21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – August 14th to 16th

Everybody’s working for the weekend—and it’s finally here!

This weekend, there’s plenty going on to keep you busy.

It’s another big weekend in the city, with VegFest taking over Centennial Square, the 15th annual Fibrations Festival at the Fernwood Community Centre, SoberFest at Starlight Stadium, free films showing in Beacon Hill Park, Day of the Dog Festival on Dallas Road, the Victoria Renaissance Faire at Banfield Park, the Soul of Vietnam at Ship Point and so much more!

If you’re looking to do some shopping this weekend, there are plenty of them happening, including the massive Sidney Sidewalk Sale, where more than 80 businesses take to the streets with special seasonal sales. Don’t miss out!

Without further ado, here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – August 14th to 16th:

ALL WEEKEND

Second Annual VegFest in Centennial Square

Feeling hungry?

This outdoor festival celebrates the best of vegan food, plant-based living and sustainable community.

Discover local vendors serving delicious vegan dishes, shop cruelty-free products, enjoy live music and learn from inspiring speakers.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or simply curious, everyone is welcome to enjoy a day of compassion, connection and incredible plant-based flavours.

Attendance at the festival is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Centennial Square
• When: 
  • Friday, August 14th – 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 15th – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fibrations Festival at the Fernwood Community Centre

Since 2011, Knotty by Nature has been hosting the annual Fibrations Festival, a community event that attracts fibre enthusiasts from all over Vancouver Island and beyond.

Fibrations features a fibre art vendor market, workshops and demonstrations.

The 2026 event will host more than 75 vendors, featuring hand-dyed yarns and fibres, handwoven goods, textile and fashion design, felted apparel and decor, notions and more.

To celebrate their 15th year, the festival will be extended to happen over three days.

On Saturday, there will be workshops taking place across the city. Make sure to check their website here for details.

Attendance at the festival is free and everyone is welcome.

• Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Avenue
• When:
  • Friday, August 14th – Film Screening 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 15th – Workshops 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across the city
  • Sunday, August 16th – Vendor market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FRIDAY

The Last Man on Earth at Free-B Film Festival in Beacon Hill Park

The Victoria Film Festival (VFF) is producing an outdoor cult classic film fest all August long.

Their ‘Free-B Film Festival’ will bring moon men, monsters and more to the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park every Friday and Saturday as part of their month-long event.

The six free nights of “B-movie treasures” will be held over three weekends, beginning Friday, August 7th.

This Friday, catch The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price, Franca Bettoia and Emma Danieli.

When a disease turns all of humanity into the living dead, the last man on earth becomes a reluctant vampire hunter.

Before each film, catch a pre-show serial of Radar Men from the Moon from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Where: Beacon Hill Park, 100 Cook Street
• When: Friday, August 14th – 9 p.m.

Block Party with The Other Guise Theatre Company at The Scene

Head down to the wonderland-themed block party at The Scene!

Join The Other Guise Theatre Company at their venue The Scene for food, music, art, local vendors and a chance to grow their community.

Attendees are encouraged to dress according to the wonderland theme.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

• Where: The Scene, 716 Johnson Street
• When: Friday, August 14th – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Skankin at Lucky Bar

Lucky Bar is hosting a dance party!

Head down to one of Victoria’s favourite venues for a show featuring afrobeats and dancehall music.

This show will feature DJs Suarez and Lala Haus.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Friday, August 14th – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Date Better: Patio Season Singles Event at Île Sauvage Brewing

A big summer night out for people who want to meet.

Date Better is taking over Île Sauvage Brewing for a patio-wide lawn game challenge, local DJs, craft beer and a brewery full of singles in their 20s and 30s.

The challenge: play every game on the patio, from cornhole and giant beer pong to ladder toss, and invite someone new to join you each time.

Winning earns you entries into the grand prize draw. Losing gives you an excuse to demand a rematch.

Go for the music, the drinks, the games or the possibility that someone there is exactly your type.

This event is designed for women interested in men, and men interested in women, in their 20s and 30s.

