Victoria Events Nov 12 - 19

Holiday markets, a bake off challenge, music, art, and more!

Happy Tuesday, friends. Welcome to another edition of TWIV, the newsletter equivalent of catching up on the town square's latest tales.

On our radar

🏠 Home Alone in Concert: Enjoy the beloved comedy classic featuring renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture by the Victoria Symphony at the Royal Theatre on Dec 21.

🩰 The Gift of the Nutcracker: Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s score performed by the Victoria Symphony and the Ballet Victoria. Let all the wonderful characters fill your soul with holiday whimsy and warmth from Dec 28-30. 

🎸 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.

🍽 Culinaire: Vancouver Island’s finest food and beverage event will return to the Victoria Conference Centre on Feb 26, 2025. 

🎤 Jelly Roll: The popular American singer and rapper will perform at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, March 6, 2025. 

Happening this week and weekend

Bolen Books | Tuesday | 7-8:30pm

Join The Great Canadian Baking Show judge at Bolen Books to celebrate the launch of his new book The Bacon, Butter, Bourbon, and Chocolate Cookbook. [Free]

🎤 Jim Cuddy 

McPherson Playhouse | Wednesday | 7:30pm

See the artist present the All the World Tour at McPherson Playhouse with special guest Devin Cuddy. [$70+]

Jim Cuddy. Photo by Christopher Gentile

🎸 The Arkells 

Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre | Saturday | 7:30pm

The Canadian indie favourites will perform at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre presenting “The big feelings tour”. [$46+]

Paint and Cider Night | Tuesday | 6pm

Unwind, sip, and paint at this unforgettable evening of art and cider with local artist Kelsie Gibson guiding you through the process. [$65]

A weekly show of knowledge, tunes, and sporadic lunacy. [$12]

Enjoy a fun night of laughs at Mary Winspear Centre with the Canadian crowd-favourite comedy veteran, where not all dad jokes are bad jokes. [$49+]

Sip & Shop Holiday Market | Wednesday |  4-8pm

The third annual Sip and Shop Holiday market is back at Bard and Banker with local vendors, live music, and great libations to sip on. After shopping you can stay for dinner. [Free] 

Indian Feast Cooking Class | Wednesday | 6pm

Join the London Chef at Sea Cider Farm for an evening of India, exploring the traditional cuisine, rich history and food culture of this region. Chef Dan Hayes can’t wait to see you in the kitchen to cook and enjoy fresh garam masala, basmati rice, spiced minted peas & potatoes, Vij’s and more. [$155]

Billy & Elton the Legacy | Wednesday | 7:00pm

See the tribute of some of the biggest selling music artists of all time at Mary Winspear Centre. [$35]

VINcabulary: Bubbles | Thursday | 7pm

Visit Vessel Liquor Store for a class taking a closer look at sparkling wines, just in time to kick off your holiday season. [$30]

John Wort Hannam | Thursday | 7:30pm

See the 2023 Canadian Folk Music Awards winner for solo artist of the year and contemporary album of the year at Oak Bay Recreation Centre. [$35]

Visit Starlite Soap Studio for an advanced workshop where you’ll make a batch of beautiful, brightly coloured "kaleidoscope" soaps in a tube, using micas, clays, oxides, essential oils or fragrances and some special tools. [$79]

Friday Night Flights | Friday | 6-8pm

Join The Westin Bear Mountain for a wine-tasting journey with canapé pairings, with the theme of “Big, Bold, Juicy Reds” this week. [$50]

A Night with Blue Grouse | Friday | 6:30pm

Join HOB Fine Foods and chef Castro Boateng for an amazing curated dinner and wine pairing with Blue Grouse Winery. [$100+]

Anna Akana | Friday | 7:30pm

See the comedian, actress and writer present her new show “It Gets Darker” at Capital Ballroom. [$32+]

Anna Akana. Admit One Website

A.I.M by Kyle Abraham | Friday | 7:30pm 

See one of the most active touring companies in the US, with a diverse movement drawing inspiration from modern, contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop at the Royal Theatre. [$34+]

Ria Mae | Friday | 7:30pm

See the Canadian singer-songwriter and three-time JUNO nominee at McPherson Playhouse, presenting a “Concert for Hope. Help. Home.” [$64+]

