21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – July 17th to 19th

The weekend is back!

Did you think things were going to cool off after Pride and Phillips Backyard last weekend? Think again!

After a hot week in Victoria, the events this weekend are heating up too.

With great events like CrabFest, the F1RST Indigenous film festival, the Oak Bay Car Collector Show and markets aplenty, there’s something going on for everyone this weekend.

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite things going on.

Without further ado, here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – July 17th to 19th:

ALL WEEKEND

The Dark Knight at Victoria IMAX

Catch The Dark Knight at Victoria IMAX!

This is part of their Christopher Nolan series, where they’ll be showing some of Nolan’s best flicks ahead of the release of his newest film, Odyssey.

The Dark Knight: The IMAX Experience features six sequences filmed with IMAX cameras.

This marks the first time ever that a major feature film has been even partially shot using IMAX cameras, marking a revolutionary integration of the two film formats.

The follow-up to the action hit Batman Begins, The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who reprises the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne.

In the film, Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets.

Ticket prices vary and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
• When: Friday, July 17th to Sunday, July 19th – Varying times

F1RST Indigenous film festival at the Vic Theatre

F1RST: A Celebration of Indigenous Film is here!

Experience the vibrant tapestry of storytelling. From stirring documentaries to captivating dramas, immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of Indigenous people.

Every film except for Aki will conclude with a Q&A session with the projects’ filmmakers.

Catch one, some or all of these films and talks at this year’s edition of F1RST: A Celebration of Indigenous Film.

Pick your film and purchase tickets here.

• Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, July 17th to Sunday, July 19th

FRIDAY

LampPost Pop-up @ The Point at Ship Point

LampPost is back with another pop-up party at Ship Point!

The last one was an incredible time, with fantastic tunes, great food and tasty beer all while the sun set on the beautiful Victoria Inner Harbour.

This one is bound to be another great experience, so grab some friends and head down to Ship Point for a night you won’t soon forget.

These pop-up parties are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
• When: Friday, July 17th – 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Spooky After Dark Market at Langford Station

Spooky After Dark is taking over one of the City of Langford’s Friday Night at the Station events for a one-night-only evening market with an alternative twist.

As the sun dips, Langford Station transforms into a moody, creative space filled with alternative music, visual projections, tarot readers, artists and makers bringing their unique energy to the night.

Expect a curated lineup of more than 20 vendors, beer and specialty cocktails, live entertainment and an atmosphere that leans a little darker, a little edgier… but still welcoming for all.

This is your chance to experience a Spooky-style market outside of October — a celebration of creativity, community, and the alternative scene in the heart of summer.

The market is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Langford Station, 720 Station Avenue
• When: Friday, July 17th – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

PROMiscuous at the Capital Ballroom

Get PROMiscuous with UVSS Pride at the Pride Collective’s first ever queer prom! Find your dream outfit, practice your slow dance and get ready for a night of queer joy, heartbreak and 80s nostalgia.

Drag will be hosted by the Indigi-Goddess, La Crosse, and feature performances from Dolly Devastating, JJ Rabbit, and Figgy Noir.

Discount tickets for BIPOC attendees and collective members are available. Email UVSS Pride for more information.

Regular tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Friday, July 17th – 8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

BC CrabFest at the Inner Harbour

The wait is finally over, CrabFest is here!

Now in its fourth year, BC CrabFest is a harbour gathering celebrating BC waters, coastal food traditions and the communities connected to them.

The festival is anchored in the Authentic BC Dungeness Crab Boil, cooked on-site by local chefs and enjoyed dockside at its freshest.

The day fills out with live music headlined by Adrian Chalifour of Towers and Trees, family-friendly activities, an educational marketplace and sunset drinks by the harbour.

• Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Art Gallery Paint-In at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is hosting the 37th Art Gallery Paint-In!

The Art Gallery Paint-In is the largest summer arts festival on Vancouver Island, bringing Vancouver Island and Gulf Island artists together in celebration of art.

This beloved festival draws over 50,000 visitors annually to explore and experience art along Moss Street.

On the street, attendees can expect artists, activities and food on Moss Street.

Inside the gallery, admission will be by donation and there will be curator-led tours of the current exhibitions at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

• Where: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, 1040 Moss Street
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sober Rave – Volume 1 at the Finlayson Point Gazebo

Head down to Finlayson Point for a night of sober dancing!

Surrounded by the ocean and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, this event will be a celebration of dancing for dancing’s sake.

The organizers of the event, Clear & Collected Events, Recovery House and So Much Fun caution that they can’t guarantee everyone at the event will be sober, and warn those in the early stages of recovery and those who are vulnerable to show up with an accountability buddy.

This event is for true dancers. With genres like UK garage, drum and bass, jungle, house and ghetto funk music coming from the many DJs, this is a great opportunity to get out and have a great time with likeminded people.

The theme is mid-century atomic for those who want to dress up.

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Please be respectful of the sober nature of the rave.

• Where: Finlayson Point Gazebo, Dallas Road
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Block Party at The Scene with the Other Guise Theatre Company

You’re invited to the Block Party!

Join the Other Guise Theatre Company for an evening of live entertainment, games, food and fun.

This party will be summer-camp themed, and will feature live music from the band Sharon.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrate and connect with your community!

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: The Other Guise Theatre Company, 716 Johnson Street
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Boomtown Asphalt Cup at Boomtown Burritos

Head down to Boomtown for the Asphalt Cup!

This will be a mini three-against-three futsal tournament, with co-ed squads battling it out for the grand prize of $500.

Expect intensity, chaos, world-class chirps and bragging rights that’ll last all year.

