Each month Used.ca sponsors community events on Vancouver Island. We are excited to share with you the upcoming events in your own backyard this summer!
Sunfest Country Music Festival – July 28 – 31
Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 21 – August 1
Book Bash – August 1-31
The Harbourcats are Back! – See game schedule
Esquimalt Farmers Market – Mondays & Thursdays
Torque Masters Sidney Summer Car Show – August 7
Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival – August 12-14
Petapalooza – August 13-14
Tour de Victoria – August 20
FIBRATIONS Festival – August 21
Great Canadian Beer Festival – September 9-10
Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 11
Greater Victoria 55+ BC Games – September 13-17
Rifflandia – September 15-18
Royal Victoria Marathon – October 9
Fall Go By Bike Week – October 3-9
Greek Fest – August 26-28 & September 2-5
The Relove Market – August 13-14
BC SPCA Offleashed Gala – September 24
Saanich Fair – September 3-5
Great Canadian Beer Fest – September 9-10
Capital City Comic Con – September 23-25
Pop Up Mini Vintage Fair – August 27
Hungry Hearts Gala and Silent Auction – August 29 to September 10
United Way Help A Neighbour Golf Tournament – August 22
Relove Market – September 10-11
Toss The Boss – September 23
Toss The Boss is a FUNdraising event that challenges teams to raise funds in support of the Victoria Brain Injury Society & the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society. To continue advocating and offering support to brain injury survivors and their families, we are offering you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to do something you have only ever dreamed about… TOSS YOUR BOSS OFF A BRIDGE!…With a bungy cable attached, of course!
We are asking local and corporate businesses of any kind to form a company team and nominate their boss to bungy jump off the bridge at WildPlay Nanaimo. Through our website, you can register your team including the boss nominee and any teammates wishing to participate in the fundraiser. The team must fundraise a minimum of $500 for the exciting opportunity to watch their boss bungy jump in this fun and unique team-building exercise.
Great Canadian Beer Festival – September 9-10
GCBF Tickets are on sale NOW!
The Great Canadian Beer Festival (GCBF) is returning to Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, BC, on Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10, 2022. This year’s festival is the 28th annual GCBF, and is returning full swing with an incredible 95+ craft breweries and cideries in its line up!
Up to 4,500 people are expected to attend this celebration of craft beer each day. This year’s festival will feature a wide variety of brews from 65 craft breweries in British Columbia along with local cideries and food trucks. As was done in 2019, an expanded array of breweries from across Canada will also be joining the field of Royal Athletic Park. The full brewery line-up will be announced in July.
Tickets are now on sale! Discounted Tickets for Victoria Beer Society members are still available at a discounted price on Single Day Friday & Saturday Tickets. Tickets for the general public include both Single Day Tickets for $45.00 along with Friday & Saturday Weekend Passes for $80.00.
Tickets can be purchased at victoriabeersociety.com/gcbf
FIBRATIONS Festival – August 21
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fernwood Community Center, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Lekwungen Territory/Victoria
FREE! https://www.kbnfibres.ca/fibrations
This year Fibrations Festival celebrates eleven years of bringing together fibre artists from across BC with a one-day outdoor free event featuring more than 60 artists. This community-based festival takes place in the park next to Fernwood Community Centre and includes a marketplace of fibre exhibitors, demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids, a toonie raffle, and a Felt-A-Thon to raise funds for the Pacheedaht Nation. Organized by Jenny Ambrose from the Makehouse, the Felt-A-Thon teaches needle felting and participants can create needle felted pieces to be sold to raise funds.
After suspending the festival 2 years ago due to COVID-19, the 10th anniversary was a reunion for artists and makers from across the province. Now in its 11th year, Fibrations promises an even bigger vendor list in its new larger location in Fernwood.
Petapalooza – August 13-14
The social event of the year for dogs and their people!” This free and pet-friendly festival is not one to be missed! Petapalooza – August 13 and 14 at Bullen Park in Esquimalt.
