Who’s looking forward to another weekend?
Although it isn’t quite Canada Day, you can get an early fix of fireworks at Butchart Gardens, attend at Great Canadian Bash and more!
Plus, catch the last few shows from this year’s TD Victoria International JazzFest, enjoy some delicious craft beer at Whistle Buoy’s Big Patio Days, eat your weight at the CrabFest and much more.
Hoping for something relaxed? Oak Bay Beach Hotel is hosting a sunrise yoga session, and there’s a farmers market in Lambrick Park.
Without further delay, here’s 15 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—June 28th and 28th:
Funk ‘N Soul in the Township: TD Victoria International JazzFest
The TD Victoria International JazzFest kicked off on Friday, June 20th and runs until Sunday, June 29th.
Don’t miss your final chance to catch their epic 2025 lineup, including the Funk ‘N Soul in the Township event, happening all weekend long!
Musicians include Sungazer, Ayla Tesler-Mabe, The Rumble, Chief Joseph Boudreaux and The New Groovement.
Ticket prices vary depending on package—you can purchase single-night tickets for $42, or get the three-day pass for $99.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Bullen Park Esquimalt, 1140 Lyall Street, Esquimalt
- When:
- Funk ‘N Soul: Friday, June 27th to Sunday, June 29th
“4 Journeys” Art Show at POV Gallery
Don’t miss the final weekend in the 4 Journeys Art Show at POV Gallery, located in the the Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre.
This incredible art show features four artists, displaying their paintings, assemblages, ceramic jewellery and instruments.
Artists include Kirstie Ann Loudon, Mone Vogel, Andrew Horridge and Lisa Surette-Markin.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to chat with them directly, as they’ll be attending from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The art show is free to attend.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre, 4495 Happy Valley Road, Metchosin
- When: Saturday, June 28th to Sunday, June 29th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Canadian Touch Rugby Nationals
For the first time ever, the Canadian Touch Rugby Nationals will be held in Colwood!
Attendees are in for a weekend of exciting rugby, as ten teams from across Canada are scheduled to compete over two days at the Juan De Fuca Recreation Centre.
The games are completely free to attend!
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Juan De Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Highway
- When:
- Saturday, June 28th from 10 a.m. until 4:40 p.m.
- Sunday, June 29th from 8:40 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Big Patio Days at Whistle Buoy: Birthday Party
This year, Whistle Buoy’s beloved Big Patio Days will feature an expanded patio, as well as its classic food vendors and stage!
For their first Big Patio Day of the summer, which is also the brewery’s birthday, artists will include Juice, Sofia Leonne, and TK The Artist with food from Los Panas.
Cover is $5 and re-entry is permitted with a wristband!
- Where: Whistle Buoy Brewing, Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, June 28th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Paragon Parc Block Party!
Paragon Parc in Saanich East will host a family-friendly event on Saturday, June 28th from 1 to 4 p.m. to celebrate the official launch of phase two, showcasing a collection of newly constructed luxury townhomes.
Guests can enjoy complimentary food and beverages, prizes and giveaways, and guided tours of the finished homes.
The event offers a chance to explore the development, connect with the team behind it, and take in the community atmosphere.
- Where: 4253 Dieppe Road
- When: Saturday June 28th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunrise Yoga in the Gardens
Start your morning with wellness and movement at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for their Sunrise Yoga.
The class, taking place in the Seaside Gardens Terrace, is breath-focused Hatha/Vinyasa, and runs for 60 minutes.
Yoga classes are offered every Saturday until August 30th, and must be booked online in advance. Booking price is $25.
When booking, let them know if you’re bringing your own mat, or will need to borrow one. Bring your own water bottle.
- Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Drive
- When: Saturday, June 28th from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Butchart Fireworks
Summer is nearly upon us and Butchart Gardens is ready to welcome everyone back for another wonderful season of blooms and entertainment.
