17 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – April 17th to 19th

Get ready Victoria, there are heaps of things to do in the city this weekend!

From orchard markets and tours to Canadian rock legends, this weekend is full of events to keep things exciting.

Whether you’re looking to slow things down with some art therapy, speed things up with a sunset run or find the love of your life on a live dating show, there is something happening for everyone.

Here are 17 things to keep you busy this weekend—April 17th to 19th:

Viva Santana at the Coda

Any Carlos Santana fans?

Viva Santana is a high-energy tribute celebrating the soaring guitar and electric rhythms of Carlos Santana—music that demands deep feel, precision and soul.

Covering Santana isn’t something just anyone can do. It takes a special combination of tone, touch and total commitment.

Fronted by Amie Said, Viva Santana delivers exactly that. His playing captures not only the iconic tone, but the spiritual and rhythmic essence that makes this music timeless.

A show for listeners, dancers and anyone who believes that music is, indeed, the healing force.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Coda, 751 View Street
• When: Friday, April 17th – 9 p.m.

Art Therapy Open House with Hanna Kaye Art Therapy and Counselling

Learn more about art therapy!

This in-person event, hosted by Hanna Verhagen, a Canadian certified counsellor and art therapist, is for anyone curious about how art can support mental health, self-expression and personal growth.

As well, if you’ve been thinking about finding a therapist, this can be a gentle, low-pressure way to meet an art therapist and counsellor, get a feel for their approach and see if it might be a good fit for you.

Stop by at your own pace, explore simple creative activities and learn about what art therapy is in a supportive, no-pressure environment.

You’ll have the chance to ask questions, try materials and gain insight into how this unique approach can help people of all ages navigate emotions, reduce stress and build resilience.

The event is free, however you can reserve your spot here.

• Where: Hanna Kaye Art Therapy & Counselling, 561 Johnson Street
• When: Friday, April 17th – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Saanich Earth Day Festival

Celebrate the Earth this weekend!

The Saanich Earth Day Festival celebrates sustainability in our community.

In 2026, the theme is ‘Reuse, Share, Repair,’ and will focus on simple ways we can divert waste from landfill by reusing things in new ways, sharing with neighbours and repairing when possible.

Bring the family to the festival to listen to live music by local musicians, visit the vendor village, get lunch from the food truck and play with the interactive elements.

There will even be a special guest at the event: Curby the bike lane street sweeper!

• Where: 770 Vernon Ave, behind Municipal Hall and just off of the Lochside Trail
• When: Saturday, April 18 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Emo Night at Lucky Bar

Dance those feelings out, Victoria!

Emo night at Lucky Bar is back. DJs Bowlcut and Mollypocket will be playing emo, punk, metal, hardcore, pop-punk, screamo and more.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Saturday, April 18th – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Noches de Desamor Ladies Spanish Night Karaoke at the Coda

Join The Coda for a Spanish karaoke night specifically for the ladies, hosted by Pachanga Latina.

Grab the mic. Sing your heart out. Dance, laugh and celebrate with your girls.

Whether you’re healing, vibing or just ready for a fun night out, this is your night.

Tickets are $15 advance or $25 at the door. There will only be 100 spots available and the event is expected to sell out, so be sure to get your tickets ahead of time here.

• Where: The Coda, 751 View Street
• When: Saturday, April 18 – 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Move With Us at Victoria Native Friendship Centre 

Move With Us is a community centered yoga fundraiser designed to bring people together through movement, connection and shared purpose, while raising funds to support programs and services for those aged 75 and up at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

This event invites participants of all experience levels to gather for an uplifting yoga class followed by food, community connection and a silent auction.

Organizers ask participants to bring their own mat and water bottle.

Tickets are $54.73 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Avenue
• When: Saturday, April 18th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hand Cut Fashion Market at the Fernwood Community Centre

Any fashionistas in the house?

A convergence of clothing designers and fashion, in one room! Find one of a kind pieces to add to your collection, with over 30 artists and designers from across the island and Vancouver slated to attend.

Explore a vast variety of shapes and textures to express your own unique style.

Entry costs $4 and can be paid at the door.

• Where: The Fernwood Community Centre, 1244 Gladstone Avenue
• When: Saturday, April 18th – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Handpainted Ceramics Workshop at Gardenworks Saanich

Join the team at Gardenworks in Saanich and build your own hand-painted ceramic garden pot or vase.

This is a two-part workshop, with the first being on April 18th and the second on May 2nd.

In the first sessions, participants will sculpt their own cover power or flower vase with the help of the instructor of the session, Teresa Easton.

After the first session, the piece will be carefully dried and kiln-fired in preparation for part two.

In part two, it will be time to refine your work, adding depth, colour and individuality. Your masterpiece will then be taken for a glaze firing.

All materials are provided—all you need to bring is you!

Tickets are $99 + tax, and can be purchased here.

