Victoria Events June 11-18

Jimbo's Drag Circus, Fern Fest, Victoria Gem Show, and more!

Author

Robyn Bell
June 11, 2024

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, your pocket-sized town crier for all things Victoria.

On our radar

🇯🇲 Victoria Ska Fest: Victoria’s ska and reggae festival is back at Ship Point for five days of live music, June 19-23.

🎶 Laketown Shakedown: The music festival will take place June 28-30 at Laketown Ranch in Youbou, with headliner Gwen Stefani. More artists to be announced. 

🎵🍺 Phillip’s Backyard: Check out Tilt weekend July 5-7 and Reverb weekend Aug 11, with acts including Saint Motel, Orville Peck, 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.

Happening this week and weekend

Wed & Thurs | Royal Theatre | 8pm

See the Victoria star and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 at the final stop on her world tour. [$46+]

Celebrate with the cast and crew at the wrap party, happening after Thursday’s show at 10pm. [$25]

Fernwood Square | Fri 5-10pm; Sat 11:30am-10pm

The neighbourhood celebration is back, featuring live music, lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers, magic, an art market, and a kids zone. [Free]

Pearkes Recreation | Fri 1-9pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm

Check out this massive gem and mineral show, with 50 vendors showcasing their items. [$8+]

Try this new brandy, created by Kevin Titcomb and Shawn Soole. [$42]

Oak Bay Night Market | Wednesday | 4-8pm

The monthly market will take over Oak Bay Avenue, with local vendors selling fresh produce, artisan crafts, and art. [Free]

See the local rock bands perform at Victoria Event Centre. [$15]

Loko Latin Night | Thursday | 10pm

Join this night of Latin music and dancing at Paparazzi. [$12]

Swiftsure Big Band | Thursday | 7pm

The 17-piece ensemble will perform at Hermann’s alongside Brenda Morie. [$20]

Youth Pride Queer Prom | Thursday | 6pm

For young people aged 15-21, this alternative prom is welcoming to everyone. Dress how you want and join the dance party at the Rifflandia Showroom. [Free]

Photo: Royal McPherson

Let this Queen tribute band transport you to the 1980s at the Royal Theatre. [$78+]

Theatresports | Friday | 8pm

Head to Kwench to watch this competitive improv comedy show. [$25]

Disco Fantastik | Friday | 10pm

Dance the night away and get creative with paint and art stations scattered throughout the venue at Victoria Event Centre. [$20]

Shambhala Pre-Party | Friday | 10pm

Head to Upstairs Cabaret for a sneak peak at this year’s Shambhala Fest with top DJs performing. [$32]

’80s Dance Party | Friday | 8pm

The best of Whitney, Madonna, and Prince will play at this retro dance party at Capital Ballroom. [$15+]

This fun scavenger hunt will be at The Butchart Gardens all weekend. [Included in admission]

Getting Higher Choir | Friday | 7pm

Catch the choir perform an evening of soul-stirring music at Alix Goolden Hall. [$40]

Photo: Royal McPherson

Bowie Forever | Friday | 7:30pm

See the David Bowie tribute act at McPherson Playhouse. [$50]

Tarantino Night | Friday | 7pm

Join this party dedicated to all things Quentin Tarantino, with music, drag, and dance at Lucky Bar. Be sure to dress up as your favourite Tarantino character. [$20]

Art Battle Victoria | Friday | 6pm

Watch as talented artists battle it out in three rounds of 20-minute masterpieces at Victoria Event Centre. Pieces will be auctioned afterwards. [$30]

Island Vintage Pop-up | Saturday | 9:30am-4pm

Check out retro clothes and toys at this pop-up market at Lazy Susan’s. [Free]

Estivo Ensemble | Saturday | 2pm

See this first show in the Classical Concert Series hosted by Arts & Culture Colwood Society at St. John Baptist Church. [$25]

The Unofficial | Saturday | 10pm

Hear music from Downtown Mischief, Silk-turna, Saturna meets Silk Static, and special guests. [$25]

Completely Creedence | Saturday | 7:30pm

This Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band will perform at McPherson Playhouse. [$55+]

ReLove Market | Sat-Sun | 11am-5pm

Shop pre-loved goodies at this market in Market Square. [Free]

Travels Without my Aunt | Sat-next Thurs 

See the work of artist Simon P. Stuart at ArtSea Gallery in Sidney. [Free]

Kevin James Thornton | Saturday | 7pm

See the comedian perform at Capital Ballroom. [$32+]

Join the 21st annual 5km run and help raise money for prostate cancer research, or cheer on those running at Vancouver Island Technology Park. [$40]

See this year-end showcase by the Ukrainian dance group at McPherson Playhouse. [$30]

Veselka Dance. Photo: Royal McPherson

Dads and Ducks Race | Sunday | 10am

Join this rubber ducky race for Father’s Day at the Butterfly Gardens—dads get in for free. [$10+]

Take Dad for dinner and drinks at Merridale Cider, or check out the orchard tour. Try the prix fixe menu or get food a la carte.

Join this choir for an evening to sing some Tears for Fears music. [$10]

W̱SÁNEĆ Film Screening | Monday | 10am-12pm

See two W̱SÁNEĆ-made films at Sidney Museum, including an animated short, ṮEṮÁĆES, and the film ĆELÁṈEN TŦE ṮEṮÁĆES. [By donation]

Bands! Bands! Bands! | Tuesday | 7:30pm

See local musicians Baba Chaka, Jesse Heinz, High Dive & Five Foot Nine perform at Victoria Event Centre. [$10]

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 | May 4 - 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 | 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

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