21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – June 26th to 28th

The weekend is upon us, and there is so much going on in the city!

With TD Victoria International JazzFest, Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest and The Great Canadian Bash all taking place this weekend, it will be hard not to get your boogie on.

If a festival isn’t your jam this weekend, try one of the different film events going on around town, or head down to one of the many markets taking place!

And make sure not to miss Canada’s World Cup game at Market Square on Sunday. Get your red and white on and support the team!

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you make the most of living in this wonderful city we call home.

Without any further ado, here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – June 26th to 28th:

ALL WEEKEND

Christopher Nolan Showcase: Oppenheimer at IMAX Victoria at the Royal BC Museum

IMAX Victoria will be showcasing some of Christopher Nolan’s biggest films ahead of the release of Odyssey on July 17th.

Odyssey is an exciting new addition to the legendary director’s portfolio of science-fiction, neo/noir-thriller, historical drama and superhero films.

Some of his most famous flicks will be shown on the big IMAX screen, including Oppenheimer, Interstellar, Dunkirk, Inception, The Dark Knight and Tenet.

Oppenheimer is the first to hit the big screen, with the first showings this weekend from June 26th to 28th, then again on July 2nd.

Head down to IMAX Victoria this weekend and catch the

• Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
• When: Friday, June 26th to Sunday, June 28th – 7:15 p.m.

FRIDAY

Bedouin Soundclash, Clinton Fearon & The Boogie Brown Band, Melafrique and Marcus Visionary at Ship Point for Skafest

Catch some legendary acts at Ship Point for Ska & Reggae Fest!

Canada’s beloved reggae troubadours Bedouin Soundclash return to the festival for the first time since their unforgettable appearance in 2022.

Their music has only gotten stronger and more textured, as evidenced by their latest album We Will Meet in a Hurricane, a record packaged with huge, singalong hooks and an infectious feeling.

How many bands in any genre can say they’ve released music with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Skints?

Speaking of iconic reggae acts coming back to Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest, a true titan of reggae music, Clinton Fearon returns to the festival for the first time in over a decade. And this time he hits the stage backed by his mighty Boogie Brown Band.

If you love Reggae, or if you just love a good time with good music, Ship Point is the place to be.

Tickets are $59.95 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
• When: Friday, June 26th – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Blind Dates Live with OK, Dope at The Mint

Blind dates live with Alex Forman!

Looking for something fun, and maybe a little embarrassing to do? Well look no further.

Whether you are 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. All the while, Alex sits behind them attempting to help when things go south, but often making things much worse.

Great for trauma bonding together!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, June 26th – 8 p.m.

Improv: The Musical at TheatreSKAM

Garden City Improv presents Improv: The Musical — a fully improvised musical theatre experience with songs, stories and characters made up entirely on the spot, based on audience suggestions!

TheatreSKAM is one of Victoria’s premier places to catch great comedy.

If you’re a fan of live comedy, go support your local comedians!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: TheatreSKAM, 849 Fort Street
• When: Friday, June 26th – 8:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

Pride Swim 2026 at Oak Bay Recreation Centre

Head down to the Oak Bay Rec Centre for the 2026 Pride Swim!

Dive into the pool, relax in the hot tub, enjoy waterslides and more.

Bring your friends and family, everyone is welcome at this all-ages event!

This swim is for the LGBTQ2SIA+ community, their friends, families and allies.

The Oak Bay Parks, Recreation and Culture programs value inclusion and diversity, which helps foster a culture of respect and belonging.

This provides opportunities to learn about and accept individual differences, as well as providing safe spaces for all.

The normal $7.50 admission price applies.

• Where: Oak Bay Recreation Centre,
• When: Friday, June 26th – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Emo Night versus Divorced Dad Rock at Lucky Bar

Head down to one of Victoria’s favourite venues for a clash of the ages.

Emo versus Divorced Dad Rock Night features DJs Bowlcut and Stormey.

Think My Chemical Romance, Alice In Chains, Pierce the Veil, Nickelback, Underoath, Staind, Fall Out Boy, Smashing Pumpkins, Taking Back Sunday, Hinder and many more!

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Friday, June 26th – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Vic Film Club Social: Disclosure Day at Herald Street Brew Works

Following February’s successful meetup, the club is hosting a Vic Film Club Social summer series.

Each one will be centred on a major studio film that will hopefully be good, but should at least have plenty to discuss. It all starts this Friday, when attendees will convene at Herald Street Brew Works to discuss Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day.

The 30th collaboration between John Williams and Spielberg; his first original science fiction film since E.T.; his first collaboration with writer David Koepp since Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; and his 21st film with Janusz Kamiński behind the camera.

