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The Week Ahead: June 16th-22nd

The Week Ahead: June 16th-22nd

💡Jazz + Ska Fest, Open Mics, and More!

Jared Leary & Simon Larocque
June 15, 2025

Hey LampPosters!

We had a great weekend? Did you?

We’re attending AND hosting multiple events this week:

🚌💨 Beer Bus at the Ship Point | Tuesday June 17 | 4-8pm | Free

🚌💨 Beer Bus for Friday’s at the Station | Friday, June 20 | 4-8pm | Free

🌆🍺 LampPost Pub Crawl | Friday June 20 | 6:30-Late | $20 ⬅️(Get your tickets!)

Enjoy the newsletter!

-Simon & Jared ❤️

Check it out:

Want to find events by price, category, and date? → Events Platform

Want these in calendar form? → Events Calendar

Havin’ a hard time choosing an event? → Spin the Wheel

✴️ = Popular Events

Read the post online to make sure you don’t miss any events! 👇

TD Jazz Fest

10 hot days and nights of the coolest music in town starts THIS FRIDAY. TD Victoria International JazzFest brings you all the funk, soul, fusion, and more for its 41st anniversary, happening Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 29! A whole ten days of various events and performances for you to choose from include

Free-to-attend afternoon outdoor performances in Beacon Hill Park (June 21 & 22) and Esquimalt’s Bullen Park (June 28 & 29)
Free-to-attend pop-up performances at the Plaza at Capital Park Monday – Thursday, June 23 – 26, behind the parliament buildings on Superior St.
Free-to-attend workshops/clinics hosted by touring acclaimed musicians (June 24, 25, 26, 28)
Must-see artists debuting or returning to Victoria’s and Esquimalt’s best venues in ticketed performances: Royal & McPherson Theatres, Strathcona Hotel’s Wicket Hall, The Coda, Hermann’s Jazz Club, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and the outdoor TD Main Stage at Bullen Park!

🪗 Kneebody

Friday, June 20th | 9:30pm | The Coda | $49

There isn’t a handy term or genre for the music that Kneebody creates. It’s a band thoroughly acquainted with 1960s free-bop, 1970s jazz rock, 1990s hip-hop and postmillennial indie rock”. Starting off the festival with a jaw-dropping live set at The Coda – make sure you get your tickets in advance

🎷 Tina Leon

Saturday, June 28th | 9:30pm | The Coda | $42

Describing herself as a rainbow of soul, Tina Leon’s EP Push (2022, via Ensoul Records) is a colorful journey through jazzy, funk, and pop rhythms with rich and enchanting melodies.

🎸 Pierre Bensusan 50th Anniversary: One Guitar - One Voice

Saturday, June 21st | 7:30pm | St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church | $46

With only his steel-string-acoustic guitar – and sometimes his rich, affecting voice – Bensusan can disassemble your heart and hand it back to you restored and renewed. A true giant.” – Guitar Player Magazine

New Jazz Underground

Tuesday, June 24th | 8:30pm | $46 | Wicket Hall

“It absolutely cooks here.” – NPR… You will just need to experience this for yourself.

📻 ARTEMIS (Renee Rosnes, Ingrid Jensen, Nicole Glovery, Noriko Ueda, Allison Miller)

Thursday, June 26th | 7:30pm | McPherson Playhouse | $52

This multi-JUNO Award-winning leading jazz powerhouse and 2023 & 224 DownBeat “Jazz Group of the Year” puts on a show that will feature a top line-up of players, composers, and performers who converge on an extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, and modern sound.

🎵 Brekky Boy

Saturday, June 21st | 9:30pm | The Coda | $42

“Lyrical melodies, hard-hitting polyrhythms, EST/Tigran-style progressive grooves and no shortage of Aussie humour…” – Jazzwise If you missed their debut in Victoria in 2023, the time to see them live is NOW – they have come a long way to perform for you.

🎙️ Marquis Hill

Thursday, June 26th | 8:30pm | Wicket Hall | $46

Chicago’s internationally renowned trumpeter, composer and bandleader Marquis Hill breaks down the barriers that divide musical genres. Contemporary and classic jazz, hip hop, R&B, Chicago house, neo-soul—to Hill, they’re all essential elements of the profound African-American creative heritage he’s a part of.

🎊 Funk n’ Soul in the Township!

Three nights of funk, soul, fusion, grooves, and no shortage of dancing on the outdoor stage at Bullen Park brought to you by:

The fiery funk/soul groove trio DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO and Chicago’s seven-member funky hip hop horn ensemble LOWDOWN BRASS BAND (June 27)
Brooklyn NY’s modern progressive EDM jazz 5-member band SUNGAZER plus Vancouver’s Fender guitarist endorsee, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter AYLA TESLER-MABÉ (June 28)

New Orleans’ GRAMMY-nominated Mardi Gras supergroup THE RUMBLE F. BIG CHIEF JOSEPH BOUDREAUX JR. plus Victoria’s best 9-member funk and hip hop party machine THE NEW GROOVEMENT

All three ticketed nights for only $99! Single night tickets $42. Get your pass now at: Funk n Soul Weekend pass | Royal & McPherson Theatres

There’s a TON more going on and we couldn’t be more stoked for another year of Jazzfest, so check out the FULL Td Jazzfest 2025 schedule here, and the full lineup here! Huge thanks to the Jazz Society for throwing on such an amazing event and helping to sponsor LampPost!! Show them some love!!

