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This Weekend's Events

This Weekend's Events

💡Festivals, Car Shows, and the Oak Bay Half!

Jared Leary & Simon Larocque
May 22, 2025

Hey LampPosters!

Oh baby! We have an INCREDIBLE weekend of events ahead and couldn’t be more stoked to share them all with you!

Lots of free events, great shows, and good times ahead.

Hope you all have a great week! Stay safe

-Simon & Jared ❤️

Check it out:

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

Want these in calendar form? → Events Calendar

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Did you miss Sunday’s issue? → Read Here

✴️ = Popular Events

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

Community Events

✴️Songs For The Gorge

Friday, May 31 | 12-3pm | Banfield Park | $22

Celebrate the Gorge waterway with a free outdoor concert, drag performances, and nature activities, including invasive species removal and a bird walk

✴️🌙 CREAM Bazaar

Saturday + Sunday, May 24 + 25 | 11am-4pm | Cream (In Fernwood) | Free

The CREAM Bazaar transforms Fernwood Square into a vibrant playground with over 50 vendors, live music, and entertainment. This two-day event features art, clothing, vintage items, and more, with different vendors and musicians each day.

🍇 Barnyard Wine Fair

Saturday, May 24 | 2-6:30pm | Save-On-Foods Centre | $75

Explore hundreds of natural, biodynamic, and organic wines and ciders at the Barnyard Wine Fair, celebrating growers and makers in a lively, engaging atmosphere.

🔬 Passport to Science Event Launch

Saturday, May 24 | 11am-3pm | Royal BC Museum | Free

Kick off your Summer of STEAM with an interactive event featuring bugs, space, dinosaurs, art, and museum specimens, then join the Passport to Science challenge to win prizes from STEAM partners.

🤠 Dancing with Horses

Saturday, May 24 | 9am-10pm | Saanich Fairgrounds | $38

Enjoy a full day of western-themed fun with horse riding, equestrian gymnastics, line dancing, local market, food, and live country music. Wear your best plaid and denim!

🎭 Pieces of Sarah

Saturday, May 24 | 3-8pm | My Mothers Eye | Free

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of Sarah's life, featuring her unique collection of pop culture memorabilia, vegan donuts, and a chance to share memories. Browse and purchase pieces of her eclectic kitsch magic to honor her legacy.

✴️🧸 Ultimate Toy Fair

Saturday + Sunday, May 24 + 25 | 9am-4pm/3pm | Pearkes Arena | $10-$15

Victoria's Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair brings collectors, families, and community together to celebrate new and old toys while raising money for local charities. This bi-annual event features special guests and has been a beloved tradition since 2008.

🎉 Selkirk Waterfront Festival

Saturday, May 24 | 11am-5pm | Selkirk Green Park | Free

The Selkirk Waterfront Festival offers a day of family-friendly entertainment with a Kids Fun Zone, food trucks, local vendors, and live performances on the main stage. Enjoy bouncy castles, games, crafts, and an eclectic lineup of local artists.

🎶 Drone Day YYJ

Saturday, May 24 | 12-6pm | Cavity Curiosity Shop | Free

Experience Drone Day with 20+ artists performing back-to-back sets of experimental acoustic and electronic music. Free entry, all ages welcome.

✴️🍎 May Orchard Market

Sunday, May 25 | 11am-5pm | Junction Orchard & Cidery | Free

Browse market booths from local vendors and makers while enjoying cider, pizza, and live music at Junction Cidery's seasonal celebration. Shop from resident small businesses on Orchard Lane for a taste of the community's best offerings.

🐉 Awakening Chinatown Festival

Sunday, May 25 | 12-5:30 | Victoria's Historic Chinatown | Free

Experience the vibrant culture of Victoria's historic Chinatown at Awakening Chinatown 2025. Enjoy live performances, traditional arts, and family-friendly activities celebrating Asian heritage.

