Once again, it’s time to shuck off the ‘blah’ of business attire and get into your fun summer weekend clothes!
Take a stroll through a mix of lively festivals, attend a Pacific FC game, catch a variety of live performances and much more.
If you’re looking for something a little casual, Smør Scandinavian Bakery in Sidney is celebrating their 1st anniversary and would love to see you!
Without further delay, here are 15 things to do this weekend—July 26th and 27th:
ArtisTREE Festival
After a successful inaugural year, the ArtisTREE Festival is returning to the historic Government House this July!
From Saturday, July 26th to Sunday, July 27th, attendees will be treated to a lively celebration of arts, culture and community.
There will be over 125 local artisans, alongside musicians, food vendors and a wide variety of performers—coming together to create a truly unforgettable weekend!
Admission is free, and this event is open to all ages. There’s no on-site parking, however, there will be a free shuttle service available, courtesy of Experience Victoria Shuttle.
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- Where: Government House, 1401 Rockland Avenue
- When:
- Saturday, July 26th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, July 27th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rock N’ Gem Show
Canada’s largest Rock N’ Gem Show is coming to the island, and will be bringing over 400 tables of crystals, gemstones, fossils and one-of-a-kind creations to Langford.
The show kicked off on Thursday, July 24th and runs until Sunday, July 27th at the Eagle Ridge Centre in Langford’s City Centre Park.
Featuring a lineup of vendors from across the country and beyond, the show offers a wide variety of treasures from around the world.
Admission is $3 for a single ticket, $7 for a family pass and free entry for children 5-years-old and younger.
- Where: City Centre Park – Eagle Ridge Centre, 1097 Langford Parkway
- When: Kicked off on Thursday, July 24th and runs until Sunday, July 27th
- Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pacific FC vs. Atlético Ottawa
Bring your best cheer and loads of team spirit this Saturday as Victoria’s Pacific FC team faces the Atlético Ottawa team.
Plus, it’s their Country match, so there’ll be live country music and delicious BBQ specials offered at concession.
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 26th at 5 p.m.
TMNT Meet & Greet
Join the crew at Mayfair Shopping Centre this Saturday for a totally tubular TMNT Meet & Greet!
Meet your heroes alongside your loved ones and get a photo taken for lasting memories. There will be giveaways and TMNT-themed prizes too.
This event is free and open to all ages, just make sure you register for one time slot per family.
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- Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, July 26th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Indigenous Music Festival
Don’t miss out on the final day of the 5th annual Indigenous Music Festival at Hampton Park!
It kicked off on Friday, July 25th and will run through Saturday, July 26th. Highlights from Saturday include Lekwungen Traditional Dancers, Killed Instantly, Yellow Wolf with Benny the Jet and Nate Harris featuring Madison Olsen.
In addition to the performances, there will be craft and food vendors on site.
This event is free to attend!
- Where: Hampton Park, 224 Hampton Road
- When: Kicked off Friday, July 25th and runs until Saturday, July 26th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Ginger Coyle in Concert
Award-winning musician and singer-songwriter Ginger Coyle is stopping in Victoria this weekend—and it’s her only Canadian stop during her tour!
Held at the Victoria Truth Centre, attendees are in for a soulful and uplifting evening. Described as a spiritual experience, guests will be moved inside and out.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
Didn’t get enough of Ginger? She’ll be performing as a guest musician on Sunday during the Truth Centre’s weekly service.
- Where: Victoria Truth Centre, 2815 Cedar Hill Road
- When: Saturday, July 26th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thirsty Chef Festival
The Drake Eatery has announced the return of their 11th Thirsty Chef festival, which blends the essence of summer fun and meaningful impacts on the community.
Join the crew and fellow beer lovers on Saturday, July 26th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of downtown, at Market Square.
This outdoor tasting event brings together some of Victoria’s most talented chefs, along with a variety of independent craft breweries across BC.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the Victoria Cool Aid Society—an organization dedicated to providing valuable services to marginalized individuals.
Tickets for the festival are $50 and can be purchased at The Drake Eatery or online via Eventbrite.
- Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street #39
- When: Saturday, July 26th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Make Good Party
On Saturday, July 26th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. the Make Good Party, a celebration of local artists, is back and will take over Ship Point, located in front of HAVN Spa.
Guests will be greeted by the beats from live DJs and have access to a dance floor, a Maker’s Market curated by Migration Boutique, food trucks, a bar serving local beverages and games!