Events Including:
Super hero themed photo booth!
*Yoga With Adoptable Puppies
*A HUGE dog pool party
*NEW RACES* For all dogs!
FAST DOG
-Light weight
-Welterweight
-Heavyweight
*Running Of The Bulls
*Wiener Dog Races
*Corgi Races
*A 70 ft street art installation
*Over 70 of the leading pet related exhibitors
*Food Trucks and so much more!
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Join us and up to 90 local make, bake, or grow vendors every Monday and Thursday in Esquimalt! Our market is a place to gather with family, friends, and neighbours to build relationships, strengthen our local food system, and support a community of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce, sauces, bread, meat, preserves, and cheese to liquor, prepared meals, and hot food at our various food trucks!
On Mondays, we’re open 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Esquimalt Gorge Park (1070 Tillicum Rd).
On Thursdays, we’re open 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Esquimalt Memorial Park (1200 Esquimalt Rd).
Hope to see you there!
THE HARBOURCATS ARE BACK!
After a two-year hiatus thanks to COVID, the Victoria HarbourCats are back at Wilson’s Group Stadium at Royal Athletic Park! Come celebrate the return of West Coast League Baseball, this season with four new teams, including the Nanaimo NightOwls, Kamloops NorthPaws, Edmonton Riverhawks and Springfield Drifters. Check out $10.00 Tuesdays and be sure to join us for Father’s Day (June 19), Harvey’s Birthday (July 10), Bark-in-the-Park (July 17), Business Person Getaway Day (July 28) and our remaining Fireworks nights on June 30 and August 1. Full schedule, details and tickets at www.harbourcats.com. #YourSummerLivesHere
Rifflandia – September 15-18
Photo credit to Keri Coles
After a four-year absence, Rifflandia Festival will make its long-awaited return this September 15th-18th. Flagship venues include The Park (Royal Athletic Park) and Electric Avenue (Arts and Innovation District). This year’s lineup features Lorde, Charli XCX, Lauv, Cypress Hill, Black Pumas, Ben Harper, and so many more!
The Park (licensed, all ages) will again feature two stages and play host to some of the festival’s biggest acts. Music lovers of all ages can take in the performances and experience a full array of exciting festival amenities, vendors, and activations. Electric Avenue (licensed,19+) returns as Rifflandia’s main night attraction, featuring the legendary Phillips Backyard and six new stages located in the The Powerhouse and Club KWENCH, including an immersive geodesic dome.
For a list of ticket options, complete event information, and updates, visit rifflandia.com. Follow Rifflandia on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Rifflandia Festival is thankful for support from The Province of BC, FACTOR, Music BC, Creative BC, City of Victoria and Destination Greater Victoria. Tickets are available online at rifflandia.com.
Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 11
Since 2010, the Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live has brought thousands of riders from across the Island together for one common purpose; to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
Our riders make up a group of people who have lost someone to prostate cancer, who have received a diagnosis themselves, or who have survived it.
The Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is committed to holding this event each year to honour everyone who has been impacted by this disease.
With your support, we can continue to expand the impact this event has across the Island. Funds raised through this event directly support programs and services offered through Island Prostate Centre; serving men and families facing prostate cancer, right here on Vancouver Island.
Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival – August 12-14
Join us for the 27th 2022 Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival taking place on August 12-14, 2022 in the Inner Harbour of Victoria, British Columbia! Three days of celebrating competition, culture, and community! Entertainment, delicious food, vendors, activities for kids and families, and fundraising for the BC Cancer Foundation. Bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together, for a range of inclusive, memorable programming. Our commitment to supporting local drives our activities.
Greater Victoria 55+ BC Games – September 13-17
From September 13 – 17, 2022, Greater Victoria will welcome 3,500 participants from across British Columbia for the 33rd 55+ BC Games. This will be the first time Greater Victoria will be a Games host.
