Mother’s Day weekend is upon us, Victoria!
Whether you already have plans or not, we’ve highlighted some events that will keep the party going and give you the best possible time with Mom.
Don’t forget about all of the epic brunch hotspots throughout the city—I’m sure Mom wouldn’t mind a mimosa or two!
Some other featured events include the Tartan Parade, the Science Rendezvous, comedian Julie Kim, a soccer game and much more.
Without further ado, here’s 13 things to do in and around Victoria this Mother’s Day weekend—May 10th and 11th:
Mother’s Day Brunch
Let the celebration preparations begin!
As Mother’s Day quickly approaches, now is the perfect time to make plans for how you will spend this special day with your mom.
Reservations are a must in Victoria, so if you wish to make brunch a part of the day’s festivities, it’s best to plan ahead!
Full article: 7 delicious brunch spots in Victoria to treat your mom this Mother’s Day
Malahat Sky Walk: Mother’s Day Special
Add splendid views to your list of Mother’s Day must-sees!
This Mother’s Day weekend, moms get in for free with the purchase of any full-price adult, senior or youth ticket on Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th.
Bring your mom, grandma, aunt or the legendary human who raised you—and treat them to the full SkyWalk experience!
Adult passes are $42.95, $38.95 for seniors and $28.95 for children.
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- Where: Malahat SkyWalk, 901 Trans-Canada Highway, Malahat
- When: Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
43rd Annual Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour
The 43rd Annual Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour, hosted by the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM), is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th.
This one-of-a-kind, self-guided tour invites locals and visitors alike to explore nine breathtaking private gardens scattered throughout Greater Victoria—each offering a unique burst of creativity, colour and community fun.
Guests will be treated to live performances by talented students and faculty from the VCM, ranging from elegant soloists to dynamic ensembles, playing everything from classical pieces to contemporary favourites.
Two-day tour passes are $45 and provide access to all nine gardens. Tickets are available via Showpass, at the VCM box office, and VCM’s Langford location.
- Where: At gardens throughout Greater Victoria!
- When: Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Buccaneer Days
Esquimalt is once again hosting the annual Buccaneer Days, which kicked off on Thursday, May 8th and run until Sunday, May 11th!
What started in 1939 as a May Queen celebration in Esquimalt, evolved into Esquimalt Days, before eventually becoming Buccaneer Days in 1966.
Every year, the townspeople come out in droves, dressed in naval and pirate attire, all vying for prizes for the best costume.
Highlights for this weekend include a parade, Midway carnival, kid’s pirate den, Mother’s Day brunch, Little Bucc’s Olympics, and more.
- Where: Esquimalt
- When: Thursday, May 8th to Sunday, May 11th
Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL in Victoria
The CRYSTAL series of Cirque Du Soleil in Victoria has officially arrived, and will be running until May 18th at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre!
CRYSTAL is their first and only show performed on ice, and features jaw-dropping acrobatics with fast-paced, choreographed skating in a dreamy frozen landscape.
Cirque Du Soleil is a bold blend of artistry and athleticism, and has captivated audiences around the world during their CYRSTAL tour.
Ticket prices depend on a few different factors, but for Thursday’s show, they’re around $72 each.
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: May 8th to May 18th, various times
Tartan Parade: Highland Games
Victoria’s legendary Highland Games & Celtic Festival will be returning next week for its 162nd year, taking place on Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th at Topaz Park.
But before the main festivities get underway, the celebrations will kick off with the annual Tartan Parade this weekend on May 10th, starting at 11 a.m.
The parade route begins at Centennial Square, and will wind its way down Government Street to the Legislature Grounds.
The parade will feature local pipe bands, highland dancers, athletes from the heavy events competitions, and representatives from Scottish and Celtic heritage groups across the region.
- Where: Starts at Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, May 10th at 11 a.m.
Science Rendezvous Victoria
Science Rendezvous Victoria returns this Saturday, May 10th, with two action-packed events at Camosun College and the University of Victoria — perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both UVic and Camosun’s Interurban campus, this free festival brings together hands-on science demos, engaging activities, and interactive research displays covering everything from neuroscience to rocket launches.
The full schedule also includes psychology demos, light and wave experiments, and interactive exhibits focused on everything from skeletons to graphs and games.
No registration is needed, and both locations are easily accessible by transit, bike, or car. Paid parking is available nearby.
- Where:
- Camosun College, Interurban Campus – TEC Building, 4441 Interurban Road
- University of Victoria – Bob Wright Centre, 3800 Finnerty Road
- When: Saturday, May 10th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Julie Kim – Doing Too Much
Award-winning comedian and writer Julie Kim is bringing her sharp wit and heartwarming humour to Victoria this weekend as part of her Doing Too Much Comedy Tour.
The show lands at Capital Ballroom on Saturday, May 10th, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the laughs kicking off at 8 p.m.
Timed in celebration of Asian Heritage Month, Kim’s show offers a mix of levity and introspection as she dives into themes like identity, parenting, and representation—drawing from her life as a second-generation Korean Canadian and mother to a mixed-race child.
General admission tickets are $40.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, May 10th — Doors at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m.
Pacific FC vs. York United FC
Bring your best cheer and loads of team spirit this Saturday as Victoria’s Pacific FC team faces York United FC.
Treat yourself to some snacks and beverages while you’re there too!
Ticket prices vary by seat selection, but they start at around $30 for general admission.
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- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Saturday, May 10th at 5 p.m.
Mother’s Day Market at Langford Station
Spend time with family and treat Mom to something nice!
Langford Station is hosting an outdoor event, featuring a complimentary Tea Garden, over 20 craft vendors, and treats for everyone!
It’s free to attend.
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- Where: Langford Station, 720 Station Avenue
- When: Saturday, May 10th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ensemble Laude Concert
Ensemble Laude presents Wings in two concerts on two dates!
The first of which is happening this Saturday, May 10th, at 7 p.m., located at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
The second will take place on Saturday, May 17th, 7 p.m., at St Mary of the Incarnation Church in Metchosin.
Immerse yourself in their lush signature sound and enjoy their curated selection of pieces!
Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the door.
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- Where: St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 680 Courtney Street
- When: Saturday, May 10th at 7 p.m.
Abkhazi Garden
It’s a charming estate host to not only a garden, but an exquisite heritage home that has been transformed into a teahouse—it’s open to the public year round.
Known as ‘the garden that love built,’ it can be found along Fairfield Road in Victoria and you may have passed by without truly knowing about this hidden gem.
Stretching out at just under an acre, this textural landscape has a mix of water features, rock, moss, and a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Plus, it’s Rhododendron Month at the garden, so be sure to get your best photo with the flowers and enter into their Rhodo Photo contest by emailing them, here.
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- Where: Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road
- When: Sunday, May 11th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Health in Space: Daring to Explore
Join the Sidney Museum on a journey through space with their latest exhibition, Health in Space: Daring to Explore.
This new exhibit officially opened on Monday, May 5th, and was developed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency.
Health in Space is an immersive and interactive experience that pulls back the curtain on health challenges astronauts face while living and working in space.
Health in Space runs until November 30th, and admission is by donation in order to make learning more accessible for space fans of all ages.
- Where: Sidney Museum, L-3, 2423 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
- When: Sunday, May 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
