Events

7 Victoria Day Events to Check Out Around B.C.

The May long weekend is fast approaching and there are plenty of Victoria Day events around the province to keep the whole family busy

By Sandrine Jacquot /

The Victoria Day weekend is often characterized by fireworks and mini vacations to mark (what feels like) the beginning of summer. And just like every year, there are some fun activities happening around B.C. to commemorate Victoria Day, parades and all. If you’re twiddling your thumbs looking for something to do, here’s just a small snapshot of seven fun Victoria Day events to check out around B.C. to fill time on the extra day off.

1. Thrifty Foods 125th Anniversary Victoria Day Parade in Victoria


We’re starting the list off strong with the iconic Victoria Day Parade in the capital city. Hosted by the Greater Victoria Festival Society, the parade set for the morning of Monday May 19 (starting 9:00 a.m. to wrap around noon) will start at Douglas Street and Finlayson, all the way down Douglas to Courtney Street. The parade is expected to see attendees in the thousands (last year there were reportedly 80,000 spectators) along with thousands of participants too, so be sure to get there early.

Victoria Day Parade

Free

Victoria, B.C.

Monday May 19

 

2. Vancouver All British Field Meet at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens

For something a little bit different than the usual parade setting, the 40th annual Vancouver All British Field Meet is gathering at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens for a showing of classic British cars. On Saturday, May 17, spend time among the beautiful spring flowers at the botanical gardens while walking among rows of collector cars and motorcycles in Western Canada’s longest-running British car show. The Vancouver ABFM will also feature a number of food truck vendors and musical performances, so there’s lots to enjoy at this family-friendly outing. Snag your tickets here. P.S. Period dress is encouraged (and there will be a prize for best-dressed).

Vancouver All British Field Meet

$26.35 for adults; $19.44 for youth; $24.22 for seniors

Vancouver, B.C.

Saturday, May 17

 

3. May Day at Fort Langley

This free community day boasts a fun line up of events for a historical celebration in Fort Langley on Monday, May 19. The day starts with a pancake breakfast ($8 per person) before moving into the parade (starting at the Fort Langley historical site) which will culminate in a family fun festival at the Fort Langley park. The festival will feature vendors, food, live entertainment, activities for kids and May Pole Dancing. With a taste of nostalgic historic traditions, the 103rd annual May Day at Fort Langley will go on rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather.

May Day at Fort Langley

Free (pancake breakfast is $8 per person, cash only)

Fort Langley, B.C.

Monday, May 19

 

4. The Triple Decker Comedy Tour


The Triple Decker Comedy Tour is hitting the West Coast over the May long weekend. The laughter-filled, stand-up comedy event kicks off in Kelowna on May 15 and moves to Kamloops on May 16, Mission on May 17, Victoria on May 18, ending in Nanaimo on May 19. The show will feature three Canadian comics (Himansu Patel, James Cummins and Dave Luca) as they make their way across British Columbia. Tickets are going fast for this 19+ show, so grab yours now to enjoy a good laugh over the long weekend.

Triple Decker Comedy tour

$20 for early bird; $25 regular price

Various cities around B.C. 

Thursday, May 15 to Monday, May 19

 

5. Vancouver Boat Party

For another 19+ option—but this time on the ocean—the Vancouver Boat Party is hosting a Victoria Day celebration starting at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday May 17 until midnight Sunday, May 18. Watch the sunset over the water with open-air rooftop deck dancing (there’s a heated interior too, don’t worry), accompanied by a licensed bar and two DJs putting on the party. Book your tickets now to set sail (they’re selling out fast!), and don’t forget to wear white. 

Vancouver Boat Party

Prices vary (bulk buying options too)

760 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver 

Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 18

 

6. The Meadowlark Nature Festival

Perhaps reconnecting with nature is in the cards for you this Victoria Day weekend. Head up to Penticton’s annual Meadowlark Nature Festival to explore all that the beautiful Okanagan Similkameen has to offer. From Thursday, May 15 until Monday, May 19, there are a wide range of activities for people of all ages and interests, including canoe trips, bird watching, guided hiking, back-country horseback riding, film screenings, art exhibitions, workshops and more. Every event is guided by a field expert, and the groups are small so the experience is intimate. Attending the nature festival put on by the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance (OSCA) also shows support for local environmental and conservation initiatives. 

Meadowlark Nature Festival

Price vary

Various locations around the Okanagan Similkameen Valley

Thursday, May 15 toMonday, May 19

 

7. Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival

people walking playing the bag pipes in tartan dress
Credit: Victoria Highland Games Facebook. Photo by West Coast Digital Photography

The longest-running Highland Games in North America is back for its 162nd year. Come watch the International Heavy Events Challenge and Canadian Invitational Drum Major Championship, accompanied with a celebration of Scottish and Celtic culture. There will be highland dancing, the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, fiddling and folk music performances, Scottish Clan and genealogy booths, historic military displays, and food and merchandise vendors. For those over 19, there are also single malt whiskey and wine tasting school events (with a separate ticket), along with a children’s entertaining area (they get in free!).

Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival

$20.00 (+fees) for an adult day pass

Topaz Park, Victoria, B.C.

Saturday, May 17 to Sunday, May 18