In a media release, Patterson said that the Make Good Party launched in 2021, as so many small businesses were suffering due to the pandemic, as well as the aftermath of the shutdowns.
The Make Good Party is a free event and is suitable for all ages! This event is also part of a Summer Series, with a multitude of fun events happening throughout the summer and into the fall.
- Where: Ship Point, along Wharf Street
- When: Saturday, July 26th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Eats & Beats Beach Party 2025
There’s still plenty of summer fun left to be had, and Greater Victoria’s biggest beach party of the year is set to return this weekend, on Saturday, July 26th.
Colwood’s Eats & Beats is ready to welcome you to The Beachlands—a fabulous seaside park just a stone’s throw south of the Lagoon Beach in Colwood.
This event is free to attend and provides multitudes of entertainment and treats for thousands of people every year!
There will be live music all day, a food truck festival where you can sample flavours from around the world, beachside beverages served by the Victoria Beer Society and tons of fun by the ocean.
- Where: The Beachlands in Colwood
- When: Saturday, July 26th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Victoria Wave Rave: Gorge Paddle
Back for another year of epic paddling on the Gorge, Victoria Wave Rave is inviting everyone to enjoy an afternoon of water activities!
Last year’s theme was pirates, and this year the theme is focused around ocean and earthly daydreams. Embrace your inner god/goddess, magic and light within.
Attendees will paddle alongside a DJ with a specially curated playlist spanning EDM genres (house, tropical, electro), as well as some classic dance classics.
No tickets necessary, just bring your own paddle board, some snacks and your respect for others!
- Where: Banfield Park Victoria, 509 Craigflower Road
- When: Saturday, July 26th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Victoia Harbourcats vs. Wenatchee AppleSox
With the Harbourcats at top of the North Division second-half standings and the AppleSox four games back in fourth place. This game is one to catch.
It’s always a super Saturday when you are at the ballpark enjoying HarbourCats baseball! It is the last Saturday night regular season game of the year, so come on out and pack the stands for game two of the three-game set with the AppleSox!
- Where: Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Saturday, July 26th, 6:35 p.m.
“The Boy in the Treehouse” and “Gold”
Two compelling productions will be taking place at Langham Court Theatre this week, presented by Reconciliation Theatre of Nanaimo and Victoria-based Indigenous Healing Arts Network.
The Boy in the Treehouse and Gold‘s final show is on Sunday, July 27th, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with powerful narratives that are rooted in identity, legacy and resilience.
While both are vastly different in style, they have a shared focus on truth and storytelling, making this double-feature a standout amongst the city’s summer arts calendar.
Ticket prices vary, but start at $15.
- Where: Langham Court Theatre, 805 Langham Court
- When: Sunday, July 27th at 2 p.m.
The Strange Hour: A Brunch Variety Show
Begin your day with a dose of fun and strange!
Presented by Theatre SKAM and Spec Theatre, this Sunday brings audiences The Strange Hour: A Brunch Variety Show, featuring local performers and presenters across a range of genres.
Their lineup includes Zella Bones, Kathleen Greenfield, Rose! and Lucia Ribiero. The production is hosted by Keith Sonci.
Tickets are $25 for general admission.
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- Where: Theatre SKAM’s Satellite Studio, 849 Fort Street
- When: Sunday, July 27th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors open at 10 a.m.)
Smør Scandinavian Bakery’s 1st Birthday
If you haven’t had the chance to check out Smør Scandinavian Bakery, now’s a good time to go!
In honour of their 1st anniversary at their new shop, they’re having a birthday party throughout the day.
There will be cake, door prizes, special breakfast and lunch features, and (of course) fresh-baked Scandinavian goodies!
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- Where: Smør Scandinavian Bakery, 2376 Bevan Avenue #104, Sidney
- When: Sunday, July 27th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Victoria Symphony at Qualicum Beach
If you find yourself up island this weekend, the Victoria Symphony will be performing at Qualicum Beach this Sunday!
Maestro Giuseppe Pietraroia will lead the performance, opening with Mozart’s Overture, followed by Ryan Cole taking the spotlight in Neruda’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major. The performance concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 5 in F-major.
Tickets are $45 for general admission.
- Where: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street, Qualicum Beach
- When: Sunday, July 27th at 7 p.m.
