Happy Father’s Day weekend, Victoria!
If you haven’t quite figured out what your plans are for dad’s special day, we’ve got some wicked fun ideas for you to check out.
For events unrelated to Father’s Day, don’t miss out on the last day of FernFest, catch Sidney’s Pride celebration, attend the Mabuhay! festival, and so much more.
Without any further delay, here are 13 things to do in and around Victoria this Father’s Day weekend—June 14th and 15th:
Celebrate Father’s Day
Just like last year, we’ve compiled a list of fun events and interesting gift ideas to bring the fun to your family unit and create memories with your dads and father figures.
From whisky tours to duck races and local shop gift cards to fishing derby tickets, we hope you find something your dad might enjoy!
Plus, if you’re up for a little drive, Qualicum Beach is hosting a massive Father’s Day car show, and dads get in for free at the Malahat SkyWalk all weekend long.
Full article: 13 fun activities and gift ideas to celebrate Father’s Day in Victoria
Mabuhay! Festival
From Saturday, June 14th to Sunday, June 15th, the Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre will be hosting the 7th annual Mabuhay! festival—a celebration for Filipino Heritage Month.
Everyone is welcome to venture into the heart of downtown at Centennial Square to partake in the festivities and experience the vibrant spirit, rich traditions and warm personalities of the Filipino Canadian community in the city.
Included in this two-day celebration is a food market with authentic Filipino food, handmade arts and crafts, cultural shows, as well as kids’ activities and more!
A major highlight this year is the special performance by Male Ensemble Philippines (MEn), a renowned vocal group from the Philippines.
- Where: Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, June 14th to Sunday, June 15th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ship Point Market
Hosted by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), Ship Point’s first market of the season kicked off on Friday, June 13th and will run until Sunday, June 15th!
This market is located on Ship Point Pier in the beautiful Inner Harbour, overlooking Causeway Marina, the Empress and Legislature building.
There will be plenty of buskers, food trucks, artisan vendors and more! Plus, local brewery, Whistle Buoy Brewing, will be there slinging beers at their pop-up on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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- Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour on Wharf Street
- When:
- Saturday, June 14th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, June 15th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FernFest
The highly-anticipated neighbourhood festival, FernFest, which kicked off on Friday, June 13th and runs through Saturday, June 14th, will see a ton of live music, art and food come to the streets of Fernwood.
Fernwood NRG added that the new stage will join the high-energy of the Fernwood Square Stage and the Little Fernwood Stage in the Fernwood Community and Arts Association.
There will be over 40 performances through the two-day festivities with artists such as Pastel Blank, Garret T. Willie, Hank Pine, Paris Pick and the Pricks and more.
Click here to see the full list of performers and to learn more about them.
- Where: Fernwood Square
- When: Saturday, June 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Unofficial FernFest Afterparty
Capital Ballroom is hosting the 2nd annual FernFest Unofficial Afterparty!
Join fellow community members in keeping the celebrations going with a dance party at one of Victoria’s hottest venues.
Victoria’s hometown funk-soul soundstorm Downtown Mischief shares the stage with westcoast organic bass producers Saturna and Silk Static—collectively known as Silkturna, all kicked off by DJLooksGood.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, June 14th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Knit in Public Day
Grab your needles and yarn and join the crew at Herald Street Brew Works for world-wide Knit in Public Day!
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned knitter or are diving into your first project, you’re invited to share your love of knitting and crocheting while enjoying some delicious craft beer.
Additionally, the brewery is giving away a $50 gift card, as well as a notions prize pack valued at $50!
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- Where: Herald Street Brew Works, 506 Herald Street
- When: Saturday, June 14th from 1 p.m. to 3 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.
It’s not just a regular match either—attendees will have the pleasure of meeting the Superheroes of Victoria and witnessing them in all of their glory!
Treat yourself to some snacks and beverages while you’re there too to make the most of this afternoon game.
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, June 14th at 3 p.m.
Tour Ross Bay Villa
Journey back in time at Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum, a volunteer-led museum and restoration project located in Fairfield.
Tours are offered on Saturdays at 2 p.m., where guests will get to enjoy this extraordinary house that’s been restored with care to appear as it did when the Roscoe family lived there.
Admission is $7.50 plus tax per person, and all tours must be booked in advance. All of the funds support the volunteer-based Ross Bay Villa Society, which owns and operates Ross Bay Villa.
- Where: Ross Bay Villa, 1490 Fairfield Road
- When: Saturday, June 14th starting at 2 p.m.
The Lost Words: A Spell Book
Christ Church Cathedral invites you to experience The Lost Words: A Spell Book, where whimsy meets wonder.
This musical journey was inspired by the bestselling novel by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, featuring compositions by 10 Canadian composers.
This performance will feature Governor-General’s Award-winning author Kit Pearson as the Reader.
General admission tickets are $35 and can be purchased via Eventbrite. There will be a pre-concert talk at 2:30 p.m.
- Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue
- When: Saturday, June 14th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sidney Pride Festival
You won’t want to miss this year’s Sidney Pride Festival, which kicked off on Friday, June 13th and runs through Saturday, June 14th with a multitude of events taking over local hotspots in Sidney.
The main event takes place on Saturday at the Beacon Band Shell along Sidney’s picturesque waterfront, where the Sidney Pride Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Expect a lineup of live performances, from dynamic drag shows and soulful singers to moving spoken word poetry.
- Where:
- Main event: Beacon Band Shell, 9801 Seaport Place, Sidney
- After party: Small Gods Brewing, 9835 Third Street, Sidney
- When: Saturday, June 14th
Esquimalt Neighbourhood Party
Heads up, because Esquimalt’s biggest neighbourhood party is back at Bullen Park Esquimalt this Saturday!
Come for an afternoon filled with performances, family-friendly activities, kid vendors, local community groups and much more.
Food will be available for purchase from vendors such as The Ice Cream Truck, Esquimalt Lions BBQ and Berry Sweet.
- Where: Bullen Park Esquimalt, 1140 Lyall Street, Esquimalt
- When: Saturday, June 14th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
HMCS Calgary’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
There’s a 30th anniversary party happening at Ogden Point this Sunday for HMCS Calgary, and you’re invited!
It will feature an opening ceremony with a military parade at 9 a.m., a road hockey exhibition game, face painting, live music, a beer garden and much more.
The event is free to attend, and lunch will be available to purchase.
Donations and sales from the beer garden will help raise funds for the ship’s charity, the Calgary Firefighter’s Burn Treatment Society.
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- Where: Ogden Point
- When: Sunday, June 15th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Music in the Orchard
Rain or shine, Junction Orchard & Cidery invites you for Music in the Orchard!
Featuring two artists, delicious and fun summer cider and pizza, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Dogs are welcome as long as they’re well-behaved!
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- Where: Junction Orchard & Cidery, 284 Prospect Lake Road, Saanich
- When: Sunday, June 15th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
