Victoria Events July 2 - 9

Pride, Phillip's Backyard first weekend, Strawberry Festival, and more!

Author

Robyn Bell
July 02, 2024

In partnership with

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, where we're charting the scenic routes of Victoria's weekly escapades.

On our radar

🎵🍺 Phillip’s Backyard Reverb: The second weekend of the fest takes place Aug 9-11, with Earl Sweatshirt, Black Pumas, and Jungle set to perform.

🍻 The Great Canadian Beer Festival: The fest will take place at Royal Athletic Park, Sept 6-7. 

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

👠 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.

🍌 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

🏳️‍🌈 Victoria Pride Festival in the Park 

Sunday | MacDonald Park | 11am

Several activities will take place throughout the week, but the main event will happen at MacDonald Park. Entertainment kicks off at 1pm. Celebrate queerness and show your support for Victoria’s 2SLGBTQ+ community. [Free]

🎵🍺 Phillip’s Backyard Tilt 

Fri-Sun | Phillip’s Backyard (2010 Government St.) 

Check out Tilt weekend July 5-7 with acts including Saint Motel, Half Moon Run, Noah Cyrus, and Orville Peck set to perform. [$105+]

Sat-Sun | Multiple locations

Follow the trail (download the digital map) and taste the best of Saanich at this yearly fest. Sunday will be the Saanich Strawberry Festival at Beaver Beach at Elk Lake, with multiple local makers selling their works. [Free]

Ukelele Strumalong  | Tuesday | 7-9pm

Strum along at the Fernwood Inn with a group of ukulele enthusiasts. [$10]

Join author Guy Babineau at the Bent Mast in James Bay. [Free]

Big Gay Dog Walk | Wednesday | 5:30pm

The annual Pride event is back, this time at its new location at Banfield Park in Vic West. A dog costume contest, trick contest and food vendors will kick off the party, followed by a walk along the Gorge. [Free]

Photo: Colin Smith / Victoria Pride Society

Candyland Pride | Thursday | 8:30pm

Queer, femme comedy duo Candy Whip has paired up with King Fling for this sweet Pride show. [$25]

Joan Bessie | Thursday | 7pm

See the singer perform her hit music at Hermann’s. [$20]

See Daniel Cook and The Radiators perform at Willows Park. [Free]

Comedy Fundraiser | Thursday | 8pm

See Island comedy star Syd Bosel perform at this fundraiser for Amy’s Bunny Barn at Heckler’s. [$25]

The Residency at Clive’s | Thursday | 5:30-8:30pm

Have a drink mixed by Nathan Moran from Vancouver’s Laowai Cocktail Bar at Clive’s. [Free entrance]

Image: Clive’s

Coast to Coast | Friday | 7:30pm

See the ’80s concert experience at the Charlie White Theatre. [$46]

Pride in a Word | Friday | 6:30pm

Head to the Victoria Conference Centre for an evening of queer literary readings. [$10+]

Comedy for a Cause | Friday | 7:30pm

Enjoy some laughs from top local comedians at the Vic Theatre while supporting Community Living Victoria, a non-profit that supports individuals and family members with intellectual disabilities. [$25]

Dance all night to these DJ sets at Capital Ballroom. [$25]

See these internationally acclaimed Blues artists at Hermann’s. [$28]

Piano Island | Saturday | 9pm

Check out this “Piano” music, a term for a fusion of jazz, deep house and disco music characterized by high pitched piano melodies and drums, at Capital Ballroom. [$20+]

See this groovy band at Hermann’s. [$25]

Photo: Colin Smith / Victoria Pride Society

Pride Parade | Sunday | 11am

See the colourful, queer, and family-friendly parade as it moves from Douglas and Fisgard to its end point at MacDonald Park, where the Pride celebration takes place. [Free]

Festival of India | Sunday | 11am-4pm

Immerse yourself in Indian culture, with henna, live music, a Bollywood flashmob, and yummy food at Beckwith Park. [Free]

CanUS | Sunday | 1pm

See the traditional jazz band at Hermann’s. [$20]

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Ongoing events

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 | Until October 5 | 9am-3pm

Check out this summertime favourite market at the corner of Menzies and Superior. [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 | Until 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

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