5 things to do in and around Victoria this Friday, June 19th

Happy Friday, Victoria!

The summer solstice is upon us!

With the warm weather and sunny skies, there’s no better time of year to get outside and get involved in some community activities.

With TD JazzFest, the Art Battle championships, National Indigenous People’s Day and some pre-Pride events happening, there’s no shortage of things to get you out of the house.

Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Friday, June 19th:

M.E.B. (Miles Electric Band) at the Royal Theatre for TD JazzFest

Emmy and Grammy-winning producer, drummer and nephew of Miles Davis, Vince Wilburn Jr. founded the Miles Electric Band (M.E.B) to bring together a rotating ensemble of Miles Davis alumni and the next generation of modern jazz stars.

Endorsed by the Miles Davis Estate, this genre-defying group has performed around the world for the past decade, paying homage to Davis’ innovative electric period (In a Silent Way, Bitches Brew, On The Corner, Tutu, etc.).

For the 2026 TD Victoria International JazzFest, this all-star crew’s high-voltage centennial celebration features Davis band alums Vince Wilburn Jr., bassist Darryl Jones (who toured with the Rolling Stones), pianist Robert Irving III, percussionist Rasaki Aladokun, guitarist Jean Paul Bourelly, percussionist Munyugo Jackson and saxophonist Antoine Roney, with the addition of jazz contemporaries Keyon Harrold on trumpet and special guest DJ Logic on turntables.

Together, they deliver the boundary-breaking energy, groove and funk that defined the legendary trumpeter’s electric era.

Tickets for this show start at $53.75 and can be purchased here, although there are plenty of bundle deals available if you’re looking to see more shows at the festival this year! Check out the TD JazzFest ticketing page here.

• Where: The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• When: Friday, June 19th – 7:30 p.m.

National Indigenous People’s Day at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre

Celebrate National Indigenous People’s Day at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre!

Join the community for an afternoon of culture, connection and celebration.

Fun activities include an Indigenous Artisan Market, food and ice cream, Tipi Teachings and Lahal, learning stations and crafts, a kids area and performances.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend!

• Where: The Victoria Native Friendship Centre, 231 Regina Avenue
• When: Friday, June 19th – 11 a.m.

Wet Hot Summer Solstice at Junction Orchard and Cidery

Head down to the Junction Orchard and Cidery for Wet Hot Summer Solstice: A Magical Burlesque Evening.

Featuring 9 of the wettest, hottest performances from your hosts and local burlesque talent, including Angel Baby, Stella Cans, Slippy Ciggy, Cuntastrophe, Scarlet Desire and Crimson Canine.

This one is going to be spicy.

Doors are at 6:30 p.m. so guests can enjoy the beautiful Junction Orchard and order stone-fired pizza from Bicycle Pizza and Junction cider.

Last call for pizza will be at 7:45 p.m., so get there early to secure your spot and enjoy a lovely dinner before the show! The show will start at 8 p.m.

General admission tickets are $28, and VIP tickets are $45. Gets yours here.

• Where: Junction Orchard and Cidery, 273 Prospect Lake Road
• When: Friday, June 19th – show starts at 8 p.m.

Art Battle – June Championship at the Capital Ballroom

Art Battle is live, competitive painting like you’ve never seen before.

In three fast-paced rounds, artists battle the clock and each other to create their best work in just 20 minutes.

As they paint, attendees move around the easels, witnessing the creative process up close.

Grab a beverage, cast your vote to help decide the winner and bid in a silent auction to take your favourite piece home.

This event is the annual championship, where top artists from the past year compete for a chance to win a free trip to Toronto and represent Victoria at the Art Battle National Championship!

Tickets for the event are $26.15 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Friday, June 19th – 7 p.m.

Pride Eve: A Pre-Pride Drag Dance Party at Paul Philips Hall

Kick off Pride season with a night of drag and dancing at Pride Eve, a pre-Pride dance party celebrating community, self-expression and getting the party started early.

Join us at Paul Phillips Hall for an intimate, high-energy evening featuring two drag performers, DJ NessT keeping folx on the dance floor and a cash bar serving canned cocktails, mocktails and cider.

This is a come-as-you-are, dance-all-night kind of vibe.

No parade crowds yet, just good music, great performances and even better energy.

Whether you’re warming up for Pride week or just looking for a fun night out with your people, Pride Eve is your invitation to show up, show out and start the celebration early.

Remaining tickets start at $40 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Paul Philips Hall, 1923 Fernwood Road
• When: Friday, June 19th – 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.