Oaklands Sunset Market – June 30 – September 1
This year is the largest market ever hosting up to 50 vendors during our market nights and 5 food vendors. We are proud to be part of the food security coupon program FMNCP (Farmers Market National Coupon Program) and this year we have 25 families that we are supporting with over $200 each towards our market.
The market kicks off at 430pm and runs through 830pm. We also have one of the first Beer Gardens sponsored by Hoyne Brewing running from 430 – 730pm with some great offerings at just $5.25.
Check out our market theme nights: July 7th – Christmas in July (Santa and Mrs. Claus) and a celebration of Pride; July 14th Francophone Societe take over on stage; July 21 Dog Days at the Market and much more! Performances weekly and Beer Gardens weekly! Check out the full schedule here.
Our Place Society’s Hungry Hearts Gala Fundraiser – August 10 – September 18
Hungry Hearts is a restaurant competition, a best-of-the-region auction and a special broadcast on CHEK Television with all funds directed to Our Place’s vital programs and services. Dine – Shop – Watch and Support – August 10 to September 18. Details here.
Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 23 – August 2
Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2021, the Sooke Fine Arts Show is one of Vancouver Island’s premier summer arts events. The virtual 11-day art show will display 350+ works of original island art online at sookefinearts.com, along with a youth art show with works from emerging local artists.
All artworks, whether paintings or sculpture, glass, ceramics or fibre arts will be presented on a free, interactive, professionally designed platform that simulates a physical walk-through gallery experience. Visitors can also enjoy virtual artist demonstrations and talks, an online auction, activities for kids, and entertainment by local musicians.
Home is where the art is, and the annual Sooke Fine Arts Show brings the best into your home. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates!
Help Fill a Dream 50/50 – June 10 – July 21
Over the past two decades Golf for Kids and its feature charity, Help Fill A Dream, have built an incredible partnership. By working together, they continue to transform the generosity of our community into a meaningful impact for local kids and their families. You can support Island Kids and have a chance to win half the jackpot by purchasing tickets for the ‘50/50 For the Kids’.
The more tickets sold, the larger the jackpot grows. Ticket prices are: 3 for $10; 10 for $25; 30 for $50; 90 for $100. Buy tickets at https://5050forthekids.rafflenexus.com/a/used It’s important for Help Fill A Dream and Golf for Kids to continue their partnership to support local kids and families. Please contribute to our 50/50 for the Kids! Together we can make a difference!
Tickets go on sale on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at noon and sales end on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at midnight. The draw will occur on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Tickets may be sold and purchased only in BC and purchasers must be 19 years of age or older. BC Gaming licence # 128558. Know your limit, play within it. 19+ to play. Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111. www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca Thank you for playing and good luck!
My FED Farm Campaign 2021
The Food Eco District will be providing approximately 500 gardens kits to Greater Victoria residents facing barriers to healthy, affordable food for whatever reason— those living in low-income housing, senior centers, immunocompromised households, laid-off workers, frontline workers, individuals with disabilities, single-parent households, First Nation communities, etc.
We understand the affordability of starting a garden can sometimes be a barrier, thanks to our generous sponsors, partners, and community members we are able to provide these gardens on a sliding price scale. My FED Farm garden recipients will be able to donate what they can for their garden kit, if finances are tight, a recipient can receive their garden at no cost to them.
Apply for your own garden kit today at https://www.get-fed.ca/myfedfarm
Donate to our crowdfunding campaign at: https://fundrazr.com/myfedfarm2021
Virtual Teeny Tiny Garden Tour supporting Victoria Hospice – June 13 – July 31
Virtual Teeny Tiny Garden in support of Victoria Hospice
Join us for a glimpse into some of Victoria’s best backyard gardens on Victoria Hospice’s second virtual Teeny Tiny Garden Tour starting Sunday, June 13.
Local Victoria gardeners have opened their gates to delight you with horticultural surprises you can enjoy right from home – rain or shine. Find ideas and inspiration for your own garden or simply soak up the beauty!
The virtual garden tour is free, but we encourage you to place your order for the 2022 Teeny Tiny Garden Tour Calendar featuring exquisite photos of local gardens to inspire you all year long. You can also make a tax-deductible donation in support of compassionate end-of-life care. 100% of funds raised support Victoria Hospice.
Join the tour at victoriahospice.org
SKAMpede 2021 – July 16-18
Theatre SKAM’s annual live performance SKAMpede Festival returns to Victoria this summer – and it’s their biggest one yet! Featuring 15+ performance companies, the July festival will consist of tours of short, family-friendly theatrical shows along the Galloping Goose Trail. Audiences take in the spectacles via cycling or walking tours in small, distanced groups. Expect a little bit of everything – comedy, dance, historical commentary, avant-garde, and more! If you are interested in purchasing tickets, keep an eye out on the SKAM website or social media in mid-June, when tickets go on sale. The festival takes place July 16-18. Find out more at skam.ca/skampede.
