Events to brighten the dark days of winter.
Sum 41: Tour of the Setting Sum
January 10, Save-On Foods Memorial Arena
After 27 years together, the Grammy-nominated, two-time Juno-Award-winning rockers from Ajax, Ontario, are splitting up, so be sure to catch them as they perform songs from their ambitious new album.
Whose Live Anyway?
January 16 to 17, Royal Theatre
The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? perform 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions.
Jeremy Hotz: Très Misérables
January 17, McPherson Playhouse
Canadian-born comedian Jeremy Hotz and his dog Shack invite you on their 10th national “Très Misérables!” tour.
Snowed In Comedy Tour
January 18, Royal Theatre
They’re back! The biggest comedy tour in Canada celebrates its 16th year with four international comedians — Dan Quinn, Pete Zedlacher, Paul Myrehaug and Erica Sigurdson — coming together to create one amazing and hilarious show.
Dominic Miller: The Shape of My Heart Tour
January 19, McPherson Playhouse
Sting’s trusty guitarist and co-author of many of his hits makes his first appearance in Victoria. Dominic Miller has performed over 1,000 concerts with the former Police singer, but is also a prolific solo artist with 12 albums to his name, including his new release, Vagabond.
’90s Dance Mix Tour
January 19, Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Slip into your Chucks and Vogs and step back in time and into Canada’s biggest 1990s dance party! Hosted by Canada’s own Rick “The Temp” Campanelli and DJ Kav, it features a lineup of dance music legends, including Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan and Technotronic’s Daisy Dee.
Dance Victoria presents Dancers of Damelahamid in Raven Mother
January 24, McPherson Playhouse
Co-commissioned by Dance Victoria, Raven Mother is its newly choreographed dance work in honour of late Elder Margaret Harris (1931-2020), performed here by an Indigenous company that has worked to revitalize cultural song and dance.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival
January 26, University of Victoria Farquhar Auditorium
The Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Island Section, is proud to present some of the year’s most exhilarating and inspiring movies depicting breathtaking journeys and daring expeditions set in awe-inspiring landscapes and untouched wilderness. Immerse yourself in the beauty, thrill and spirit of the great outdoors.
Behind The Moon by Anosh Irani
February 4 to March 2, The Belfry Theatre
Hailed as “one of CanLit’s most innovative chameleons,” playwright Anosh Irani takes us to the Mughlai Moon restaurant in Toronto, where recent immigrant Ayub cooks, cleans and waits for his future to begin. And then a mysterious stranger appears … Note: 18+, content warning.
Dance Victoria presents Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
February 7 to 8, Royal Theatre
The world’s foremost all-male comic ballet company returns to Victoria with its internationally beloved troupe of dancers as part of a landmark 50th anniversary season.
Victoria Film Festival
February 7 to 16, The Vic Theatre and other venues
Since 1995, VFF has presented the best Canadian and international feature, documentary and short films over a 10-day celebration of cinema. The festival offers workshops, installations, networking opportunities and a legendary opening gala for all who love film.
The Debaters
February 9 to 10, McPherson Playhouse
You may know the radio show; now experience the live stage performance where comics go toe-to-toe in a battle of laughs and logic and the audience picks the winner. Award-winning comedian Steve Patterson plays host to two of Canada’s top headlining stand-up comics, Yumi Nagashima and Charlie Demers, as they exchange facts and funny lines.
Victoria Jazz Society presents Kellylee Evans
February 13, Hermann’s Jazz Club
The Juno Award-winning Ottawa-based jazz/soul vocalist, storyteller and lightning-strike survivor brings her natural charm and improvisational vocal style back to Victoria after her last show in 2019.
Leif Vollebekk
February 15, McPherson Playhouse
This Canadian singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist is also a philosophy student turned troubadour. Think: Leonard Cohen meets Gordon Lightfoot, The Eagles and Nick Drake.
Mother Mother
February 18, Save-On Foods Memorial Centre
Canada’s biggest alt-rock export, Mother Mother, brings their new tour and latest album, Grief Chapter, to Victoria. The band goes big on this one, which is all about making the most of every moment.
Our Lady Peace: 30th Anniversary Tour
February 24, Save-On Foods Memorial Centre
OLP has spent the past three decades shaping the Canadian rock scene, now the rockers bring their biggest hits and hottest new tracks to town. Joining them is Georgia-born rock band Collective Soul, who are also celebrating three decades of making music together.
Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell Tour
February 27 to 28, Royal Theatre
The comedian and podcast host hits Victoria fresh off her gig hosting the 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5. Brutally honest and unapologetically herself, Glaser has been nominated for both a Critics Choice and Emmy Award, and boasts the title of “best roaster on the planet.”