21 Things to do in and around Victoria this Weekend – April 24th to 26th

Don’t you love this time of year, Victoria?

The birds are out, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and the TC10K is bringing the community together.

Whether you’re joining in on the run or not, there’s plenty going on this weekend to get you involved.

Maybe you want to celebrate International Astronomy Day, see Pacific FC play or get out and see some live music. Whatever you’re hoping to get up to, this weekend’s going to be a good one.

Here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—April 24th to 26th:

ALL WEEKEND

West Coast Amusements at Mayfair Mall

The midway is rolling in and they’re bringing the rides, games, and sweet treats with them!

Canada’s largest traveling amusement park is coming to town for big thrills, family fun, and all your favorite midway vibes.

The fair has already started, and will be in the Mayfair Parking lot until Sunday, April 26th.

Unlimited ride passes are $50 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Mayfair Mall, 3147 Douglas Street

• When: 
  • April 24th – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • April 25th – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • April 26th – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Casey and Diana at the Belfry Theatre

Join the Belfry Theatre for a performance of Casey and Diana, a critically acclaimed Canadian play by Nick Green.

As human and as funny as life—and just as fragile.

“Casey” is Casey House in Toronto—Canada’s first hospice for men dying of AIDS. “Diana” is Princess Diana—who visited Casey House in 1991—and changed the world’s attitude towards the disease. Thomas has spent five months in Casey House waiting to die. Now he’s hoping he’ll live long enough to meet the Princess he idolizes.

Ticket prices are pay-what-you-can, and can be purchased online here. Be aware that online ticket prices are a suggestion only.

• Where: The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Street
• When: Tuesday, April 21st to May 17th – varying times

FRIDAY

Band of the Month Showcase at Studio 919

Head down to Studio 919 and see their band of the month showcase with this month’s winner, Blush.

This event is done in partnership between Studio 919 and The Zone @ 91-3, and will also feature each of their band of the month winners this so far this year.

Performing live will be Low Alamode (January), Bluejay Friese (February), Idle Lane (March), and Blush. (April)!

Inspired by a wide variety of shoegaze, 90s rock, and folk music, Blush. is a coastal Canadian alt-indie rock band built on crunchy textures, haunting electronics and atmospheric melodies.

Blush. was recently featured on our New Music Monday segment, which you can read here. This is an up-and-coming local band that you definitely don’t want to miss.

The event will also feature each of the Zone’s band of the month winners so far, including

The best part? Tickets are free! You can get on the guestlist here.

• Where: Studio 919, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, April 24th – 6:30 p.m.

Newsies: The Musical at the McPherson Playhouse

Extra, Extra!

Catch the beloved Tony-award winning musical Newsies before it ends!

An award-winning score to sweep you up in the dramatic fight for what’s fair—based on the strike of 1899 by the child labourers of New York, led by those selling the papers for the rich and powerful.

Scrappy, snappy, and full of rousing calls to action—this musical sensation will have you wanting to “stare down the odds and seize the day.”

Tickets are $55 and can be purchased here.

• Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
• When: Friday, April 24th – 7 p.m.

Pop Goes the Sixties at the Mary Winspear Centre

Catch a tribute to the sixties at Mary Winspear Centre!

A live variety show and multimedia presentation, celebrating the music of six legendary musical groups, lovingly performed by Backbeat, Canada’s most authentic musical tribute to the 1960s.

It’s a magical evening of top 10 hits from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Monkees and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

You’ll be transported back in time to re-live the sights and sounds of a sixties pop musical show that will have you tapping your toes, singing along and cheering all night long.

With that sixties sizzling sound, dazzling video on three projection screens and a special nostalgic flare sure to take you back to a much simpler time.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
• When: Friday, April 24th – 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

International Astronomy Day at the Observatory

Join University of Victoria professor Jon Willis at the Victoria Observatory to find the answer to some of our biggest questions about space.

Is there life off Earth?

Bound by the limitations of spaceflight, a growing number of astrobiologists investigate the question by studying life on our planet.

Astronomer and author Jon Willis shows us how it’s done, allowing readers to envision extraterrestrial landscapes by exploring their closest Earth analogs.

Jon Willis is a professor of astronomy at the University of Victoria and author of The Pale Blue Data Point: An Earth-Based Perspective on the Search for Alien Life and All These Worlds Are Yours: The Scientific Search for Alien Life.

Jon will be signing copies of the book during the evening.

• Where: Centre of the Universe – Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, 5071 West Saanich Road
• When: Saturday, April 25th – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

International Astronomy Day at the Royal BC Museum

Join members of the Victoria Centre Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the Centre of the Universe and others as they present amazing astronomical information and activities for all ages.

Visit information tables including the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s welcome table, “ask an astronomer”, astrophotography, responsible lighting, Shawnigan Lake School, Stellarium Sky Simulation, Centre of the Universe, UVic Physics and Astronomy, Science Venture and Camosun College.

