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 spring and summer!
1.) The Craft Beer Cocktail Competition – May 9
2.) Spring for the Belfry Theatre 50/50 Raffle – Draw date May 12
3.) Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest – April 27 – May 7
4.) Victoria Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair – May 14-15
5.) Victoria Brain Injury Fundraising Gala – May 14
6.) SUPPLY POP—UP – Thursday-Saturday until May 28
7.) Buccaneer Days – May 13-15
8.) Victoria Hospitals Foundation Emerge Stronger Hospitals Lottery
9.) Victoria Goddess Run – June 4
10.) Victoria Symphony Spectacular Spring Gala – May 6
11.) Tour De Victoria – August 20
12.) Victoria Diner en Blanc – June 23
13.) Victoria Hospitals Foundation Miracle on the Mountain Gala – May 28
14.) Capital Bike Spring Go By Bike Bike Week – May 30 – June 5
15.) Esquimalt Farmers Market – April 21 – November 17
16.) Laketown Shakedown – June 30 – July 2
17.) Laketown Rock – July 22-23
18.) Sunfest Country Music Festival – July 28 – 31
19.) Belfry Theatre presents “Kindred” – May 17 – June 12
20.) Folk’N Fiddle Festival – June 10-12
21.) MS Walk – May 29
22.) Victoria Chinatown Lioness Club Paper Shredding and Bottle Drive – June 18
23.) Royal Victoria Marathon – October 9
24.) Thrifty Foods 122nd Victoria Day Parade – May 23
25.) Teeny Tiny Garden Tour – June 12
26.) RBC Race of the Kids – June 12
27.) Power to Summit – May 27-29
28.) Eves of Destruction Roller Derby – May 28
The Craft Beer Cocktail Competition returns Monday, May 9th!
Join us at LURE Restaurant + Bar on Monday, May 9th when 8 bartenders from across Victoria will throw their hats into the competition, creating craft beer cocktails incorporating Vancouver Island spirits and beer.
Coached and curated by Nimble Bar Co., watch as these competitors throw down while enjoying appy bites from the kitchen at LURE and sampling these unique beer-cocktail creations. At the end, vote on your favourite and see who the judges deem victorious!
Tickets are on sale now at VictoriaBeerSociety.com
Spring for the Belfry Theatre 50/50 Raffle
Your raffle ticket purchase will benefit the 2021/22 Season of plays and programs at the Belfry Theatre in Victoria, located on Lekwungen territory, known today as Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. Proceeds will be used to employ and house guest artists and creative team members, build sets, and create costumes for our productions. Our plays are presented as live performances as well as live-streamed so that everyone can enjoy theatre in person, or from home, at our affordable “pay-what-you-want” ticket price point. The Belfry also offers programs to support and train local artists, including playwrights and emerging theatre companies. Thank you for “Springing for the Belfry!” Draw Deadline: Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest – April 27 – May 7
After two years of digital presentations, UNO Fest is back in the theatre for the 25th edition! After two-and-a-half decades, this year’s UNO Fest will be the final edition, as we sunset on the 25th anniversary (new festival coming in Spring 2023, stay tuned!) and celebrate with a line-up of intimate and provocative solo theatre – in person, and in your headphones. We are thrilled to have award-winning director, filmmaker and director Mercedes Bátiz-Benét curate UNO Works, an important development series that showcases new work and new voices at UNO. This year’s festival features an eclectic blend of local and national artists sharing personal and profound stories. Join us at the theatre, from April 27 to May 7. Purchase tickets here.
Victoria Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair – May 14-15
Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair, May 14-15, Pearkes Arena. Loads of action figures, vintage toys, models, trains, comics, Barbie, dolls, bears, LEGO, video games, Star Wars, GI Joe, Transformers, diecast cars, Hot Wheels, Funkos, vinyl records, and more!
General Admission – 9 AM to 3 PM Saturday and Sunday
Adults are $5 per day and KIDS ARE FREE!
Saturday Early Bird entry for the serious collector from 8 AM – 9 AM for $15
COVID safety: Masks are recommended.