The 55+ BC Games is the largest annual multi-sport event for the 55+ population of BC which celebrates active and healthy adults. The Games will feature 29 sports including tennis, hockey, soccer, swimming, golf, and lawn bowling at 30 venues across Greater Victoria, Langford, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, and Saanich.
Over 1,500 volunteers are needed to ensure a successful and safe Games. We are actively recruiting volunteers in a variety of areas including Registration & Results, Volunteer Management, Technology, Protocol, Hosts, Medal Operations and Ceremonies, Venue Operations, Transport, Medical, and Sport.
For more information: www.55plusbcgames.org
Sunfest Country Music Festival – July 28 – 31
Sunfest is a 4-day, family-friendly festival at the island’s largest music and recreation park, Laketown Ranch.
Since its modest start in 2001, Sunfest has since become one of the largest music festivals on Vancouver Island and has featured some of the world’s greatest country stars, sharing the stages with countless artists from the island, all over BC and beyond.
After a 2 year wait, we are absolutely thrilled to once again invite you all back to our amazing home in the Cowichan Valley to welcome an incredible lineup for 2022, including Darius Rucker, Dallas Smith, Billy Currington, Hardy, Randy Houser, Kip Moore, Orville Peck, and many, many more.
Laketown Ranch
8811 Youbou Rd
Lake Cowichan
Royal Victoria Marathon – October 9
Are you looking for a new challenge in 2022? We would like to invite you to join us for the Royal Victoria Marathon on October 9, 2022.
Choose to run or walk the marathon, half marathon, 8K, or the Thrifty Foods Kids Run.
If you don’t know how to train for a longer-distance event, don’t worry! Follow the training plans for your specific distance or join one of our official clinics hosted by Frontrunners.
Plus did you know the event is a Boston qualifier?
Registration includes a technical shirt, finishers medal, race bag, and more.
We will also be opening our volunteer registration this month, so keep an eye out for that as well. We would love for you to join our RVM community!
Come join us at the start line this October! More information here – https://www.runvictoriamarathon.com/
Tour de Victoria – August 20
Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome to ride Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria presented by Scotiabank on August 20th.
If you haven’t heard, Victoria is known as the Cycling Capital of Canada and the Tour de Victoria showcases the best of it! What sets riding in Victoria apart from other cycling destinations is the scenery and variety of terrain.
Ride the Tour de Victoria and you’ll experience oceanfront riding alongside beaches and cliffs, rolling rural roads through vineyards and farmlands, challenging mountain roads through stunning coastal rainforests, and NO highway riding. Combine this with eight ride distances to choose from, superb traffic control, ride support, and a family-friendly finish festival; the Tour de Victoria is truly a world-class event!
Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 21 – August 1
This summer, the Sooke Fine Arts Show will be returning to SEAPARC Leisure Complex in Sooke with live events and an in-person gallery. The 2022 Show will continue its 36-year legacy of showcasing exceptional original artworks from Vancouver Island and BC’s Coastal Island artists from July 21st through August 1st.
Under the expert guidance of returning show designer, Bob Preston, the 2022 Fine Arts Show will once again see the SEAPARC arena transformed into a spectacular, 16,000-square-foot gallery of curated artworks from Salish Sea Island artists. The Show’s many volunteers will help create the dynamic art event, including a gallery of over 350 artworks, and live music performances, artist talks and demos, docent tours, and the popular Seniors’ Tea and Art4Kidz programs. It all kicks off with the Purchasers’ Preview Event on July 21, 2022, where keen art lovers will have their first in-person glimpse at the gallery. The live Show opens to the public on July 22 and continues until August 1. The Show’s online gallery can also be viewed during that time.
Book Bash – August 1-31
What a Great Excuse to Read! Book Bash! Reading Challenge August 1-31
What do Jack Knox, Fred Haynes, Harvey the Harbourcat, and Valerie Green have in common? They are all champions for this year’s Book Bash! – the Victoria Literacy Connection’s annual reading challenge.