In addition, there will be kids’ activities, a telescope show and tell and telescopes set up for solar viewing on the grounds outside.

Tickets are included in the admission price.

• Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
• When: Saturday, April 25th – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

RAKATA Latin Night featuring Jayville at Capital Ballroom

Join Vancouver-based DJ Jayville for a night of Latin music and non-stop energy.

Jayville is one of the most in-demand DJs in Vancouver, and his shows are always memorable.

The last time RAKATA was hosted at the Capital Ballroom, the venue was packed, with over 675 people coming through the doors.

Only tier 3 tickets are left, which are $25 and can be purchased here—get them before they sell out!

• Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Friday, April 24th – 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Malinowski at Capital Ballroom

Head down to Capital Ballroom to see Montreal singer-songwriter Jay Malinowski.

Malinowski is a huge name in the world of songwriting.

His music has been covered by iconic acts like Diplo and Grandson, and he has collaborated with artists like Philadelphia’s King Britt and Washington DC’s Daryl Jennifer, among others.

This will be a general admission, seated show.

Tickets are $38.64 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Saturday, April 25th – 7 p.m.

Rock With You: A Tribute Night to Michael Jackson & Disco-to-80s Dancefloor Era at Capital Ballroom

After Jay Malinowski, why not stick around at the Capital Ballroom and dance into the night for a tribute to the King of Pop?

Rock With You is a tribute night to Michael Jackson and the golden era that shaped him.

An all-night DJ set spanning the grooves, the funk, the pop and everything in between.

Expect music by Michael Jackson, Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Earth Wind & Fire, Chic, Gloria Gaynor, Kool & the Gang, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Bee Gees, Barry White and more.

The encouraged dress code is disco glam.

Rock With You will happen after Jay Malinowski’s set is finished.

Tickets start at $13 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Saturday, April 25th at 10:30 p.m.

Drop-in Lichen Walk with Tasha Lavdosky at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

Tasha Lavdovsky will be leading a drop-in guided lichen walk at Swan Lake during the Greater Victoria City Nature Challenge.

Look at common macrolichens around the Swan Lake Nature House, learn identification techniques and gain introductory level familiarity with the different morphological groups and growth structures.

Everyone is welcome and entry is by donation.

• Where: Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Road
• When: Saturday, April 25th – 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Herb Hanging Basket Workshop with Patio Gardens

Don’t have space for a garden? No problem!

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your very own edible herb hanging basket, perfect for small spaces.

Using a lovely, reusable metal and coir fiber basket, you’ll be guided through selecting the herbs that best suit your needs—whether it’s for culinary use, fragrance, or beauty.

Learn about different herb types, ideal combinations and expert growing tips to keep your herbs thriving all season long.

All materials for the classes are included in the class price, with a good variety of herbs to choose from!

Tickets for this event are $59 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Patio Gardens, 6536 West Saanich Road
• When: Saturday, April 25th – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day Party at Munro’s Books

Celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day at Munro’s Books on Saturday, April 25th!

The party will include a contest to win $1000 to spend at the indie bookstore of your choice, exclusive bookstore swag with each purchase (while supplies last), two author signings, double rewards points on purchases (in-store and online), blind date with a book, a draw for a Munro’s Prize pack, photo booth, bookmark colouring station and more!

This will mark the annual day when readers, writers, illustrators, publishers and others come together to celebrate indie bookstores across Canada.

By joining the celebration, you are advocating for independent businesses, supporting a flourishing bookselling community and investing in Canadian culture.

The book signings will include authors April Howells from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Phoebe Wang from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please follow the hyperlinks above.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Munro’s Books, 1108 Government Street
• When: Saturday, April 25th – 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Guided Mushroom Walk Through the Woods

Catch a ride on the City of Victoria’s Recreation Bus and join mycology educator Elora Adamson for a walk through the woods, stopping to observe and identify fungi along the way.

This beginner-friendly outing will allow you to learn more about our local fungi and their ecological roles and leave you with tools to continue your learning independently.

After the walk, you will have time to explore the interactive displays at the Francis/King Regional Park’s Nature House.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Recreation bus picks up at Crystal Pool Recreation Fitness Centre, 2275 Quadra Street

• When: Saturday, April 25th – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

Times Colonist’s TC10K

The TC10K has always been about more than running. It’s about people, families, friends, coworkers and neighbours coming together to share a day full of energy, laughter and community spirit.

This year’s theme, ‘Together, We Soar,’ celebrates exactly that. The feeling of lifting one another, of cheering for someone you’ve never met, of realizing that we all move better when we move together.

You don’t have to be a runner to be part of it. Walk, jog, roll or cheer from the sidelines. What matters most is showing up, having fun and feeling connected to everyone around you.