Last call tickets are $37 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Île Sauvage Brewing, 2960 Bridge Street
• When: Friday, August 14th – 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

After Hours: Ancient Egypt at the Royal BC Museum

Step into the world of pharaohs, gods and ancient wonders!

Explore the feature exhibition at the Royal BC Museum, Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life after dark and discover the fascinating beliefs and artistry and daily life of one of history’s most captivating civilizations.

Enjoy an evening with immersive activities, music and themed experiences inspired by the mysteries and splendour of ancient Egypt.

Tickets are $42 and can be purchased here. 19+ only event.

• Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
• When: Friday, August 14th – 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

SoberFest at Starlight Stadium in Langford

British Columbia’s most unique music festival is back at Starlight Stadium in Langford!

SoberFest is an opportunity to celebrate live music and a festival atmosphere without substances.

It celebrates those in recovery and aims to help those who are struggling with substance abuse enjoy a night out with great music and a family-friendly atmosphere.

This year, the line-up is stacked.

The main stage will see a star-studded lineup, featuring Bif Naked, Fefe Dobson, Moontricks, Snak the Ripper and Tyler Shaw.

There will also be a sidestage, featuring some of Vancouver Island’s favourite local acts, including PINDN, AIC-Facelift, Calen Hart and Friends,

With a vendors market at the venue as well, this is going to be a day to remember at Starlight Stadium!

General admission tickets are $55, with VIP, youth, children and other tickets at varying costs. See ticket prices and purchase yours here.

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Saturday, August 15th – 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Victoria Renaissance Fair at Banfield Park

Hear ye, hear ye!

Ye olde ren faire returns to Victoria, huzzah!

The Victoria Renaissance Fair is back, bringing with it fairies, lords, ladies, merry fellows, witches, rogues, rascals and creatures not easily explained.

Attendees can expect theatre performances, ballads from musicians and consorts, trinket trading, mead, ale, wine and victuals aplenty.

The Company of Blue Dragons will also be competing in the art of Buhurt, wearing full steel armour and wielding blunted steel weapons as they fight in unscripted combat.

The faire is an Indigenous-focused event, highlighting Indigenous joy and magic, with all the typical ren faire staples that rennies know and love.

Attendance is free and everyone is welcome! Just make sure to dress up in your period-appropriate or playfully anachronistic garb.

Where: Banfield Park, 521 Craigflower Road

When: Saturday, August 15th – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Stardust at the Free-B Film Festival in Beacon Hill Park

The ‘Free-B Film Festival’ is back on Saturday night for another flick!

This time, they’ll be showing Stardust, starring Michel Pfeiffer, Robert de Niro and Claire Danes.

In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he’ll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.

Remember that before each film, catch a pre-show serial of Radar Men from the Moon from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Where: Beacon Hill Park, 100 Cook Street
• When: Saturday, August 15th – 9 p.m.

Sidney Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Sidney

The Sidney Sidewalk Sale returns as one of the Saanich Peninsula’s favourite shopping events.

Every year, thousands of visitors head to downtown Sidney for exclusive deals, local shopping, entertainment and community spirit.

For one day only, more than 50 local businesses extend their storefronts onto the sidewalks, transforming downtown into a lively open-air marketplace.

Browse exclusive promotions, seasonal clearances, one-day-only specials and incredible savings on fashion, home décor, books, gifts, art and specialty products—all while supporting Sidney’s locally owned businesses.

Beyond the shopping, this year’s Sidewalk Sale features a full day of complimentary activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Everyone is welcome and admission to the sale is free!

• Where: Beacon Avenue, Sidney
• When: Saturday, August 15th, 10 a.m. – 4 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 15th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vintage Fair and Maker’s Market at Lazy Susan’s

Head to a vintage fair at Lazy Susan’s!

The event will feature more than 80 vendor tables dealing in all things vintage, retro, MCM, toys, tiki, pop culture, clothing, jewelry, art, crafts, makers, antiques, collectibles, sports memorabilia, trading cards, vinyl, food, rockabilly, pinup, automotive, space age, atomic era, kitchenware, houseware and more!

