5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, May 20th

Happy hump day, Victoria!

Wednesdays can feel like a drag, but they don’t have to! We’ve compiled a list of some fun things happening around town so you can shake off those mid-week blues.

Whether you’re looking to head to your favourite local venue for a concert or support the arts community and learn about the history of this place we call home, there’s plenty going on for you to involve yourself in.

Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, May 20th:

Ora Cogan at the Other Guise Theatre

Join the Other Guise Theatre and Ora Cogan in celebrating the release of her new album, Hard Hearted Woman.

Local act Niloo will also be performing.

Tickets to the show are $20 advance and can be purchased on Gigpit here.

Support your local theatres and art!

• Where: The Other Guise Theatre, 716 Johnson Street
• When: Wednesday, May 20th – 8:30 p.m.

Women in Poetry readings at Munro’s Books

Join Munro’s Books for a wonderful evening of poetry readings with poets, Cori Howard, Maria Giesbretch and Kristina Percy!

You will also have the chance to meet them in person for a book signing afterwards.

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Munro’s Books, 1108 Government Street
• When: Wednesday, May 20th – 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A talk by Elder Carl Olsen about Goldstream/SELE₭TEȽ at Gage Gallery

As a feature of the Gage Gallery charity arts exhibition “Wild Art for the Big of Heart”, Elder Carl Olsen will share his knowledge and stories in this community discussion.

Starting in February 2023, Olsen stood beside the Trans-Canada Highway every Tuesday morning—rain, snow or shine. What began as a solitary act of resistance against a $162-million highway widening project grew into a community movement rooted in the Douglas Treaty and a sacred responsibility to the salmon.

Through his talk, he will explore the vital importance of the SELE₭TEȽ (Goldstream River), the threat posed to its ancient trees and spawning grounds, and how his unwavering presence eventually led to a provincial pause on the project in 2026.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend, although organizers ask that attendees reserve a spot here as seating is limited.

• Where: Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square
• When: Wednesday, May 20th – 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Corb Lund at Capital Ballroom

A rural Albertan hailing from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a long family lineage of ranchers and rodeo people, Lund is about as authentic as they come, and equally as hard to define.

The western Canadian singer-songwriter is an elusive artist—onstage, offstage and in the studio—seamlessly weaving between the outlaw country, western and indie-folk realms with an honest curiosity and rowdy devotion to each.

He toured for years with the indie-punk band the smalls, and later turned his sights to writing western songs, creating a unique and quirky hybrid writing style along the way.

He has received multiple domestic and international award nominations and wins. In 2022, Lund won his 14th career Canadian Country Music Award and made his debut at the historic Grand Ole Opry.

His latest album, El Viejo, was released in February 2024.

Tickets for the show are $39.50 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Wednesday, May 20th – 8 p.m.

Oaklands PAC Music Bingo at the Fernwood Inn

Join the Fernwood Inn on Wednesday night for an adults-only music bingo night.

Enjoy a fun night out with Oaklands parents while raising funds for our accessible playground project.

There are a limited number of tickets which can only be purchased online—so buy yours early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Fernwood Inn, 1302 Gladstone Avenue
• When: Wednesday, May 20th – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.