From the start line downtown to the ocean views along Dallas Road, it’s a day filled with smiles, high fives and that unique sense of belonging that only the TC10K brings.

You can register for the TC10K here—but be quick, registration closes on Saturday!

• Where: Corner of Belleville Street and Government Street
• When: Sunday, April 26th – 8:14 a.m.

Thrifty Foods Family Run

Want to get your run on, but 10 kilometres sounds a little too daunting?

Have no fear—the Thrifty Foods Family Run is here for you.

Join in for the 1.5 kilometre family run, a welcoming, family-friendly event where everyone can enjoy the joy of moving together. It’s a relaxed, untimed run—perfect for sharing smiles, making memories and celebrating being part of a community.

If you’re bringing along young runners under eight, we encourage a parent or adult friend to tag along for the fun. Just remember, all adult buddies should register too, so everyone’s included in the experience.

You can register for the Thrifty Foods Family Run here.

• Where: Corner of Belleville Street and Government Street
• When: Sunday, April 26th – 10:45 a.m.

Pacific FC versus Forge FC at Royal Athletic Park

Watch Pacific FC take on Forge FC take their home game to Royal Athletic Park!

This weekend and next weekend, Pacific FC will seek to reconnect with downtown soccer fans at a venue that is steeped in soccer history.

Pacific FC seeks to reverse their fortunes and break their two-game losing streak against Forge FC on Sunday. Forge is currently two-and-zero and sitting at number two in the Premier League standings.

support the home team this weekend!

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Royal Athletic Park
• When: Sunday, April 26th – 3 p.m.

Khalsa Day Celebration and Parade

Join the Victoria Sikh Community as they celebrate Vaisakhi!

Vancouver Island’s largest Vaisakhi celebration is taking place this weekend, in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood.

This event will include a parade, free vegetarian food and more than 40 vendor stalls highlighting Sikh history, music, martial arts demonstrations, children’s activities and more.

Attendance is estimated at around 7,000 people.

The event is free and everyone is welcome.

• Where: Gurdwara Singh Sabha Victoria, 470 Cecelia Road
• When: Sunday, April 26th (parade at 10 a.m., events throughout the day)

All Ages Rock Show at Paul Phillips Hall

Join The Fixer, Stank and Creatures of Autumn for an all-ages rock show at Paul Phillips Hall.

The Ghost to Coast Tour finishes their Vancouver Island run with an all-ages fun family night of punk, metal and indie!

Tickets are $15 at the door

• Where: Paul Phillips Hall, 1923 Fernwood Road
• When: Sunday, April 26th – 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Talent Show Social at the Roxy

Join the Roxy for a night of unforgettable entertainment, creativity and community at The Roxy Theatre’s Talent Show Social!

Whether you’re showcasing your unique skills or cheering from the crowd, this is your chance to connect, celebrate local talent and enjoy an evening full of surprises.

From music and comedy to magic and more, their stage is open to all kinds of performers ready to shine.

Show up early or stick around after the show to mingle, enjoy refreshments and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Go for the talent. Stay for the fun.

Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra Street
• When: Sunday, April 26th – 6:30 p.m.

Barry Lyndon at The Vic Theatre

The Vic Theatre’s Retromania is featuring a classic from the great Stanley Kubrick.

In Barry Lyndon, the visionary director crafts a ravishing tale of ambition, romance, and ruin.

Ryan O’Neal’s cunning adventurer claws his way through war and high society. The 1975 historical drama took home four Academy Awards.

Tickets are $18 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
• When: Sunday, April 26th – 6:30 p.m.

 ALL WEEKEND

West Coast Amusements at Mayfair Mall

The midway is rolling in and they’re bringing the rides, games, and sweet treats with them!

Canada’s largest traveling amusement park is coming to town for big thrills, family fun, and all your favorite midway vibes.

The fair has already started, and will be in the Mayfair Parking lot until Sunday, April 26th.

Unlimited ride passes are $50 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Mayfair Mall, 3147 Douglas Street

• When: 
  • April 24th – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • April 25th – 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • April 26th – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Casey and Diana at the Belfry Theatre

Join the Belfry Theatre for a performance of Casey and Diana, a critically acclaimed Canadian play by Nick Green.

As human and as funny as life—and just as fragile.

“Casey” is Casey House in Toronto—Canada’s first hospice for men dying of AIDS. “Diana” is Princess Diana—who visited Casey House in 1991—and changed the world’s attitude towards the disease. Thomas has spent five months in Casey House waiting to die. Now he’s hoping he’ll live long enough to meet the Princess he idolizes.

Ticket prices are pay-what-you-can, and can be purchased online here. Be aware that online ticket prices are a suggestion only.

• Where: The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Street
• When: Tuesday, April 21st to May 17th – varying times