Inside the venue there will also be a fundraiser for Rainbow Kitchen.

Admission to the event is free and everyone is welcome to browse the wares!

• Where: Lazy Susan’s, 2039 Oak Bay Avenue
• When: Saturday, August 15th – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

15th Annual Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria

Love feeling the wind whiz past and the hum of tires on pavement?

Head to Tour de Victoria, beginning and ending on the legislative buildings!

Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria is a traffic-controlled, fully supported, mass-participation cycling event in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Experience world-class cycling routes and breathtaking scenery.

Riders of all fitness levels can take part in the ride by choosing one of eight distances. There are also shorter distances available for children. who would like to participate.

Registration is still open and can be completed here.

• Where: Start and end at legislative buildings
• When: Saturday, August 15th – Races begin at 7 a.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 15th– 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Isabella & The Sprouts, Jasper Smythe and SAL with C.A. & Sonny at The Mint

The mint is hosting a night of live music!

Isabella & The Spouts, Jasper Smythe, and SAL with C.A. & Sonny will all be taking to the stage.

While you’re there, be sure to try the restaurant’s famous Nepalese cuisine!

Tickets for the show are $15 online or $20 at the door, and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, August 15th – 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

Day of the Dog Festival at Dallas Road

Head down to Dallas Road for an entire day dedicated to our furry friends!

Day of the Dog will feature Puppy Yoga with adoptable puppies, a doggy costume contest and plenty of exhibitors and vendors.

Other highlights include an 80ft pool party for dogs with a DJ and canine cabanas, a dog pit eating contest, by donation nail trimming and more!

There will also be several dog races, including Running of the Bulls for French bulldogs, ‘You did what with your Wiener?!’ for wiener dogs, a corgi race, a doodle race and an open division for dogs of any breed.

This event is going to be a ton of fun for the whole family.

Attendance at the event is free and everyone is welcome, furry or not!

• Where: Dallas Road
• When: Sunday, August 16th – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

August Orchard Market at Junction Orchard and Cidery

Orchard Markets are inclusive, family- and pet- friendly days at the cidery!

Browse market booths from some of your favourite vendors, farmers and makers while enjoying cider and bites from Bicycle Pizza and local food vendors.

Also shop with Junction’s resident small businesses on Orchard Lane.

Each market brings something new.

There will also be musical performances by Malakai at 3 p.m. and Atlas at 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Attendance is free and everyone is invited!

• Where: Junction Orchard and Cidery, 273 Prospect Lake Road
• When: Sunday, August 16th – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Solstice Summer Fashion Show at Ambrosia Banquet & Events

An evening of runway fashion, live music, local art, community and more!

Solstice is the UVic Fashion Society’s third annual fashion show, inspired by the slow transition from long summer days into night.

The evening begins with a reception featuring a licensed bar, live music, local vendors, a gallery wall showcasing local artists and time to connect with other local fashion-enthusiasts before the runway begins.

The show unfolds in two acts.

Full Sun celebrates the warmth and ease of summer through light, colour and movement.

As the evening progresses, it naturally shifts into Eclipse, emphasizing a darker, more moody collection inspired by the energy that comes after sunset.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Ambrosia Banquet & Events, 638 Fisgard Street
• When: Sunday, August 16th – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Soul of Vietnam at the Inner Harbour

Catch a Vietnamese cultural celebration at the Inner Harbour!

The free festival promises a full day of culture, community, food, fashion and entertainment to Ship Point.

Everyone is invited to experience the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture at the city’s favourite waterfront setting.

Attendance is free and everyone is welcome.

• Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
• When: Sunday, August 16th – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Latin Music Night at the Mint

In the mood for some Latin music?

The Mint is welcoming Michel Rivero to the stage, who will be performing Latin tunes.

Latin Music Night is the perfect place to celebrate, connect and enjoy an authentic Latin atmosphere.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Sunday, August 16th – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.