• Where: Gardenworks Saanich, 4290 Blenkinsop Road
• When: 
  • Part 1: Saturday, April 18 – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Part 2: Saturday, May 2nd – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunset Run and Patio Party with Notorious Run Club

Head down to Belleville’s and join the Notorious Run Club for a sunset 5K in preparation for the Wings for Life World Run, then stick around for an after-party on the patio.

There will be music, games, drinks, giveaways and a special talk from Red Bull Ambassador Mike Shaw, who will discuss his experience with a spinal cord injury and join in on the run.

Entry for this event is free. Bring a friend and they’ll bring the energy!

• Where: Belleville’s, 427 Belleville Street
• When: Saturday, April 18th – 7 p.m.

Hot & Bothered at Philips Brewing

Pandora’s Box Cabaret will be performing at Philips Brewing on Saturday, and it’s going to be spicy.

Come enjoy local burlesque and performances from drag and dance icons who are sure to make your heart race.

The event is free, but is likely to be busy so be sure to show up early and grab your spot!

• Where: Philips Brewing, 2000 Government Street
• When: Saturday, April 18 – 8 p.m.

Blind Dates Live! at the Mint 

Head down to The Mint Restaurant for Blind Dates Live! with comedian Alex Foreman!

Whether you’re single or taken, this will be a show you won’t want to miss.

Watch singles take the stage for a live first blind date while Alex sits behind them attempting to help when things go south, but often making things much worse.

Be sure to grab some delicious Himalayan food while you’re there.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, April 18th – 8 p.m.

Family Sunday: Black and White at the Greater Victoria Art Gallery

Gather the family together and bring them down to the Art Gallery of Great Victoria (AGGV) for Family Sunday.

This Sunday, explore art making in black and white, inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions and permanent collections.

Create Chinese ink paintings, make wearable buttons and create a unique collage. Families can learn more about the artists and artworks while enjoying guided family tours designed especially for the event.

Family Sunday is included with admission. Admission is free for those under 25, AGGV members and all Indigenous Peoples. Regular admission is $15.

• Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
• When: Sunday, April 19th – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Champagne and Cake Show

Get ready to sip and nibble for a good cause, Victoria!

The Champagne and Cake Show will be taking place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at Hatley Castle.

Attendees will enjoy an afternoon of sweet and savoury bites and champagne, followed by a curated fashion show featuring looks from The Bride’s Closet, Shades of White Bridal, Outlooks for Men and Blush Bridal Boutique in support of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

You will also have time to explore the castle grounds, take part in a dance class from Arthur Murray Dance Studio, enjoy live music and end the afternoon with a cocktail of your choice while enjoying ocean views.

Tickets are only $19.44 and can be purchased here. Be sure to grab one before they sell out!

• Where: Hatley Castle, 2005 Sooke Road
• When: Sunday, April 19th – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

April Orchard Market at Junction Orchard and Cidery

Who doesn’t love an outdoor market?

Grab a friend and head down to the Orchard Market at Junction Orchard and Cidery.

Orchard Markets are inclusive, family and pet-friendly days at the cidery.

Browse market booths from some of your favourite vendors, farmers and makers while enjoying Junction cider and bites from Bicycle Pizza and local food vendors.

Each market brings something new.

• Where: Junction Orchard Market, 273 Prospect Lake
• When: Sunday, April 19th – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Garden Spring Show

Calling all plant people!

The Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Garden Society is hosting their annual spring show, a key horticultural event in Victoria.

You will see unusual alpine, woodland and bog plants potted or arranged in troughs and miniature gardens. This is one of the very few judged alpine plant shows in North America.

The plants for sale are diverse and abundant, and it’s a unique opportunity to acquire alpine plants.

There will be displays, vendor and seed sales, door prizes, a silent auction and tea service.

The event is by donation.

• Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
• When: Sunday, April 19th – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chase Ward Trio at Hermann’s Jazz Club

Enjoy some jazz on Sunday evening!

Chase Ward is a Toronto-based musician and composer originally from Victoria, BC.

With a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from Humber College, Ward creates art that invites people into a shared story, believing that wonder belongs to everyone.

Ward’s primary creative outlet is his trio, a dynamic, improvisatory project rooted in storytelling, spontaneity and musical expedition.

Featuring pianist/arranger Simon Williams and bassist Josh Warren, the group blends the jazz tradition with rhythmic influences from Latin, Afro-Cuban and New Orleans music, crafting performances that are both grounded and exploratory.

• Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
• When: Sunday, April 19th – 7 p.m.

Three Days Grace at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre

Go rock out with Canadian powerhouse Three Days Grace for a show that is sure to be a riot.

The band will perform at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Sunday to a packed stadium.

Last year was a big year for the group, with 2025 marking the release of their newest album “Alienation.” This tour celebrates the release of that album, and the band will be hitting locations in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Finger Eleven, another iconic Canadian rock group, will open the show. They also released an album last year, titled “Last Night on Earth.”

There are just a few tickets still available, which can be purchased at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre website here.

• Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
• When: Sunday, April 19th – 7 p.m.