It’s time for another incredible weekend in the sun, Victoria!
Take advantage of the summer heat and check out one (or many) of the outdoor events that are happening throughout our beautiful city.
Some outdoor events include the Phillips Backyard festival (‘Tilt’ edition), the Pride Parade and Festival, another Big Patio Day at Whistle Buoy, and much more!
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, check out the James Bay Market or famous Saanich Strawberry Festival.
Here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—July 5th and 6th:
Phillips Backyard ‘Tilt’
Get ready for a big summer in the Phillips Backyard!
The festival series is split up into two weekends and takes place over the course of two weekends in July and August.
The ‘Tilt!’ lineup for this weekend, with it kicking off on Friday, July 4th and running until Sunday, July 6th, will see headliners Cold War Kids, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and G-Easy.
Single-day tickets are $119.24 and a weekend pass is $285.76, and you can purchase them here.
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- Where: Phillips Backyard, 2010 Government Street
- When: Friday, July 4th to Sunday, July 6th—performance times vary
Ship Point Market
Hosted by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), get ready for another weekend of Ship Point’s market series, taking place Friday through Sunday!
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!
- Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour on Wharf Street
- When: Friday, July 4th to Sunday, July 6th—hours vary by day
Whistle Buoy’s Big Patio Days: Victoria Stampede
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 second Big Patio Day of the summer, dubbed the “Victoria Stampede,” artists will include Burks & Gunn, Jaimeson Rhy, and The Denim Daddies with food from Dumpling Drop.
Cover is $5 and re-entry is permitted with a wristband!
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- Where: Whistle Buoy Brewing, Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, July 5th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Victoria Folk Music Festival
This year’s Victoria Folk Music Festival will take place on Saturday, July 5th in the Royal Athletic Park!
The world-class lineup includes Frazey Ford, Joel Plaskett, Kacy & Clayton, Harry Manx, Ferron, Old Man Luedecke, Vince Vaccaro, Canadian Beauty, Daneil Lapp’s BC Fiddle Orchestra and more.
This family-friendly event brings together the best in folk, roots, and Americana music.
General admission tickets are around $86.50 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
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- Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Saturday, July 5th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Oak Bay Summer Concerts in the Park: Family Show
Enjoy the stunning backdrop of Willows Beach while you tune into a summer concert, presented by Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture!
Performers include lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers, Pacific Opera Victoria, STAGES Dance Company, and Marimba Mufaro.
Admission to this event is free!
- Where: Willows Park, 2778 Dalhousie Street
- When: Saturday, July 5th at 2 p.m.
Esquimalt Urban Arts Tour
The Township Community Arts Council (TCAC) is hosting their 6th annual Esquimalt Urban Arts Tour!
This free event will feature dozens of local talented artists at 27 properties throughout the area.
You can walk, bike, bus or drive through the charming neighbourhoods and visit the stops that suit your interests! Connect and chat with artists and learn something new.
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- Where: Throughout the Township of Esquimalt
- When: Saturday, July 5th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PRIDE Double Header: Roller Derby Bout
Looking for a high-energy evening filled with hits, dazzling outfits and pure Pride joy? Check out the EOD Roller Derby Pride Double Header this Saturday!
It promises to bring a day of fierce competition and community spirit, so bring your pals and your best cheering voices.
Tickets are $20 for general admission if purchased online, or $25 at the door.
- Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1151 Esquimalt Road
- When: Saturday, July 5th—match times vary (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Emo Night at Lucky Bar
Described as an evening of pure emo energy, this special event at Lucky Bar will feature all the hits and emo favourites!
Brought to you by DJs Bowlcut & Stormey, music will include emo, punk, hardcore, metal, pop punk, screamo and more.
They’re telling audiences to chuck on favourite band tees, slick on some black eyeliner, grab your buddies and come for a night of nostalgia, catharsis, and unapologetically emotional music.
- Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
- When: Friday, August 4th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.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!
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- Where: 494 Superior Street (corner of Menzies & Superior)
- When: Saturday, July 5th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Victoria Pride Parade and Festival
This year’s Pride Parade is on Sunday, July 6th, and is a highly-anticipated event in Victoria!
This large, colourful parade has as many as 140 entries and over 70,000 spectators, so don’t miss your chance to dance, cheer and witness such a beautiful display of support and love.
The parade route will be announced soon!
The parade ends at McDonald Park in James Bay, which is where the Pride Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Every year, this festival features performances across a wide variety of mediums, plenty of food trucks and beverages, and more!
- Where:
- Parade: Route to be announced soon!
- Festival: McDonald Park in James Bay, 212 Niagara Street
- When: Sunday, July 6th
- Parade:
- Festival: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saanich Strawberry Festival
One of Greater Victoria’s most beloved summer traditions is set to return this Sunday, as the 58th annual Saanich Strawberry Festival takes over Beaver Lake Park.
The free, family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offers a full day of entertainment, food, and community celebration.
Similar to previous years, thousands are expected to attend the long-running festival, which is known for its laid-back charm, lakeside setting, and, of course, the now-famous strawberries and ice cream.
This year, the traditional treat will be served from 2 to 4 p.m. (or until sold out), with bowls priced at just $2.
- Where: Beaver Lake Regional Park, 728 Beaver Lake Road
- When: Sunday, July 6th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (strawberries + ice cream 2–4 p.m.)
