8 celebrations happening on Canada Day in and around Victoria

Canada Day is almost here!

The Canadian spirit is soaring with the World Cup happening in our backyard this year, and the Canada Day events are shaping up to be especially exciting.

Every year, Canadians show their national pride on Canada Day, dressing in red and white, spending time with family and getting outside to enjoy the festivities.

This year, the whole city will be celebrating.

With festivities happening at the legislature lawns, the Gorge, Sidney and Langford as well as some more alternative events like the Memorial Drag Ball Game and the Ring Road Challenge, there’s something for everyone this Canada Day.

Without further ado, here are 8 ways you can celebrate Canada Day this Wednesday, July 1st:

The Great Canadian Bash at Starlight Stadium

While not happening on Canada Day, the Great Canadian Bash is going to be the best Canada Day kick-off imaginable.

Taking place on Saturday, June 27th at Starlight Stadium in Langford, this Canadian-forward festival is highlighting some legendary Canadian bands, including headliners Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party, Cold Fame and Darrian Gerard.

Also featuring an artisan market and local food and beverages, this event is a celebration of community that you won’t want to miss.

Organizers are also encouraging attendees to dress in their best Canada-themed outfits, whether that’s the full denim Canadian tuxedo or the classic red and white.

Tickets start at $59 and can be purchased here.

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

Canada Day at the legislature lawns with the City of Victoria

The City of Victoria knows how to put on a Canada Day celebration.

For proof, look no further than the events on the lawns of the legislature on July 1st as the area comes alive with activities.

On the Main Stage at the legislature lawns, attendees can catch BC musical acts all day long, as well as cultural performances and talks from local community figures.

Live music acts will include Linggo, Bučan Bučan, Covers in a Dangerous Time and DJ Boitano & Friends.

Celebrations will also include food trucks, a kids zone, a busking showcase and a citizenship affirmation.

Of course, Canada Day isn’t complete without fireworks, which will be let off from the Inner Harbour to cap off the festivities at 10:20 p.m.

• Where: Inner Harbour and Legislative Precinct
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 11 a.m. to 10:20 p.m.

Memorial Drag Ball Game

The Memorial Drag Ball Game is one of Victoria Pride’s signature events, and everyone is pumped for it this year.

Join the Victoria Pride Society on Wednesday, July 1st, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Vic West Park for baseball, community picnic, laughs and, of course, community!

The Memorial Drag Ball Game dates back to 1996.

A group of friends, several of them drag performers, were grieving the loss of many in the community from HIV/AIDS.

They wanted a day to forget about that reality, about politics and to play a game. They have returned to that game every year since.

Over time, more people have joined, and the gathering founded on resilience has also become a community celebration.

Keeping the name to remain authentic to its roots, the Memorial Drag Ball Game now draws up to 1,000 spectators who, every year, let go of differences, embrace fun and absurdity and just come for the DRAG of it!

• Where: Vic West Park, 95 Bay Street
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Canada Day Picnic at the Gorge

Head down to the Gorge for a Canada Day picnic and celebrations!

There will be fun for the whole family at this event.

With a family parade at 9 a.m., a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the Busker’s Corner from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there’s no shortage of things to do.

There will also be a market, art exhibit, kids zone and canoe rides happening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so make sure you get to the Gorge and celebrate the wonderful community events.

Live music will also be taking place, with Rick & Rusty at 12 p.m., Bagatelle at 1:15 p.m. and The Midnights at 2:30 p.m.

The Gorge celebrations are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Gorge Waterway between Tillicum and Admirals Road
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Canada Day Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at Huntingdon Hotel and Suites

Join the Huntingdon Hotel and Suites for their ninth annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast!

Start your Canada Day with a warm plate of pancakes and a great sense of community.

Hosted by Huntingdon Hotel and Suites and Pendray Inn and Tea House, this beloved free event returns to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for a fun-filled morning the whole family can enjoy.

Attendees can expect a complimentary pancake breakfast with all the fixings, live Canadian music, local vendor booths, face painting and a kids’ activity zone, a caricature artist and photo opportunities with staff dressed in fun Victorian-era costumes.

Donations are welcomed at the event, with 100% of proceeds going to the Victoria Women’s Transition House, supporting women and children impacted by domestic violence in our community.

The festivities take place on the front lawn of the historic Pendray Inn—come early, bring your appetite, and enjoy a meaningful start to your Canada Day celebrations.

• Where: Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, 330 Quebec Street
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Canada Day at Langford Station

Break out the face paint, throw on your red and white and celebrate Canada Day in Langford!

On July 1, The Langford Station will come alive with a full day of community festivities, live entertainment, delicious food, family activities and fun for all ages.

From a pancake breakfast and local performers to crafts, games and great food, there’s no better place to spend Canada Day with friends, family and neighbours.

Whether you’re there for the music, the magic, the food trucks or just to soak up the community spirit, everyone is welcome.

Make sure to check out the Langford United World Cup celebrations while you’re there!

• Where: Langford Station
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sidney Days and Canada Day in Sidney

Each year, Sidney kicks off its Canada Day celebrations early with a “Sidney Days” launch on June 30th.

This year’s evening event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Beacon Park and includes an opening ceremony, live music from The Hit List and a fireworks show.

There will also be food trucks at Eastview Park.

On July 1st, community groups come together to create hours of excitement, beginning with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Sidney Lions Club, as well as a Canada Day parade and Family Fun Fair organized by Peninsula Celebrations.

These events are also free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Beacon Park
• When:
  • Tuesday, June 30th – 7:30 p.m. opening, fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 1st – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Ring Road Challenge at the University of Victoria

For those looking for a different way to celebrate Canada Day, why not get your run on?

Every year, The Ring Road Challenge takes place at the University of Victoria on July 1st.

Join Underdog Speed Project and UVic Run Club this year for a community-based Canada Day run on UVic’s most iconic route, the Ring Road.

Starting at 9 a.m., runners will be hitting the Ring Road sidewalks to run as many two kilometre loops as they want, up to a half marathon (21.1 kilometres, but they’ll be doing 22 for the pretty Strava maps).

Be sure to bring your favourite red and white running gear!

This community challenge will be at a socially chill pace, offering an opportunity for any runners to join, whether for one lap or all 11.

A $5 registration gets you access to snacks, hydration, and freezies. You can register here.

• Where: Ring Road, University of Victoria
• When: Wednesday, July 1st – 9 a.m.