May 8 - Rifflandia releases lineup

Good morning !

We’ve got some fun updates about Greater Victoria festivals: Esquimalt Buccaneer Days happening this weekend and Rifflandia in September.

But first, we have a sad update about a beloved local couple.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 6 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌤️ 15 / 9

Tomorrow: ⛅ 17 / 10

Day after: 🌦️ 12 / 9

7-day forecast

NEWS

Victoria vegan cookbook writer and co-owner of Tattoo Zoo died Sat.

The internationally known writer and podcaster Sarah Kramer is survived by her wife Geri Kramer, with whom she co-owned Tattoo Zoo on View.

The couple is well-regarded throughout Victoria where they worked, and the Westshore community where they lived. When Sarah was diagnosed in March with terminal brain cancer, it took less than 24 hours to raise $90K through the GoFundMe started by Geri. At the time of writing, $122K in total has been raised. The donations allowed the two to take time off work and spend their last weeks together at home—a period Geri called “amazing” in an update on GoFundMe. 

“Spending almost every minute with her, cuddling and laughing and crying and eating. Just sharing our lives as best we can,” Geri wrote to donors. “We owe all of that time to you all and your crazy generosity. 

“It gave her so much comfort knowing I would have space to fall apart.”

Sarah had planned to use MAID to end her life, but her cancer progressed before using the option. Geri will continue to take a break from tattooing, but Tattoo Zoo will remain open for bookings with other artists.

Sarah is remembered for her influential vegan cookbooks, including How To Vegan and Vegan A Go-Go—which many commenters on the GoFundMe say introduced them to the diet and lifestyle—and her podcast with Geri, Meet the Kramers, where they shared details of their relationship, including how Geri’s gender transition shaped their marriage.

Geri said there won’t be a memorial service—“it’s not really Sarah’s vibe”—but Sarah instead made a playlist on Spotify for her friends, family, and fans to listen to as a way of remembering her.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Wanted by West Shore RCMP: Sandra Humphreys, 42. [RCMP] 

Douglas closed between Humboldt and Belleville today and tomorrow. [City of Victoria]

Beachlands Blvd. closed through Friday in Colwood, but pedestrians will still be able to access beach and park.

NEWS

Rifflandia releases this year’s lineup

The highlight of the summer for Victoria music fans returns to Matullia Lands in Rock Bay for the second year, Sept. 11-14. 

Last year’s show brought the nostalgia factor with ’90s stars TLC and De La Soul, and longstanding Canadian music heavyweights Feist and Broken Social Scene. 

The same could be said for some of this year’s lineup, which features a few prominent ’90s groups—East Coast hip hop legends Public Enemy and rockers Sleater-Kinney. But major contemporary acts—including Alessia Cara, and NxWorries (with Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge)—also will be headlining. 

This year, a fourth night has been added, with festivities kicking off on a Thu. It will be an evening dedicated to electronic music, with Troyboi and headliner Maribou. That night will also feature an unexpected combination: the Victoria Symphony performing the music of Daft Punk. 

Other notable artists include The Funk Hunters, Shaky Graves, and Macy Gray performing Fri., The Dead South and JP Saxe on Sat., and Charlotte Cardin and Walk Off the Earth taking the stage Sun. 

This year’s prices will remain the same as last year’s despite inflation, with event organizer Nick Blasko saying in a release he and his team want to alleviate “the pinch” many people are feeling. 

Check out the full lineup here.

EVENTS

Buccaneer Days begin today in Esquimalt

Wanna-be pirates and land lubbers alike are gearing up for today’s start of Esquimalt’s Buccaneer Days, which kick off with a community burger lunch at noon and the opening of the carnival at five in the parking lot of the Archie Browning Sports Centre.

“Dress in your best Buccaneer Days outfit and join your friends and neighbours for another delicious meal at the Buccaneer's Day BBQ,” the township said on its event website. 

The grub is always good at this spring swashbuckling spectacle, which began in 1939 as a celebration of the season and the Queen, took on the buccaneer motif in 1966, and has remained pirate-themed in the 59 years since, matey.

Community food vendors will be stationed at the Buccaneer Galley all weekend, and there are two pancake breakfasts, including one for Mother’s Day on Sun.—mimosas for mom and breakfast for the family—and another ahead of the parade, which runs Sat. at 10am. along Esquimalt from Dominion to Admirals.

The big draw is the midway carnival set up in the arena parking lot. There will also be cornhole and volleyball tournaments, skydiving demonstration and tug-of-war. Dozens of vendors will have fresh baked goods, and there will be adult and family music bingos. 

Back by popular demand is the Pirates’ Den Family Zone, which features rides, lawn games, pirate crafts, and a bouncy castle. A pirate-themed mini-Olympics for kids aged 4-12 will take place as well.

Getting there is easy with a park and ride—fare by donation—in the parking lot on Canteen, where a shuttle will run 8am-5:30pm with drop-off near Bullen Park. Organizers ask fairgoers not to park at the Country Grocer, Esquimalt Rec Centre, or in the immediate vicinity. There’s also a bike valet—again, by donation—located by the northeast corner of the ball diamond that’s open from 9:30am to 5pm Sat. and Sun. 

