Cheers to another fabulous weekend, Victoria!
From the much-anticipated kickoff of Dine Around Victoria to a wide variety of live shows happening around the city, there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.
If you’re thinking something a little quieter, catch a film at the International Vegan Film Festival, or take your time at a toy pop-up.
Plus, if you’re up for a drive, Nanaimo is hosting their dazzling Luminous Paths light show, both to honour their 150th and to bring the community together for art shows and music!
Without further delay, here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—January 25th & 26th:
Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria
Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria returned on January 24th and runs through to February 9th, and is a collaboration between Destination Greater Victoria and the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association Victoria Branch.
Over 50 of the city’s top restaurants will highlight their best dishes through three-course menus set at deliciously low prices, paired with an array of both budget-friendly and luxurious “Stay In Town” options at local hotels—because nothing pairs better with a delicious night out than a retreat into your comfortable hotel room!
Peruse the full list of Dine Around’s participating restaurants here—with new additions like Table Nineteen, Saxe Point Public House, and Jacks on the Water.
- When: Kicked off on January 24th and runs until February 9th
- Where: Participating restaurants all around Greater Victoria! See the full list here.
Cherry Bomb Toys Pop-Up Event
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to check out everything Cherry Bomb Toys has to offer at their pop-up this weekend!
The event will feature a curated selection of toys, including Transformers, action figures, model kids and plenty more.
It’s open to all ages, and everyone will also be treated to a 20% discount store-wide at Cherry Bomb Toys!
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- Where: Cherry Bomb Toys, 719 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Luminous Paths
Luminous Paths: Nanaimo’s 150 & Beyond, is a one-of-a-kind event that will illuminate public spaces across Nanaimo with stunning light installations and immersive art experiences, paying tribute to the city’s past and future.
It kicked off on Wednesday, January 22nd and runs until Monday, February 17th! During, the city will be transformed into a dazzling winter festival celebrating art, community and the city’s history.
To spice up the festivities, Luminous Paths will feature the work of several distinguished artists whose creations span a range of artistic practices, from sculpture to interactive installations.
There will also be live music to enjoy!
- Where: All throughout Nanaimo!
- Festival kickoff: Maffeo Sutton Park, 100 Comox Road, Nanaimo
- When: Kicked off on Wednesday, January 22nd and runs until Monday, February 17th
Small Gods Brewing: Robert Burns Night
Join the crew at Small Gods Brewing this Saturday as they celebrate poet Robert Burns!
They’ll be transforming the taproom into a cozy Highland hideaway featuring live music from Peter McMaster from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Plus, take advantage of their exclusive menu items and special feature beer—items such as seafood chowder and scotch eggs, the featured beer, ‘Three Dollar Dreams Island Red’, and more.
No tickets are required, just bring your appetite!
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- Where: Small Gods Brewing, 9835 Third Street
- When: Saturday, January 25th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
International Vegan Film Festival
Hosted by Positively Vegan, Vic Theatre will be showcasing the International Vegan Film Festival right here in Victoria.
On Saturday, January 25th at 1 p.m., the Vic Theatre will provide an afternoon of award-winning films that explore the ethics of veganism, followed by a delicious all-vegan buffet dinner at MeeT on Blanshard.
The festival will feature a curated selection of 13 thought-provoking films from around the world. Expect personal stories of transformation and deep reflections on vegan living.
After the screenings, guests are invited to continue the conversation over a delectable all-vegan buffet at MeeT on Blanshard at 4 p.m.
The buffet will feature a variety of mouthwatering dishes, and there will also be a silent auction to raise funds for VegFest Victoria, which is set to take place this summer.
With seating limited, early booking is encouraged. Tickets for both the Film Festival and the MeeT Buffet can be purchased online.
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- Where: Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, January 25th—doors for the shows open at 1 p.m.
Victoria Royals vs. Swift Current Broncos
The Victoria Royals are currently riding a wave of momentum that’s impossible to ignore! The team will be hosting their inaugural Hockey Fest, a must-attend event that’s sure to bring the whole community together for a day of family fun and thrilling hockey action.
The festivities will begin two hours before the 6:05 p.m. puck drop, as the Royals host the Swift Current Broncos in what will be the only matchup between the two teams this season.
The event will feature exciting pre-game activities from 4 to 6 p.m., including exclusive hockey card giveaways and a fun Kids Zone. Minor hockey organizations can enter a draw to win a practice session with the Royals with each ticket purchased—see more details here.
Ticket prices vary by seat selection, and those can be purchased here.
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Saturday, January 25th, Festivities start at 4 pm, puck drops at 6:05 p.m.
Frozen In Time: Afternoon Storytime
Looking for something fun to do with the kids?
McPherson Playhouse invites you to join them and your two favourite princesses for an epic afternoon of storytelling and sing along!
The little ones are encouraged to dress up as their favourite character.
There are two showings, one at 11 a.m. and the other at 2:30 p.m.
- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, January 25th at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Hecklers Comedy Night
Every Saturday, Hecklers Bar and Grill comes to live in a flurry of laughter and high energy.
Their comedy nights are highly-sought after, and this one is no exception. The early show is already sold out, but for the night owls, there are tickets available for the 10 p.m. show.
Purchase tickets to see their featured comedian, Gabriel Rutledge, here.
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- Where: Hecklers Bar and Grill,
- When: Saturday, January 25th at 10 p.m.
Rising Star Series: Michel Rivero at Hermann’s
Catch Michel Rivero at Hermann’s Jazz Club this Sunday as a part of Arts On View Society’s Rising Star Series!
As described, Rivero is a Victoria-based, independent artist of Cuban origin, and has promised a lovely selection of popular Cuban songs.
He’ll be accompanied by a band to fully transport you to the warm atmosphere of Havana.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at the door.
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- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Sunday, January 26th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Tony Desare at Royal Theatre
Catch Tony Desare at the Royal Theatre this Sunday!
Desare is a singer/songwriter and a pianist, who’ll be bringing a lovely lineup of prepared classics with his own fresh take.
This show will feature some of Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits, such as Come Fly With Me, It Was a Very Good Year, and more!
Ticket prices vary by seat selection, but they start at $29.
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- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When: Sunday, January 26th at 2:30 p.m.
Improv Cabaret
Paper Street Theatre is presenting an eclectic evening of improvised theatre—featuring students from their Masters Program!
This Improv Cabaret is a triple feature, so there will be a total of three shows, one at 6:30 p.m., another at 7:30 p.m., and lastly at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are sold on a sliding scale, and can be purchased at the door for $10-$20.
- Where: Intrepid Theatre Company, 1609 Blanshard Street
- When: Sunday, January 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
