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This long weekend, head to Malahat SkyWalk for an unforgettable treetop adventure. Just 35 minutes from Victoria, climb the gentle spiral ramp to a 10-storey tower with epic views of the Salish Sea and beyond. There’s great food on-site—and even a free shuttle from downtown. It’s the ultimate island escape, all in one ticket.
Who’s ready for a long weekend, Victoria? We certainly are!
There’s no excuse for boredom, as we’ve got a large number of massive springtime events happening throughout the city.
Some highlights include the Highland Games & Celtic Festival, Luxton Spring Fair, Victoria Day Parade, Gordy Dodd’s One World festival, and much more!
Plus, it’s Cirque Du Soleil’s last weekend at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, there’s a weekend-long fruity-beer fest, garden tours, live music and so on.
Without further delay so you can get to celebrating, here’s 16 things to do in and around Victoria this May long weekend—May 17th to 19th:
Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Victoria’s legendary Highland Games & Celtic Festival is back for its 162nd year, taking place on Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th at Topaz Park.
This year’s games are once again playing host to the prestigious International Heavy Events Challenge and the Canadian Invitational Drum Major Championship, bringing together elite athletes and performers from across the globe.
Beyond the competitions, the festival is a full-on celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture, with a wide array of events and attractions for the whole family.
For those aged 19 and over, there’s a chance to sample some of Scotland’s finest at the Single Malt Whisky School or enjoy a selection of vino at the Wine Tasting School.
General adult tickets are $20 for a day pass, and $30 for a weekend pass. They can be purchased online, or in person at the Strathcona Liquor Store and at the gates. Children under 12 get in for free.
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- Where: Topaz Park
- When: Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Luxton Spring Fair
Gather the family and start your Victoria Day long weekend celebrations early at the popular Luxton Spring Fair out in Langford.
This year’s fair officially kicked off Thursday, May 15th and runs until Sunday, May 18th with an array of unique activities and entertainment.
Four days of non-stop May long weekend family-fun involve carnival rides, games, vendors, antique farm equipment, blacksmiths, heritage museum displays and more!
Regular price carnival ride wristbands are $50 per day and can be purchased here.
- Where: Luxton Hall, 1040 Marwood Avenue, Langford
- When: Kicked off on Thursday, May 15th and runs until Sunday, May 18th—hours vary
Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL
The CRYSTAL series of Cirque Du Soleil in Victoria has officially arrived, and will be running until May 18th at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre!
CRYSTAL is their first and only show performed on ice, and features jaw-dropping acrobatics with fast-paced, choreographed skating in a dreamy frozen landscape.
Cirque Du Soleil is a bold blend of artistry and athleticism, and has captivated audiences around the world during their CYRSTAL tour.
Ticket prices vary by seat selection, and you can purchase them here.
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Saturday, May 17th and Sunday, May 18th—showtimes vary
Fruit Stand Fest Weekend
Small Gods Brewing is hosting a beer event to celebrate all things fruit-forward in craft beer!
They’ll be featuring guest taps from Camp Beer Co., Slackwater Brewing and Field House Brewing—all at just $7 for full pours.
Plus, if you wish to pair your fruity beer, they’ll be offering house-made hand pies for only $6 each.
Taking some home? Enjoy 15% off mix and match flats of fruit beer all weekend long!
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- Where: Small Gods Brewing, 9835 3rd Street, Sidney
- When: Kicked off on Friday, May 16th and runs until Monday, May 19th
Gordy Dodd’s One World Multicultural Festival
The 4th annual One World Multicultural Festival is set to take over the grounds of the BC Legislature and Belleville Street on Saturday, May 17th, bringing attendees a full day of free family fun, food, and phenomenal live entertainment.
Hosted by Victoria legend Gordy Dodd and his team and the Greater Victoria Festival Society, this year’s event is dedicated to BC’s incredible Filipino community and the Victoria Filipino-Canadian Association.
Gordy’s One World Stage is set at “The Ledge,”, where a jam-packed lineup of performances is sure to keep the crowd buzzing all day long.
This event is free to attend!
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- Where: BC Legislature, 501 Belleville Street
- When: Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
BYU Living Legends
The Brigham Young University is showcasing their show, Living Legends, at McPherson Playhouse this Saturday!
In a celebration of the cultural heritage of North and South America and the South Pacific, Living Legends presents a vibrant display of energy, music, costume, and dance.
Tickets start at $12.50 and can be purchased here.
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- Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square
- When: Saturday, May 17th at 7 p.m.
