5 things to do in and around Victoria this Friday, June 26th

It’s Friday night in the City!

As we get ready for a big weekend of festival fun in Victoria, kick it off right with some fun events happening around the city.

The annual Pride Swim is back at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre, Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest has one of their biggest shows and the graduating class at the Pacific Design Academy is showcasing their films!

Be sure to get out and support some local art, or get your boogie on.

Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Friday, June 26th:

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.

Pay-What-You-Can Fridays at the Maritime Museum of BC

The Maritime Museum of BC believes that maritime heritage should be available to everyone.

To ensure the galleries are as inclusive as possible, they have introduced “Pay-What-You-Can Fridays.”

Every Friday, they invite visitors to visit the museum and choose an admission price that works for them.

This initiative is designed to ensure that everyone in the community can engage with our nautical stories, regardless of financial barriers.

• Where: The Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, June 26th – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 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, 1975 Bee Street
• When: Friday, June 26th – 7 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.

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.