There will also be prizes and merchandise giveaways from 33 acres brewing and Pacific FC.

After the tournament, they’ll be hosting a World Cup third place match watch party to see England take on France.

• Where: Boomtown Burritos, 950 Yates Street
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., watch party starts at 2 p.m.

WIN Donation Drive at Oak Bay United Church

The Community Association of Oak Bay, together with Oak Bay United Church and the Oak Bay News will be hosting a donation drive in support of Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative’s programs!

Bring your gently used small-sized furniture, household items and clothing donations.

Get down to the Oak Bay United Church and take part in a good cause!

• Where: Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell Street
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Piano Island: Afrobeats + Amapiano Dance party at Studio 919

Piano Island returns for another edition, a cultural Afrobeats and Amapiano experience built on sound, rhythm and community.

“Piano” comes from Amapiano, meaning “the pianos” in Zulu, a genre born in South Africa from the fusion of deep house, jazz influences, soulful melodies and signature log drum percussion. What started as a local sound has grown into a global movement shaping nightlife, dance culture and youth expression worldwide.

After a successful first edition featuring UK dj/producer DJames, Piano Island returns for its second chapter – deeper, louder and more immersive than ever.

This edition continues to celebrate the evolution of Amapiano as more than music, but a cultural experience that connects people through movement, fashion and energy.

Tickets start at $22 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Studio 919, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 9 p.m. to 2 a.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, July 18th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shrek Rave at the Strathcona Rooftop Patio

The Shrek Rave returns!

Unleash your inner ogre.

According to organizers, “it’s dumb just come have fun. Who cares. Cool is dead.” Who can argue with that?

Remaining tickets start at $22.50 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: Strathcona Rooftop Patio, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 10 p.m.

Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising free screening at the Vic Theatre

Head down to the Vic Theatre for a screening of Ni-Naadamaadiz: Red Power Rising as a part of F1RST Indigenous film festival.

Métis filmmaker Shane Belcourt shares the story of Louie Cameron and the Ojibway Warriors Society’s 38-day takeover of Anicinabe Park in Kenora, Ontario to fight against systemic racism and land theft.

This gripping documentary includes rare archival footage, personal letters and an unpublished manuscript that shares details of the little-known story of the Red Power movement in Canada.

Registration is required and can be done here.

• Where: The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, July 18th – 12:30 p.m.

Log Drivers at the Inner Harbour

Get a blast from the past at a log driving event!

128 participants will compete in timed qualifier runs, with the fastest 64 advancing into the main event heats.

The event is open to all — no experience necessary, just the nerve to step on the logs.

Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers, plus a special prize for the best dressed competitor.

The event is free for spectators.

Where: Inner Harbour

When: Saturday, July 18th – 1 p.m.

SUNDAY

Oak Bay Collector Car Show 

This one’s for the gear heads! The Oak Bay Collector Car show makes its return!

Owners of collector cars and enthusiasts of vintage cars of all makes can bring their vehicles to Oak Bay Avenue to be admired by residents and visitors alike.

Admiring these cars may be an ‘exhausting’ affair, so if you’re looking for a ‘brake,’ many of the city’s favourite Oak Bay businesses will be open during the event, as well as a food court with various food trucks and a burger BBQ at the rear of the Municipal Hall parking lot.

The show is free for attendees, and car exhibitors can register online here for $25, or for $30 at the gate if space remains.

• Where: Oak Bay Avenue
• When: Sunday, July 19th – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bootylicious Boutique: Plus-Sized Fashion and Accessories Market

Join in for a fun day of fashion, shopping and great finds at Bootylicious Boutique!

Browse racks of plus size clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, and accessories from local women and vendors.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, score a bargain or find that perfect piece you’ve been searching for, there’s something for every style and budget.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Strawberry Vale Community Club, 11 High Street
• When: Sunday July 19th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wenatchee AppleSox versus Victoria HarbourCats at Royal Athletic Park (Bark in the Park)

Watch the Victoria HarbourCats take on the Wenatchee AppleSox at Royal Athletic Park!

And it’s Bark in the Park day! Dogs are welcomed into the park for this game only.

It’s Family Sunday as well, meaning the young ones (or those young at heart) can run the bases after the game and feel like they’re part of the team.

Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Royal Athletic Park, 1014 Caledonia Avenue
• When: Sunday July 19th – 3:05 p.m. (they also play Friday and Saturday)

Spotlight Cabaret: Finale at Artemis Whiskey Bar

The bar’s been set. Now they close the season. Spotlight: Cabaret returns to Artemis Whiskey Bar one last time this summer. They’re going out the way they came in: loud, alive and completely worth your Sunday afternoon.

This final edition of the series is a celebration of the students’ journey and the local arts community. Order your drink. Find your seat. Let it be the best decision you made all week.

Remaining tickets start at $30 and can be purchased here. 

• Where: Artemis Whiskey Bar, 560 Johnson Street

• When: Sunday, July 19th – 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Spain versus Argentina World Cup Final at Market Square

It all comes down to this!

The FIFA World Cup final is set for this weekend, with titans Spain and Argentina taking to the pitch for the championship game.

Lionel Messi has been the talk of the tournament, and whether or not he will cement his legacy with his second World Cup win is the question on everyone’s mind.

In Victoria, Market Square has been the place to catch the games, although other venues in the region, including Langford Station, The Irish Times, Boomtown, Herald Street Brewing and others have found themselves full of fans of all teams as the tournament has progressed.

Kick-off for the final is at Noon on Sunday. Wherever you decide to catch the game, be sure to bring the energy!

• Where: Market Square, 560 Johnston Street
• When: Sunday, July 19th – 12 p.m.