Specialty Coffee Tasting | Saturday | 9-10:30am

Visit Green Cuisine Specialty Coffee Roastery in Market Square for a fun morning bringing together coffee lovers from all backgrounds. Each session has a unique theme inspired by the interests of that week’s attendees, making every tasting a fresh experience. [$20]

Pet Photos with Santa | Sat & Sun | 10am and 2pm

Make good memories at Buckerfield's Langford when getting a photo with Santa and your pet. RSVP at 250-940-4499. [By Donation]

Colourful Business | Saturday | 12-5pm

Head to the Royal BC Museum to support exciting businesses from racialized people, Indigenous people, and new immigrants, with 25 vendors, businesses and performances featured. Registered exhibitors will be able to attend a workshop hosted by Griselda Martin of Alfajores by Griselda. [Free]

Casa Maria Jewelry. Vendor at Colourful Business. casamariastore.com

A Night For Sharon Jones | Saturday | 7:30pm

Head to Alix Goolden Performance Hall to see the twelve piece tribute to the late, great, Sharon Jones, the queen of funk, marking the eighth anniversary of her untimely passing from pancreatic cancer at the age of 60. [$29+] 

An Evening with Jane Siberry  | Saturday | 7:30pm

See the iconic and enigmatic Jane Siberry present her brand new album at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. [$45.50]

Flux Pavilion | Saturday | 9pm

Have a great night with the DJ and singer at Capital Ballroom. [$31.50]

Kids Winter Craft Market | Sunday | 1:30-4:30pm

Bring the whole family down to the Oaklands Community Centre and browse handmade goods created by young entrepreneurs: all vendors are kids. Shop art, jewelry, trinkets, and more. [By donation]

Head to the Bard and Banker Pub to create a fresh wreath that will last throughout the holidays. All supplies are included, and no experience required. [$60]

Unwind with wine and creativity: Craft a painting, design wrapping paper, create ornaments, and make a personalized card at Victoria's newest Art Studio located on Lower Johnson, Studio LoJo. [$75]

Enjoy an evening featuring a mix of romantic beauty with bittersweet melancholy paired well with Barber’s Violin Concerto at Royal Theatre. [$34+]

Enjoy a glass of your favourite drink and make a beautiful wreath or centerpiece at Beacon Brewing. [$90]

Jann Arden Christmas | Next Tuesday | 7:30pm

Celebrate the holidays at the Royal Theatre with Alberta’s own Jann Arden as she puts her unique spin on the classics you know and love, featured on her 2015 release A Jann Arden Christmas. [$74]

The Psychology of Serial Killers | Next Tuesday | 7:30pm

Join the ninety minute masterclass at the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney, diving deep into the darkest and most thought provoking of subjects, where Dr. Rachel Toles, true crime’s preeminent psychologist, seeks to help us understand what makes a serial killer and why they commit such horrific crimes. [$60]

Ongoing events

Yuletide Market | Weekends from Nov 8 to Dec 19 | 10am-4pm

Visit Bilston Creek Farm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for a winter market with over 90 local businesses showcasing their products, food vendors, live music, and more. [$5]

Festival of Trees at the Bay Centre | Daily starting Nov 15 | 10am-6pm

The festival is back this year in support of BC Children’s Hospital, showcasing beautifully decorated trees for all to enjoy over the holidays.

4th Annual Diverse Threads Art Show & Sale | Nov 15-21 | 10am-4pm daily

Beautiful and unique handmade items perfect for the holiday season: six fibre artists, one photographer and one potter at the ArtSea Gallery Tulista Park in Sidney.

Step into a holiday wonderland at Parkside Hotel: decked in festive lights and decorations. Explore the nostalgic charm of multiple model Christmas trains circling a quaint village and treat yourself to a candy cane and hot chocolate.

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]

Visit the castle to discover the darker side of the 19th century on a 90-minute tour that takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. [$35]

Island Makers Market | Oct 12 to Dec 21 | 11am-3pm

Check out this fall favourite market featuring local artists, makers, and producers on Saturdays at the Victoria Public Market. [Free entrance]

Esquimalt Farmers Market | Oct 3 to Dec 19 | 4:30-7pm

Head to Esquimalt Recreation 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]

Moss Street Winter Market | Saturdays | 10am-1pm
Discover local vendors, get farm-fresh produce and listen to live music at this weekly market. [Free]

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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