This will include live music of all genres and—you guessed it—the highly-anticipated return of the weekly fireworks, beginning at 10:15 p.m. this Saturday, June 28th.
Guests are encouraged to bring your own blanket or lawn chair, and sprawl out on the manicured, lush lawns.
They’re included in your admission to the Gardens, and are weather permitting.
- Where: Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
- When: Saturday, June 28th at 10:15 p.m.
Great Canadian Bash
The Great Canadian Bash is bringing the heat to Starlight Stadium on Saturday, June 28th—and it’s the perfect way to jumpstart your Canada Day celebrations.
Gates open at 3:45 p.m. and the fun kicks off at 4:45 p.m. with the Great Canadian Cookout, a BBQ lover’s paradise with everything from poutine and pulled pork to bratwurst and BBQ chicken.
There are prizes to be won, flavours to savour, and good times to be had!
Tickets are available online, and military and first responders get in for just $30 (+fees) with valid ID. Limited view seats are also only $25!
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Saturday, June 28th from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
James Bay Market
The James Bay Market is celebrating it’s 30th year!
Every Saturday morning from now until October 4th, 60 vendors tents line Menzies and Superior Streets with local fruit, baked goods, brewed beverages, art and much more.
Come ready to dance as well, as there will be free live music and food trucks to re-energize and keep the party going. Pets are welcome!
View this post on Instagram
- Where: 494 Superior Street (corner of Menzies & Superior)
- When: Saturday, June 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Power Clown at Lucky Bar
Lucky Bar has got something for the heavy metal fans!
Don’t miss the return of Dicksee Di’anno and Power Clown—a tribute to Iron Maiden, with guests Rip N Destroy and Painful Reminder.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, June 28th from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
BC CrabFest
Get your bibs ready, Victoria—BC CrabFest is back and bigger than ever!
The 3rd iteration of this beloved event returns Sunday, June 29th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., taking place in an all new location—Victoria’s stunning Ship Point in the Inner Harbour.
BC CrabFest looks to bring BC’s bounties to your plate, with sustainably sourced, proudly local and exceptionally delicious offerings.
You can pre-purchase your bucket online here to guarantee your delicious haul and snag a convenient pickup window, because these buckets go fast!
- Where: Ship Point, Wharf Street (Victoria’s Inner Harbour)
- When: Sunday, June 29th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Amber Harper-Young’s Comedy Show at Sticky Wicket
If you like your comedy smart, weird, and just the right amount of unhinged, then you’re in luck—Amber Harper-Young is coming to Victoria.
This Vancouver comedy star will be joined by two rising stars in comedy, Max Bank-Jaffe and Elyott Ryan.
Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online.
- Where: The Maple Room in the Sticky Wicket, 919 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, June 29th at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)
Joan Bessie Cabaret
Join the Metro Studio Theatre and Juan De Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society in welcoming Joan Bessie!
This cabaret is to celebrate Bessie’s new single, “In Your Mind.” Guests will step into a world of music, movement and emotion in this soul-stirring collaboration between the Joan Bessie Duo and four dynamic dancers.
Tickets are $35 for general admission and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street
- When: Sunday, June 29th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
PKOLS Farmers Market
Hosted every Sunday, the PKOLS Farmers and Artisan Market takes over Lambrick Park with a lovely variety of goods.
Shop for veggies, fruit, baked goods, sauces, cookies, pottery, soap and much more.
It’s free to attend!
- Where: Lambrick Park, 4100 Lambrick Way
- When: Sunday, June 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Día de Campo Hispano 2025 (Hispanic Picnic)
The Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society has invited everyone to their Día de Campo Hispano 2025 (Hispanic Picnic) this Sunday!
This vibrant event is family-friendly and will feature special performances, music, food trucks, family games and is a celebration of their rich culture.
This event is free and open to the public.
- Where: Beckwith Park, 857 Beckwith Avenue
- When: Sunday, June 29th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