Free door prize entry with admission. Dress in costume for extra door prize entry.
Loads of door prizes donated by local businesses!
Silent auction for the MS Society.
Victoria Brain Injury Fundraising Gala – May 14
An Evening of Black and White… Because Grey Matters is an Annual Fundraising Gala in support of the Victoria Brain Injury Society. This gala has built a reputation as one of the most elegant and exciting charitable events on Vancouver Island, featuring decadent local food, drinks, entertainment, and prizes!
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 14th at the fabulous Beach House overlooking Cordova Bay!
An Evening of Black and White… Because Grey Matters is crucial to the ongoing success of the Victoria Brain Injury Society. Book your tickets today to secure your spot, and prepare for a memorable evening.
SUPPLY Pop-Up Store
On February 3, 2022, SUPPLY transformed the North Park Neighborhood’s lending hub into a tiny free thrift store for art supplies. The space is filled with cast-off materials like fabric sample swatches, stickers, and writing utensils in every colour of the rainbow.
Since 2018, SUPPLY has diverted over 2,000 pounds of materials from the landfill and offered creative reuse education (showing people how to upcycle waste into art) to over 500 students. “This whole thing is about removing barriers to access. Everyone deserves the right to express themselves.”
Whether you’re a teacher, artist, parent, or need some pink memo pads for your office, make sure to stop by the SUPPLY POP—UP on Vancouver Street in North Park Thursday-Saturday, 2-6 pm until May 28.
Follow them on Instagram @supplyvictoria or learn more at www.supplyvictoria.ca/shop or www.npna.ca/vancouver-street-plaza.
Buccaneer Days – May 13-15
This fun-filled weekend is loaded with events for all and a great parade. For over 25 years West Coast Amusements has been our Midway provider and they will be once again this year, Robby and Tahra Hauser and their crew are looking forward to being in Esquimalt with their fabulous Midway. May 13th., 14th., & 15th., will be the dates for Buccaneer Days, 2022.
The parade will be on Saturday, May 14th. starting at 10:00 a.m. Neighbour’s from Victoria, Oak Bay, View Royal, Saanich, and all other communities are invited to join us.
We would love to have you enter our parade and you can find the Parade entry form on the Municipal website, as well as the Buccaneer Days Website.
For the Parade Entry Form refer to our Events page.
Victoria Hospitals Foundation Emerge Stronger Hospitals Lottery
Your Chance to Win Big & Support Victoria Hospitals
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Emerge Stronger Hospitals Lottery, presented by Abstract Developments, is the newest way you can support our Victoria hospitals. The lottery includes:
- 50/50 Raffle: One winner takes home half the total jackpot!
- Prize Raffle:
- Grand Prize: $20,000 cash and airfare for two to anywhere in the world that Air Canada flies
- Early-Bird Prize: two fantastic e-bikes donated by Cit-E Cycles (winner will be drawn on May 10!)
Your ticket purchase supports the Emerge Stronger campaign, funding 200+ pieces of hospital equipment for Royal Jubilee, Victoria General, and Gorge Road hospitals. You can help our hospitals recover from the effects of the pandemic, reduce patient referrals to the mainland, and invest in innovative technology.
Thank you and good luck!
BC Gaming Event Licence #132883 & #132884. Know your limit, play within it. 19+ to play.
Victoria Goddess Run – June 4
Celebrating 10 years of Goddess Run this June 2022.
While we didn’t get to celebrate our 10th annual event in person last June, we’re going to celebrate it bigger and better together in 2022. Join us on June 4, 2022, in Langford, BC for a 10K and 5K, plus a fun post-race festival with music, entertainment, games, presents, and more.
Plus we are raising funds for three very deserving causes – Victoria Women’s Transition House, Military Family Resource Centre, and one of our Goddesses, Rose O’Neill, who we are raising money for to help her pay for her prosthetic.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you all in person this year! We will also host the event virtually so you can participate from all over the world.
