21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – May 22nd to 24th

Here’s to another great weekend, Victoria!

This one’s shaping up to be one for the books. There will be markets, concerts, fairs, yacht races and so much more.

Whether you want to head down to a local fundraiser and support one of the many incredible organizations in your community, or dance the night away in Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, there’s something going on for everyone this weekend!

Here are 21 things happening in and around Victoria this weekend – May 22nd to 24th:

ALL WEEKEND

Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair at Pearkes Recreation Centre

Good news for the hobbyists and toy enthusiasts!

Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair is back!

Head down to the Pearkes Recreation Centre and grab some collectible Pokémon cards, vintage toys, Barbies, Hot Wheels, vinyl records and more!

Tickets are only $5 per day, and children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

There is an early bird ticket available for those who wish to get a head start and see what’s available before anyone else, or a full weekend pass, both available for purchase at Cherry Bomb Toys.

• Where: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
• When: 
  • Saturday, May 23rd – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (early bird entry at 8 a.m.)
  • Sunday, May 24th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FRIDAY

Ship Point Pop-Up

Friends, good food, beautiful location and good tunes. What’s not to love?

LampPost Social, R.U.S.H. and Public Assembly will be hosting a pop-up party at Ship Point.

Tunes will be supplied by Victoria artist lilweeezie and Calgary-based DJ Lorne Burlington.

Vagabond Pies and Cold Comfort will be serving food, while Vic Beer Society and Softer Drink will be offering the beverages.

The event is free to attend and everyone is welcome.

Head down to Ship Point for some good tunes and a beautiful sunset!

• Where: Ship Point, 812 Wharf Street
• When: Friday, May 22nd – 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Green Valley Film and Fundraiser at the Vic Theatre

Join the Vic Theatre for a special one-night screening of Green Valley, the debut feature documentary from Victoria-raised filmmaker Morgan Tams.

Filmed over two and a half years entirely off the grid, the film follows the residents of Blue Jay Lake Farm—a remote, self-sustaining community on BC’s West Coast—as they build homes, grow food, raise animals and find their way to each other.

This isn’t just a screening. It’s a gathering.

Victoria Cool Aid Society, the Compost Education Centre, The Gardener’s Pantry, and Wilder Restoration have all come together around this film—bringing native plant seed packet giveaways, community displays, a raffle and much-needed plant nerdiness.

Proceeds from the evening support the Victoria Compost Education Centre.

Green Valley premiered at the 2025 RIDM Documentary Film Festival to critical praise. On Friday it comes home.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, May 22nd – 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Justin Martin at Capital Ballroom

Mt.Eliah and Mind Garden Present Justin Martin at the Capital Ballroom!

Prepare for a massive night as Justin Martin takes to the booth!

A founding member of Dirtybird, Justin is a master of the groove-driven bassline.

His sound is a signature blend of house and techno that hits with both weight and soul, crafted specifically for those high-energy, immersive dance floor moments.

Tickets are $47.25 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Friday, May 22nd – 9:30 p.m.

Born Reckless the Concert the Night Before the BC Lions at Starlight Stadium

Before the BC Lions make their appearance at Langford’s Starlight Stadium on Saturday, check out the Concert the Night Before!

Victoria band Born Reckless will be headlining the show, with another local act Jaxxee supporting as the opener.

This night is an incredible opportunity to celebrate Victoria and Langford culture and prepare for what’s bound to be a fantastic weekend of events!

Tickets to the show are only $15 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Friday, May 22nd – 5 p.m.

SATURDAY

BC Lions versus Edmonton Elks Preseason Match at Starlight Stadium

The BC Lions are back in Langford!

They’ll be playing the Edmonton Elks for a preseason match at the famous Starlight Stadium.

After last year’s incredible response, the team comes back to Langford to showcase this year’s team before the official season opener on June 13th.

Tickets are currently sold out, but you never know, tickets may open up at the stadium on the day!

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 2 p.m.

4th Annual Pacific Perinatal Healing Hearts Run

Head down to Royal Roads University and join the Pacific Perinatal Healing Hearts Run!

