Start your weekend off with a bang!
This Friday’s events include a wide variety of celebrations, including the i-Land Caribbean Festival, the 157th annual Saanich Fair and more.
Additionally, the concert fundraiser in memory of local traveler and driver Ashlie Toews will be held at Capital Ballroom.
Without further ado, here’s 5 things to do in and around Victoria on Friday, August 29th:
i-Land Fest
Running from Friday, August 29th to Sunday, August 31st, the i-Land Festival festival will take over Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and will be celebrating all things Caribbean.
Live music, dancing, food and cultural experiences will take place with the stunning waterfront as a backdrop, transporting attendees straight to the islands.
Opening night on Friday will present a Steel Pan Showcase, featuring bands from Vancouver performing melodic percussion born in Trinidad and Tobago.
The party doesn’t end there, with GLOW as the afterparty, which will be a high-energy 19+ dance event at Ambrosia Banquet Hall.
- Where: Ship Point in the Inner Harbour, along Wharf Street
- When: Friday, August 29th to Sunday, August 31st
Endless Summer Concert Fundraiser: In Memory of Ashlie Toews
A concert fundraiser is taking place this Friday with the goal of bringing together the community and fundraising for a memorial plaque in remembrance of Ashlie Toews.
Toews died in a tragic vehicular collision earlier this year on New Year’s Day while visiting Thailand on a scuba diving trip.
She was a UVic graduate and her friends know that her love for the ocean knew no bounds. Thus, they have had a plaque made to be dedicated to Toews’ memory, which will be mounted at Saxe Point.
The concert will feature the beloved local bands Neighbourly, Ranger, Earth Freaks, House of Glass as well as DJ Deckard. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Friday, August 29th, doors at 7 p.m.
157th Saanich Fair
This Labour Day weekend marks the 157th edition of the fair, one of the oldest and most beloved agricultural events in Western Canada.
Running from Friday, August 29th to Monday, September 1st, the fairgrounds in Saanichton will come alive with rides, live music, livestock shows and thousands of exhibits.
This year’s theme, “Focus on Farming,” ties into the popular photography department and serves as a reminder of the fair’s agricultural heritage.
The midway kicks things off Friday with a Sneak Peek from 3 to 11 p.m. (rides only, no gate admission). Wristbands are $45 in advance until August 28th and $52 after.
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton
- When: Friday, August 29th to Monday, September 1st
Pablo Cardenas presents Portraits of Cuba
Don’t miss world-class Cuban pianist Pablo Cardenas at Hermann’s Jazz Club this Friday!
His show will feature classical compositions from the best Cuban composers, alongside songs that represent a crucial part of the island’s musical patrimony.
Alongside Cardenas will be classical clarinetist Rachel Cooper as they present music by Ernesto Lecuona, Alejandro Garcia Caturla and more.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased online or at the door.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Friday, August 29th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Dinner and Drag
Hosted by Mina Mercury at local hotspot Friends of Dorothy, their Dinner and Drag events are always filled with delight and fun!
There’s new special guests each week, and they’ve got a new menu for you to peruse, so you can sip and enjoy fabulous entertainment.
Friends of Dorothy is an adult-only establishment after 9:30 p.m., so if you’re staying late, leave the kiddos at home!
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Friday, August 29th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
