Anyone else feel like May is going by super fast?
From a massive vintage and collectors car show and Victoria’s ultimate toy fair, to fundraiser performances and a menstruation product drive, there’s a mix of everything this weekend.
If you’re in a ‘sporting’ mode, check out a Pacific FC game, watch the dragon boat racers or the Oak Bay marathoners!
For all of this and more, here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—May 24th and 25th:
Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair
Toy lovers, collectors, hobbyists, and curious onlookers, you won’t want to miss this!
Saanich’s Pearkes Arena will once again be transformed into a nostalgic wonderland as Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair returns for its beloved bi-annual showcase of all things collectible and fun.
It’ll be a weekend-long event, starting on Saturday, May 24th, and going through until the end of the day on Sunday, May 25th.
General admission is $5 a day, or $10 for the weekend-long wristband pass. Children 12-years-old and younger can get in for free with the supervision of an adult.
- Where: Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Road
- When:
- Saturday, May 24th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, May 25th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Swiftsure International Yacht Race
The Royal Victoria Yacht Club will host the 80th edition of the Swiftsure International Yacht Race from Friday, May 23rd to Sunday, May 25th.
Racers and fans come in from across British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon to take part in what’s become a long-standing maritime tradition in Victoria.
For spectators, Clover Point is the best location for shoreside viewing!
And to make sure you don’t miss this key spot, a pancake breakfast will be offered there by the Central Saanich Lions Club at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
The first race starts with the Three Long Courses at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by the start of the Inshore Races, which finish at Cadboro Bay.
- Where:
- Pancake breakfast: Clover Point, 1250 Dallas Road
- When: Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th
- Pancake breakfast: 8 a.m.
- Race starts: 9 a.m.
AGGV New Exhibition: ‘Architectures of Protection’
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (AGGV) is opening their new exhibition, Architectures of Protection this Saturday.
As described, it will reflect on ideas and modes of protection and refuge, with regards to oneself, to community, knowledge, culture, identity, and land.
Admission is $15, or free if you’re an AGGV member.
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- Where: AGGV, 1040 Moss Street
- When: Saturday, May 24th 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Fill the Bus: Ending Period Poverty
Back for another year, Period Promise is presented in partnership with CUPE Local 1816, and aims to ensure people who menstruate can get through their period with dignity, no matter their financial situation.
One major highlight in Victoria is the “Fill the Bus” event, happening this Saturday, May 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tillicum Centre.
Residents are encouraged to bring tampons, pads, menstrual cups, or period underwear to help fill a BC Transit bus with donations.
If you are unable to donate menstruation products but would like to help, they also accept monetary donations.
- Where: Tillicum Centre, 3170 Tillicum Road
- When: Saturday, May 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Super Springs Dragon Boat Festival
Presented by the Fairway Gorge Paddling Club (FGPC), the 2025 Super Springs are kicking off the dragon boat racing season this Saturday at 9 a.m.!
The event includes a 200-metre spring race along the Gorge Waterway, where teams from across the island and lower mainland will take to the water.
This event is open to the public, and will have food trucks, live entertainment and a market with local vendors.
- Where: The Gorge Waterway
- When: Saturday, May 24th at 9 a.m. (finals are from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Hope & Belonging Benefit Concert
The Hope & Belonging Benefit Concert is taking place this Saturday, May 24th, at the United Commons Centre (formerly First Metropolitan United Church) in Victoria.
This uplifting event will support the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR), a local non-profit that provides crucial mental health services for newcomers to Canada, many of whom have experienced trauma, war, and displacement.
With funding cuts hitting organizations like VICCIR, this benefit concert aims to rally the community to help ensure this life-changing support remains available for those who need it most.
Tickets are just under $23 and are available online, at the VICCIR office located at #100-850 Blanshard Street, and at the door, space permitting.
(REACH))
- Where: United Commons Centre, 932 Balmoral Road
- When: Saturday, May 24th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Battle of the Dad Bands
Battle of the Dad Bands is making its triumphant return on Saturday, May 24th, and it’s going to be louder and more legendary than ever.
Hosted by End2End in support of the Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA), the bands will be taking over the stage at Capital Ballroom.
Featured bands include Last Night in Vegas, N4PC, and Big Font!
Tickets are $30, and proceeds will be going towards IKCA!
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, May 24th from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Half Marathon in Oak Bay
Even though their runner registration is full, you can still go and cheer on the runners in this year’s Oak Bay marathon, beginning at Windsor Park!
The day features a half marathon, a 10 kilometre marathon and a relay race. The vast majority of people will be begin running at 8 a.m., minus a few early starters for the half that will begin at 7 a.m.
For the full map, schedule and list of road closures, you can visit their website.
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- Where: Windsor Park in Oak Bay, Windsor Road between Transit & St. David
- When: Saturday, May 24th at 8 a.m.
Pacific FC vs. Forge FC
On Saturday, May 24th, Pacific FC takes on Forge FC at Starlight Stadium, and kickoff is set for 2 p.m. sharp.
But this isn’t just another epic showdown in the Canadian Premier League, and it’s also a full-blown celebration of Asian Heritage Month!
This match is about more than just goals and glory—it’s about recognizing the vibrant cultures that make Vancouver Island such a magical place.
Pacific FC is throwing a cultural party with a purpose, shining a spotlight on the Asian heritage that’s deeply woven into our community.
General admission tickets are just over $29.
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- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Saturday, May 24th at 2 p.m.
Awakening Chinatown
Victoria’s historic Chinatown will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Awakening Chinatown!
This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the heritage and vibrant culture of the city’s Chinese Canadian community in the most joyful, interactive way possible.
Hosted by the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society, it wraps up Asian Heritage Month with a full afternoon of performances, hands-on activities, and community spirit.
- Where: Lower Fisgard Street, Chinatown (downtown Victoria)
- When: Sunday, May 25th from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Light ‘EmUp.TV Car Shows
Light ‘EmUp.TV’s series of rooftop shows happening at the Mayfair Shopping Centre is kicking off this weekend, and it’s going to be huge!
After the overwhelming success of last year’s events, which brought together over 600 cars and thousands of spectators, this year promises to be even bigger and better.
The shows will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 25th, Saturday, July 12th, and Sunday, October 5th.
Admission to this event is free!
- Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, May 25th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
