21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – September 18th to 20th

Get ready for another exciting weekend, Victoria!

This one’s a unique one.

The much-anticipated 21st annual Anarchist Bookfair is back this weekend, with several events taking centre stage, from an all-ages rap show to a community dinner to the book fair itself.

There are also some fantastic shows happening at Victoria’s most storied venues, including the Belfry Theatre, the Royal Theatre and The McPherson Playhouse.

If none of that is your speed, check out one of the festivals or markets taking place across the city, dance the night away at one of Victoria’s more underground venues or take part in the Terry Fox Run at Beacon Hill Park!

Without further ado, here are 21 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend – September 18th to 20th:

ALL WEEKEND

Aretha Franklin Tribute at the Royal Theatre

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Aretha Franklin!

The “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, is celebrated in a powerhouse concert of her greatest hits, from “Respect” and “Think to A Natural Woman,” “Chain of Fools” and “Amazing Grace.”

Broadway star Capathia Jenkins and three-time Grammy-nominee Ryan Shaw bring soaring vocals and electric energy to the stage, backed by Sean O’Loughlin and the musicians of the Victoria Symphony.

More than a concert, it’s a heartwarming, soul-stirring tribute to one of music’s most legendary voices.

Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• When:
  • Saturday, September 19th – 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 20th – 2:30 p.m.

Women of the Fur Trade at the Belfry Theatre

Catch some theatre at the Belfry!

Set in “eighteen hundred and something”, three very different women with a preference for 21st-century slang sit in a fort on the banks of the Reddish River, sharing their views on life, love and that hot nerd Louis Riel.

In this lively historical satire of survival and cultural inheritance, playwright Frances Koncan shifts perspectives from the male gaze onto women’s power—in the past and present—through the lens of the rapidly changing world of the Canadian fur trade.

Tickets are pay-what-you-want and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue
• When:
  • Friday, September 18th – 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 19th – 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 20th – 2 p.m.

Victoria Anarchist Bookfair and Festival of Anarchy at Fernwood NRG

The famous Anarchist Bookfair is back!

The fair will be taking place at Fernwood NRG all weekend, with a couple of special events on Friday.

Head to Anarchy in the Park at William Stevenson Park behind the Fernwood Community Centre from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for a free community meal, guest speakers and a conversation about anarchism and decolonization.

Afterwards, head to the RHYMETHiNK Rap Rumpus!

To help kick-off the convergence, veteran revolutionary rap collective RHYMETHiNK have deployed the old infantry and founding members Lee Reed, Cee.Reality and D.Liberate to dis-officially ignite the bookfair fuse with some big beats, sharp bars and iLL anarchist analysis; turning anti-capitalist and anti-colonial rap performance into a fiery catharsis.

The show is pay-what-you-can, from $10 to $20. More information can be found here.

The bookfair itself will be on Saturday and Sunday at Fernwood NRG. It is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Fernwood NRG, 1240 Gladstone Avenue
• When: 
  • Friday, September 18th – Community meal 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., rap show 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 19th – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 20th – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fantasy Fest with Print Hole

Self-proclaimed nerds unite! It’s time for Fantasy Fest with Print Hole!

This weekend festival celebrates all things fantasy and nerdy.

Friday will feature a Magic the Gathering (MTG) tournament, art exhibit, Dungeons and Dragons Adventure and a screen printed fantasy posters exhibition, as well as an Age of Sigmar Spearhead tournament.

Saturday will include even more events, from a tabletop game introduction to more MTG games to a screening of the 1978 Czech fantasy film Beauty and the Beast.

Sunday keeps the energy going with a ceramic dagger workshop, a miniature painting competition and an intro to the Gaslands tabletop wargame.

This festival has venues all over town, so make sure to check out their website here and pick your favourites to attend!

• Where: Multiple Venues

• When: Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 20th

Circus Osorio at Mayfair Shopping Centre

The circus is in town!

People say that dreams can’t be achieved, but the Osorio Brothers are proof that they can. Francisco (Pancho), Leoncio Enrique (Leo) and Roberto Carlos (Rob) are three brothers that continue to live the dream of owning a Circus.

Their father Herminio Osorio and mother Rosabelia Osorio retired from the family business – ‘Circo Osorio Mexico’ – to bring these brothers to the United States to achieve their dreams.

