Time to get excited, it looks like this weekend is going to be a good one, Victoria!
From massive car shows and festivals to outdoor markets and fireworks, there’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful city.
Specifically, don’t miss out on the Oak Bay Collector Car Festival this Sunday, as it’s one of the region’s most iconic car festivals and draws thousands of visitors!
If you’re looking for something a little quieter, Little Fernwood is hosting a creative writing event, and The Mint is welcoming OK, DOPE in for a brunch and comedy show.
For all of this and more, here are 13 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—July 12th and 13th:
SKAMpede
Organized by Theatre SKAM, the SKAMpede is now its 17th annual year, and offers professionally curated outdoor performances!
From Friday, July 11th to Sunday, July 13th, there’ll be engaging live entertainment that features 10-minute works from local performers and artists from across the country, juried by artists from our community.
Audiences can choose between different tours, and patrons depart in groups of fifteen from specific launch points.
On each tour, audiences watch original works of comedy, music, dance, theatre, poetry, and other artistic practices.
Tickets can be purchased online.
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- Where: Launch point varies by tour
- When: Friday, July 11th to Sunday, July 13th—times vary
Junction Fest
Junction Cidery & Orchard is thrilled to present their first annual Junction-Fest weekend, filled with summer fun and all things local!
From Friday, July 11th to Sunday, July 13th, there’ll be three days of food, music, markets, and orchard beauty.
The weekend’s highlights include live music, a floral design workshop, a FunZone and more!
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- Where: Junction Cidery & Orchard, 273 Prospect Lake Road
- When: Friday, July 11th to Sunday, July 13th (closes at 6 p.m. each day)
Bastion Square Market
Bastion Square’s market series has begun, and will run until October 12th!
So, while you’re enjoying some downtown wandering, be sure to stop by Bastion Square and check out the impressive vendors there.
Weather permitting, the day market operates from Thursday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: Bastion Square
- When: Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 12th
Festival Mexicano Victoria
Festival Mexicano is hosting their 19th festival in Victoria this weekend, and it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Celebrate Mexico’s vibrant culture, food, music and traditions at Ship Point, along Victoria’s Inner Harbour from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be a live mariachi band, as well as other performers from folkloric dance to modern Mexican beats.
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- Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
- When: Saturday, July 12th and Sunday, July 13th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Light ‘EmUp.TV Car Shows
Light ‘EmUp.TV is having another massive car show on the rooftop of Mayfair Shopping Centre this weekend!
Mayfair will also display special cars right inside the mall a week prior to each show, so you’ll know when the event is coming up!
Whether you’re a fan of vintage beauties, classic rides, tuners, JDM, hot rods, lowriders, motorcycles, or supercars, there’s something for everyone.
In addition to an unbelievable amount of vehicles, there will be other attractions for kids to take part in, including a Power Wheels contest with trophies for the top three power wheels, a Hot Wheels race with a cash prize, a kids playzone and more.
Admission to this event is free!
- Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, July 12th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Butchart Gardens Fireworks
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, with another show happening this Saturday!
Guests are encouraged to bring your own blanket or lawn chair, and sprawl out on the manicured, lush lawns.
Each show will feature original aerial and ground displays designed and choreographed to music, presented by Jennie Butchart’s great-grandson, Christopher Ross.
- Where: Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
- When: Saturday, July 12th at 10 p.m.
Royal Bay 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
Join the crew at Royal Bay for their 10th anniversary celebration, taking place at Quarry Park in Colwood this Saturday!
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. there will be live music, local market vendors, family-friendly activities and more.
This event is free to attend, and everyone is encouraged to bring all loved ones, including pets!
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- Where: Quarry Park, 3900 Producers Way, Colwood
- When: Saturday, July 12th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pacific FC vs. Halifax Wanderers FC
Bring your best cheer and loads of team spirit this Saturday as Victoria’s Pacific FC team faces the Halifax Wanderers FC team.
Plus, it’s their Pride match, so you could score a free Pride bucket hat at the match! For every goal scored, Pacific FC will be donating $1,000 towards the Victoria Pride Society.
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, July 12th at 3 p.m.
Peninsula Country Market
The Peninsula Country Market began in 1991 and has become a community gathering place for locals and visitors alike every year!
Spend every Saturday until October 11th shopping local artisan goods, fresh produce and indulging in one of their many food options.
Additionally, they have a variety of live entertainment and activities, including a new educational activity in their kids zone!
This Saturday brings attendees the epic and hilarious Zucchini Races, which sounds like a spectacle you won’t want to miss.
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- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road
- When: Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until October 11th
Notorious Run Club: Run, Yoga and Party
Join the Notorious Run Club for a new 5 kilometre social run, recovery yoga and post-movement DJ party at LURE Restaurant & Bar!
The club’s personal trainer, Brett Pfliger, will host a fun social stretch beforehand, and make sure you bring your own yoga mat.
This event is free to attend, but make sure you let the organizers know you’ll be there!
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- Where: LURE Restaurant & Bar, 100 Harbour Road
- When: Saturday, July 12th from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Oak Bay Collector Car Festival
One of the region’s most iconic car festivals is set to return on Sunday, July 13th, as the Oak Bay Collector Car Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a showcase of classic, exotic and adventure-driven vehicles.
This year’s theme, Drive for Adventure, will spotlight vehicles that have participated in transcontinental rallies and off-road races, including a locally owned 1956 Volkswagen Beetle that completed the gruelling Peking to Paris rally in 2019.
Organizers expect more than 300 unique vehicles to line Oak Bay Avenue between Monterey and Mitchell Streets, along with parts of Hampshire Road and Elgin Street.
It’s free to attend!
- Where: Along five blocks of Oak Bay Avenue, Monterey to Mitchell Street plus a portion of Hampshire Road
- When: Sunday, July 13th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Shut Up and Write!
Work on your creative projects in a focused environment with the Shut Up and Write! event.
Shut Up and Write! is a global community that empowers writers to overcome procrastination, silence their inner critic, and make consistent progress on their projects.
Our events provide a structured space where writers can come together, set aside distractions, and achieve their writing goals.
- Where: Fernwood Community Association, 1923 Fernwood Road
- When: Sunday, July 13th from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Brunch Comedy at The Mint
OK, DOPE is thrilled to present Brunch Comedy, live at The Mint!
This wondrous event combines a love for breakfast foods and comedy, so head on over and take a look at their special menu, drink specials, and share in some great laughs.
It’s hosted by Nash Park, and tickets are $10.
- Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, July 13th at 1 p.m. (doors open at 12 p.m.)
