Victoria Events May 28-June 4

Oak Bay Tea Party, Ocean Week, Strawberry Market, and more!

Author

Robyn Bell
May 28, 2024

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, the newsletter equivalent of your neighbourhood coffee shop bulletin board.

On our radar

🎈Vic West Fest: Join this community festival happening at Banfield Park, June 8.

💄 Jimbo’s Drag Circus: See the Victoria star and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 8 at the Royal Theatre, June 12.

🎶 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. 

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

🎵🍺 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.

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

🍌 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

Willows Park | Fri 4-10pm; Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 10am-7pm

The annual summer fair will return with the usual rides, games, live music, and carnival food. [Free entry]

June 1-9 | Various locations

Ocean Week will kick off this Saturday! Learn about our local waterways, try new watersports, like standup paddleboarding, or spend the afternoon at the museum. Events will be running until June 9. [Free]

Sunday | 11am-4pm | Fernwood Community Centre

Fernwood Makers will host this Japanese-inspired food market, featuring plenty of fresh Saanich strawberries. [$2]

This concert-style tribute show at the Royal Theatre will take you through the story of the iconic folk duo, from their early days in music to their reunion concert years after their split. [$58+]

See the dancers perform ballet and contemporary pieces by award-winning choreographers. [$35]

Photo: Royal McPherson

Peach’s Palace | Thursday | 8:30pm

See the local drag and burlesque star perform at Friends of Dorothy Lounge. [Free entry]

Salty Springfield | Thursday | 7:30pm

Join this Simpsons-themed cabaret and games night at Victoria Event Centre. Costumes encouraged! [$40+]

Wes Carroll Album Release | Thursday | 7pm

Hear new music from the artist at this release party, happening at Hermann’s. [$25]

Theatresports | Friday | 8pm

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

For those on the autism spectrum and their loved ones, this pizza night is a great opportunity to meet others and make new friends. [Free]

Good Vibrations | Fri 7:30pm; Sun 2:30pm

Hear pop classics sung by the Starlight Pops choir at the Dave Dunnet Theatre at Oak Bay High School. [$25]

Photo: Starlight Pops

Somewhere | Friday | 7pm

Hear selections from the great American songbook, performed by talented Island musicians at Hermann’s. [$25]

5K Foam Fest | Saturday | 8am

Run through this sudsy obstacle course at Arbutus Meadow Farm. [$60+]

Unicorn Ball | Saturday | 10am or 2pm 

Bring your little ones to meet Ariel and Rapunzel this weekend at Pipsqueaks and Ponies. A pony ride is included in the children’s ticket. [$60 per child; $12 per adult]

Victoria Trail Care Day | Saturday | 10am-1pm

Tend to our portion of the Trans-Canada Trail system, cleaning up the Galloping Goose. Meet on the south side of the Selkirk Trestle. [Free]

10th Annual Lobsterfest | Saturday | 6pm

Head to the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney to taste some delicious lobster. [$130]

Luca Fogale | Saturday | 8pm 

See the BC-born singer perform at the McPherson Playhouse. [$25+]

Latin Funk Night | Saturday | 8:30pm

Pablos Cardenas presents this live Latin music show at the Victoria Event Centre. [$30]

Attila Fias Trio | Saturday | 7pm

Get transported to Brazil with this live music show at Hermann’s. [$30]

Pride Pop | Saturday | 9:30pm

Get a headstart on Pride celebrations this year with this drag show, hosted by Vivian Vanderpuss, at Capital Ballroom. [$25]

Photo: Pride Pop / Admit One

Sounds of Spring | Sat & Sun | 3pm

See the Victoria Children's Choir at Alix Goolden Hall. [$25]

Sooke Secret Garden Tour | Sat & Sun 10am-4pm

Making its triumphant return after a four-year pause, this garden tour will feature multiple beautiful gardens and will finish with a free concert performed by the Sooke Philharmonic. [$40] 

Folktoria | Sat 12-8pm; Sun 11am-7pm

This festival is back at Centennial Square with live performances, international food, games, and art. [Free]

Riccio String Quartet | Sunday | 12pm

Hear music by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and others at the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. [By donation]

Ongoing events

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 summer-time 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 is 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