21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – August 28th to 30th

Get ready for another big weekend, Victoria!

As the end of August nears, some of Victoria’s most exciting events arrive.

The Victoria Fringe Festival, Greekfest, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the Hot August Days Vintage Market, the Sails & Sagas Festival and so much more will be taking over the city this weekend, so make sure to plan your weekend in advance!

With world-class theatre, pirate-themed festivals, cultural celebrations, comedy, raves and, of course, pickleball, this weekend truly has it all.

Get out and make one of the final weekends of summer one to remember!

Highlighting a taste of what the city has to offer, here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – August 28th to 30th:

ALL WEEKEND

Victoria Fringe Festival

The Fringe Festival is back!

This world-class theatre festival is one of the highlights of the year in Victoria.

Bringing shows from across Canada and the globe, this is an opportunity for Victorians to see some absolutely incredible stage performances right here at home.

There will be dozens of events happening from now until September 6th, so make sure to carve out some time in your schedule for the Fringe Festival!

These shows will be put on at unique venues across the city, and there’s something for everyone at the festival.

For a full schedule of events, click here.

• Where: Varying venues
• When: August 26th to September 6th

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT at the Royal Theatre

Hot off a critically acclaimed Broadway revival in 2023, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the Tony Award-winning musical, comes to Victoria’s Royal Theatre from August 28-30!

Lovingly ripped off from the film classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle.

SPAMALOT has everything you need for a great knight at the theatre—from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery and of course, the Lady of the Lake.

The musical features songs that will leave you humming including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in musical theatre.

Tickets start at $78.25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• When: Friday, August 28th to Sunday, August 30th – varying times

Greekfest at the Greek Community Centre

Greekfest is back!

This is the first of two weekends of the festival, which is Victoria’s premier celebration of Greek culture.

One of the many highlights of the festival is traditional Greek cuisine, including the ever-popular souvlaki and the annual hit of the festival, the loukoumades.

Greek dancing and cultural performances is another focal point, with dozens of performances taking place throughout the weekend.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. For a full schedule of events, click here.

• Where: Greek Community Centre, 4648 Elk Lake Drive
• When: Friday, August 28th to Sunday, August 30th

Victoria Pickleball Festival at Topaz Park

Victoria just can’t get enough pickleball!

Set in Topaz Park, the Victoria Pickleball Festival provides ample space for multiple pickleball courts, a bustling vendor market and a vibrant food garden—all in one connected venue.

Even if you’re not participating in the tournament, there’s something for everybody at this festival!

Registration for players is now closed, but it’s free to attend for spectators and those who want to browse the market and food garden!

• Where: Topaz Park, 841 Finlayson Avenue
• When: Friday, August 28th to Sunday, August 30th

Sails & Sagas: A Pirate and Viking Festival at Iroquois Park

Chart yer course and prepare for an epic invasion as Sails & Sagas: A Pirate & Viking Jubilee takes over Sidney!

This weekend, Iroquois Park will be transformed into a bustling historical encampment where the fearsome warriors of the North clash with the legendary raiders of the high seas.

Enjoy live entertainment, wandering characters, a curated artisan marketplace and local flavours all within the interactive Pirate Haven and Viking Village.

Whether you’re a seasoned history buff, a cosplayer or a family looking for an action-packed weekend out, Sails & Sagas promises an experience filled with excitement and discovery.

Costumes are highly encouraged, so throw on your best pirate garb or don your Viking armour and head down to Iroquois Park.

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Iroquois Park, 2295 Ocean Avenue, Sidney
• When: 
  • Saturday, August 29th – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 30th – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FRIDAY

Outdoor Karaoke at Ship Point

Head down to Ship Point for some karaoke!

Grab the mic and sing your favourite song, cheer on fellow karaoke stars and soak up an evening of music, community and Asian culture right in the heart of downtown Victoria.

Gather your friends, bring the family and start warming up those vocal cords.

Whether you’re a karaoke pro or someone who needs a little encouragement to grab the mic—there’s a song waiting for you!

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Ship Point, Inner Harbour
• When: Friday, August 28th – 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Free Pop-Up Rave at Songhees Park Plaza

It’s the last weekend of August, and Midnightproject wants to celebrate with you in the sun while it’s still here.

Head down to Songhees Park Plaza in Vic West just across the Johnson Street bridge to get your fix of garage, house and disco.

They’ll be bringing some of their lighting gear down too, so expect it to look as good as it sounds.

Please be respectful of the location, leave no trace and bring your own food and water.

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Songhees Park Plaza, Vic West
• When: Friday, August 28th – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Crowd Work Show at The Mint

OK, DOPE brings The Crowd Work Show with Nash Park and Alex Forman, a 100% improvised stand-up comedy show!

Alex and Nash will be taking the stage at the same time with absolutely zero material prepared.

Armed only with a microphone and their wits the two will have to find the funny by talking to the crowd and navigating their surroundings.

If you’re looking for a fun, rowdy comedy show this is the show for you!

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Friday, August 28th – 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bendy’s Boogie at Lucky Bar

Dance the night away at Lucky Bar!

Bendy’s Boogie has become one of Victoria’s favourite underground dance nights.

Expect a four hour all-vinyl set of expertly selected house, disco, soul grooves and dance floor bangers.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Friday, August 28th – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

SATURDAY

Hot August Days Vintage Market at the Mary Winspear Centre

Hit another vintage market put on by Island Vintage Events!

