5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, July 8th

Happy Hump Day, Victoria!

Pride is in full swing, and this Wednesday features one of the most fun events of the year. The Big Gay Dog Walk is bound to be a great time, but there are plenty of other things going on if that’s not your style.

The Oak Bay Night Market has its second market of the year, Kinky Boots has finally made its debut in Victoria and CineVic is hosting a presenter series on sci-fi films at the Roxy Theatre!

Whatever you want to get up to, we’ve always got you covered.

Here are 5 things to do in and around Victoria this Wednesday, July 8th:

The Big Gay Dog Walk 2026 at Banfield Park

Join the Victoria Pride Society for another staple event of Victoria Pride!

Highlights of the Big Gay Dog Walk include a dog costume contest, an impressive dog trick competition and a scenic group walk. Contest sign-ups will be at the event!

Enjoy a variety of fabulous pet vendors, grab a bite from local food trucks and don’t miss the special memorial area, a peaceful space to honour and remember beloved pets who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.

Everyone is welcome to attend this event, although taking transit is encouraged as parking is limited.

• Where: Banfield Park, 521 Craigflower Road
• When: Wednesday, July 8th – 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Oak Bay Night Market

Continuing to September on the second Wednesday of every month, Oak Bay Village is transformed into a European style street market.

A wide range of fresh and local produce and food is available.

Artists and artisans showcase a variety of wares including wood turned bowls, hand made greeting cards, glass art, paper casting, fabric arts, jewelry, toys, fresh made soaps and cosmetics and preserves.

Each market also offers local music, a magician, face painting and balloon animals. The stores of Oak Bay merchants are open with special pricing, tastings, demos, sampling and more.

The Oak Bay Night Market, held rain or shine, is organized by the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association.

The market is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Oak Bay Avenue from Municipal Hall (2167 Oak Bay Ave) to Monterey Avenue
• When: Wednesday, July 8th – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

CineVic Presenter Series – Summer Sci-Fi Screening at the Roxy Theatre

Get your tickets for CineVic’s Presenter Series – Art for Art’s Sak!

With a focus on creating, showcasing and learning for the fun of it, head down to the Roxy Theatre for the screening of newly created, short sci-fi films made by local participants who are currently hard at work creating their movie magic.

Each filmmaker will have 10 minutes to present their work, followed by a short Q&A and time to share some stories about their process.

Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a minimum price of $10. Purchase yours here.

• Where: The Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra Street
• When: Wednesday, July 8th – 9 p.m.

Kinky Boots at the Royal Theatre

Get ready to kick up your heels, Victoria!

Broadway in Victoria presents the Victoria premiere of Kinky Boots — the hilarious, high-octane, high-heeled musical sensation that took Broadway, London’s West End, and the Grammy, Tony, and Olivier Awards by storm at the Royal Theatre.

Featuring a fabulously foot-forward score by pop legend Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots tells the extraordinary true story of Charlie Price, an unlikely dreamer who joins forces with the fabulous and fearless Lola to save his family’s failing shoe factory.

What follows is a joyous, show-stopping celebration of reinvention, acceptance and the transformative power of a great pair of boots.

Because when you change your mind, you change the world — and when you change your shoes, anything is possible.

Tickets start at $78.25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• When: Wednesday, July 8th – 7 p.m.

Eventide in Centennial Square

Eventide 2026 kicks off!

Head down to Centennial Square for an evening curated by Alex Taylor-McCallum aka PINDN, who works to showcase Indigenous musicians, artists and performers in the city.

PINDN is a Kwakwa̲ka̲’wakw and Nuu-Cha-Nulth MC born on lək̓ʷəŋən Territory (Victoria, BC) who in over 4 years of recovery from alcoholism has now found immense healing in expressing himself through lyricism in the genre of hip-hop.

He views the genre to be an innovative, creative-native continuation of their nation’s oldest tradition of storytelling.

The full line-up of artists will include Hasaatuk, Ay Lelum, PINDN and the Nation of Creation and Vanlene.

• Where: 1 Centennial Square, Victoria
• When: Wednesday, July 8th – 6 p.m.