Mother, as they perform live at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre presenting their latest album, Grief Chapter. [$50+] 

Ongoing events

Victoria Film Festival | Daily | Feb 7 - 16

The heartbeat of Victoria’s film scene is back for its 31st year this week in the Vic Theatre and theatres across downtown.

Hot Chocolate Festival | Daily | Feb 1 - 28

Taste the warmth of Victoria’s community with this month-long festival where participating businesses showcase their creative hot chocolate experiences to support the BC SPCA Victoria Community Animal Centre.

Cooking Classes and Workshops | Various dates | Feb - March

Treat yourself to the joy of creating delicious meals while staying warm and inspired. Here is a roundup of all the local classes we could find. [$78+]

Sidney Museum 19th Annual LEGO Exhibit | Daily | Dec 20 - March 30

Hundreds of LEGO creations are on display at the museum until March 30. [By donation]

Oaklands Outdoor Art Tour | Daily | Any time

Experience the self-guided outdoor walking tour of art displays in the Oaklands, inspired by and reflecting the local culture, social events, and environment of the neighbourhood. [Free]

Weekly Cloverpoint Parkrun | Saturdays | 9am

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

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

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

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

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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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