🌈 Queer Speed Dating

Sunday, May 25 | 12-4pm | Rebel Garage | PWYC $10

Queer Mingle and Speed Connecting event at Rebel Garage, featuring a round-robin format for forming various connections, followed by casual mingling. Open to queer women, trans, non-binary, two-spirit & other queer identities.

✴️🚗 Light 'Em Up TV Season Opener Car Show

Sunday, May 25 | 11am-5pm | Mayfair Shopping Centre | Free

Light 'EmUp.TV's Season Opener Car Show returns to Mayfair Mall's rooftop, featuring hundreds of show vehicles, family-friendly activities, and competitions for car enthusiasts of all ages.

🎨 Sooke Spring Craft Fair

Sunday, May 25 | 10am-4pm | Sooke Community Hall | Free

Browse and shop from 75+ local artists and makers at the Sooke Spring Craft Fair and Artisans Market, with entry by donation to support the Sooke Food-bank.

Performing Arts

👁️‍🗨️ Arleen Paré Poetry

Friday, May 23 | 7pm | Russel Books | Donation

Arleen Paré, an award-winning Victoria-based poet, presents "Encrypted," a poignant collection exploring anxiety and grief through her grandson's struggles. Experience her evocative verse at this intimate poetry reading.

📚 Estlin McPhee Poetry

Friday, May 23 | 7pm | Russel Books | Donation

Estlin McPhee presents their debut poetry collection ""In Your Nature,"" exploring gender transition through transmasculine werewolves, homoerotic Jesuses, and other unconventional themes. The book challenges traditional narratives with a series of poetic ruptures.

🍁 Strath Laughs – Live Stand-Up Comedy

Friday, May 23 | 8pm | Maple Room Sticky Wicket | $10 Door

Strath Laughs presents a night of live stand-up comedy featuring an open mic and headliner Amit Solanki. Enjoy local talent and professional comedy at The Maple Room.

✴️👑 Served Up! An All Ages Drag Dinner

Friday, May 23 | 7-9:30pm | Moon Under Water Brewpub and Distillery | $12

An all-ages drag dinner featuring an all-sapphic cast of performers, hosted by drag things Leo and Aries Moon. Expect big emotions, joy, cultural expression, and absolute clownery in the Moon Under Water's Distillery Lounge.

🎤 Hecklers Presents: Damonde Tschritter

Saturday, May 24 | 8pm | Hecklers Bar & Grill | $22

Hecklers showcases top Canadian and international comedians every Saturday night. Arrive between 6:30-7:30 pm for a night of laughs.

🌸 Blossom: The Dance of Becoming

Saturday, May 24 | 8pm | Belfry Theatre | $25

A multi-sensory one-woman show following Aurora's journey from heartbreak to self-love through poetic dialogue, music, movement, and visual imagery. The performance blends spiritual symbolism with emotional truths in a dreamlike setting.

🦞 Grocery Store Lobster - 30 minute one-person show

Saturday, May 24 | 2-3pm | 1923 Fernwood Rd | Free

A young man grapples with loss and his role in an imperfect world in this thought-provoking one-man dark comedy. Written, directed, and performed by Samuel Walmsley-Byrne, this 30-minute one-act play explores profound questions with humor and heart.

✴️🎭 IMPROV ALL STARS

Saturday, May 24 | 8pm | OK DOPE HQ | $15

All Star Improv night showcases top talent including Ciarán Volke, Alex Forman, and more at the Ok, Dope HQ. Expect an evening of quick-witted comedy and unscripted hilarity.

💃 Elevate Dance Red Show

Sunday, May 25 | 11am | Royal Theatre | $22

Elevate Dance Centre's "5, 6, 7, EIGHT… Showtime!" is a high-energy showcase featuring dancers of all ages performing a variety of styles. This joyful celebration of movement and music highlights confidence, community, and creativity.