Just imagine trying to function in your life with poor reading skills. Far too many adults struggle with low reading skills, and Covid has exacerbated skill gaps among children and youth. Proceeds will support free literacy programs for children, youth, and adults in Greater Victoria.
The VLC Book Bash! challenges readers of all ages to obtain pledges from friends and family for every 100 pages they read throughout August. This is a challenge anyone can have fun with, from the 6-year-old who delights their family by reading 100 pages to the keen reader who decides this is the month to read every Canada Reads winner. There will be prizes! Website link https://bookbash.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/ Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/VLCBookBash
Torque Masters Sidney Summer Car Show – August 7
On Sunday, August 7th, 2022 we close the streets of Sidney and invite cars from all around! Classics, hot rods, trucks, and motorbikes! All years and all makes. Truly a car lovers’ event. Registration is limited to 400 vehicles so please register your ride early to avoid missing out! Register only $20 per vehicle. There will be trophies, dash plaques, manufacturers’ midway, mini donuts, food vendors plus much more. Spectators are free and the show runs from 8 am to 3 pm. We will also be holding a Poker Run from Langford to Sidney on Saturday, August 6th from 9 am to noon. We start at Westshore Shopping Centre and end at Canadian Tire in North Saanich. $10 per hand/ max. 4 hands per car. Open to all. Drop in between 8-9 am to register and pick up a route map.
Fall Go By Bike Week – October 3-9
Hop on your bikes from October 3rd-9th for Fall Go By Bike Week! This bi-annual FREE event (formerly Bike to Work Week) encourages anyone in the Capital Region to give cycling a try.
Why Register? Cycling is proven to improve happiness, productivity, and both mental and physical health! With gas prices on the rise, there is no better time to leave the car at home. Not to mention, it’s super fun! Aside from personal benefits, Capital Bike organizes Celebration Stations along popular cycling routes, runs challenges, and offers over $15,000 worth of prizes.
Participation is easy! Register, ride your bike, and log your ride on GoByBikeBC.ca! To get the most out of Go By Bike Week, visit one of our famous Celebration Stations, start a team and ride with friends, have a little friendly competition, and leave the car at home! Plus, the more you ride, the better prizes you’re eligible to win!
CapitalBike.ca/go-by-bike-week
Greek Fest – August 26-28 & September 2-5
Join us from August 26th to 28th and September 2nd to 5th for our annual Greek Fest at 4648 Elk Lake Drive (in front of Commonwealth Place)! Food will be both dine-in and take-out. Online ordering for take-out orders will open 2 days before the event, with a priority pickup line. To go to the take-out site, click here. For more details go to greekfest.ca.
The ReLove Market – August 13-14
BC SPCA Offleashed Gala – September 24
154th Saanich Fair – September 3-5
Come and Plant your Roots at the Fair – it has bean awhile. The focus of this years’ 154th Saanich Fair is Vegetables. Lettuce have fun again this Labour Day Weekend.
This year is our 154th Saanich Fair. It all began in 1868 when our pioneer forefathers had this wonderful idea to keep agriculture the focus for the next generations. We have missed two fairs, one in 1920 and again in 2020, pandemics can be blamed for both of these missed fairs.
Plant your gardens – Sew some seeds- We encourage everyone to enter the bounties of their gardens in this years’154th Saanich Fair.
Come and enjoy some old classics and new attractions this year. There will be something for everyone to enjoy. Details here.
Great Canadian Beer Fest – September 9-10
2022 marks the 28th year of the original Great Canadian Beer Festival at Royal Athletic Park on Friday September 9 and Saturday Sept 10! Get your tickets now at gcbf.com.
This year’s event will include more than 245 beers served by the brewers and reps themselves from nearly 100 breweries from across the country. This is a tasting opportunity not to be missed!
Plus:
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8 of the city’s best food vendors on site
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A 100ft long inflatable obstacle course to test your physical agility and entertain the onlookers!
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The Vancouver Island Blacksmith Association will be on site forging custom bottle openers and beer accessories!
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A live Oktoberfest band in the beer tent on Saturday afternoon!