Like all immigrant families, they started with nothing when they first arrived in the US Herminio and Rosabelia wished for their children to become successful Doctors and Lawyers; but with the love and passion for circus in their blood, they decided to continue in the family business and open their own “Circus”.

Circo Osorio is proof that dreams are still alive and thriving if you choose to live them.

They’ll be in town until the 27th, so make sure to check them out this weekend or next!

Ticket prices vary and can be purchased here.

• Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street

• When: Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 27th

FRIDAY

Bahamas at the Royal Theatre

Catch one of Canada’s best musicians at the Royal Theatre!

Bahamas (Afie Jurvanen), along with his band, returns to the Royal Theatre stage this fall as part of an extensive North American tour.

The tour announcement follows My Second Last Album’s recent JUNO Awards nomination for Best Adult Alternative Album of the Year, marking the tenth career nomination for the five-time JUNO-winning artist.

Bahamas’ career also includes a Grammy nomination, multiple Gold and Platinum certifications and more than a billion streams worldwide.

His live shows are known for their warmth and ease while leaving space for humour, emotional range and moments of musical spontaneity that create a genuine sense of connection with audiences.

Tickets start at $63.25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
• When: Friday, September 18th – 8 p.m.

Millie’s Lane Block Party at 764 Millie’s Lane

Head down to Millie Lane for a one-night community showcase featuring live music, local vendors, food and performances.

There will be free food for the first 80 attendees, so make sure to get there early!

Previously known to many as “Odeon Alley” for the next door Odeon Theatre, the walkway was renamed Millie’s Lane in honour of Millie Hawkes. Millie Hawkes was a beloved and longtime operator of Manton Shoe Repair, a shop that opened onto the lane.

This event will commemorate Canadian Multiculturalism Day that brings together local talents from diverse cultural backgrounds.

This event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. You can reserve a spot here.

• Where: 764 Millie’s Lane
• When: Friday, September 18th – 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Gate Theory, Insulam and Downpour at The Phoenix Bar & Grill

Head down to The Phoenix for a rowdy show!

This Friday features Canadian alt metal band Gate Theory, with Insulam and Downpour supporting.

The show is $15, with no pre-sales available, so make sure to get there early!

• Where: The Phoenix Bar & Grill, 3944 Quadra Street
• When: Friday, September 18th – 7:30 p.m.

40 Years of F***in’ Up film at The Vic Theatre

Catch a rowdy documentary at The Vic Theatre!

This film follows the band NOFX, an American punk rock band from Los Angeles.

The film chronicles how they met each other, achieved popularity, then completed a unique farewell tour in 2024, following decades of struggle with health problems and internal conflicts.

Join them afterwards for an all-ages, sober party at 634 Humboldt Street!

Tickets for the film are $38.11 and can be purchased here.

• Where: 
  • Film at The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
  • Afterparty at 634 Humboldt Street
• When: Friday, September 18th – Film at 7 p.m. and afterparty at 8:30 p.m.

Storytime at Swan Lake with GVPL

The Greater Victoria Public Library is hosting free nature-themed storytime at Swan Lake!

Head down to the teaching sanctuary at Swan Lake for fun-filled stories, songs, rhymes and puppets for young children and their families, followed by 30 minutes of social time and free play.

This event is free and is intended for children one to five years old and their guardians.

• Where: Swan Lake Nature Society – Teaching Shelter, 3873 Swan Lake Road
• When: Friday, September 18th – 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

SATURDAY

Sustainability Fair at Banfield Park

The Vic West Community Association is running a Sustainability Fair!

Discover local vendors making an impact at the sustainable market, hands-on activities for kids, a free clothing swap and more!

This event is perfect for families and people looking to get involved making a difference in the community.

Head down to the fair to connect and share in the many practical ways to protect the planet while still having a great time.

The fair is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Banfield Park, 521 Craigflower Road
• When: Saturday, September 19th – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crabfest at Sooke Region Museum

Enjoy a delicious crab meal and support the Sooke Region Museum!

Tickets are $55 each and include fresh Dungeness crab, corn on the cob, coleslaw, bread and a non-alcoholic drink.

There will also be a cash bar with beer and wine, as well as seasonal crumble for dessert available for purchase at the event.

Pre-sale tickets for the event are sold out, however there will be a limited number of tickets available at the event.

• Where: Sooke Region Museum, 2070 Phillips Road
• When: Saturday, September 19th – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Our Ocean Film Fest at UVic

Our Ocean Film Festival is a fresh, proudly Canadian festival created to celebrate the stories, people and places that shape connection to the ocean.

