Happy 2026!
As many people have acknowledged, things are difficult. I struggle with the idea that I should be doing something bigger, or something more in such bad times. I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I’m doing enough, but I’ve come to understand that joy and community are key to being able to fight for the good in this world. There is a time and a place to be with fellow community members, to be inspired, to be delighted, and to be together.
That’s what the arts means to me.
It’s not my whole life, but it’s such a special part of it, and I’m grateful to experience artwork of so many types together.
So, with that said, here are some things that have caught my eye in the next few months. I hope I’ll see you at the theatre, too.
Belfry Theatre’s Open House (Jan 10th, 2026)
If you’re a little snoopy (like I am), you might enjoy taking a behind the scenes look at the Belfry! If you’re an excel nerd (like I am) “How a Show Comes Together (or How We Learned to love Excel)” might particularly pique your interest. There will also be two historical walking tours of Fernwood (a small cost for these). What a fun chance to get to know our local theatre a little bit better!
…Until Forever: An Improvised Non-Linear Love Story (Jan 15th – Jan 17th, 2026)
I believe Snap Theatre is newer to our community (apologies if I’ve got that wrong), but it looks like there are some familiar faces from Paper Street! I’m always a fan of a good improv, so a new improv company in town can only be a good thing! …Until Forever will play out a brand new non-linear love story every night, so you’re guaranteed to see some swooning and shy stolen glances. And we all need a little more love in our lives (and maybe a little more improvised theatre, too)!
The Room (Jan 16th – 17th, 2026)
If you haven’t seen the masterpiece that is The Room or read the romp that is The Disaster Artist, hop on down to Cinecenta! Greg Sestero (oh, hi Mark!) will host these screenings of what truly is a masterclass in bad movie making.
An utter cult classic, The Room is decidedly not good, but is such a fun experience to take in, especially in a room full of people! It just brings people together because once you’ve seen The Room together, well, you’re friends for life.
(PS – have I bragged to you that I have a signed copy of the room DVD? I do and I love it.)
Zombie Blizzard (Jan 18th, 2026)
The opera’s luminary series has been such an incredible addition to their annual lineup, bringing diverse and exciting perspectives on what opera can be!
I’ve been hearing so much buzz around Zombie Blizzard, created using poems by Margaret Atwood, and the vocal performance by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, this Victoria premiere sounds like it will be a jazzy take and something wonderful and new.
Strange Hour (Jan 25th, Feb 22nd 2026)
I had it on my list to make it out to another strange hour – but life got in the way! Well a new year beckons, and a new food vendor too!
This event brings together artists of all types, visual, comedians, burlesque, and partners with local vendors to connect you with a little more weirdness in your life. It feels like the coolest, most underground talk show you’ve probably never heard of… but it’s at brunchtime.
The Hawk Lover (Jan 30th – Feb 1st, 2026)
Bragi Theatre is back with a new remounted version of their award winning play from the Victoria One Act play festival! This wild and wonderful telling of medieval myths and poems brings a sense of fractured fairy-tales, and takes you through a series of bizarre, but incredible stories.
I’m so looking forward to taking this one in again!
International Guitar Night (Jan 31st, 2026)
What is quickly becoming a tradition for me, I’m going to recommend International Guitar Night again! Since every year is a different combination of guitarists, you’ll never see the same show, even if you have seen the show before.
This absolutely awesome eclectic collection of musicians blows the roof off every year, and sails past the expected limits of what guitars can do!
CCN/Aterballetto (Feb 6th and 7th, 2026)
Everytime I look at the long list of events coming up at Dance Victoria, I’m always amazed at how much they have on the go. And as someone who has no background in dance, please trust me when I say: these are very welcoming spaces for everyone, even as the artistic merit remains incredibly high.
CCN/Aterballetto looks completely high energy and just so much fun! There’s so much vibrancy and excitement and I’m excited to see how they take traditional aspects of dance and turn them on their heads – in some cases, it appears literally. And I can’t fault any performance that gives me another chance to hear Rhapsody in Blue.
Victoria Film Festival (Feb 6th – 14th, 2026)
With tickets going on sale this week, film fans will surely soon start to eagerly look through the guide to pick and choose their favourite films to see! I had such a blast last year, and most of my Letterboxd to watch list comes from the film guide. Although my schedule won’t allow me to catch much (if any) this year, the festival is exceptionally curated and even if you “don’t like movies”, you’re sure to find something for you.
Final shows at The Metro Studio Theatre (Feb 13th and 14th, 2026)
As you may know, Intrepid Theatre’s Metro Studio space will be closing at the end of February. To celebrate, there will be two special shows to celebrate the space, the memory, the artists, and as a fundraiser for Intrepid Theatre.
On February 13th, the incredible Ivan Coyote will perform in “And Then This One Time: An Evening with Ivan Coyote“.
On February 14th, “Curtain Call — Closing Night at The Metro” will feature so many friends and artists who have created incredible works in this special space.
Both will be amazing and I’m willing to bet both will sell out – get your tickets ASAP!
While I imagine this is difficult for our friends at Intrepid, as I spend more time learning about the arts scene in Victoria, the impact this organization has in the wider community truly cannot be overstated. They have such exciting programming and feature so many diverse artists and voices that I know any setbacks they are facing is only temporary and surely more great things are ahead.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo (March 8th, 2026)
For a band that has been together (with different members) since 1960, the musical mastery that will come from Ladysmith Black Mambazo will surely be something amazing to experience. I was introduced to the band via the Paul Simon album, as so many North Americans were too I imagine. There is so much history and artistry that the band brings with them, I’m so excited they are coming to town!
Jeremy Dutcher with the Victoria Symphony (March 14th, 2026)
New year, another Jeremy Dutcher show! I’m so so SO excited that I’ll be getting to see Jeremy Dutcher with the Symphony! Taking my favourite artist and partnering with the symphony, who always promises a night of exceptional music, this is guaranteed to be a spectacular and truly special show.
Delhi 2 Dublin (March 25th, 2026)
The Mary Winspear has been running what they refer to as their “Mary Winspear Presenter Series“, and I have to commend their programming team. The lineup is diverse and exciting, and includes musicians of all kinds, storytelling, comedians, theatre, and more!
My pick for this stretch of time is Delhi 2 Dublin, with 20 years of performances under their belt I can only imagine how much fun this concert will be – and truly, wherever you sit at the Winspear, you’ve got a great seat!
Strawberry Fields – Ruckus (March 28th, 2026)
The Early Music Society is an organization that I’ve only recently become acquainted with, and I’m delighted to learn more!
Bringing in local and bands from across the world to preserve and share historical music, these concerts are such an incredible way to experience the cultural history of a time and place. Highly recommend a visit!
Spark Festival at the Belfry (March 2026)
Spark has always brought new and exciting shows to our city, and I have already been hearing exceptional buzz for Big Stuff! While I suspect there will be more added in the coming months, the two shows on offer both look engaging, exciting, and new!