Community Events

📚 Literaturkreis

Tuesday, June 17 | 1:30am-3:30pm | Victoria Edelweiss Club | Free

The Literaturkreis gathers for a cheerful celebration of German poetry and prose, followed by a social coffee hour. Enthusiasts and newcomers alike are welcome to join this 2-hour exploration of literary diversity.

🎵 Summer at Ship Point

Tuesday, June 17 | 4-8pm | Ship Point | Free

Browse over 200 free concerts, festivals, and activities in Victoria with City Vibe's easy-to-use event finder. Search by date, location, or activity type to plan your ideal summer adventure.

✴️ 🛹 Fernwood Open Mic

Wednesday, June 18 | 7pm | Hecklers Bar & Grill | Free

Skate session at Fernwood Skatepark, prioritizing newcomers, BIPOC, and women, but welcoming all. Free event open to artists and skaters of all skill levels.

🏳️‍🌈 Queer Speed Meeting

Thursday, June 19 | 5-9pm | See Insta post!! | Free

Speed mingling event for queer folks featuring two rounds of fast-paced socializing, snacks, and yard activities. BYOB and notebook for a phone-free evening of community building and potential connections.

✴️ 🏳️‍🌈 Pride Market

Thursday, June 19 | 11:30am-3pm | Outside the SUB | Free

Browse handmade goods and support local creators at the Pride Market outside the SUB. This colorful event showcases UVic students, 2SLGBTQIA+, and BIPOC vendors.

🚲 Esquimalt Pride Ride

Friday, June 20 | 5:30am-9pm | Memorial Park | Free

Celebrate Esquimalt's LGBTQ2S+ community with a colorful 7-8 km bike ride, followed by a picnic at Memorial Park with food trucks and lawn games.

Performing Arts

🎵 Lunch at Allen's

Monday, June 16 | 7:30pm | McPherson Playhouse | $84.00

Four legendary Canadian singer-songwriters come together for an intimate musical performance as part of their Farewell Tour. Experience the harmonies and storytelling of Murray McLauchlan, Cindy Church, Marc Jordan, and Ian Thomas in this special concert event.

🎙️ CBC Radio's The Debaters

Tuesday, June 17 | 7pm | McPherson Playhouse | $58

The Debaters, a popular CBC Radio One show, pits comedians against each other in witty debates, combining stand-up, quizzes, and audience participation. Hosted by Steve Patterson, this live taping features five unique debates with 10 comedians.

✴️ 🎭 OK, DOPE Improv Class Showcase!

Tuesday, June 17 | 7pm | The Mint | $15

Witness the hilarious results of Alex Forman's improv class as students showcase their newfound skills on stage. Expect unexpected laughs and spontaneous comedy.

✴️ 😀 Phillips Comedy Night at the Mint

Wednesday, June 18 | 8-9:30pm | The Mint | $15

Phillips Comedy Night at The Mint brings together the city's funniest comedians for an evening of laughter, food, and drinks every Wednesday. Hosted by Morgan Cranny and Drew Farrance, this wildly popular show promises a hilarious midweek escape.

📅 Expiry Date by Jasper Mallette

Wednesday, June 18 | 7-9pm | Intrepid Studio | By donation

A staged reading of "Expiry Date," a new play exploring trans resilience in a post-apocalyptic world, invites audience feedback to help shape this thought-provoking work.

🤣 Longform Improv Jam

Wednesday, June 18 | 8-9pm | Theatre SKAM | $10

Practice longform improv skills in a welcoming environment, featuring performances by Master Class students.

🎭 The Last Yiddish Speaker

Thursday, June 19 | 7:30pm | Congregation Emanu-El Synagogue | $30

""The Last Yiddish Speaker"" is a gripping drama about a Jewish family's struggle for survival in a changed world, exploring themes of identity and persecution when an ancient Yiddish-speaking woman arrives at their door.

💃 KISMET

Friday, June 20 | 7:30pm | Denford Hall, GlenLyon Norfolk School | $20-$29

Seda Dance Arts presents KISMET, a contemporary dance performance exploring the interplay of choice and destiny through choreography by Kathy Lang & Miyouki Jego. Dancers of all levels will perform inspiring new works.

🎤 The Crowd Work Show

Friday, June 20 | 8pm | The Mint | $20

Nash Park and Alex Forman take the stage with no prepared material, crafting an entirely improvised stand-up set based solely on crowd interactions and their quick wit.