Dance Across BC – Now until July 15
The Greater Victoria Festival Society invites you: “DANCE ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA!” IN CELEBRATION OF BC’S 150TH Birthday!
What is Dance Across British Columbia?
DANCE ACROSS BC is a Virtual “Dance” Event that celebrates the spirit, vibrance and resilience of our amazing Province during the year of its 150th Birthday!
How does this work?
Easy! Starting May 1, 2021, we want everyone – YES EVERYONE – to submit their own personalized video of how they celebrate living and working in British Columbia.
Who can participate?
EVERYONE! All ages, all levels, all cultures. Dancers, Non-Dancers, figure skaters, hockey players, rugby, lacrosse, soccer players, families, businesses, you name it! Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, First Responders, Hospital Staff, Restaurant workers, Cashiers, truck drivers, Solos, Duos, Trios or with your quarantine bubble family. We would love to have as many as possible join us. It’s FREE but Businesses will be charged a small fee to assist in facilitating the video and editing.
What exactly do we do?!
Good question! Think of Tik Tok and how fun those videos are to watch. We want you to videotape a celebratory “dance” and submit it to our campaign. For example, if you are a figure skater film your best spiral, axel or triple lutz. Hockey player – Film your best slap shot. Basketball players – film your best Slam Dunk. Desk Job – show us how you file! The video montage will be set to a song, “TBD” so you don’t need music in your video!
Pertinent Details:
Video: Record a 15-20 second video on your mobile device in horizontal mode only. NO MUSIC IS REQUIRED
Submission: send to danceacrossbc@gmail.com with Subject Line: “Dance Across BC Video” Details: Be sure to include your IG handle and Tik Tok format!
Deadline: July 15, 2021
Airing: BC DAY!! August 1, 2021
Esquimalt Farmers Market – April 1- September 16
Esquimalt Farmers Market’s 7th season runs on Thursdays from April 1- September 16 from 430-730pm in The Township of Esquimalt’s Memorial Park at 1200 Esquimalt Road. Join us in celebrating small businesses and supporting local food!
As we navigate through the COVID 19 Pandemic, understand that changes will likely happen often and abruptly. For this reason, it is best if you refer to our website regularly for updated information including times and locations.
As always, EFM is a pet-free market. Thank you for understanding.
As an essential food service, EFM is operating with the regularly updated guidelines as required by the PHO.
Please shop as a single person from your household whenever possible.
Please “shop don’t stop” and avoid touching things before purchase to help keep our Market’s Vendors and shoppers safe.
VPS Mentorship Program
https://victoriapridesociety.org/mentorship-program/
Get free 1-on-1 support to reach your full potential! The Victoria Pride Society Mentorship Program matches LGBTQ2S+ individuals seeking non-judgmental support with established members of the community. Starting a new career? Thinking of coming out? Need someone to talk to about sexual orientation or gender identity questions? Apply to be a mentee! Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor who can provide a safe space to ask questions and get advice. Victoria Pride Society mentors are an amazing group of talented, ambitious, independent, courageous, and diverse individuals striving to fulfill VPS’s vision in which “all people, through education, equality, and safety are empowered to lead full, authentic lives.”.
VPS Local Queer-Owned Business Directory
https://victoriapridesociety.org/resources/
Getting married? From officiants to photographers, we have you covered. Need your windows cleaned? Help is just a click away in Household Services. Is your puppy needing a spa day? Look under Pet Services for someone to pamper that pooch. From Health & Wellness to Entertainment & Culture, it’s all here in one spot. And if you’re a local LGBTQ2* business owner, and you want to be included in the VPS directory, all you have to do is complete your application here (https://victoriapridesociety.org/vps-business-directory-application/). It’s free to list!
Vancouver Island Soccer League
We have been in existence since 1895, providing an opportunity for organized, structured soccer for all adult men.
Our categories; Competitive, Recreational, Masters and U21.
Feel free to follow us along on any or all of our social media paths; we love to include the communities in which our members live.
Gameday tweets, interesting news, and league updates:
Executive Director Vince Greco; @vincenzo25
League highlights and shares; @VISLinfo
League Instagram; vancouver_island_soccer_league
Facebook; Vancouver Island Soccer League
We hope you enjoy exploring our website, make sure to come back for updates; visl.org
Oh and be sure to support our tremendous League Sponsors, a full listing under the first home tab on our website.
