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.) Esquimalt Farmers Market – April 21 – November 17
2.) Goddess Run – June 4
3.) Belfry Theatre presents Kindred- A Fairy Tale for Adults – May 17 – June 12
4.) Cool Aid Society Homecoming Matching Challenge – May 24- June 10
5.) Folkn’Fiddle – June 10-12
6.) Teeny Tiny Garden Tour supporting Victoria Hospice – June 12
7.) RBC Race for the Kids – June 18
8.) Victoria Chinatown Lioness Lions Club Paper Shredding and Bottle Drive – June 18
9.) CFB Esquimalt Navy Run – June 18
10.) Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer – June 19
11.) Le Diner en Blanc Victoria – June 23
12.) Laketown Shakedown – June 30 – July 2
13.) Sooke Fine Arts Show – July 21 – August 1
14.) Laketown Rock – July 22 & 23
15.) Sunfest Country Music Festival – July 28 – 31
16.) Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria – August 20
17.) Rifflandia – Sept 15-18
18.) Royal Victoria Marathon – October 9
19.) Victoria Highlanders – June 5
20.) ReLove Market – June 11-12
21.) Greater Victoria BC 55+ Games – September 13-17
22.) TD International JazzFest – June 24 – July 3
23.) BC SPCA Victoria Lock In For Love – June 23
24.) Volunteer at the TD Art Gallery Paint In – July 16
26.) Victoria Canada Day Presented by Central Walk – July 1
27.) Greater Victoria Picnics and Patios – June 7-29
Belfry Theatre presents Kindred- A Fairy Tale for Adults – May 17 – June 12
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.
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 are 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/
Rifflandia – Sept 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!
Tickets go on sale Friday, May 6th at 10 am at rifflandia.com
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 Powerhouse and Club KWENCH, including an immersive geodesic dome.
VIP Passes, Super Passes, 3-Day Park Passes, and 3-Night Electric Avenue Passes go on sale this Friday, May 6th at 10 am. 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 the support from The Province of BC, FACTOR, Music BC, Creative BC, City of Victoria, and Destination Greater Victoria. Tickets available online at rifflandia.com
RBC Race for the Kids – June 18
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.
Victoria Chinatown Lioness Lions Club Paper Shredding and Bottle Drive – June 18
SAVE-THE-DATE!
June 18th is our paper shredding and bottle drive! We are fundraising to help Ukraine!
PAPER SHREDDING
- Prevent identity theft and protect privacy by shredding confidential documents
- $10 a box or equivalent, immediate shredding
- Cash, debit, credit card, and or company cheque
BOTTLE DRIVE
- Bring in your refundable bottles
- Pop, water, alcohol refundable bottles, and now milk containers too!
- Let us help declutter your house and garage!
WHERE
Save On Foods (parking lot) at Fort & Foul Bay
WHEN
Saturday, June 18 from 10am – 1pm
Special thanks to our sponsors PRIME Real Estate Team, VandeRuyt Wealth Management Group, Used.ca, and Ida Chong FCPA, FCGA
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!
Father’s Day Walk/Run for Prostate Cancer – June 19
We invite you to join us for our live, in-person Vancouver Island community fundraising event for prostate cancer on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19th, 2022. We are thrilled to be back at the Vancouver Island Tech Park, where we will have a 3 K and 5 K route perfectly suited for this event. Register here
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.
Register today!
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/
Laketown Shakedown – June 30 – July 2
Laketown Shakedown is a 3-day, family-friendly music festival at the island’s largest music and recreation park, Laketown Ranch.
We promised you the C.R.E.A.M of the crop in 2020, but then the world shut down. Well, get ready to be Reunited for A Better Tomorrow, because the Older Gods themselves, Wu-Tang Clan are back, Babies, and ready to Bring Da Ruckus at Laketown Shakedown 2022!
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 Ranch
8811 Youbou Rd
Lake Cowichan
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.
2 years of lockdowns got you Feelin’ Blue?
Well, Sail Away down the Green River, and take a Run Through The Jungle to Laketown Ranch this July, for a very special engagement with The Working Man himself, John Fogerty!
Joining the Fortunate Son on Saturday, July 23rd is 5 time Grammy winner, American bluesman Keb’ Mo’, Torontonian legends Big Sugar, and North Vancouver Island’s own Garret T. Willie.
Oh and the day before, Friday, July 22nd, we’re kicking the party off, Big League, with 8-time Juno winner, The Untouchable One himself, Tom Cochrane with Red Rider!
Also on Friday, Saskatchewan’s favourite sons Wide Mouth Mason will grace our stage, along with Victoria rockers Liam Mackenzie and the Moondogs, with more to be announced!
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these living legends together here on Vancouver island!
Laketown Ranch
8811 Youbou Rd
Lake Cowichan
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
Le Diner en Blanc Victoria – 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.
https://register.dinerenblanc.com/victoria/en/register
Ryder Hesjedal’s 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!
CFB Esquimalt Navy Run – June 18
Come run with the Defence Team at CFB Esquimalt. The annual Navy Run is open to everyone, including civilians. It’s open to all ages and abilities, including kids who get a special run of their own. This year, the runner’s shirt and participation medals celebrate the Canadian Submarine Force.
Cool Aid Society Homecoming Matching Challenge – May 24- June 10
Cool Aid has extended its largest fundraising event – the Homecoming Matching Challenge – by one week and is calling on the public to help fill specific funding gaps for some of its lesser-known programs including the grocery gift card initiative, employment training, and support, and programming for seniors.