Victoria Symphony Spectacular Spring Gala – May 6
The Three Maestros
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 AT 6 PM
CRYSTAL BALLROOM FAIRMONT EMPRESS
Enjoy a fun-filled evening with gourmet food, and fine wines plus an exclusive concert.
Join our three Victoria Symphony Maestros for a cocktail reception with specialty
hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, an auction, and more!
Purchase tickets or make a gift online at victoriasymphony.ca/gala or call 250.412.1985 Tickets $300 PP
Music Champion $1350 PER COUPLE (includes 2 tickets and special recognition)
Black tie preferred • Seating is limited
RSVP by May 1
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 the 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!
Victoria Diner en Blanc – June 23
Join us on June 23rd for the city’s most elegant picnic! Le Diner en Blanc Victoria is back for the 8th year and we are excited to bring you the best event yet – at a NEW secret location! Gather your friends and start planning your outfits – sign up for the waiting list today to ensure that you receive your invitations
Hyperlink: https://register.dinerenblanc.com/victoria/en/register
Victoria Hospitals Foundation Miracle on the Mountain Gala – May 28
You’re invited to the Miracle on the Mountain Gala, a philanthropic evening hosted by the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. The event will be held at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa on May 28, 2022.
Event highlights will include a sit-down dinner, live entertainment, and spectacular silent and live auction packages. Guests will have an opportunity to hear from local care teams and grateful patients who will share their powerful stories directly from our hospitals’ front lines.
Funds raised at the gala will support Island-first equipment needs at Victoria General Hospital—including a $318,000 O-Arm imaging system that will advance neurosurgery and keep complex brain and spinal patients close to home—as well as research and innovation projects through the Emerge Stronger campaign.
Tickets can be purchased individually or in tables of 10 https://www.victoriahf.ca/mountaingala/. For more information, please call the Victoria Hospitals Foundation at 250-519-1750.
Capital Bike Spring Go By Bike Bike Week – May 30 – June 5
Bike to Work Week 2017 Selkirk Trestle South
Get ready for the best and biggest Spring Go By Bike Week yet!
Back in person for the first time since 2019, Spring Go By Bike Week is an annual FREE celebration of cycling, encouraging everyone in the region to give cycling a try.
Cycling is proven to improve happiness and productivity, as well as 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 $20,000 worth of prizes.
Learn more at CapitalBike.ca/go-by-bike-week
Esquimalt Farmers Market – April 21 – November 17
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!
Laketown Shakedown June 30 – July 2
And don’t forget your Leather Jacket, because sharing the stage with the Rushing Elephants, in the 3rd edition of the festival is the massive Canadian rock band, Arkells, as well as Ontarionian alt-rockers The Glorious Sons, American living legends Sugar Ray, Timmins’ Juno winner Lights, and Outkast alumni Big Boi, among many, many more!
LTSD 2022 Ain’t Nuthing Ta, erm, Trifle Wit, so Protect Ya Neck!
Laketown Rock July 22 & 23
Laketown Rock is a 2 day, family friendly music festival at the island’s largest music and recreation park, Laketown Ranch.
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.
Belfry Theatre presents Kindred – May 17 – June 12
A Fairytale for Adults.
From May 17 to June 12, the Belfry Theatre will present the brand-new romantic comedy, Kindred by Rosa Dolores.
The play stars Medina Hahn (Soleil), Stephen Lobo (Mo), Andrew McNee (Troy), and Celine Stubel (Elise).
Can you snatch happiness from the jaws of discontent? Elise and Troy, Mo and Soleil: two couples search for the answer to that very question in this new romantic and dramatic comedy.
When your world turns sour and the future you dreamt of disappears, what happens next? Words and recriminations don’t get you far but maybe there is a silver lining. Could one date change fate? And could one chance encounter change it all again?
