Now that you’ve survived your workweek, what’s on the docket, Victoria?
If you’re having trouble finding something to do, we’ve compiled another ultimate wrap-up of incredible events happening around the city!
Attend Victoria’s first-ever Caribbean Carnival Parade, catch more iconic performances at Intrepid Theatre’s Fringe Festival, groove to music at the Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival and much, much more.
Without further delay, here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—August 24th and 25th:
Fringe Festival 2024
Intrepid Theatre’s Fringe Festival has officially kicked off as of Wednesday, August 21st and runs until Sunday, September 1st!
There will be 150 performances from 28 local, national and international talented artists at venues across downtown Victoria.
You’ll have the opportunity to check out a number of different live entertainment genres—including dance, comedy, drama, kids programming, spoken word and late-night cabarets.
Some of Friday’s highlights include Castle of Glass, Multiple Organism, Jewish-ish and more!
All tickets must be purchased in advance, either online or in person at the Intrepid Theatre box office. There’s also a one-time payment of $6 for your festival membership button, which is required to see shows.
- Where: Locations vary by performance
- When: Kicked off on Wednesday, August 21st and runs until Sunday, September 1st—showtimes vary
BC Smoke Shop Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival
The Victoria Jazz Society is thrilled to welcome the BC Smoke Shop Harbour Blues ‘n Roots Festival back to the city!
It kicks off on Friday, August 23rd and runs until Sunday, August 25th, and offers an extensive lineup of talented artists, both local and visiting.
There are both ticketed and free performances to catch—view their full schedule so you don’t miss a thing!
Tickets and prices can be found, here.
- Where: Ship Point on Wharf Street
- When: Friday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 25th—show times vary
Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival
The renowned annual Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival is set to return to the beautiful Gorge Waterway this Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th.
This two-day event showcases the thrill of dragon boat racing in a variety of races, featuring more than 600 athletes from across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Alberta, Washington State and Oregon.
The full schedule is as follows:
Saturday:
- 9 a.m. 500 metre races begin
- 10:50 a.m. 200 metre sprint races begin
- 11:30 a.m. 100 metre sprint races begin
- The last races of the day are scheduled to start shortly after 3 p.m.
Sunday:
- 9 a.m. 1,500 metre Guts and Glory races begin
- 1:30 p.m. Flag relay races begin
- 3:30 p.m. Grand finals begin
- Where: Gorge Waterway
- When: Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th—race times vary (see above)
Whistle Buoy Big Patio Days: Global Rhythms Party
Rather than one big ‘Whistlemania’ birthday bash, they’ve expanded the celebration and the fun by giving attendees six smaller events over the course of the summer and into the fall!
This Saturday marks the fifth of these events, themed ‘Global Rhythms Party,’ featuring DJ Juice, a mid day Flamenco set from Iminah Kani and then a swingy soulful Latin music show from Miguelito Valdeś—one of Cuba’s most highly regarded trumpet players.
Food will also be available for purchase from Good Time Glizzy and Fresko One World (Cubanos).
Admission is only $5 and includes an afternoon of great beer, fantastic entertainment, games, food and other wonderful additions!
- Where: Whistle Buoy and Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, August 10th from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Caribbean Carnival Parade in Victoria
Victoria is set to make history with its first-ever Caribbean Parade this month
The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24th, at the corner of Wharf Street and Government Street, and wind its way up Government Street, culminating at Centennial Square.
This vibrant celebration is more than just a parade—it’s a tribute to Caribbean culture, heritage, and the spirit of freedom.
Attendees are encouraged to join in the festivities and “fete” their way up Government Street as they immerse themselves in the music, dance, and culture that define the Caribbean experience.
- Where: Parade starts at the corner of Wharf Street and Government Street, and wind its way up Government Street, culminating at Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, August 24th, parade kicks off at 11 a.m.
Free-B Film Festival
This community-favourite film festival will once again bring a huge lineup of free outdoor movies to Beacon Hill Park!
The Free-B Film Festival features a mix of classics and cult classics—all you have to do is bring a blanket and some snacks.
This Saturday’s feature film is Plan 9 From Outer Space.
As mentioned, there is no cost to enjoy the movie, admission is free. Just make sure you pack out what you bring!
- Where: Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, 250 Bridge Way
- When: Saturday, August 24th at 9 p.m.
Pagliacci’s 45th Anniversary
Join the crew at Pagliacci’s for their 45th anniversary party!
There will be an abundance of joy, community spirit and live performances from artists such as The Bills, The Marc Atkinson Trio, The Sidewalk Blues Band (a tribute to Ken Hall), and many more.
This is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
- Where: Pagliacci’s Restaurant, 1011 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, August 24th from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dysaynia and Idle Lane at Quadratic Sound
In the mood to dance?
Head over to Quadratic Sound for a night of fantastic music with Dysaynia and Idle Lane at Quadratic Sound!
They promise a fun and energetic evening that’ll make everyone want to jump around and dance their hearts out.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, plus a $5 one-time membership fee.
- Where: Quadratic Sound, 655 Queens Avenue
- When: Saturday, August 24th from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Saanichton Free Movies
The Saanichton Village Association is hosting two free movie screenings in the month of August, and everyone’s invited.
They’ll be held at Saanich Fairgrounds, and this Saturday will feature, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie will start at dusk!
In the meantime, there will be games to enjoy, as well as popcorn, food and cold drinks available for purchase.
Don’t forget your blankets and/or chairs for the best movie-watching experience!
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road
- When: Saturday, August 24th—movie starts at dusk
La Noche Cubana
Head downtown to the Victoria Event Centre (VEC) for a night of authentic Cuban music and dancing!
The Julio Avila Cuban Band is a dynamic addition to the Vancouver’s music and dance scene, led by Julio Avila, a talented bass player from Guantanamo, Cuba.
As described, they deliver passionate performances of salsa, cumbia, bachata and more!
Ticket prices are divided into tiers—tier one being $35, tier two is $40 or $45 at the door.
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- Where: VEC, 1415 Broad Street
- When: Saturday, August 24th from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Karaoke at Friends of Dorothy
Sunday night karaoke at Friends of Dorothy is the perfect opportunity to let out your inner diva and give your vocals the time to shine!
They have plenty of bops to pick from, so you’ll have no troubles finding a favourite you know you can crush.
Gather your pals and get jamming!
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, August 25th from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