These markets are always a great time, especially for collectors.

Attendees can expect multiple vendors dealing in vintage, retro, collectibles, pop culture, memorabilia, trading cards, vinyl, toys, automotive, antiques, clothing, shoes, accessories, bags, purses, jewelry, rockabilly, pinup, arts, crafts, makers, photography, atomic era, mid century modern, tiki, food and more.

There will also be a collectible car display, music, food trucks, special guests and a performance from roller skate Victoria!

Admission is $5  at the door or free for kids with an adult admission.

• Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
• When: Saturday, August 29th – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Country Roads Music Festival at Starlight Stadium

Yeehaw, country fans!

Country Roads Festival takes over Starlight Stadium on Saturday, headlined by Canadian country legends Doc Walker and Aaron Pritchett—multi-award-winning artists with decades of chart-topping hits.

The lineup also features Eagle Eyes – Eagles Tribute, Born Reckless, local favourites Tumblin’ Dice and Jamieson Rhy and more—delivering a full day of live music across two stages.

The Plaza Stage kicks things off in the food truck pavilion and kids zone before the energy builds into the main stage. With two alternating stages, the music never stops—rolling from afternoon into a massive headline finish under the lights.

More than just a concert—Country Roads is a full country music experience. Be there for Langford’s biggest night of the summer!

General admission tickets start at $65 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway

• When: Saturday, August 29th –

Midsummer Market at Routine Coffee

Calling all whimsical people of Victoria!

Celebrate the end of summer in Routine’s backyard (the ‘secret’ garden) with art vendors, beautiful creators, coffee and other gorgeous beverages sold by Routine and excellent vibes.

Bring your friends, lovers and pals down to the Midsummer Market!

Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

• Where: Routine Coffee, 1036 Fort Street
• When: Saturday, August 29th – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Afropiano Xperience: Rooftop Day Party at the Strathcona Rooftop Patio

Victoria’s signature rooftop day party returns for another unforgettable summer experience.

For four summers, Afropiano Day Parties have been more than just a rooftop party, it has become a summer tradition.

What began in 2022 as a bold vision to bring people together through music, culture and community has grown into Victoria’s signature Rooftop Day Party.

Join the party high above the city as Afropiano transforms one of Victoria’s most stunning rooftop venues into the ultimate summer celebration.

Expect breathtaking skyline views, golden-hour vibes, signature cocktails and the best soundtrack to your summer featuring Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, R&B, Afro-House, Dancehall and global sounds.

Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Strathcona Rooftop, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, August 29th – 5 p.m. to 1 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, August 29th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Andrew Barr at Heckler’s Bar & Grill

Catch Andrew Barr at Heckler’s Bar & Grill!

Barr recently released a special called Andrew Barr Goes Nowhere, in which he ran on a treadmill for 12 hours before performing a one-hour comedy set.

He’ll be performing at one of Victoria’s most historic comedy venues, and is sure to bring the house down.

Tickets are $24 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Heckler’s Bar & Grill, 123 Gorge Road East
• When: Saturday, August 29th – 8 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 29th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Grandmother’s Basket Workshop at Gage Gallery

An interactive workshop weaving women’s lore, expressive arts and dialogue gathered while exploring cultural roots and family traditions.

This event will feature a bespoke poetry folio and soundscape inspired by an exhibit with Virginia Gillespie and Elizabeth Carefoot.

Tickets are $75 and include bespoke poetry folio, soundscape link and art materials. They can be purchased here.

• Where: Gage Gallery, 19 Bastion Square – second floor
• When: Friday, August 28th – 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

SUNDAY

Vancouver Island Field of Feasts

Head down to Heritage Acres for the 25th Annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields—a three-hour roaming gourmet harvest festival that celebrates the connections between farmers and chefs, field and table and farm folks and city folks.

With a wine glass and napkin in hand, you will stroll tent to tent, sampling culinary creations from some of the Capital Region’s finest chefs, bakers, food artisans, vintners, brewers, distillers and other beverage producers.

Your ticket covers all food and beverages.

General admission is sold out, but you can join a waitlist or purchase a VIP ticket here.

• Where: Heritage Acres, 7321 Lochside Drive
• When: Sunday, August 30th – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Pacific FC versus Halifax Wanderers

Catch Pacific FC take on the Halifax Wanderers!

Pacific FC is still looking for their first win of the season.

Halifax is sitting at five wins, five draws and nine losses on the year.

Cheer on the home team as they try to get their first win against the Wanderers this weekend!

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Sunday, August 30th – 3 p.m.

Bingo Loco Victoria at the Capital Ballroom

The wildest bingo party in Victoria!

Looking for the top-rated bingo show in Canada?

Bingo Loco is an interactive live event that’s taken North America by storm.

They’ve turned traditional bingo on its head—this is a full-blown party rave with DJs, dance-offs, lip-sync battles, confetti showers and wild prizes.

Tickets are $45 plus fees and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
• When: Sunday, August 30th – 10:15 p.m.

Canamera Cruise-In on Keating Cross Road

Cars, community and a cause that matters.

Head down to Keating Cross Road for the annual cruise-in for an unforgettable day of incredible vehicles, live entertainment  and community fun.

This event will feature hundreds of classic and custom vehicles, live music, great food, a silent and live auction and fun for the whole family!

Plus, 100% of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

Admission, food and drinks will all be by donation.

• Where: 2205 Keating Cross Road

• When: Sunday, August 30th – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.