There’s a lot to be interested in with this one.

Disclosure Day releases on June 12th and stars Josh O’Connor, Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, Eve Hewson and Wyatt Russell.

With an original story by Spielberg and a screenplay by David Koepp (Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds), the film is an exciting new science fiction film from one of cinema’s greatest and most dependable directors.

Attendance is free and everyone is welcome. Just make sure to support the venue!

• Where: Herald Street Brew Works, 506 Herald Street
• When: Friday, June 26th – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (although you can hang out longer!)

5th Annual Graduate Film Showcase at the Vic Theatre with Pacific Design Academy

Join the Pacific Design Academy for an afternoon in celebrating emerging cinematic talent as their Motion Picture Production graduates premier 12 original films at the Vic Theatre.

Celebrate the creativity, dedication and storytelling of the graduating filmmakers and be among the first to experience their latest work.

Attendance is free, but you can reserve a spot here.

• Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, June 26th – 4 p.m.

SATURDAY

The Great Canadian Bash at Starlight Stadium

The time has finally come, the Great Canadian Bash is here!

Kick off Canada Day with this festival that’s all about Canada.

Catch headliners Our Lady Peace, as well as The Tea Party, Cold Flame and Darrian Gerrard at the Starlight Stadium in Langford.

This all ages, family-friendly festival will feature food trucks, vendors and some great Canadian music.

Make sure to wear your best Canada-themed attire, whether that’s a Canadian tuxedo or the classic red and white.

Remaining tickets start at $66.30 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Saturday, June 27th – 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Black Seeds, Five Alarm Funk, Tanika Charles, Lof Furios and DJ Kemo at the Victoria Curling Club for Victoria Skafest

At the Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival, Saturday night is a night for one thing — partying.

With that in mind, they’re going all out for a soulful, punky, dubby Saturday night Funk party.

Coming all the way from the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand reggae-funk-rockers The Black Seeds.

Getting things rowdy-rowdy with The Black Seeds is one of the most powerful live bands to ever blast out of the west coast, Five Alarm Funk.

If you’ve been around the west coast music scene for any amount of time, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered the monster that is Five Alarm Funk.

When Five Alarm Funk gets in front of an audience there is no choice but to take their lead and follow them into the groovy abyss, a place where feet move, asses shake and bodies sweat.

To keep the proceedings smooth, warm and remind you what love itself sounds like, they will welcome back one of Canada’s brightest, most dynamic soul singers, Tanika Charles.

No matter what stripe of music fan you consider yourself, there are few quicker ways to fill your heart than a Tanika Charles set.

The festival is bringing back their old friends, Vancouver’s legendary ska rapscallions Los Furios. One of the most high-energy bands Vancouver has ever birthed, Los Furios has been assaulting eardrums (positive) for 25 years with their unique blend of punk, ska and reggae.

Keeping feet moving between sets for this Saturday night party is the mighty DJ Kemo.

Expect the finest in Latin music, hip-hop, funk, reggae and soul when he’s behind the ones and twos.

Tickets for this event are $59.95 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Victoria Curling Club, 1952 Quadra Street
• When: Saturday, June 27th – 7:30 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, June 27th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

James Bay Market

Head down to the James Bay Market at the corner of Superior and Menzies for one of Victoria’s favourite local shopping experiences.

Just steps from the iconic BC legislature, this vibrant market features vendors from across Vancouver Island offering handcrafted jewellery, knitting, body care products and locally sourced food and beverages.

• Where: Corner of Superior and Menzies
• When: Saturday, June 27th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pop-up Market with Everything Social Club and Together Market in Market Square

The Everything Social Club is coming to Market Square in Downtown Victoria with Together Market for the first time!

They’ve got a clothesline display, interactive drawing and some giveaways! Pull up and say hi to the host Morgan Culleton co-host Sata Walker.

What are you going to draw on the clothesline?

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
• When: Saturday, June 27th – 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Light’Em Up.TV Nighttime Car Show on Mayfair rooftop

Head down to the Mayfair Shopping Centre rooftops for the newest edition of Light ‘EmUp.TV’s rooftop car shows.

After a successful event in May, the rooftop car show is back with a new theme.

This time, the event is going to feature a Tokyo Drift meets graffiti nights aesthetic, with light-up displays, LED booths, a light show provided by LIT productions, live performances and a glow-in-the-dark lounge.

This event is going to be lit.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre rooftop, 221-3147 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, June 27th – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Funk n’ Soul in the Township Saturday Night featuring Etran de L’Aïr and WESLI

Juno Award-winning singer/multi-instrumentalist/producer WESLI has become one of Haiti’s most inspiring musical ambassadors.