You can choose to do a two kilometre or five kilometre race, and all at your own pace. Last year, more than 200 participants in the run raised more than $40,000. This year, the goal is $60,000.

Registration is pay what you can, and all proceeds go to the Pacific Perinatal Foundation. For more information, be sure to visit their website here.

You can still sign up to run in the race, but be quick, registration ends soon! Sign yourself up to race here.

Run for a good cause, Victoria!

• Where: Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Road
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cleopatrick with Night Mirrors at Studio 919

Join Ontario band Cleopatrick at Studio 919, formerly known as Wicket Hall.

With special guests Night Mirrors from the Comox Valley, this show is sure to be a riot.

Tickets are $29.50 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: Studio 919, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Doors at 6 p.m.

Swiftsure Race Watch and Brunch with Royal Victoria Yacht Club

Watch the start of the Swiftsure Race from Clover Point as a community!

Clover Point is the best location to watch the race start from the shore at 9 a.m.

Central Saanich Lions Club will be serving a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. including juice or coffee for $10.

There will also be news crews documenting the start of the race, a live video broadcast, Swiftsure commentators and stalls to browse!

Organizers ask attendees to arrange to arrive on foot, bicycle or public transit as vehicles may not access the Clover Point loop.

All ages are welcome.

• Where: Clover Point, 1301 Clover Point
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 9 a.m.

90s Themed Beach Night at Esquimalt Lagoon with Vancouver Island Singles Social

Get ready for a 90s Theme Beach Party at Esquimalt Lagoon on Saturday!

The party will be set up at Marker 11 for a night of music, laughs, beach games and good vibes.

Dust off your best 90s outfit—whether it’s neon windbreakers, bucket hats, ripped jeans, scrunchies or full Fresh Prince energy.

Expect 90s music, beach games, sunset vibes, great people and good conversations.

A fun, relaxed night to meet new people.

Bring your own chair, blanket, snacks and whatever you’d like for your beach night setup.

This is all about good people, good energy and making some great memories by the water.

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Marker 11, Esquimalt Lagoon
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 6 p.m.

Barnyard Wine Fair at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Head down to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre for some local and international wine tasting!

Forget the quiet tasting rooms and polite pours.

Barnyard Wine Fair is a packed, high-energy afternoon where the most interesting producers, importers and bottles in natural wine come together under one roof—for one day only.

A glass in hand, music in the background and something new waiting at every table.

Taste your way through a curated lineup of natural, organic, and low-intervention wines from across Canada and beyond—all included.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, The Foyer, 944 Fort Street
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Moss Street Market

Moss Street Market is back in full swing!

This year, Moss Street Market is celebrating its 35th season of offering local and organic farm-fresh produce, local foods, handmade crafts, artisanal clothing, inspiring services and community education.

The market takes place May through October, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Sir James Douglas school grounds—rain or shine.

Enjoy the sunshine and grab some local produce and crafts.

The market is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Garden City Improv with Becky Johnson

Garden City Improv presents a night of professional improv comedy with Canadian Comedy Award winner Becky Johnson, known for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Baroness Von Sketch, and Second City Toronto.

She will be performing with Kevin Matviw of Just For Laughs Toronto and Best of Second City.

These professional improvisers will have you laughing out loud while creating hilarious scenes, characters and stories based entirely on your suggestions.

Tickets for the show are $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Theatre SKAM, 849 Fort Street
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 8:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

Blossoming at the Farm 7th Annual Family Fundraiser at Mary’s Farm and Sanctuary

Blossoming at the Farm is a non-profit society, established in 2017, that offers land-based therapeutic programming and services for children and youth.

This year’s fundraiser will allow them to continue offering financially inclusive support to the community.

Their seventh annual fundraiser is happening on Saturday!

Head down to Mary’s Farm and Sanctuary for a fair-themed day of food, fun, and festivities!

Highlights include a marketplace, chicken bingo, a mocktail garden and a silent auction.