The Enchanted Grove

“A magical fae themed fantasy gala at Sea Cider to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses.’“

Come dressed like fae royalty and enjoy a magical afternoon of entertainment & ACOTAR themed activities; go on a quest, visit the fae glamour booth and themed photo stations, test your knowledge, and enjoy live music & aerial performances! Two photographers will be on site to capture all the magic... and your fabulous outfit!

Arriving solo? Not to worry! All of our events are designed to help you make friends! We will also have quiet areas to take a break from the festivities.

🧚Hope to see you in... The Enchanted Grove!🧚

If the post cuts off, that means there’s too many events for the email! Head here to read the full post.

Sports & Athletic Events

💃 Salsa at Ship Point

Monday, June 16 | 5-6pm | Cameron Bandshell | Free

Head over to beacon hill park for some movement and salsa!

🏃‍♂️ FSRC Trail Run + Swim

Monday, June 16 | 6:30pm | Thetis Lake | Free

Trail run at Thetis Lake, covering about 5km of rolling hills at a relaxed pace, with the option to cool off with a swim afterward. Meet at the beach near the picnic table at 6:30 PM.

Arts & Creative Events

🎛️ Flip Night

Wednesday, June 18 | 7-9:30pm | Haus of Owl Creation Club | $10

Join Victoria's beat-making community to learn, share tips, and experiment with sample-based music. Open to all experience levels, this hands-on event welcomes participants to bring their own gear or try out provided devices.

🎨 Pandora Arts Collective Crafting

Thursday, June 19 | 12-4pm | Little Fernwood | Free

The Pandora Arts Collective Society offers a welcoming space for people to explore the healing power of creative arts. Drop in on Tuesdays and Thursdays to join this supportive community.

Learning & Workshops

🎵 Earshot Distro Training

Monday, June 16 | 6:30am-7:30pm | Herald St. Brewing | Free

Learn the ins and outs of music distribution at Earshot's hands-on training session, covering everything from metadata management to royalty collection. Dive deep into the digital music landscape and boost your industry knowledge.

🎂 Cake Decoration Workshop Night

Tuesday, June 17 | 6:15am-8:30pm | 2830 Peatt Rd unit 105 | $102

Learn the art of cake decorating in this hands-on workshop where you'll master piping techniques and create beautiful designs. Unleash your creativity and take home your own decorated masterpiece.

🧘‍♀️ Back Off Burnout

Wednesday, June 18 | 5-9pm | Junction Orchard & Cidery | $85

Recharge your spirit at this intimate women's event featuring energizing movement, nutritional wisdom, and a supportive business circle, all set in a magical tent. Enjoy nourishing food and connection as you prepare for the busy season ahead.

✈️ Doug Rolling Aviation Talk

Wednesday, June 18 | 7pm | BC Aviation Museum | $5

Explore a century of local aviation history with Doug Rollins, former Head Librarian at the BC Aviation Museum, as he shares amusing stories, quirky characters, and fascinating connections to local landmarks.

✴️ 🏖️ Sea Glass Wind Chimes Workshop

Thursday, June 19 | 6:30am-8:30pm | Crooked Goose | $55

Create a sea glass wind chime at Riverside Pub's Craft & Chill night, using colorful sea glass and driftwood to make a unique coastal-inspired piece.

🥃 Whisky Folk Showcase - Signatory Edition

Thursday, June 19 | 7pm | Sticky Wicket | $40

Sample eight new Signatory whisky releases, including exclusive Scotches, at this Whisky Folk tasting event.

🎬 Community Film Screening of "Join or Die"

Thursday, June 19 | 7-10pm | Paul Phillips Hall | Free

A community screening of ""Join or Die"" brings movie lovers together for an engaging night of film and discussion at Paul Phillips Hall.

🌿Terrarium Workshop

Friday, June 20 | 5:30am-6:30pm | VI Plant Shop | $52

Create your own mini green oasis in this hands-on Terrarium Workshop. Learn to build and care for a self-contained ecosystem.

☀️ Summer Solstice Intention Circle

Friday, June 20 | 7-9pm | Muse Mind & Body Studio | $30

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a magical evening of yoga, meditation, ritual, and creative writing, exploring the abundance and vitality of the season.

Outdoor Events

🌳 Forest Bathing with Agnes - June

Monday, June 16 | 1-3pm | Swan Lake Sanctuary | $15

Join a guided forest bathing walk at the Nature House, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest to reduce stress and improve well-being.

🌳 Solstice & Song

Friday, June 20 | 5-7pm | Craigflower-Kosapsom Park | $10 (waived fees by request)

Wild Child, a Victoria-based nature playgroup, is hosting an outdoor picnic fundraiser with live music, snacks, raffle prizes, and family activities. Attendees will hear updates about the organization's past year while supporting their efforts to enhance The Grove, their homebase.

Live Music & Concerts

Monday, June 16

Tuesday, June 17

Wednesday, June 18

Thursday, June 19

Friday, June 20

✴️▶️ RAP CITY - Hip Hop Night | Rap | 10pm | Lucky Bar | $10 | Tickets & Info

Saturday, June 21

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