From now until June 10, 2022, the Homecoming Matching Challenge will double every dollar donated up to $85,000, thanks to the generous support of Peninsula Co-op, Knappett Projects, Jim Thomson and Kathleen Brandsma, the Stovel Family, Viveka Foundation Fund, TL Housing Solutions, Butler Concrete & Aggregates, and Megson Fitzpatrick. Last year’s challenge raised $164,000. The goal this year is $170,000.
Cool Aid continues to provide housing, emergency shelter, health and dental care, and other supports to more than 12,000 people in the Capital Region each year, but there is a particular need right now to fund efforts that increase food security, provide help with employment training and placement, and re-connect seniors to the community after more than two years of isolation.
To kick off this year’s effort, Peninsula Co-op donated $25,000 to the match and encourages others to step up in supporting the growing number of marginalized people in our community. Homecoming is also sponsored by media supporters Times Colonist, CTV, CFAX, Virgin Radio, and Used.ca.
Folkn’Fiddle – 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.
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 arts 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. https://sookefinearts.com/
Victoria Highlanders – June 5
The football party returns to Victoria! The Victoria Highlanders return to Centennial Stadium to play in the new semi-professional League 1 BC. This season will feature 6 home games starting June 5th, and will feature both men’s and women’s teams. Players from the Highlanders have gone on to play professionally for numerous professional clubs in North America and Europe. Come out and support the next generation of local talent. Buy tickets here.
ReLove Market – June 11-12
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, June 11 & Sunday, June 12 from 12-5pm at Market Square, 560 Johnson St downtown Victoria. Click here for details.
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
TD International JazzFest – June 24 – July 3
Ten hot days and nights of the coolest music in town kick off during the 39th edition of TD Victoria International JazzFest, June 24 to July 3, 2022. Vancouver Island’s longest running multi-day professional music festival presents over 70 performances and five free-to-attend workshop/clinics on 10 stages in Victoria, from over 300 musicians in 56 bands from around the world in both ticketed and free performances.
With the expansion of TD JazzFest into Beacon Hill Park, as well as Bullen Park in Esquimalt, Victoria residents and beyond can expect an exceptional roster of world-class touring artists to bring them the summer experience of a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the jazz, blues, and more that contribute to Victoria’s exceptional music scene. Find out where to purchase tickets at jazzvictoria.ca and prepare to join the most unforgettable summer party Victoria has ever known!
BC SPCA Lock-In For Love – June 23
Join the BC SPCA Victoria for Lock-In for Love and lead your community in saving animals.
Register for your free online personal or team fundraising page, ask your friends, family and co-workers to donate and “Lock-In” on June 23 for a final fundraising push and then celebrate the animals you’ve saved! Unable to Lock In this year, make an impact with a donation directly to the Victoria Community Animal Centre online or by stopping by the Centre (3150 Napier Lane, Victoria) for a Lock In For Love Celebration from 4-6pm on June 23rd – enjoy treats, meet an animal ambassador, and shop at the community sale – all funds raised go directly towards caring, rescuing and saving local animals in our care awaiting their furever homes.
Volunteer for the TD Art Gallery Paint In – July 16
Painting the town since 1987! The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is currently seeking volunteers for the TD Art Gallery Paint In as it returns to Moss Street on July 16 from 11am to 4pm.
It would not be possible to hold the event without the scores of volunteers who make Vancouver Island’s largest art event of the year a huge success.
This year the AGGV is looking for 200 wonderful volunteers to help us host the festival. There are a variety of roles and shifts available throughout the day to accommodate everyone. Help support the Gallery and connect with the art community by volunteering for the festival!
Snacks will be provided for your hard work and a free t-shirt! The AGGV is so pleased to welcome you back!
Apply now: https://aggv.ca/paint-in-2022-volunteer-application/
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
Victoria Canada Day Presented by Central Walk – July 1
Friday July 1 Noon – 10:30 p.m.
Ship Point, Inner Harbour
Victoria’s Canada Day will showcase an impressive lineup of local and award-winning, Indigenous, and multicultural performances along with family-friendly activities.
The day will begin in the Inner Harbour with an Indigenous traditional canoe protocol followed by a Welcome Ceremony and a performance by the Lekwungen Dancers at the Main Stage.
Live multicultural performances will take place on the Main Stage from noon until 10:20 p.m., along with interactive activities, a Kid’s Zone, Flavours of the World Food Court, and a Multicultural Street Market with artisans, before fireworks will conclude the day. The main stage will have an accessible viewing area.
Family festivities include a bouncy castle, bouncy obstacle course, face painting and glitter tattoos, a performance and balloon animals with Tickles and Yowza the clowns. The Victoria Bug Zoo, Pacific Football Club, the Bateman Foundation and Alter Arts Society, will all offer kid-friendly activities.
The celebration will end with a spectacular fireworks display over Victoria’s Inner Harbour at 10:20 p.m., accompanied by music featuring Indigenous recording artists.
https://www.canadadayvictoria.ca/schedule-map
Greater Victoria Picnics and Patios – June 7-29
With summer around the corner, what better way to enjoy the sunshine with friends and family than on the patio of a Greater Victoria restaurant, pub or bar? How about enjoying your meal for free with the Picnics and Patios Campaign!
BC Restaurant and Food Services Association, Destination Greater Victoria, the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Victoria Business Association, City of Victoria, Used.ca and Sysco are collaborating to bring back Picnics and Patios.
For the month of June from Tuesday to Thursday, representatives from these participating community organizations and regional media personalities and local politicians will visit restaurants, pubs and bars across Greater Victoria, surprising lucky patrons by paying for their meal.
The whole region is invited to promote and celebrate local cuisine with social media posts leading to great weekly prizes.
Learn more here >>> https://bit.ly/3m326zs
That should get spring off to a good start this June! If you’d like Used.ca to be a sponsor of your event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.