Victoria Hospitals Foundation Play Fore Hearts 50/50 & Prize Raffle – May 28 – July 19
You can support cardiac care in local Victoria hospitals AND have a chance to win big by purchasing tickets for the ‘Play Fore Hearts’ 50/50 & Prize Raffle! 𝟓𝟎/𝟓𝟎 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐞: Your chance to win half of the total 50/50 jackpot! The more tickets sold, the larger the jackpot grows. Tickets start at just $10! 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐞: Enter for a chance to win one of three Vancouver Island getaway packages. The grand prize: a one-week local vacation at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet (generously supported by Escape Solutions)! Tickets start at $25. Purchase your tickets today: HeartsLottery.ca Since 1978, the Uplands Golf Club Annual Heart Tournament has raised more than $2.97 million for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation and funded leading-edge cardiac equipment. Players, sponsors, and donors have all helped make the Tournament the longest-running, most successful charity tournament in BC. Just like the Annual Heart Tournament, proceeds from both ‘Play Fore Hearts’ raffles support the world-class cardiac care teams at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital. Thank you for playing and good luck!
Ticket sales end on July 19 at 11:59 p.m. and the draw will occur on July 21 at 11:00 a.m. Tickets may be sold and purchased only in BC and purchasers must be 19 years of age or older. Chances are 1 in 2,300 to win the Prize Raffle. BC Gaming Licence # 128463. Chances are 1 in 70,000 to win the 50/50 prize. BC Gaming licence # 128462. Know your limit, play within it. 19+ to play. Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111. www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
Victoria Pride Society Pride Week Festival – June 28 – July 4
The Victoria Pride Society (VPS) is excited to announce the 2021 Victoria Pride Week Festival from June 28 to July 4, 2021. The festival will include online events to safely celebrate our local LGBTQ2S+ communities and achievements, connect people and advocate for change through an intersectional lens.
The Victoria Pride Week Festival will present six free events including virtual adaptations of long-standing in-person events like the Parade, Youth Pride Kick-Off Party, Pride in the Word and Big Gay Dog Walk and new events like Queer Activism Night. Find out all the details here.
At Victoria Pride Society we envision a world free of discrimination, violence, and ignorance, in which all people, through education, equity, and safety are empowered to lead full, authentic lives. Our main objective is to inspire full inclusion within the Pride Community and society at large through visibility, collaboration, ongoing conversation, and celebration.
Your generous donations enable VPS to continue to provide support to numerous community services and initiatives, including; The VPS Youth Leadership Council, OutWrite eZine, Queer Youth Programming, University Scholarships, The VPS Mentorship Program, and Community Resources.
Victoria Literacy Connection Toonies for Tutoring
The Victoria Literacy Connection invites book clubs to participate in their Toonies for Tutoring fundraiser, an easy way for book clubs to become literacy heroes.
To participate, Book Club members donate a Toonie at every book club meeting; the Victoria Literacy Connection uses those funds to help provide literacy tutoring to a wide range of learners. Reading challenges, “fines” for not reading the book, and silent auctions are just some of the fun ways book clubs can increase their donation.
Click on the link below to read more about the fundraiser and download a PDF.
The Victoria Literacy Connection provides free literacy programs for children, youth and adults all over Greater Victoria. 1 in 5 Greater Victoria adults need better literacy skills to fully participate in society. And many children need better literacy skills to keep up in school.
https://www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/toonies-for-tutoring-fundraiser/
We The West Basketball Festival: FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament – June 29 – July 4
This June 29 – July 4 in Victoria, BC, Canada’s Senior Men’s Basketball Team continues their path to Olympic Gold at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Canada will compete against Greece, China, Turkey, Uruguay, and the Czech Republic as they vie for a last-chance spot in the Tokyo Summer Olympics. Canada’s roster will feature some of the nation’s best players, including NBA talent. Fans can catch all the action on CBC and DAZN.
Victoria Symphony presents Tam Plays Mendelssohn – June 24 – July 23
Farrenc – Overture No. 2 in E-flat major
Mendelssohn – Violin Concerto in E minor
The last concert in the Victoria Symphony’s 2020/21 Virtual Season closes as it opened with a program featuring Concertmaster Terence Tam. Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is an undisputed romantic masterpiece that is paired here with a work by Louise Farrenc, a French composer of the same period as Mendelssohn who rejected Parisian tastes and pursued instead the ideals of German absolute music. Her Overture No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 24 is clearly influenced by Beethoven and evidence of why her music was performed widely in Europe during her lifetime. This concert premieres Thursday, June 24 @ 7:30 pm at victoriasymphony.ca and is available until July 23, 2021.
Victoria HarbourCats Baseball – WE WILL BE BACK!
Despite the cancellation of the 2020 and now 2021 seasons due to COVID-19, the Victoria HarbourCats are gearing up for what will be a celebratory season and a return to West Coast League baseball in 2022. Season tickets, 10-game flex packs, gift cards and merchandise are now on sale through the HarbourCats offices at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or by calling 778-265-0327. Merchandise, gift cards and 10-game packs may also be purchased online through “The Cat Shop” at https://victoria-harbourcats-official.myshopify.com/.
