Victoria Events May 7-14

David Sedaris, Buccaneer Days, Mother's Day events and plant sales aplenty, and more!

Author

Robyn Bell
May 07, 2024

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, your weekly treasure chest of Victoria's brightest gems.

On our radar

⛸️ Stars on Ice: See some of the world’s best figure skaters show off their skills at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, May 16.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Highland Games: The games return for the 161st year at Topaz Park, May 18-19. 

🎡 Oak Bay Tea Party: The annual summer fair will return to Willows Park, May 31 to June 2. 

💄 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.

🎵🍺 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.

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

Happening this week and weekend

Monday | Royal Theatre | 7:30

See the bestselling writer speak at The Royal. His books will be available for purchase and Sedaris will sign copies after the show. [$67]

Fri-Sun | Archie Browning Sports Centre 

Esquimalt’s annual pirate-themed fair is back this weekend, with rides, carnival food and games. [$47 wristbands or pay as you go]

Saturday | Quadra Street | 9am-1pm

The annual fest is back with kid-friendly activities, live music and a free pancake breakfast. [$66+]

Stories from Silk Road | Wednesday | 7pm

Celebrate Asian History Month with this show featuring music and instruments from the continent. [$20]

Graduate and Congratulate | Wednesday | 8pm

Kick off the summer season with this alt-rock lineup at Victoria Event Centre. [$15]

Slick Rick | Thursday | 8pm

See the hip hop star at Capital Ballroom. [$55]

This four-course menu will be paired with tasty Sandhill wines at Vis-a-Vis. [$150]

Mark Normand | Friday | 7:30pm

See the comedian on his Ya Don’t Say tour, performing at The Royal Theatre. [$55+]

Photo: Royal McPherson

Document One | Friday | 9pm

See the drum and bass duo perform at the Capital Ballroom. [$25+]

How Very Heather | Friday | 7pm

Singer Heather Ferguson will perform a set of 20th century music at Hermann’s. [$25]

Just in time for Mother’s Day, check out an array of seedlings, native plants, flowers. Plus plenty of kid-friendly activities. [Free entrance]

Ross Bay Villa Plant Sale | Saturday | 10am-2pm

Get ready for summer gardening with this plant sale at Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum near the cemetery. Pick up some flowers and explore the museum gardens. [Free]

Pick up seeds and plants—and maybe some gardening and composting tips—at the education centre. [Free]

Head to Metchosin Community Hall for all things spiritual and wellness geared toward women. [Free admission]

Art Battle Victoria | Saturday | 7pm

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

Fairfield Neighbourhood Yard Sale | Saturday | 10am-2pm

You can check out yard sales at 30+ locations in the Fairfield-Gonzales area. [Free]

Photo: Fairfield Gonzales Community Association

House of Mercury | Saturday | 8:30pm

This late-night drag show hosted by Mina Mercury will bring the fun to Friends of Dorothy. [$5]

Science Rendezvous | Saturday | 10am-3pm

Enjoy a day of science fun at UVic and Camosun campuses for kids in grades K-12 and science enthusiasts of all ages.  [Free]

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

Shop for some pre-loved treasures from vendors at Market Square. [Free]

Hills to Shore Artist Studio Tour | Sat & Sun | 11am-4pm

Explore the works of 18 artists, showing at nine locations in Gordon Head. [Free]

Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour | Sat & Sun | 10am-4pm

Two days of exclusive access to 10 private gardens, with live musical performances. [$45]

Treat mom to a yummy brunch with a special menu, including gluten free options. 

Explore the flowers while celebrating your mother at the gardens. Plant a sunflower in her honour for the macaws to enjoy. [$20; Free for moms!]

Enjoy a special brunch menu at Oak Bay Beach Hotel with seating at 10am, 10:30am, 1pm, or 1:30pm. [$129]

Mother’s Day at Merridale Cider | Sunday | 10:30am-8pm

Enjoy an indulgent brunch or dinner at the cidery. [Brunch buffet $59]

Shanna Dance will perform for this special Mother’s Day show at Hermann’s. [$25]

Murray McLauchlan | Monday | 7:30pm

The multi-Juno winner will perform at the McPherson Playhouse. [$71]

Photo: Royal McPherson

Ongoing Events

James Bay Market | May 4 - October 5 | 9am-3pm

Check out this summertime favourite market at the corner of Menzies and Superior. [Free]

Lehman Trilogy | April 23 - May 19 | 7:30pm 

See this play at the Belfry Theatre, showing the complicated realities of the American Dream in the late 19th century. [$18+]

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]

Crossing at AGGV | Feb 10 - May 26

See the showcase that tells the story of three local artists whose families made the journey from Asia to Canada. [Included in gallery admission]

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

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