Sports & Athletic Events

✴️⚽️ Pacific FC vs Forge FC - Asian Heritage Match

Saturday, May 24 | 2pm | Starlight Stadium | $29+

Pacific FC's Asian Heritage Match celebrates cultural diversity with special food options and live performances showcasing Asian traditions. Enjoy the game against Forge FC and a pre-match happy hour with $6 beers.

✴️🏃‍♂️ Spring Sports Day with FSRC

Saturday, May 24 | 11am-3pm | Central Park (by Crystal Pool) | Free

Relive your childhood with a fun-filled sports day featuring kickball, tennis, and frisbee. Enjoy orange slices and freezies while playing casual games with friends, family, and pets.

🧘‍♀️ Morning Yoga in the Orchard

Saturday, May 24 | 8-9am | Junction Orchard & Cidery | $17

Enjoy a mindful all-levels yoga practice in a picturesque orchard setting, surrounded by apple trees and a flowing stream. Start your Saturday with positive energy and tranquility amidst nature's beauty.

🏔️ Power To Summit

Saturday, May 24 | 1-2:30pm / All Weekend | PKOLS / Group Hikes in Greater Victoria | Donation

Teams of four gain 5,989m elevation over three days, hiking trails or stairs to virtually summit Mount Everest while raising funds for Power To Be.

🚴 Spin-A-Thon for Victoria Hospice

Saturday, May 24 | 9am-3pm | Canadian Tire Hillside | Free

Cyclists are raising donations for Victoria Hospice at Canadian Tire, preparing for their 200km Cycle of Life Tour in August.

🫁 AIR TEMPLE - Men's Breathwork

Saturday, May 24 | 1:30-4:30pm | Funketown 101-7161 West Saanich Road Brentwood Bay | $60

Experience a transformative breathwork and authentic relating workshop focused on self-discovery, connection, and cathartic release. Explore conscious breathing techniques and build deep connections with yourself and other men.

✴️🏃‍♀️ Oak Bay Half Marathon

Sunday, May 25 | 8am | Windsor Park | $60-$160

Run through scenic Oak Bay village and enjoy spectacular ocean views in this event featuring a half marathon, 10k, relay, and kids run. Post-race, enjoy massages, food, and sponsor booths.

🚣 Paraplay Days on the Dock

Sunday, May 25 | 2-4pm | Gorge Narrows Rowing Club | Free

Experience the thrill of rowing with ParaPlay Days, a free program for youth with disabilities. Try out coach boats, rowing shells, and ergs, or just enjoy the sun on the dock.

Arts & Creative Events

🎨 Open Print Night

Friday, May 23 | 3-8pm | XChanges Gallery and Studios | $20-$30

Open Print Studio night at Xchanges offers a chance to try mono printing and use the press. Join fellow printmakers for a fun, creative session that supports the organization.

✴️🎲 Day of Miniature Gamers

Saturday, May 24 | 10-8pm | The United Commons | $21

A day-long miniatures gaming event featuring two sessions where players can join various tabletop games, with no experience or personal miniatures required.

🎨 Victorian Vistas - Watercolor Painting

Saturday, May 24 | 1pm | Opus on Herald St | $126

Explore your artistic side with a painting workshop featuring Victoria's natural beauty and urban scenes. Learn techniques from award-winning artist Rose Cowles Martin while creating your own unique masterpiece to take home.

✴️🍻 Beer and Board Games

Saturday, May 24 | 6-9pm | Caffe Fantastico | Free

Enjoy tasty drinks, delicious food, and games at the Roastery, featuring a new chef's menu and BC beers on tap. Happy Hour prices all evening from 6-9pm.

🎨 Salty Sundays: Watercolour Ink Workshop

Sunday, May 25 | 2-4pm | Maritime Museum of BC | $10

Explore watercolour and ink techniques inspired by marine life in this hands-on workshop at the Maritime Museum of BC. Create your own unique artwork while learning about local sea creatures and their habitats.

✴️🧵 Pop-Up Sewing Makerspace

Sunday, May 25 | 1-4pm | Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre | Free

Join a sewing workshop with expert Heather Ireland, where you'll get guidance on your projects, learn new techniques, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Bring your materials or use provided equipment.

