21 things to do in and around Victoria this BC Day long weekend – July 31st to August 3rd

It’s the August long weekend!

Time is flying this summer, and the long weekend that marks the height of summer is already upon us. Why not take advantage of the extra day off by celebrating with an event or two this long weekend?

Sunfest is back in Cowichan this weekend, plus a ton of other events happening closer to home.

Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing out on the town, a fireworks show, some local sporting events, comedy or community-building, we’ve got you covered.

Victoria Buzz has compiled a list of some of the many events going on this long weekend for you to take a look at.

Without further ado, here are 21 things to do this August long weekend – July 31st to August 3rd:

ALL WEEKEND

Sunfest Country Music Festival at Laketown Ranch

Yeehaw cowpokes, Sunfest is back!

Located in the Cowichan area at Laketown Ranch, Sunfest is BC’s biggest country music festival and takes place right here on Vancouver Island.

Headliners Tyler Hubbard, John Pardi and Riley Green will take to the stage, with dozens of other acts performing throughout the weekend.

Attendees can camp right on the festival grounds or stay in town and head to the festival for their favourite shows.

If you’re a country music fan in BC, this festival is a must.

There are a variety of different kinds of tickets available, from VIP weekend passes to single-day, single-show passes. Get yours here.

• Where: Laketown Ranch, 8811 Youbou Road, Cowichan Lake
• When: Thursday, July 30th to Sunday, August 2nd

Salsa Festival Victoria at Encore Victoria

Head down to the very first Salsa Festival Victoria!

The heart of the city will transform this weekend into a vibrant celebration of rhythm, culture and connection with the first ever Salsa Festival Victoria!

This is a two day open-air experience where music moves people and the community comes alive.

There will be two nights of tropical beats, dance workshops and Latin party vibes!

This is an immersive Latin party experience designed for dancers, music lovers, and nightlife enthusiasts.

Salsa festival Victoria brings together the rich energy of Latin culture with the beauty of the West Coast.

Expect live DJs, dynamic dance performances, interactive classes, social dancing and an atmosphere filled with joy, color, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or taking your very first steps, this is your invitation to be part of something special.

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Encore Victoria, 1415 Broad Street

• When: Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd

FRIDAY

Pacific FC versus FC Supra

Pacific FC returns for its first match at Starlight Stadium since the World Cup break.

Watch them take on FC Supra from Quebec for their first home game with new head coach Terry Dunfield.

The team is still looking for their first win of the season. In their last contest against FC Supra, the match ended in a draw—this time, they’re looking to break the winless streak and turn their season around!

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Friday, July 31st – 7 p.m.

80s Night at Lucky Bar

Girls (and everyone else) just want to have fun!

Dance the night away with a totally tubular night of 80s music nostalgia at Lucky Bar!

DJ Christoph will be on the decks all night long at one of Victoria’s favourite venues.

Tickets to the show are only $10 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Friday, July 31st – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Waning Gibbous Drag Show at Passion and Performance Studio

Waning Gibbous is a 19+ drag show with non-stop talent held at Passion and Performance Studio.

This show features drag and drag-lesque, so get ready for the hot and steamy!

Bring your tip money, and don’t forget your ID for the door and the bar.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Passion and Performance Studio, 3301 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, July 31st – 7:30 p.m.

SÜR – The Latin Night on the Strathcona Rooftop

SÜR is a Latin night created for people who enjoy good vibes, a great atmosphere and late nights.

The fourth edition of Victoria’s most authentic Latin party, inspired by the energy and nightlife of Latin America, is here.

Taking over Wicket rooftop, SÜR brings together Victoria’s Latin crowd for a night that feels different: relaxed, intentional and made for after dark.

Remaining tickets for the event start at $17 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Sticky Wicket Rooftop, 818 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, July 31st – 9 p.m.

Carnivorous Terrarium Workshop at VI Plant Shop

Build your own carnivorous plant terrarium!

Head down to VI Plant Shop for a hands-on carnivorous terrarium workshop where you’ll build your very own miniature predator garden.

For this workshop, planters will choose a carnivorous companion: the popular Venus Fly Trap, famous for its snappy jaws, or the delicate Sundew, which lures insects with glistening, sticky droplets.

From there, an experienced instructor will guide attendees through every step: layering the materials, nestling in a plant and finishing the terrarium so it’s ready to thrive.

Tickets are $57 and include all materials. Get yours here.

• Where: VI Plant Shop, 515 Chatham Street
• When: Friday, July 31st – 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

Notorious Beach Open beach volleyball tournament

The biggest beach volleyball tournament of the year is here!

Think your squad has what it takes?

Grab three friends and join in for the Notorious Beach Open—a one-day beach volleyball tournament bringing together the Notorious Run Club community for an afternoon of competition, music, great people and summer vibes.

Whether you’re diving for every ball or just going just for the laughs, this tournament is all about bringing the community together for an unforgettable day on the sand.

Tickets are $16.26 for individual players, who will be matched with teammates, or $65 for a team pass. Purchase yours here.

