Welcome to another wonderful weekend, Victoria!
From the return of Whistle Buoy’s beloved Big Patio Days to a BC Black History and Heritage event or Lunar New Year celebrations, we’re sure you’ll find a thing or two to enjoy.
Don’t forget to check out the restaurants participating in Dine Around and Stay in Town, this weekend is your last chance to indulge in this wonderful annual event.
There are also a wide variety of markets happening throughout the city, so if you’ve been meaning to shop for unique artisanal goods, this is the time!
Without further ado, here’s 12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—February 8th and 9th:
Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria
Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria returned on January 24th and runs through to February 9th, and is a collaboration between Destination Greater Victoria and the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association Victoria Branch.
Over 50 of the city’s top restaurants will highlight their best dishes through three-course menus set at deliciously low prices, paired with an array of both budget-friendly and luxurious “Stay In Town” options at local hotels—because nothing pairs better with a delicious night out than a retreat into your comfortable hotel room!
Peruse the full list of Dine Around’s participating restaurants here—with new additions like Table Nineteen, Saxe Point Public House, and Jacks on the Water.
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- When: Kicked off on January 24th and runs until February 9th
- Where: Participating restaurants all around Greater Victoria! See the full list here
Sweetheart’s Market at Bilston Creek Farm
There’s a gorgeous and must-see market happening at Bilston Creek Farm, and is running until Sunday, February 9th!
Shop from their curated selection of specialty vendors, offering a variety of hand made thoughtful gifts and treats for your sweetheart, or yourself.
Hustle & Dough will be on-site making pizza fresh in their outdoor oven, so be sure to grab a bite between shopping!
Plus, a Golden Heart will be hidden somewhere on the property on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. All ages are encouraged to take part, and the finder will win a Fire Pit Experience and beverages for six.
Admission is $5.
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- Where: Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road
- When: Saturday, February 8th and Sunday, February 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Big Patio Days: Jungle Boogie
Whistle Buoy is welcoming back another series of Big Patio Days, and with their first of 2025, they’ll be bringing the tropical vibes to you, with a luscious Jungle Boogie event!
Cheekily named ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, it will be complete with real greenery, themed artwork displays, lawn games, contests and groovy music.
It will take place on Saturday, February 8th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the first DJ set from Jonas Robinson starting at around 12:30 p.m.
Admission is free!
- Where: Whistle Buoy, Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, February 8th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
BC Black History and Heritage Day
Celebrate Black History Month at the Royal BC Museum with a dynamic display of booths from local organizations, hosted by the BC Black History Awareness Society.
Heritage Day is an opportunity to meet and talk with direct descendants about their stories and family history.
The exhibits include images, artifacts and archival documents—you can view their full itinerary for the day, here.
This event is free to attend.
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- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
- When: Saturday, February 8th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Valentine’s Sip & Shop Market
Love is in the air, and Merridale Cidery & Distillery wants to help you celebrate it in all of its forms!
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, Merridale is gearing up to become the
epicentre of love, and is hosting a number of love-fueled events.
Their first is a Sip & Shop market, which kicked off this Friday and is running until Saturday, February 8th.
It will be a heartwarming event where local businesses from the Cowichan Valley and Southern Vancouver Island come together to showcase their unique art and craftsmanship.
Browse the incredible goods from local artisans offer while exploring Merridale’s array of products and wellness items, perfect for gifting or personal treats.
This event is free!
- Where: Merridale Cidery & Distillery, 1230 Merridale Road, Cobble Hill
- When: Saturday, February 8th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where We Gather Pop-Up
Different organizations are banding together to create a What We Gather pop-up event that celebrates connection, local artistry and more.
They invite you to experience a curated pop-up boutique where design meets intentional living, showcasing non-alcoholic drinks, floral installations and vintage.
This event kicked off on Friday, February 7th and runs until Saturday, February 8th.
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- Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street #39
- When: Saturday, February 8th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Valentine’s Day Indigenous Makers Market
Join the Coastal Bead Collective and other organizers for a Valentine’s Day Indigenous Makers Market with Indigenous artisans from all over Turtle Island!
There will be a wonderful selection of unique goods to sift through, so treat yourself or a loved one to a one-of-a-kind item.
They’re asking that everyone bring a non-perishable food donation or hygiene product to the market, if you’re able.
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- Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 240 Gladstone Avenue
- When: Saturday, February 8th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lunar New Year Parade
Presented by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, everyone is invited to celebrate the Year of the Snake in Canada’s oldest Chinatown, right here in Victoria!
The festivities will kick off at the Gates of Harmonious Interest with an eight-lion performance by the Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club, a dragon dance by the Victoria Chinese Public School and traditional Chinese dances.
The parade will go from the 500 block of Fisgard Street to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and Chinese Public School at 636 Fisgard Street.
- Where: Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site
- When: Sunday, February 9th
Queer Youth Showcase
OUTstages presents their 2025 Queer Youth Project showcase!
As described, the Queer Youth Project is a mentorship and development program for queer youth artists between the ages of 16-21, and happens alongside our OUTstages Queer Theatre Festival.
This is a paid opportunity for young queer artists, with the goal to support the creation of new work in our local queer community while providing development support for young artists!
General admission tickets are $15, and there are also Pay-What-You-Ten tickets, where 10% of tickets will be on-sale for just $10.
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- Where: Intrepid Studio, #2 – 1609 Blanshard Street
- When: Sunday, February 9th at 2 p.m.
Superbowl Sunday
The biggest football event of the year is almost here, and if you’re looking for the best spots to catch the Super Bowl LIX in and around Greater Victoria, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, just in it for the halftime show, or simply looking for a great excuse to enjoy some wings and beers with friends, there’s no shortage of venues rolling out the big screens and game-day specials.
From lively pubs in downtown Victoria to cozy neighbourhood watering holes across the region, local bars and restaurants are getting into the Super Bowl spirit.
The Super Bowl is scheduled for Sunday, February 9th, featuring a rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. PST.
To help you find the perfect spot, we’ve put together a list of 19 locations across Greater Victoria where you can soak in the Super Bowl excitement.
Full article: Where to watch the Super Bowl LIX in Greater Victoria this weekend
Hot & Horny Market
Little Fernwood presents their Hot & Horny Market—a self care event where you can shop local offbeat, handmade and vintage gifts and goods.
It will feature items from Nightcrawler, INTAMO, Slow Day Creative, Frank Me Down Vintage, DogTired Art Co. and much more.
Plus, there will be a photobooth by Midnight Angel Film!
This market is free to enter.
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- Where: Little Fernwood, 1923 Fernwood Road
- When: Sunday, February 9th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A Tribute to Heartbreak
Head downtown to the Vicious Poodle and join them for a special Tribute to Heartbreak event!
Featuring icon from Canada’s Drag Race and Canada vs. The World, Stephanie Prince.
There’s no cover charge for this event!
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- Where: Vicious Poodle, 726 Johnson Street
- When: Sunday, February 9th at 8 p.m.
