Happy weekend, Victoria—it’s scheduled to be an action-packed one!
Summer weekends are always full incredible events, and this one is no exception. Check out Phillips Backyard ‘Reverb,’ Big Patio Days, HCP’s Music and Arts Festival and much more.
Plus, don’t forget about the annual Victoria Dragon Boat Festival, where teams of boats will compete and attendees can watch and participate in other cultural celebrations as well.
For all of this and more, here are 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—August 9th and 10th:
Phillips Backyard: ‘Reverb’
Phillips Backyard’s ‘Reverb’ is kicking off this Friday, and runs until Sunday, August 10th!
Headlining this weekend includes Peach Pit, Phantogram and The Roots. Other artists over the weekend will include Borns, Diamond Cafe, King Cruff, Danielle Ponder and more.
Tickets are $119.24 for single day passes and $285.76 for the weekend.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Phillips Backyard, 2010 Government Street
- When: Kicked off on Friday, August 8th and runs until Sunday, August 10th
Arts & Music Festival
The Gardens at HCP is hosting their 31st annual Arts & Music Festival!
Over 40 talented local vendors will be showcasing their unique & handmade pieces. Plus, there will be a variety of musicians, family activities and food and refreshments for purchase.
Favourites such as Bicycle Pizza, Greek ‘n Go, S & S Walnut Cakes Co., and Sub Zero Ice Cream.
Field parking is available by donation!
View this post on Instagram
- Where: The Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Road
- When: Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Psychic Fair & Full Moon Witches Market
If you’re looking to be transported to a realm of mystery and magic, you won’t want to miss the Metchosin Psychic Fair & Full Moon Witches Market!
Here, you’ll meet gifted psychics and find unique treasures and charms. Vendors include A Van Island Shop, Ali’s Mystical Wonders, Bewitching Eden, Binley Woodcraft, C Naturals and more.
This event is free to attend, and the first 30 guests will receive a swag bag.
- Where: Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Road, Metchosin
- When: Saturday, August 9th and Sunday, August 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sooke Music & Arts Festival
This year marks the Sooke Music and Arts Festival’s 10th anniversary!
The festival kicked off on Friday, August 8th and runs throughout Saturday, August 9th at Fred Milne Park.
Featuring a packed lineup of musical acts, visual artists, local food vendors and more, it’s bound to be an incredible time for the whole family!
The festivities on Saturday are free to attend.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Fred Milne Park, 2249 Sooke River Road, Sooke
- When: Saturday, August 8th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
The Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival kicked off on Friday, August 8th and runs until Saturday, August 9th, at a variety of locations in Victoria.
To launch the festival, the Victoria Chinatown Museum opened a new exhibition, Dragons on the Coast: Victoria’s Dragon Boat Story.
On Saturday, the Inner Harbour will become a spectacle of speed and spirit, with over 30 teams taking to the water for races. Starting at 8 a.m., paddlers will tackle a 250-metre course that stretches from Laurel Point to Ship Point Pier.
More than just racing, this event is a celebration of culture, community and local connection. This is why, in addition to racing, attendees will be treated to a dynamic lineup of performances!
- Where:
- Exhibit: Victoria Chinatown Museum, 10 Fan Tan Alley
- Races: Inner Harbour, 900 Wharf Street
- When:
- Exhibit open, and will be accessible from Thursdays to Sundays until September 8th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, August 9th: Races begin at 8 a.m., and other festivities are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free-B Film Festival: Viva Las Vegas
The 26th annual Free-B Film Festival, a series of free outdoor movie screenings, has officially returned!
Rediscover an old childhood favourite, or introduce yourself and friends to a classic gem for the first time—either way, unwind and enjoy the magic of the movies in the fresh air!
This Saturday’s featured screening is Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.
- Where: Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park, 250 Bridge Way
- When: Saturday, August 9th at 9 p.m.
Whistle Buoy’s Big Patio Days: Beach Day
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 third Big Patio Day of the summer, dubbed the “Garden Party,” and artists include Bufflehead, Projectors and Frase with food from Los Panas and the Wandering Mollusk.
Cover is $5 and re-entry is permitted with a wristband!
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Whistle Buoy Brewing, Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, August 9th from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Katharine Geddes presents ‘Resilience’
Gage Gallery Arts Collective is hosting an official exhibition opening for Katharine Geddes’ collection of work, Resilience.
Celebrate her new work while taking in the breathtaking beauty of her depictions of landscapes on Vancouver Island.
Join them this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
View this post on Instagram
- Where: Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square
- When: Saturday, August 9th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Field of Dreams Show and Shine
This year marks the fourth annual Field of Dreams Show and Shine, and it’s returning to Colwood on Sunday, August 10th, and is located in the lower fields behind the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.
Hosted by LayedOut Car Club & Light Em’ Up TV, this car show features hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, race cars and more.
Plus, it will be showcasing a wide variety of glinting lowriders and mini-trucks!
General admission is free, but on-site purchase proceeds will go towards charity, including The Zone @ 91-3’s Toy Drive, men’s therapy, and BC Cancer.
- Where: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Highway in Colwood
- When: Sunday, August 10th from 9 a.m. to 3 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: PKOLS Park, Lambrick Park, 4100 Lambrick Way
- When: Sunday, August 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cadboro Bay Festival
Head down to Cadboro Bay for their celebration of ocean recreation and sustainability.
The day will be filled with live music, delicious food, storytelling, kids’ crafts, interaction booths and more.
This event is free to attend!
- Where: Cadboro-Gyro Park, 2640 Sinclair Road
- When: Sunday, August 10th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