• Where: 1240 Gladstone Avenue
• When: Saturday, August 1st – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Club Slayyy at the Capital Ballroom

Head down to the Capital Ballroom for a night of dancing!

DJ Pop Misfit will be spinning the hottest hits from Slayyter, Charli XCX, Kim Petras, Sophie, Ashnikko, Cobrah, Ke$ha, FKA Twigs, Britney Spears, HorsegiirL, Lady Gaga and more!

This one’s going to be a night to remember.

Tickets are $18 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Saturday, August 1st – 10 p.m.

James Bay Market

Head down to the James Bay Market at the corner of Superior and Menzies Streets 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, August 1st – 9 a.m. to 3 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, August 1st – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

BLIND DATES LIVE! at the Mint

OK, DOPE is proud to present BLIND DATES LIVE! with Alex Forman!

Looking for something to do on a Saturday Night!? 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.

Tickets are $25—grab yours here!

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, August 1st – 8 p.m.

Emo Night at Lucky Bar

Head down to Lucky Bar for Emo night!

Emo night will feature a mix of emo, punk, metal, hardcore, pop punk, screamo and more!

Djs Stormey and Bowlcut will be on the ones and twos.

Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Saturday, August 1st – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Summer Fireworks Saturdays at the Butchart Gardens

Join The Butchart Gardens on August 1st for a spectacular summer fireworks beginning at 9:45 p.m. sharp.

Before the show, catch Mostly Motown performing at the outdoor stage at 6:45 p.m.

These events take place on Saturday evenings, from July 4th to September 5th. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this world-class fireworks show with friends and family.

Each show features original aerial and ground displays designed and choreographed to music by Jennie Butchart’s great-grandson, Christopher Ross. Fireworks are included with admission to the gardens.

Ticket prices vary and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue
• When: Saturday, August 1st – 9:45 p.m.

SUNDAY

Summer Sounds Concert Series: Eagle Eyes at Beacon Park

Head to Beacon Park in Sidney for an Eagles tribute show!

Eagle Eyes delivers a standout tribute to the legendary music of the Eagles.

They are widely regarded as one of the premier tribute acts in North America and this is a must-see performance for any true Eagles fan.

These concerts are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Beacon Park, 9801 Seaport Place
• When: Sunday, August 2nd – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Rip Cordz, Gnar Gnar, Mean Bikini and Bug at Influence Board Shop

The Ripcordz return yet again!

Ripcordz are a Canadian punk rock band formed in Montreal in 1980.

They have released 15 full-length albums and continue to tour extensively as a three-piece band.

Supporting the Rip Cordz will be Gnar Gnar, Mean Bikini and Bug.

Tickets to the show are $22.63 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Influence Board Shop, 3954 Quadra Street
• When: Sunday, August 2nd – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friends of Macaloney’s Whisky Club Scotch Whisky Theme Night

Head down to Macaloney’s Distillery & Brewery for a fun night sipping Scotch, swapping stories and enjoying great vibes with the Friends of Macaloney’s!

Whether you’re a seasoned whisky lover or just curious, this is the perfect chance to chill with friends, sip some amazing drams and dive into the world of Scotland’s finest spirits.

Go for the whisky, stay for the fun vibes and great company. Don’t miss out on this whisky adventure!

The event is free, but tickets can be reserved here.

• Where: Macaloney’s Distillery & Brewery, 761 Enterprise Crescent
• When: Sunday, August 2nd – 6 p.m.

PKOLS Market at Lambrick Park

Head down to Lambrick Park and support food sustainability in your community!

Every Sunday from May 31st to September 13th, the PKOLS market takes place at Lambrick Park.

The focus is on locally grown vegetables, fruit and handcrafted goodies from the Saanich farm community.

There is also live music and food trucks.

The market is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Off of Feltham, near the tennis courts at Lambrick Park
• When: Sunday, August 2nd – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

R’ylehian Spirituality Meetup at Spiral Beach

Join local author Scott R. Jones for a lively discussion on H.P. Lovecraft, the Cthulhu Mythos and R’ylehian spirituality.

This event is of interest to weird fiction geeks and spiritual seekers alike.

The event is free, but signed copies of When the Stars are Right: Towards an Authentic R’ylehian Spirituality will be available for purchase.

• Where: Spiral Beach, between Finlayson Point and Clover Point
• When: Sunday, August 2nd – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

MONDAY

Saxe Point Invasive Plant Pull

Head down to Saxe Point and help remove invasive species!

Go dressed for the action and the weather!

Tools are supplied, or attendees can bring their own.

Organizers say that a drink of some kind is a good idea.

• Where: Saxe Point, 340 Fraser Street
• When: Monday, August 3rd – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

South Island Baseball League All-Stars versus Victoria HarbourCats at Royal Athletic Park

Cap off the end of the BC Day weekend with a ballgame!

Afterwards, enjoy the best little fireworks show in town!

Tickets sell fast for this event, so get yours now before they are gone.

Tickets start at $17 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
• When: Monday, August 3rd – 6:35 p.m.