Victoria Entertainment

Entertainment in Victoria

  1. A

    Sticky Wicket

    This cavernous complex is the place to head if you want a noisy night out with the locals. The Wicket's main bar serves popular (if slightly pricey) Irish beers, while its menu serves up heaping plates of pub grub, ranging from burgers all the way to chicken strips. Live sports are pumped through the TVs and there's a poolroom upstairs. The highlight bar is Big Bad John's, a tiny hillbilly nook with tree stump tables and a carpet of peanut shells.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Belfry Theatre

    The excellent Belfry Theatre is a showcase for contemporary, especially Canadian, plays and is one of the country's most respected independent theatre companies. It's housed in a converted 1890s Baptist church.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Cinecenta

    UVic's Cinecenta is where old classics and curiosities rub shoulders on a nightly changing schedule.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Cineplex Odeon

    The city's main first-run cinema is Cineplex Odeon.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Glo

    Victoria's best mod lounge bar, Glo has waterfront views, cozy oversized booths and a warming red-hued ambience. A great spot for nighttime cocktails, this is where the city's beautiful young people come to ogle each other. The food is also worth an ogle: the flatbread pizzas are great and the dessert menu covers all the bases. DJs spin a few tracks on weekends.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Logan's Pub

    A short stroll from downtown, this old-school sports pub looks like nothing special from the outside, but its roster of shows is the heart and soul of the local indie scene. Friday and Saturday are your best bet for performances but other nights are frequently also booked - check the pub's online calendar before you arrive.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Strathcona Hotel

    This multivenue complex includes the rooftop volleyball courts of Sticky Wicket Pub; hillbilly, peanut-shell-on-the-ground haven of Big Bad John’s; and touring musical acts at Legends.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Legends

    Conveniently located under the Sticky Wicket pub, Legends is a mainstream hang-out known for its Saturday Top 40, hip-hop and R&B night. Friday is also popular and there are additional live acts throughout the month.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Prism Lounge

    The city's raucous gay and lesbian hang-out, Prism Lounge hosts nightly events, including drag fests, karaoke evenings and bear rendezvous. The Friday and Saturday night dance parties are its main attraction.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Darcy’s Pub

    This laid-back downtown bar offers free live acts every night, ranging from weekend cover bands to a Monday-night open-mike session. There’s beer from Vancouver Island Brewing.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Sugar

    A long-standing, popular club that's only open a few days a week, Sugar offers mainstream house and Top 40 DJ sounds (under a giant disco ball) plus regular live events.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Canoe Brewpub

    The own-brewed beers include hoppy Red Canoe Lager and summer-friendly Siren’s Song Pale Ale. It’s also good for a meal and there’s a great waterfront patio.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Big Bad John’s

    Evocative little hillbilly-themed pub where the floor is covered in peanut shells and the ceiling has a few grubby bras hanging from it. Great fun.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Lucky Bar

    This club, a Victoria institution, offers live music from ska and indie to electroclash, plus dance-floor tunes when there’s no band performing.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub

    Lip-smacking craft brews here include light Honey Blonde Ale and dark Nut Brown. The superior food menu includes excellent seafood.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Royal Theatre

    The Royal Theatre hosts mainstream theatre productions, and is also home of the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria.

    reviewed

  18. Q

    McPherson Playhouse

    McPherson Playhouse is one of Victoria's center stages. It offers mainstream theater productions.

    reviewed

  19. R

    Vic Theatre

    One of Victoria's best arthouse cinemas, the Vic Theatre screens lesser-known first-run movies.

    reviewed

  20. S

    Irish Times

    Residing in a handsome old bank building, this lively Celtic bar is a cut above standard Irish pubs. The interior is a pleasing fusion of high ceilings and dark wood finishes and the draft selection is a cornucopia of popular favorites from Ireland, France, Belgium and the UK. Daily food specials are offered (pizza and beer is $9.99 on Wednesday), plus there’s nightly live Irish music.

    reviewed