Born from the momentum of Our Earth Film Festival and the incredible audiences who have embraced ocean-focused films, this new festival goes further: more films, more community, more support for local foundations and a deeper commitment to the coastline Victorians call home.

Our Ocean Film Fest brings together filmmakers, researchers, Indigenous leaders, conservation groups and ocean lovers to explore the beauty and challenges of marine life, from the kelp forests of British Columbia to waters around the world.

Every screening is paired with meaningful conversations and real ways to get involved, so the stories continue long after the credits roll.

Rooted in Canada, the festival highlights local talent and local action while welcoming global voices and films that help us see our coast as part of a larger, interconnected ocean community. It’s a space where science meets storytelling, where neighbourhoods meet nature and where inspiration meets impact.

Tickets are $26.50 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Farquhar Auditorium at UVic, Ring Road B115
• When: Saturday, September 19th – 7 p.m.

Menopause the Musical at McPherson Playhouse

Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more!

This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisle.

See what more than 17 million women and fans worldwide have been laughing about for over 20 years!

Tickets start at $58.50 and can be purchased here.

• Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
• When: Saturday, September 19th – 2 p.m.

Pacific FC versus Vancouver FC at Starlight Stadium

Catch Pacific FC versus Vancouver FC in Langford!

Pacific FC is hoping to capitalize after their first win in 385 days against Halifax FC on August 30th.

Since then, they’ve had some good showings with draws against Inter Toronto and Ottawa FC, but unfortunately lost in their most recent home match against Cavalry FC.

Watch them try to get another win against Vancouver FC at home this weekend!

Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
• When: Saturday, September 19th – 5 p.m.

Moss Street Market

Moss Street Market is 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, September 19th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Couples Clownselling at The Mint

Hunny, this isn’t working, I think it’s time we go to Couples Clownselling!

Jerry Springer’s got nothing on this show! An evening of domestic blunders, bloopers and baggage awaits as professional stand-up comedians and their partners take the stage to air out their dirty laundry, while getting the best possible advice from the most (un)qualified, fully (not fully at all) licensed, (non)professionals.

Audiences will also have the chance to write anonymous questions for the couples before the show, just to spice things up. Go for the laughs, stay for the drama as attendees will share a night (and maybe a few fights) they’ll never forget!

The show has been featured on the CBC, Just For Laughs Vancouver, the Georgia Straight and the Vancouver Sun.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Saturday, September 19th – 7 p.m.

Thistle & Wren 10th Anniversary Celebration

Thistle & Wren is turning 10!

Make the most of their birthday weekend by attending the store on Saturday.

Head down to the store for a 20% sale storewide, as well as free gifts for early attendees, gifts with purchases, a scavenger hunt for the little ones with a free cone from 49 Below Ice Cream and a giveaway featuring 25 of the brands that has helped build the company of the last 10 years.

The event is welcome to everyone.

• Where: Thistle & Wren, 1311 Gladstone Avenue
• When: Saturday, September 19th – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SUNDAY

Victoria Terry Fox Run at Beacon Hill Park

The annual Terry Fox Run has become a fall tradition in Canada, with more than 650 communities, big and small, urban and rural, English and French, fundraising for cancer research.

The Run gives communities the chance to come together to celebrate the impact they can have as a force for good.

This event is open to all runners, walkers, rollers and cyclists.

To register and contribute to the donations for cancer research, click here.

• Where: Mile 0, Beacon Hill Park
• When: Sunday, September 20th – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Fall Fairfield at Robert Porter Park

Fall Fairfield, presented by the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association (FGCA), is an annual music, arts, crafts and food festival set in the heart of Fairfield.

The festival is a free, all-ages, community event celebrating local businesses and non-profits, artists, performers and people across Victoria in recognition of the community’s dynamic culture and the harvest season!

Make sure to catch the pie contest!

• Where: Robert Porter Park, 1350 Fairfield Road
• When: Sunday, September 20th – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

September Orchard Market at Junction Orchard and Cidery

Junction’s Orchard Markets are all about community, inclusivity and fun!

Explore unique market booths, shop from Junction’s resident small businesses on Orchard Lane and enjoy a day with your family (and furry friends)!

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

Each market brings something new.

These markets are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Junction Orchard and Cidery, 273 Prospect Lake Road
• When: Sunday, September 20th – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.