• Where: Mary’s Farm and Sanctuary, 1128 Finlayson Arm Road
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Queen with Ensemble Loud at Sooke Community Hall

A concert celebrating the greatness of those who sing their truth, against the odds.

Female mathematicians who put Apollo on the moon, maidens who outwit their pirate captors, beauty that rises above of earthly winds and cowboys who are secretly fond of each other.

Featuring special guest, drag king Sylvester Stalletto.

Tickets are $34 for adults, $23 for students and free for children 12 and under. Purchase yours here!

• Where: Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Road
• When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pedro the Lion 30th Anniversary Tour at Upstairs Entertainment

Timbre Concerts presents American indie rock trio Pedro the Lion at Upstairs!

Join them as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary Tour.

With guests The Mynabirds (solo).

Tickets are $25 plus fees can be purchased here.

• Where: Upstairs Entertainment, 15 Bastion Square
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Trivia Night at Junction Orchard and Cidery

Are you a fan of A Court of Thorns & Roses? Well then this one is for you!

Hosted by A Court of Books & Crafts, head down to Junction Orchard and Cidery for ACOTAR Trivia Bingo with foraged fantasy cosplay, professional photography from Enchanted Lens Photography, The Three Dragons vendor market, prizes, crafts and more!

And of course, they will be serving Junction cider and other beverages, and Bicycle Pizza will be there for their yummy treats!

Costumes are highly encouraged!

Tickets are $50 and includes a free welcome drink. Purchase yours here.

• Where: Junction Orchard and Cidery, 273 Prospect Lake Road
• When: Saturday, May 23rd – doors at 6 p.m., trivia at 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

Tequila Nights at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

Guests of Tequila Nights will experience an outstanding selection of premium Tequila, Mezcal and Agave Spirits through exclusive cocktails and spirit tastings.

Victoria’s best bartenders and cocktail establishments will be crafting these luscious liquids into imaginative cocktails, folding them into classic recipes or simply serving them straight up.

In addition to drinks made with agave spirits, a handful of cocktails will be made with rum, gin and whisky.

Beer, cider and non-alcoholic beverages will also be offered.

A curated culinary program of snacks and bites will be available to enjoy alongside the beverages.

Tickets are $95 and include 15 tasting tickets. Purchase yours here.

• Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
• When: Sunday, May 24th –
  • Afternoon event 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Evening event 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Broken Promises: Art for Dogs at Gage Gallery

An afternoon of fun games and paw painting art for you and your dog!

A feature of the Gage Gallery charity arts exhibition “Wild Art for the Big of Heart”, this event is for you and your furry canine friend to enjoy in support of Broken Promises Rescue.

Bring your dog to the Bastion Square courtyard in front of Gage Gallery where they can play games and paint some paw art.

Everything is by donation.

• Where: Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square
• When: Sunday, May 24th – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Strange Hour at the SKAM Satellite Studio

The Strange Hour brings together performances and presenters from across the genres.

From drag, dance, stand-up, bug experts to culinary masters. Anything and all things are possible at The Strange Hour.

There will be onigiri by Good Filling Sankaku and baked goods by Sara Catala

Sponsored and featuring drinks by Driftwood Brewery.

Tickets are $25 for general admission, however there is also a “pay it forward” ticket for $35, and a $15 student ticket. Purchase yours here.

• Where: SKAM Satellite Studio, 849 Fort Street
• When: Sunday, May 24th – 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Queer Line Dancing at the Coda

Inspired by queer line dancing nights like SPURS and Stud Country that have been sweeping the world, Veronique & Madeleine are at the Coda to teach their favourite beginner line dances to Victoria’s queer community.

Lessons are all night, cowboy boots are optional and no experience is necessary.

Feel the collective effervescence of dancing in a queer space, and walk away with a few new line dances under your belt for the next one!

Dancing to country classics and queer favourites—dress to sweat and wear whatever makes you feel good, country or otherwise.

Tickets online or at the door—no one turned away for lack of funds. Tickets can be purchased online here for $10.

First lesson at 6:30 p.m.!

• Where: The Coda, 751 View Street
• When: Sunday, May 24th – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.