Try us again for the very first time! Help support the best summertime sports entertainment in the City and lock in your 2022 tickets today! Offices open 10-5 Monday to Friday.
Note: Thanks to all our fans who purchased 2020 and 2021 game tickets or flex-pack vouchers! Please keep them in a safe place and we will happily exchange them for tickets or vouchers to any regular-season game in 2022 once the schedule has been released, likely in the fall of 2021.
For more information, follow the HarbourCats at www.harbourcats.com or at our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/harbourcats.
Toss The Boss Nanaimo- October 1
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 for a bungy jump. 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. Register here.
Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria present OPEN AIR: A Summer Festival of Music
July 22 – 26 & July 29 – Aug 2
xwsзyq’әm | 835 Humboldt Street | St. Ann’s Academy
$35 Adults | $15 Students
General Seating
Physically distanced seating in effect – tickets are limited
Set amidst the pastoral grounds that are built along the former shores of xwsзyq’әm, Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria invite you to ten days of instrumental chamber music, opera arias, show tunes, and family friendly programs to delight your senses.
From the Baroque era’s greatest hits to the Canadian classical music canon’s newest gems, each 45-minute program was crafted in collaboration to bring you back to the magic of live performance under the splendor of the summer sky.
Tickets are on sale now for over 50 performances featuring Victoria Symphony musicians and Pacific Opera’s most celebrated opera singers.
OPEN AIR also includes short (up to 10 minutes each) performances, free for everyone: Music in the Meadows. Surprise musical “pop-ups” through the festival, celebrating the diversity of artists from many cultural traditions that now co-exist on these territories, including Indigenous performers, visiting artists, young musicians, and programs designed for families.
Book your tickets, learn more about the festival and the artists, and keep watching for more announcements in the coming days! victoriasyphony.ca and pacificopera.ca
25th Annual Vikes Golf Classic – August 23 – 29
Looking to hit the links this summer? Why not make your round count by participating in the 25th Annual Vikes Golf Classic. To date, the Golf Classic has raised just over $1.3 million for the UVic Vikes golf program.
Despite many golf tournaments cancelling this year due to COVID-19, we are proud to provide an exciting new virtual golf tournament experience to help with the continued support of our Vikes golf program.
During Vikes Golf Classic week, supporters can choose their preferred (full 18 hole) golf course to play any day during tournament week. Go virtual! You can even participate & support our Vikes golf program if you live outside of Victoria. Play your home club, wherever you live, even if it’s outside of Victoria.
Date: Monday, August 23rd – Sunday, August 29th, 2021
Visit us online to learn more or to register
Book Bash – August 1-31
Swim-a-thon, bike-a-thon .. how about a read-a-thon? The Victoria Literacy Connection’s Book Bash challenges readers of all ages to set a reading target and obtain pledges from friends and family for every 100 pages they read from August 1-31. 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 re-read all of Alice Munro. Prize winners will be drawn from those who send their donation to VLC by September 19.
Check out bookbashvlc on Facebook and Instragram for social media engagement.
Proceeds will support free literacy programs for children, youth and adults in Greater Victoria. Programs include Reading Partners, a program that pairs adult tutors with reluctant readers, and adult tutoring, a program where tutors work with adult learners on their individual reading goals.
To register, download a pledge form and reading log, and to donate www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/vlc-book-bash/
Vancouver Island Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 12
The Vancouver Island Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is happening on Sunday, September 12, 2021! Since 2010, the 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. Funds raised through this event support the important work of Island Prostate Centre (IPC), the only non-profit that guides and empowers Vancouver Island men and their families as they navigate the uncertainty of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is a time to celebrate survivors, families, loved ones and remember those we’ve lost. All funds raised stays on Vancouver Island to support men and their families dealing with Prostate Cancer. Despite the challenges we faced with COVID-19, last year’s virtual event was a huge success raising close to $42,000. This year, we are back “LIVE” and have a goal of raising $50,000!
Vancouver Island Golf Tournament supporting Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon – August 13
Every year, up to 2000 families with a seriously ill child from across BC and Yukon stay at Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon when they must travel far from home for their child’s lifesaving care. More than 20% of these families are from Vancouver Island.
The Vancouver Island Golf Tournament presented by RLC Park Services will take place on August 13th at The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa in Victoria. Register online and enjoy a 12pm shotgun start, on-course food, fun, and festivities, exciting prizes, exclusive golfer gifts, an online 50/50 draw, and more – all while helping local families Register today: https://give.rmhbc.ca/islandgolf Not a golfer? You can still participate in the online 50/50 raffle. Order tickets: https://rmhbc.rafflenexus.com/ Please note: To protect the health and safety of our guests and the communities RMH BC serves, all Public Health guidelines and necessary COVID –19 protocols are in place and will be strictly followed. |