Looking to make the most of your weekend on Vancouver Island?
Whether you’re in the mood for a farmers market stroll, live music, a magical Mother’s Day brunch, or a pirate-themed parade, there’s something for everyone happening across the island.
We’ve rounded up 23 can’t-miss events taking place this Saturday May 10th and Sunday May 11th to help you plan the perfect weekend adventure:
Esquimalt Buccaneer Days
A pirate-themed community festival featuring a parade, carnival rides, food vendors, music bingo, and family-friendly activities. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
- Where: Archie Browning Sports Centre & Bullen Field, 527 Fraser St, Esquimalt
- When: Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 11, 2025
Metchosin Magickal Mother’s Day Fair
Celebrate Mother’s Day with artisan vendors, live music, and metaphysical workshops at the Metchosin Community Hall. Open both Saturday and Sunday.
- Where: Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd, Metchosin
- When: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11
Tseshaht Market
A lively Friday night market with local vendors, food, and entertainment. Perfect for a Friday evening outing.
- Where: Tseshaht Market, 7585 Pacific Rim Hwy, Port Alberni,
- When: Friday, May 9, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cirque du Soleil: CRYSTAL
Experience Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever acrobatic performance on ice, blending jaw-dropping acrobatics with choreographed skating in a dreamlike frozen landscape.
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St, Victoria
- When: Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 18, 2025
Malahat SkyWalk: Mother’s Day Special
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a breathtaking walk among the treetops. Moms receive free admission this weekend, making it a perfect family outing.
- Where: Malahat SkyWalk, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
- When: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11, 2025
Brontë: The World Without
A dramatic portrayal of the Brontë sisters’ lives, exploring their literary contributions and personal struggles.
- Where: Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St, Duncan, BC
- When: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11
Exhibit: Broken Promises
A poignant exhibition detailing the dispossession of Japanese Canadians during the 1940s.
- Where: Courtenay & District Museum, 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC
- When: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11
Haiku Poetry Exhibition
Celebrate the launch of Sophia Conway’s new haiku poetry book amidst lush gardens and butterflies.
- Where: Butterfly World, 1080 Winchester Rd, Coombs
- When: Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Beauty of Mending: Kintsugi and Beyond
An exhibition exploring the art of Kintsugi and the beauty of mending.
- Where: Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commercial St, Nanaimo
- When: Saturday, May 10
Daniel Lapp in Concert
Renowned fiddler Daniel Lapp performs at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall.
- Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Ave, Victoria
- When: Saturday, May 10
Gordon Lee Worden Live & Solo
Live solo performance by Gordon Lee Worden.
- Where: Pacific Moon Rising Bar & Grill, 1600 Stroulger Rd, Nanoose Bay
- When: Sunday, May 11, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pacific Moon Rising Music Trivia
Test your music knowledge and win prizes.
- Where: Pacific Moon Rising Bar & Grill, 1600 Stroulger Rd, Nanoose Bay
- When: Sunday, May 11, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Karaoke at the Rod & Gun
Weekly karaoke night with prizes and free pool.
- Where: Rod & Gun, 163 Alberni Hwy, Parksville
- When: Sunday, May 11, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Qualicum Beach Farmers Market
A bustling market featuring local produce, handmade goods, and baked treats.
- Where: Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach
- When: Saturday, May 10
Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market
Explore vendors offering fresh produce, crafts, and more.
- Where: Nanaimo
- When: Saturday, May 10
Bowser Second Sunday Market
A monthly market with art, crafts, vintage items, food, and live music.
- Where: 240 Lion’s Way, Bowser
- When: Sunday, May 11, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cumberland Farmers Market
A community-focused market with local vendors.
- Where: Village Square, Dunsmuir Ave, Cumberland
- When: Sunday, May 11, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Campbell River Farmers Market
Fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts in Campbell River.
- Where: Spirit Square, 1235 Shoppers Row, Campbell River
- When: Sunday, May 11, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Carol’s Crafters Artisan Market
Local artisans offering crafts, baked goods, and preserves.
- Where: 13467 Cedar Rd, Ladysmith, BC
- When: Sunday, May 11, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Golden Shoe Hunt
A treasure hunt in regional parks across Vancouver Island.
- Where: Various parks across Vancouver Island
- When: Ongoing through May 16
Boardgames Afternoon at Paradise Fun Park
A fun-filled afternoon of board games.
- Where: 375 Island Hwy W, Parksville
- When: Sunday, May 11, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Merridale’s Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch and cider.
- Where: Merridale Cidery & Distillery, 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill
- When: Sunday, May 11, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Oceanside Mother’s Day Run/Walk
Participate in a 10K run or 5K walk.
- Where: Qualicum Beach Legion, 180 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC
- When: Sunday, May 11