The Helen Davies Band
Don’t miss the Helen Davies Band at The Loft Pub this Saturday!
Led by singer/songwriter and powerhouse vocalist Helen Davies, this band offers a mix of R&B, blues, rock and pop music to keep you up and dancing.
Cover is $10.
- Where: The Loft Pub, 229 Gorge Road East
- When: Saturday, May 17th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
James Bay Market
The James Bay Market is officially into their 30th season, taking place every Saturday from now until early October!
Check out the 60 tents bustling with vendors selling local fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods, brewed beverages, art, clothing, jewelry and more.
Pets are also welcome, so long as they’re well-behaved and on a leash!
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- Where: James Bay, at the corner of Menzies and Superior Streets
- When: Saturday, May 17th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fairfield Native Plant Garden Walking Tour
The Ross Bay Villa Historic Museum is hosting a guided tour of their Native Plant Garden this Sunday!
Botanist Ton Tran, the project coordinator for the garden, will introduce everyone to the coastal plants that thrive in their area.
Admission is by cash donation or e-transfer.
- Where: Ross Bay Villa Historic Museum, 1490 Fairfield Road
- When: Sunday, May 18th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Madness Presents: DJ Lex
Don’t miss DJ Lex on her tour across Canada!
Known for her dynamic mixes and innovative mashups, she has garnered millions of fans through both social media and live performances. Lex has performed at numerous festivals and traveled globally to share her music.
Her mashups contain high-energy sounds, featuring a mix of genres, including influences from hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music.
Tickets are $12 for tier 1 and $16 for tier 2.
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- Where: Wicket Hall, 919 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, May 18th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Triple Decker Comedy Tour
Known as Canada’s hottest comedy tour, the Triple Decker Tour is finally coming to BC!
Featuring three top-notch Canadian comics, Himansu Patel, James Cummins, and Dave Luca at The Mint in downtown Victoria.
They’ve sold out across Quebec, Ontario, The Maritimes and Newfoundland, so don’t wait to grab your tickets!
Tickets are $25.
- Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
- When: Sunday, May 18th from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Bakey at Upstairs Cabaret
Midnight Project is hosting Bakey this Sunday at Upstairs Cabaret in Bastion Square!
London-born and Leeds-based, Freddie Baker caught attention in 2020 with his debut EP Take It Further on Shall Not Fade.
Since then, he’s released on labels like Island and Locked On Records, with support from Ben UFO, Joy Orbison, and Nia Archives.
Tickets are selling fast, but tier three still has tickets available for $35.
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- Where: Upstairs Cabaret, 15 Bastion Square
- When: Sunday, May 18th at 9 p.m.
125th Victoria Day Parade
On Monday, May 19th, the Thrifty Foods 125th Victoria Day Parade will roll through the heart of downtown, marking a major milestone in the city’s celebration of community and culture.
Kicking off at 9 a.m., with over 100 float entries, the parade will begin at Douglas and Finlayson, continuing down Douglas Street all the way to Courtney Street.
Expect lively crowds, high-energy performances, and a vibrant atmosphere as the capital city comes alive for this beloved annual tradition!
Make sure to arrive early, grab your spot along Douglas Street, and take in the sights and sounds of one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Following the parade, Paw Patrol will be making a stop at Market Square. No reservation is required to meet the pups from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower courtyard.
- Where: Starts at Douglas and Finlayson to Douglas and Courtney
- When: Monday, May 19th at 9 a.m.
Improv Short Form Show
There’s an improv show to mark the 1 year anniversary of Improv with Theatre SKAM!
Enjoy the power of live performance and cheer on local improv artists on this fun, energetic occasion.
Admission is on a pay-what-you-can basis, with the suggested amount being $5-$10 at the door.
- Where: Theatre SKAM, 849 Fort Street
- When: Monday, May 19th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Benji’s Pub Quiz at Fernwood Inn
Victoria’s quiz master will be hosting his iconic Benji’s Pub Quiz night at Île Sauvage Brewing Co.!
Bring a team, prepare your knowledge and join in on the fun.
Tickets are just over $13 and can be purchased via Showpass.
- Where: Île Sauvage Brewing Co., 2960 Bridge Street
- When: Monday, May 19th at 7 p.m.
BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders – Pre-season game
While the game is currently sold out, they did recently release more tickets so keep an eye on their social media channels for the potential of more tickets being released. If purchasing tickets from an online marketplace, make sure they are valid!
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Monday, May 19th, kickoff at 1 p.m.
