Don’t forget your sunscreen, Victoria—this weekend is supposed to be a scorcher!
Strap on your best walking shoes, there’s going to be a lot of movement between events this weekend as it’ll be impossible to limit yourself to just one.
The iconic Phillips Backyard Festival is back for its first show in the series, the beloved and vibrant Pride Parade will be taking over the downtown core, and the community favourite Strawberry Festival is also returning!
Plus, enjoy activities such as local band performances, a witchy summer market, the inaugural Saanich Flavour Trail and much more.
For all of that and more, here’s 12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—July 6th and 7th:
Phillips Backyard Festival Series presents: Tilt!
Tilt!, the first edition of Phillips Backyard Festival, kicked off on Friday, July 5th and will run until Sunday, July 7th!
Saturday’s lineup features Canadian superstar Jessie Reyez along with Flyana Boss. Reyez has collaborated and toured with Sam Smith and recently finished a stint opening for Billie Eilish, while Flyana Boss is an American hip-hop duo who have taken the world of rap by storm since they came on the scene.
BC’s own Sonreal, Liinks and Teon Gibbs will warm up the stage on Saturday.
The finale of Tilt! features none other than Canada’s own Orville Peck who has become one of the biggest names in country music, along with his good friend and collaborator Noah Cyrus—sister of Miley Cyrus but an incredibly accomplished and irrefutable talent on her own.
Before these two mega-stars take the stage, the Tilt! Audience will be treated to performances from Goldie Boutilier, Haleulya Hailu and Born Reckless.
Tickets are available here.
- Where: Phillips Backyard, 2010 Government Street
- When: Kicked off on Friday, July 5th and runs until Sunday, July 7th
Savour Saanich Flavour Trails
Don’t miss the first ever Savour Saanich Flavour Trails Festival!
It celebrates local farmers, fishers, food producers, chefs, vintners, brewers, cider makers, distillers and more.
Highlighted growers and businesses include Galey Farm, Country Bee, Honey Farm, Ocean View Estates, Junction Orchard & Cidery, Rockrose Farm and many others.
Follow their downloadable map for access to all the must-visit spots!
- Where: All over Saanich!
- When: Saturday, July 6th and Sunday, July 7th
Summer Witches Market
Join Events by L.A. at the Metchosin Community Hall on Saturday, July 6th and Sunday, July 7th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for their first-ever Summer Witches Market.
Guests will be treated to a bewitching weekend of magic, where they’ll have the chance to discover all kinds of goodies and meet witches, psychics, energy healers and more from a multitude of vendors.
In addition to the days’ activities, the first 30 guests on both Saturday and Sunday will receive a witchy swag bag containing mini spell kits. Plus, one lucky winner will receive their grand prize Witchy Gift Basket at the end of the weekend!
There will be delicious mocktails available as well at their Potion Bar by Soulbriety.
This event is free and everyone is welcome to get involved!
- Where: Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Road
- When: Saturday, July 6th and Sunday, July 7th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Victoria HarbourCats vs. Kelowna Falcons
The Harbourcats have a series of games this weekend—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. From celebrating Pride to Harvey’s birthday, make sure to catch at least one!
Purchase your tickets on their website.
- Where: Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When:
- Friday, July 5th at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, July 6th at 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, July 7th at 1 p.m.
Standard Issue Pleasure Model
Don’t miss out on a prime opportunity to check out some of Victoria’s best local bands at the Victoria Event Centre (VEC)!
Featured artists include Standard Issue Pleasure Model & Highland Eyeway, with the Earth Freaks & Black Treacle.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased via Showpass.
- Where: VEC, 1419 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, July 6th at 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.)
Eves of Destruction Roller Derby: Pride
The Eves of Destruction Roller Derby team are celebrating Pride by hitting the track in a double header of hard-hitting competition and high-speed excitement!
Attendees will be treated to two games, the first with Rotten Apples vs Rolling Nightmares
and the second with Belles of the Brawl vs Daisy Pushers—each of the teams rocking Pride-related merch.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, students and seniors’ tickets are $15 and kids 10 years and younger get in for free.
- Where: Archie Browning Arena, 542 Joffre Street, Esquimalt
- When: Saturday, July 6th at 5:30 p.m.
Piano Island: Boiler Room Edition
The fans have asked, and they listened!
Check out Piano Island’s anticipated show featuring the best Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afrohouse, Boiler Room style music at Capital Ballroom in downtown Victoria.
Artists include DJAMES hailing from the UK, and Edmonton’s Nick Degree. Plus, there will be supporting sets from Vinnie and Folzy!
Ticket prices vary depending on tier selection, and they can be found here.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, July 6th at 9:30 p.m. (doors open at 9 p.m.)
Love Garden: Pride Party
Looking for a night of deep, bassy, house music vibes with all of your Pride pals?
KWENCH is hosting the perfect evening of dance and fun, so gather your squad and strut into Love Garden: Pride Party!
AudioFox, Takahashi, and Nova Jade will have your hips swaying and your heart racing all night long—there will even be some prize giveaways.
Tickets are just over $33 and can be purchased here.
- Where: KWENCH, 2031 Store Street
- When: Saturday, July 6th from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Victoria Pride Parade
The time has come for one of the most anticipated Pride events in Victoria!
This large, colourful parade will have well over 100 entries and over 70,000 spectators.
The parade will open at Fisgard and Douglas after the Songhees Nation and other indigenous and Two-Spirit guests of honour give their welcome!
- Where:
- Parade: Starts at Fisgard and Douglas
- When: Sunday, July 7th, Parade begins at: 11 a.m.
Festival in the Park
Following the parade, the Pride Festival will commence in McDonald Park in James Bay, with entertainment starting at 1 p.m.—make sure to follow the crowd following the back of the parade to the festivities!
There will be a number of fabulous drag performers and other talented live acts, DJs, over 130 vendors, a food court with plenty favourite local eats and more!
- Where: McDonald Park in James Bay
- When: Sunday, July 7th, festival begins at 11 p.m. and entertainment begins at 1 p.m.
Saanich Strawberry Festival
The highly-anticipated annual Saanich Strawberry Festival is returning for its 57th year this Sunday at Elk Lake Regional Park on Beaver Beach.
Attendees will be treated to a wide array of entertainment, including face painting, arts and crafts, bouncy castles, program demonstrations and (of course) strawberries and ice cream!
Tickets for strawberries and ice cream will be available for purchase starting at 11 a.m., and they tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to secure yours earlier in the day.
The iconic dessert will be sold from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. for $2 per serving—all cups and spoons are 100% compostable, so be sure to use the green bins to reduce waste.
Admission to the event is free. The event is cash only and no ATM machine will be available.
- Where: Beaver Lake Park, Saanich
- When: Sunday, July 7th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pride Wrap-Up Party at Friends of Dorothy
Join the crew at Friends of Dorothy for the ultimate Pride wrap-up party, complete with karaoke and fantastic menu options!
Hosted by the fabulous Ella Lamoureaux and Deejay Donuts, it’s promised to be a night full of fun, fierce performances and some great singing.
There will be a $5 cover charge.
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, July 7th at 8 p.m.