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The Zone’s DJ Boitano will be pumping out the tunes on Friday and Saturday!
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Fun games including a special ‘Beat the Goalie’ challenge with Fernwood Town FC, giant jenga, corn hole and hula hooping!
Capital City Comic Con – September 23-25
Capital City Comic Con is back on September 23-25 at Victoria Conference Centre and Crystal Garden for 3 days of cosplay, celebrities, creator guests, exhibitors, artists, panels, fun attractions, entertainment and more!
This three day, family-friendly event has something for every pop culture fan. Capital City Comic Con is a non-profit convention that is passionate about creating a wonderful convention experience for the community. This year will be bigger than ever, so dust off your cosplay and join us for an amazing weekend! Check out the website to buy tickets and for more details – www.capitalcitycomiccon.ca.
Pop Up Mini Vintage Fair – August 27
10am – 3pm
Lazy Susan’s outside (2039 Oak Bay Ave)
Shop 10 outdoor vintage vendors (and Lazy Susan’s amazing shop too!) filled with glorious vintage, retro, antiques, collectibles, fashions, decor and more)!
Plus, enjoy Roaming Vintage Fashion Shows, yummy treats and fun surprises!
Vintage attire is delightfully encouraged. Win prizes!
Free admission!
P.S. CALL FOR VENDORS! We have 2 spots available! Contact us at vintagefair@shaw.ca if you’d like to vend at this fun event!
<h3id=”Hungry-Hearts” align=”left”>Hungry Hearts Gala and Silent Auction – August 29 to September 10
We are excited to present the return of the Our Place’s popular Culinary Gala at Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort. Hungry Hearts is presented by PwC in September of 2022. This high-profile food competition has raised an incredible $1,075,000 for Our Place over the past eight years and is considered Victoria’s favourite culinary fundraiser. We hope you will consider being a part of the 9th anniversary event.
Hungry Hearts online auction: Item viewing begins August 26. Bidding begins August 29 and Auction closes on Saturday, September 10 at 8:30pm. To view the online auction and purchase ticket to the Hungry Hearts Gala, click here.
United Way Help A Neighbour Golf Tournament – September 22
Come play golf and support your local community!
Your local United Way’s Golf Tournament is back! This year, the tournament will take place on September 22 at the Victoria Golf Club. Your participation in the Help A Neighbour Golf Tournament means that the United Way Southern Vancouver Island will continue to address and respond to the complex needs of our community as we rebuild and recover from the pandemic.
Tickets for the event are $325 per individual are $1,300 per foursome. Golf registration includes green fees, pull cart, BBQ lunch, buffet dinner, tee gift and a chance to win some great prizes!
About United Way Southern Vancouver Island:
United Way is dedicated to uniting local people for local good, improving the lives of our neighbours who need it most, and strengthening our community. Last year, the organization supported close to 63,000 individuals on Southern Vancouver Island in building better lives. That is almost 1 in 6 people in our region being helped by a United Way initiative or funded program.
We hope to see you at the United Way’s Golf Tournament! Register here.
Relove Market – September 10-11
The ReLove Market is a Premier Secondhand & Vintage pop up Market, offering the finest in Preloved garments at affordable prices. Alongside our second-hand resellers, The ReLove Market offers community, connection, creativity & small business love and features local artisans, makers in fashion, vintage, beauty, home and lifestyle. We are committed to the growth of our community and providing a stress-free shopping experience for both vendors and consumers alike.
Come out and shop some of the finest in secondhand & vintage clothing, accessories, housewares and more! Saturday September 10 & Sunday September 11 from 12-5pm at Market Square, 560 Johnson St downtown Victoria.
Come for the shopping and stay for the live music featuring local artists and be sure to snag yourself a ReLove Tote for all your incredible finds. Don’t forget to tag your snaps from the day with @therelovemarket & #relovegeneration.
We hope you have fun at these wonderful, local events this summer! If you’d like Used.ca to be a sponsor of your event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.
