Whether you call Langford, Saanich, Oak Bay, or Sooke home, the Greater Victoria Scoop is here to help you enjoy and navigate this stunning slice of the island.
Every Tuesday, starting Sept 2nd, we will deliver to your inbox the best-kept secrets, underrated spots, fun events, and community news/stories from across ‘The Awesome13’ municipalities of Greater Victoria. Because there’s more to life than just downtown brunch and the Inner Harbour (though we ♥️ those too).
But what about the last week of August? No worries. We got you covered!
See our list of 26 amazing events - pick at least one to enjoy before September school bells start ringing.
POLL: What's your ideal Greater Victoria weekend vibe?
26 Amazing Events Before School Starts
Festivals
Langford: Common Ground Festival Aug 29 (Fri) - A free community festival celebrating diversity, culture, and what connects us. @Langford Station 4-9pm
Central Saanich: 🎡Saanich Fair Aug 30-Sept 1(Sat-Mon) - Western Canada's oldest agriculture fair (157 years!) right here in Greater Victoria! @1528 Stellys Cross Rd. Saanichton Village
Victoria: Victoria Fringe Festival Aug 20-31 (Fri-Sun) - Live performances across 3 venues!
+ Classic Boat Festival Aug 29-31 (Fri-Sun) - Inner Harbour & Ship Point
+ Caribbean Carnival Parade Aug 30 (Sat) - Starts @2326 Government St., Ends @Ship Point
+ i-Land Fest: Vancouver Island’s Caribbean Festival Aug 29-31 (Fri-Sun) - The festival honours the traditions of Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival, offering you a lively and immersive Caribbean community cultural experience
Arts and Cultural Experiences
Oak Bay: Pop-up Outdoor Piano Concert: Aug 30 (Sat) - Enjoy the beauty of Dallas Road with a free outdoor piano concert with Brooke Maxwell. @Oak Bay Marina 11am-12pm
Metchosin: Life Drawing/Portraits Sept 2 (Tue) - Opportunity for artists at all levels to draw a human figure from live models (*note* models are nude). @Metchosin Arts & Cultural Centre 10am-12pm
Saanich: Music in the Park Aug 26 (Tue) - Free concert with the Midnights (R&B, Motown) @Rudd Park 6-8pm
Colwood: Open Mic at the Goldfinch Arts Centre Aug 27 (Wed) - @170 Goldfinch Rd 6:30-8:30pm
+ Music in the Park Aug 30 (Sat) - Free concert with FreezeFrame (80s music) @Meadow Park in Royal Bay 5:30-7:30pm
View Royal: New Yam Festival Aug 30 (Sat) - Igbo Cultural Association of Victoria @Strawberry Value Community Hall 5-10pm (Sold Out).
Nature Adventures
Central Saanich: Beginner Birding Basics (Self-guided Walk - All Ages) Aug 30 (Sat) - Walk begins near the picnic shelter off Homathko Road @Island View Beach Regional Park 10am-1pm
Oak Bay: Free Yoga in the Park Aug 26 (Tue) - @Willows Beach Park 6-7pm
Sidney: Free Yoga in the Park Aug 27 (Wed) - @Tulista Park 6-7pm
Highlands: Gowlland Tod Provincial Park (Anytime) - If you have never been. Change that. It’s beautiful.
Free Fun for Kids
North Saanich: Free Play in the Park Aug 26 (Tue) - @Panorama Recreational Centre 5:30-8pm
Sidney: Free Play in the Park Aug 27 (Wed) - @Tulista Park 5:30-8pm
Central Saanich: FREE play in the Park Aug 28 (Thur) - @Centennial Park 5:30-8pm
*NOTE: there will be a giant 50’ inflatable obstacle course at each park!
Markets
Victoria: James Bay Market Aug 30 (Sat) - @Corner of Menzies & Superior 9am-3pm
+Moss Street Farmers Market Aug 30 (Sat) - @Sir James Douglas School Grounds 10am-2pm
Metchosin: Metchosin Farmers Market Aug 31 (Sun) - @4450 Happy Valley Road 11am-2pm
Esquimalt: Esquimalt Farmers Market Aug 28 (Thur) - @Memorial Park 4:30-7:30pm
Colwood: Westshore Swap N Shop Aug 31 (Sun) - @Juan De Fuca Recreation Center 8am-12pm
Sooke: Sooke Night Market Aug 28 (Thur) - @Sooke Region Museum 5-8pm
Sidney: Sidney Street Market Aug 28 (Thur) - @Beacon Avenue 5:30-8:30pm
Have fun this week. Enjoy August’s last dance☺
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