👗 The Nettle Dress Film Screening

Sunday, May 25 | 1pm | theDock: Centre for Social Impact | $15

Watch a film chronicling textile artist Allan Brown's seven-year journey to create a dress from foraged nettles, exploring grief and artistry. The documentary captures his labor of love as he processes his wife's illness and death through this unique craft.

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

Learning & Workshops

✴️🏵️ Cut Flower Gardening

Saturday, May 24 | 10am-12pm | Gardens at HCP | $45

Discover the art of growing and arranging cut flowers with floral designer Eiddwen Thomas. This 2-hour introductory talk covers everything from soil prep to seasonal tips for maintaining a thriving cutting garden.

💐 Floral Design Workshop: Botanical Baskets

Saturday, May 24 | 1-4pm | Gardens at HCP | $95-$110

Create a spring basket arrangement using plants, fresh-cut flowers, and foraged materials in this hands-on floral design class led by Katherine Olmstead. Learn European techniques and botanical storytelling while exploring texture, form, and balance.

✍️ Very Victorian Writing

Sunday, May 25 | 1:30pm | Thunderbird Park | $50

Explore Victoria's history, nature, and architecture through a guided writing tour with Giller-Prize shortlisted author Claire Mulligan. Receive writing prompts and tips to capture the essence of the city, suitable for writers of all levels.

🎯 Action Traction Program

Sunday, May 25 | 2-4pm | 780 Blanchard St. Victoria | $200 for 5 sessions

Action Traction is a 12-week goal-setting program where participants meet regularly to share progress, overcome challenges, and celebrate achievements in a supportive group environment.

✴️🔬 Passport To Science

Sunday, May 25 | 11am-3pm | Royal BC Musuem | Free

Explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math at this free all-ages event. Drive robots, meet live birds, take selfies with a T. rex, and enjoy more hands-on activities.

🌸 Hummingbird Planter Workshop at GARDENWORKS Oak Bay

Sunday, May 25 | 1-2pm | GARDENWORKS Oak Bay | $79

Create a gorgeous bowl filled with vibrant, nectar-rich flowers to attract hummingbirds. Craft the perfect patio or garden addition in this hands-on workshop guided by experts.

Outdoor Events

📚 The Open Air Book Club

Saturday, May 24 | 3-5pm | Beacon Hill Park (near the rose garden) | Free

Book lovers can gather to read in the sun and optionally socialize at this relaxed meet-up event. Bring your favorite book and enjoy a peaceful afternoon with fellow readers.

🎍 Basic Botany for Plant Identification

Sunday, May 25 | 10am-12pm | Welland Community Orchard | Free

Learn to identify common plants of southern Vancouver Island at this outdoor workshop in Welland Orchard. Develop your observational skills and plant knowledge through hands-on activities and expert instruction.

✴️🌿 Bowker Creek Restoration

Sunday, May 25 | 10am-12pm | Behind Oak Bay High School (along Bowker Creek pathway) | Free

Join volunteers to help maintain the Bowker Creek Pathway behind Oak Bay High School. Gloves and tools are provided, but feel free to bring your own for this rain-or-shine event.

Foodie Events

✴️🍻 Sea Change Brewing Showcase

Saturday, May 24 | 12-10pm | The Drake | Free

Sea Change Brewing Co. from Edmonton is bringing a special shipment of kegs, with some of their team joining for the occasion. Stop by to enjoy their brews and give them a warm welcome.

🦐 Finest at Sea Spot Prawn Festival

Saturday, May 24 | 11am-5pm | Finest at Sea | $0-$20

Celebrate BC's iconic spot prawns at the Spot Prawn Festival, featuring local chefs, live music, and fresh seafood at Finest At Sea in James Bay.

Live Music & Concerts

Friday, May 23

Saturday, May 24

Sunday, May 25

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