A day-by-day guide to Victoria’s nightlife, the same old clubs excluded
Venue guests, photo provided by Darcy’s Pub.
Tired of studying? News flash, it’s October and that’s bound to happen. So, take a break, grab some friends, and head out for a night on the town. Don’t bother pretending there’s nowhere to go because the Martlet’s got you covered.
Here’s seven reasons to go out every single night of the week.
Monday
Mondays are always tough so let’s start things off easy. The weekend is over and the reality of school has set in once again. There’s no need to go all the way downtown for a good time! Instead, grab a friend or two and take a quick walk to the lovely Shelbourne Plaza. At the intersection of Poplar and Shelbourne, about 20 minutes from campus, you’ll find Bistro Chi-Q, Victoria’s best Korean fried chicken shop. Make sure to come hungry because the bistro offers anything from fried chicken combos to croffles (and more). Plus, if you’re feeling thirsty, their house wine is only $6 per glass!
Tuesday
If you’ve taken our advice, you’re still riding the fried chicken high and ready for another round. But tonight it’s time to hop on the bus and head downtown for a riveting evening of board games. Luckily, Victoria has a few options when it comes to board game cafes, including Interactivity Cafe on Yates Street and Board with Friends Cafe on Johnson Street — or make your way to Darcy’s for Board on Tuesday! Starting at 8 p.m., you and your friends can chow down on $10 appies, sip cheap pints, and make your way through an expansive collection of games. To make the night even more exciting, Board on Tuesday offers a DJ and disco lights, so plan accordingly.
Wednesday
Hump day is here and you know what that means — we’re already half-way through the week! It’s time to head back downtown for Comedy Night at The Mint. Every Wednesday at 8 p.m. comedians Morgan Cranny and Drew Farrance host a selection of acts from local and traveling comedians in The Mint’s underground eatery. The hosts suggest arriving 45 minutes early, which gives you and your friends plenty of time to grab some Himalayan-fusion appies, sip on mint-inspired drinks, and wind down before the show. Tickets start around $30 for a table of two, so make sure you’re ready to splurge!
Thursday
Thursday is here. After heading downtown two nights in a row, it’s time to stay on campus and support your local pub. Thursday nights at Felicita’s — a.k.a. Fel’s — means karaoke, so you know you’re in for a good time. Forget studying in the library! Grab a pub table, some 85¢ wings, and get to work. Fel’s welcomes everyone regardless of singing ability, so make sure you’re ready to sing your heart out by 7:30 p.m.
Friday
Bring on the weekend! Luckily, there’s no shortage of weekend festivities. However, if you’re looking for a head start, we’ve got the perfect plan for you. Every Friday from 4–5 p.m., the Victoria Event Centre (VEC) hosts MF Fridays, Victoria’s happiest happy hour, featuring performances from local musicians, artists, poets, and painters. If you’re still feeling confident after Thursday’s karaoke, hop in for an open-mic session during the last 10 minutes of the event. Entry is free and all donations go to the artists involved.
Saturday
Stay on the VEC train and head out for a night of dancing with Garden City Soul Club, Victoria’s longest running vinyl-only event. This show takes place at the VEC venue on Broad Street and features a selection of funk and soul music from the mid 1960s to the early 1980s, paying particular attention to northern soul, motown, and funk classics. Show up any time after 10:00 p.m. dressed smart and ready to boogie. Oh, and don’t forget, tickets are $15 and the shows are bi-weekly. You can keep up to date by checking in at victoriaeventcentre.ca!
Sunday
Finally, after six days of hitting the town, we’re sure you’re exhausted but there’s nothing like a little hair-of-the-dog to cap things off. To switch it up, we have some morning festivities planned — Drag Brunch at the Vicious Poodle on Johnson Street! Brunch starts at 11 a.m., followed by performances at 1:30 and 2 p.m. Sleep in as late as you want but be sure to get a table before the show. After that, make your way home, rest the food coma off, and get ready to do it all again.