The Belfry is offering Pay-What-You-Want tickets for Kindred. Those are available for in-person and live stream performances at 250-385-6815 or tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Folk’N Fiddle Festival – June 10-12
The Folkn’Fiddle Festival is back for three days and nights June 10-12 in Sidney, BC. Featuring Good Lovelies, Small Glories, Shari Ulrich, Ann Vriend and Lache Cercel to name a few. Four gala concerts at The Charlie White Theatre and three Cabaret nights at The Sidney Army/Navy will get the summer festival season going. Headlining artists the Good Lovelies are well known to folk and roots music fans with nine critically acclaimed releases, a #1 single, a JUNO Award, and a devoted fanbase blanketing the globe. Purchase your tickets here.
MS Walk – May 29
Welcome back to the Victoria MS Walk 2022, taking place on Sunday, May 29th, at Cadboro-Gyro Park, with opening ceremonies at 11am. Choose to walk either a 2km or 5km route. It’s been a while since the MS community in Victoria has walked together in-person and we’re excited to see you! The event is free to join! Visit MSWALKS.CA.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated 90,000 Canadians living with the disease. This May, across Canada, Canadians come together again to walk, connect, and show that no person living with multiple sclerosis is alone. Register for MS Walk today as we walk toward a world free of MS. Your participation and fundraising move us closer to a world free of MS!
Victoria Chinatown Lioness Club Paper Shredding and Bottle Drive – June 18
Shred your confidential documents and bring in your refundable bottles! Let us help declutter your house and garage!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, 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/
Thrifty Foods 122nd Victoria Day Parade – May 23
Celebrate Victoria Day in British Columbia’s Beautiful Capital City!
Honoring our Superheroes, including all Frontline Workers this Victoria Day Weekend. Join us for the Thrifty Foods 122nd Victoria Day Parade presented by CHEK TV on Monday May 23, 2022. The Greater Victoria Festival Society will host a world class event showcasing our diverse cultures and celebrating our Frontline workers from various business and nonprofit organizations. We are thrilled to be back and we dedicate 2022 to all of YOU!
Teeny Tiny Garden Tour supporting Victoria Hospice – June 12
Plot your map, grab your hat, and prepare to be inspired. The 17th annual Teeny Tiny Garden Tour returns in-person Sunday, June 12.
Step into 11 fabulous gardens to see how ingenuity in small spaces can make a massive impact.
You’ll find elegant formal gardens and country-in-the-city spaces maximized for food production. Tender herbs, veteran trees, chickens and bees, and mesmerizing blossoms of all kinds are guaranteed to capture the interest of green-thumbed and armchair gardeners.
Bonus: a virtual tour showcasing water vistas and whimsical surprises is included. You’ll also have chances to win door prizes or to pick up a few keepsakes along the way.
Tickets are $25 and support compassionate end-of-life care at Victoria Hospice. Pick them up at Capital Iron, GardenWorks, and Heirloom Linens.
For more information visit https://victoriahospice.org/victoria-hospice-teeny-tiny-garden-tour-sunday-june-12-2022/
RBC Race for the Kids – June 12
The 2022 RBC Race for the Kids will take place all across BC in 2022, with participants able to join in-person events in Vancouver and Victoria or race in their home communities Sunday, June 12.
RBC Race for the Kids, Vancouver’s largest family fun run, has raised over $16 million to help improve the lives of countless kids since it started in 1986. By rallying together to take steps to advance the care at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, participants have helped make extraordinary strides in care possible. Register here.
Power to Summit – May 27-29
Summit Mt. Everest in your own neighbourhood and support a great cause by taking part in Power To Summit. May 27-29, teams of four will work together to cumulatively climb the elevation of the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest. The event supports Power To Be, a non-profit based in Victoria and Vancouver, that creates access to experiences in nature for those with physical, cognitive, social, and financial barriers. www.powertosummit.ca
Power To Be is a non-profit organization based in Victoria and Vancouver that provides life- changing programs so everyone can experience the benefits of being out in nature. From hiking to kayaking, to camping and snowshoeing, we create access to nature for youth, families and adults living with cognitive, physical, financial, and social barriers. www.powertobe.ca
Eves of Destruction Roller Derby – May 28
That should get spring off to a good start this April! If you’d like Used.ca to be a sponsor of your event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.
