5 things to do in and around Victoria this Thursday, June 11th

Happy Thursday, Victoria!

The World Cup officially starts today! While Team Canada hits the pitch on Friday, there are a couple of games to catch before then.

Whether you want to watch the games in an electric atmosphere in Langford, or head to some other events to get involved in the community, there’s something going on for everyone.

Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Thursday, June 11th:

Langford United: FIFA watch party at Langford Station

The World Cup is here!

Break out the face paint, throw on your team colours and be part of Langford United.

This summer, The Langford Station will transform into the region’s biggest outdoor soccer celebration, streaming every match live on a massive outdoor screen from June 11 to July 19.

The action kicks off tomorrow at 12 p.m. as Mexico takes on South Africa, and South Korea will be playing Czechia at 7 p.m.

Team Canada’s first game will be on Friday, June 12th at 12 p.m. against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

With food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, family fun and fans from every corner of the world, there’s no better place to catch the action.

There’s no cost to attend the station for the games.

• Where: The Langford Station, 720 Station Avenue
• When: Thursday, June 11th – 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Matchstick pop-up clothing market at Ecologyst

Canadian-made sustainable clothing, what else could you ask for?

Known for vintage-inspired materials and an art-forward vision, Matchstick has built a reputation for quality, Canadian-made gear.

Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Matchstick is inspired by coastal living and creators crafting their own legacies.

With small batches of ethically sourced gear that they test themselves, Matchstick is trying to rewrite what we consider luxury.

The market is free to attend, but you can reserve a spot here.

• Where: Ecologyst, 552 Johnston Street
• When: Thursday, June 11th – 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Upnext at Lucky Bar

Head down to one of Victoria’s favourite venues for some up-and-coming hip hop and R&B!

Upnext is a variety show at Lucky Bar, featuring emerging artists in hip-hop, R&B, Latin and pop music.

This live series bridges the gap between underground and chart-topping sound.

Tickets for the show are $15 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Thursday, June 11th – 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

A Varied Extravaganza of Sorts at The Mint

Head to the mint for an extravaganza you won’t forget.

Hosted by Bob Warwick and featuring performances by community icons like Keithsonic, Jason Balaam, Lucia Ribeiro, Grayson Walker, Sweetness the clown slut, Ira Cooper, Khushi Rae and more, this group is leading the underground arts scene in this city.

If you know any of these folks, you know they’re extremely talented and know how to put on a show. If you don’t know them, get down to the show and introduce yourself to some of the artists that keep this town ticking.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Thursday, June 11th – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Roscoes by the Water historic lecture at Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum

Head to the Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum for a multidisciplinary “deep dive” into the past of Victoria.

Familiar landmarks of Victoria by the water are interpreted by artist Mone Vogel in a show of oil paintings hanging in the Villa for the month of June.

In this lecture, this remarkable artist (and Ross Bay Villa’s Director of Interior Restoration) will connect them back to the first family, the Roscoes, who lived at the Villa in the 1860s and 70s in Victoria, showing how they would have experienced these landmarks.

Familiar lakes, creeks, mud flats and ocean will be explored in the past using primary sources like the Roscoe family diary, balanced against visuals showing how the artist herself has experienced them today.

Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. You can get yours here.

• Where: Ross Bay Villa, 1490 Fairfield Road
• When: Thursday, June 11th – 7:30 p.m.