The weather forecast doesn’t exactly call for clear sailing but it's not bad with a mix of sun, clouds, and possibly a shower or two expected.

SPONSORED BY WEST COAST PRO PAINTING

Get your free painting quote

West Coast Pro Painting is Victoria’s trusted choice for high-quality interior and exterior painting. With a team of skilled professionals, they bring precision, care, and a commitment to excellence to every project. Whether refreshing a single room or transforming an entire home, their attention to detail ensures a flawless finish. Known for outstanding customer service and clear, professional communication, WCPP makes the painting process seamless and stress-free. Homeowners can count on expert recommendations, premium materials, and results that stand the test of time.

West Coast Pro Painting is now offering complimentary estimates for both interior and exterior projects. Contact them today to schedule your quote and experience the difference of a team that puts quality first.

⭐️ Capital Picks

🍴 Marilena on Douglas named No. 39 in Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list.

💖 Celebrate Mom with sparkling sips, sweet macarons, a custom facial, and a Renewal Mani or Pedi. Mom’s Sweetest Escape at Pure Day Spa—Victoria’s 5-time award-winning spa. Gift cards available here!*

🖼 Powerful portraits from last year's Sooke Fine Arts Show, which seeks submissions this month for the 2025 show. [Facebook photos]

*Sponsored Listing

🗞️ In Other News

Westshore's Sheringham Distillery expanding sales to US
The Langford-based distillery's gins will soon be in California and Washington liquor stores. They aren't subject to tariffs and can be sent out quickly because gin is quicker to make than most other spirits. [CHEK] 

Memory march for Langford teen accentuates mental-health issues
About 30 people took part in the fifth annual walk in honour of Andre Courtemanche, who died by suicide four years ago following a battle with depression and anxiety. The weekend march was organized by his parents, Denise and Glenn Courtemanche, who have campaigned to heighten awareness of mental health and the challenges of obtaining help. Their message is of hope and understanding in pursuit of reducing “the undue stigma of mental illness.” [Black Press]

Pacific FC knocked out of Canadian Cup 
The local soccer club lost at Starlight Stadium to cross-Strait rival Vancouver FC on Tue. The 1-1 draw went to a shootout, where ex-PFC star goalie Cullum Irving prevailed against his former club's kickers. In past years, PFC has often advanced in this tourney between Canadian soccer teams, even once eliminating  the top-tier Vancouver Whitecaps. [Highlights video]

Enjoying our newsletter? Help us make it even better!

Become an Insider member and help keep local journalism and storytelling alive in the Capital Region. 

SPONSORED BY PRESSUREPROS

Is your home disappearing under Victoria's green blanket?

The signs are unmistakable: black streaks down your siding, slippery moss on your walkway, and that green film that makes your driveway look decades older than it is. Just yesterday, PressurePros transformed an Oak Bay property in hours, removing years of Victoria's notorious moss and algae build-up. Using advanced equipment and eco-safe solutions, they safely restore everything from heritage brick to modern surfaces.

Why wait? Spring cleaning season is here, and spots are filling quickly. Save thousands compared to replacement costs, and protect your property value.

Book your free estimate today and receive a complimentary gutter inspection ($75 value).

🗓️ Things to do

🥕 Esquimalt Farmers Market: Fresh-baked breads, farm fresh produce, kid’s activities, food trucks, music, and more, at Memorial Park today. 4:30-7:30pm. [Info]

🎨 Layered Wood Painting at the Six Mile Pub: Join a night of layered wood painting in support of Our Place Society, hosted at the Six Mile Pub tonight. 6:30pm. [Info]

🎷 Maureen Washington Quartet: Enjoy an evening of soulful jazz at Hermann’s tonight. 7pm. [Info]

🪄 Champions of Magic: A mind-blowing night of illusion, humour, and grand spectacle at the Royal Theatre today and tomorrow. 7:30pm. [Info]

🤣 Julie Kim: One of Canada’s fastest-rising comedians brings her sharp, hilarious stand-up show Doing Too Much Comedy. Capital Ballroom. Sat. 8pm. [Info]

👀 In Case You Missed It

Wednesday’s headlines: Coho curtailed as travel to US dips; Plaza Hotel development aims too high; Sidney gets a 3% hotel tax. [May 7]

YMCA-YWCA to move into Bay Centre. [Capital Daily]

Mother’s Day events for Victoria. [Capital Daily] 

UVic involved in research ship that is off on a 43K-kilometre trek. [Times Colonist]

Best swimming hole guide is on the way. [Oak Bay News]

Sooke Fine Arts Show seeks submissions from artists this month and volunteers for summer showcase. [Info]

Bushtit birds building nests near Nanaimo. [VanIsleWildlife]

That’s it!

If you found something useful, consider forwarding this newsletter to a fellow Victorian.

And before you go, let us know: