COUSIN HARLEY
Where: Wheelies Motorcycles, 2620 Rock Bay Ave., Victoria
When: Friday, July 12, 8 p.m.
Tickets: Sold-out
Why: The rip-roaring rock ‘n’ roll of Paul Pigat — a.k.a. Cousin Harley —will be at home on the grounds of Wheelies Motorcycles, the Rock Bay motorcycle shop now in its 10th year of operation. The Vancouver-based Pigat, who spent years in Victoria with the Smokin’ Jackets, among other groups, will be joined by longtime bandmates Jesse Cahill (drums) and Jeremy Holmes (bass), who have helped Pigat craft a unique sound that combines jazz, blues and rockabilly. The trio also performs at Butchart Gardens tonight, which is also a must-see appearance.
LANGFORD BEER FESTIVAL
Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Pkwy., Langford
When: Saturday, July 13, 3 p.m.
Tickets: $51.45/$82.95 from
Why: Hundreds of thirsty attendees are heading to Starlight Stadium on Saturday for the third annual Langford Beer Festival, which sports more than 80 craft beers and ciders from across the province. Produced by the Victoria Beer Society, it’s the unofficial lead-in to the Great Canadian Beer Festival, which celebrates its 30th anniversary Sept. 6-7 at Topaz Park. There’s room for both events, of course, so take the opportunity to wet your whistle at beer festivals in two municipalities.
VANCOUVER ISLAND BREWING’S 40TH BIRTHDAY BASH
Where: Vancouver Island Brewery, 2330 Government St., Victoria
When: Friday, July 12, 3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Why: Vancouver Island Brewing, one of the city’s oldest breweries, is celebrating four decades of operation Friday with a birthday bash at its Government Street location. It’s an ’80s-themed shindig, with music by surf rock specialists Gett Wett, so shenanigans will be plentiful. There’s nothing like a free event on a July weekend, and with a themed birthday party as the source material, the retro vibes make this event one to watch.
