Mother's Day weekend is a time to celebrate womanhood, take in the blooming gardens (and hopefully fantastic weather), and plan something special. Here are 10 fun ways to spend it across Greater Victoria, from Langford to the seaside of Sidney.
Victoria Conservatory of Music Mother's Day Musical Garden Tour returns for 43rd year
Music enthusiasts, garden lovers, and families are invited to explore nine exquisite private gardens across Greater Victoria. Live classical and contemporary music from students and faculty makes the tour a truly memorable outdoor experience. All ticket proceeds support the conservatory.
Two-day passes are $45. The event runs Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Learn more at vcm.bc.ca/support/garden-tour.
Buccaneer Days brings carnival thrills to Esquimalt
West Coast Amusements presents Canada's biggest travelling carnival with rides, food and games from May 9 (starting 3 p.m.) to May 11 (til 6 p.m.) at the Archie Browning Arena. Tickets are $50 at https://westcoastamusements.com/event/esquimalt-bc-2025/.
Phillips Brewing launches new pop-up food program
Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. is partnering with local food brand Roast (previously at Victoria Public Market, which is closing) to open a new pop-up food program at Phillips Tasting Room. Together, they will pair fresh local food with locally made craft beer. The partnership kicks off Monday, May 12, and runs through September. Learn more at www.phillipsbeer.com/tasting-room.
Legally Blonde: The Musical delivers humour and heart at McPherson Playhouse
Everyone’s favourite blonde, Elle Woods, takes charge as Legally Blonde: The Musical hits Victoria's McPherson Playhouse. A true celebration of girl power, this musical follows Elle’s journey from the sunny California coast to the prestigious halls of Harvard, delivering an unforgettable coming-of-age story.
The show runs May 2 through May 11. Tickets are $66 and available at the McPherson Playhouse box office in Victoria or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.
Sarah Beckett Memorial Run – an opportunity to make a difference
The Sarah Beckett Memorial Run is a 3km and 5km family run and walk raising money for local non-profit organizations in the Western Communities in southern Vancouver Island. It's held annually in Langford in memory of Constable Sarah Beckett, a West Shore RCMP officer who died in the line of duty in 2016.
The run takes place Sunday, May 11, at 10 a.m. at 1089 Langford Pkwy.
Mother's Day Market at Langford Station has 20+ vendors
Hosted by Island Vibes Markets, this event has 20+ local vendors, handmade gifts, sweet treats and a complimentary tea garden. It runs Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free admission at Panorama Recreation and Green Glade Community Centre
In honour of Move for Health Day, an international event created by the WHO to promote physical activity, there will be free admission to drop-in programs at the Panorama Recreation Centre (1885 Forest Park Drive) and Green Glade Community Centre (2151 Lannon Way, Sidney) all day, Saturday, May 10.
Enchantment brews at Metchosin Magickal Mother's Day Fair
Are you ready for an enchanting experience? Meet witches, psychics, and energy practitioners, along with talented local artisans and bewitching metaphysical vendors, while shopping for spell therapies, witch hats, beautiful crystals, pendulums, teas, jewelry and more. There will also be psychic, tarot and astrology readings, a kid zone, plus food from GreeknGo Food Truck.
The fair runs Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd.
Glow Gala at Delta Hotels supports resilient women and children
The Victoria Women's Transition House is celebrating the courage and resilience of women and children impacted by intimate partner violence while raising funds through a showcase of fashion, food, music and art. The evening includes a three-course plated dinner, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and fund-a-need – an opportunity for guests to support an identified program or project at Victoria Women’s Transition House. The event is on May 10 and tickets are $175. Learn more at www.transitionhouse.net/glow-gala/.
The Choir YYJr performs inaugural concert with guests The Mini-Choir
The Choir YYJr was born of the idea that young people who love to sing fun pop songs with friends might not find these opportunities at school or in more traditional choirs. Together with The Mini-Choir, an auditioned group directed by The Choirs YYJ director Marc Jenkins, and accompanied by Layten Kramer on guitar, they will present their first-ever concert on Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at the United Commons (932 Balmoral Rd.) in Victoria.
Entrance is by donation, with ticket proceeds to benefit Arts Calibre Academy. Learn more at https://thechoirsyyj.com/junior.