Now based in Montreal, his unique compositions blend traditional Haitian rhythms with world music, afrobeat, hip-hop, soul, rara and roots music.

Etran de L’Aïr, (or “stars of the Aïr,” the mountainous region of Northern Niger) welcomes you to Agadez, the capital city of Saharan rock and desert blues.

Beloved for their dynamic repertoire of hypnotic solos and sun-schlazed melodies, Etran stakes out a place for Agadez guitar music.

Etran’s sound reminds us that music can transmit a message while lighting up a celebration. This is music for dancing, after all.

Tickets are $42 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Bullen Park,
• When: Saturday, June 27th – 7 p.m.

Rakata Latin Night: Rooftop Edition at The Sticky Wicket Rooftop

Victoria’s premier Latin night, Rakata, is back on the rooftop for the summer!

Madness presents another Latin night taking over Wicket Rooftop… and this one will be special for the Colombians!

Don’t wait to purchase your ticket. The rooftop’s capacity is less than half of the regular Rakata venue and patrons are not guaranteed entrance without a ticket.

This is going to be high in demand as it follows a major sporting event.. Flags and jerseys are encouraged!

Featuring DJ Jayville with direct support from Tanaka- providing an epic night of Reggaetón (and a little bit of other Spanish genres)!

Jay is a resident DJ in Vancouver and well known powerhouse Latin DJ.

Remaining tickets are $27.88 and can be purchased here. Don’t wait, they’re almost sold out!

• Where: Sticky Wicket Rooftop, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, June 27th – 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SUNDAY

Victoria Italian Day at the Da Vinci Centre

The Da Vinci Centre will come alive like an Italian piazza for the 3rd Annual Victoria Italian Day!

With activities featuring local and Italian-owned businesses that include an official Proclamation of Victoria Italian Day by the City of Victoria and speeches from community leaders and live, Italian-inspired music and performances featuring Michael Mazza and The Mazzarella Band, Angela Burgaretta and Jagged Roots Band, violinist Julian Vitek, accordionist Ron Sera and opera moments.

The festivities will also include plenty of food, including Taste Italy through pizza, pasta, focaccia, sausages, gelato, tiramisu and more.

Italian design, art and history is also highlighted, with heritage displays and iconic Italian automobiles—including Vespa, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

Last but not least, the Victoria Italian Day will have family fun and cultural games!

Try bocce, foosball, soccer challenges, the traditional palo della cuccagna and enjoy a kids’ area with face painting and bubbles.

Bring your family and friends!

Admission is free.

• Where: The Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay Street
• When: Sunday, June 28th – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Holocene Summer Series Yard Party at Holocene Distilling Project

Join the fun in Cobble Hill for live music, tacos, cocktails, yard games and a relaxing afternoon on the lawn.

Holocene Distilling Project is excited to be partnering with Kattia’s Kitchen Food Truck for their first event of the Summer Series at Holocene Distilling Project.

Bring your blanket and spend the afternoon enjoying live music by Terry Marshall, tacos, cocktails, yard games and relaxing in the backyard!

• Where: Holocene Distilling Project, 1134 Chapman Road, Cobble Hill
• When: Sunday, June 28th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bellingham Bells versus Victoria HarbourCats at Royal Athletic Park

Catch our very own Victoria HarbourCats take on the Bellingham Bells at Royal Athletic Park for a Sunday matinee!

They’ll be playing the Bells three times this weekend, with their last game on Sunday.

Tickets start at $17 and can be purchased here, although you can also purchase tickets at the stadium or watch the games live for free here.

• Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
• When: Sunday, June 28th – 1:05 p.m.

Black Pontiac, Luna Land, Sunfish and Justin Harden at Fernwood Skate Park

Head down to the Fernwood Skate Park for a free show!

Featuring Black Pontiac, Luna Land, Sunfish and Justin Harden, this show is a celebration of Black Pontiac’s new album, A Danger to Himself and Others. 

The show is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Fernwood Skate Park, behind the Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Avenue
• When: Sunday, June 28th – 6 p.m.

Canada versus South Africa World Cup match

Canada has made it to the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history!

The entire country has World Cup fever, and this match would send Canada directly to the next round of play.

Canada are favourites against the South African squad, although with the whole nation behind them, this team will be hard to beat.

Head to a pub in the heart of downtown Victoria, Langford Station or one of the many bars and restaurants across the region that will be showing the game.

Get your red and white on and support the team!

• Where: Browns Crafthouse Vic West or any location showing the game!

• When: Sunday, June 28th – 12 p.m.