Here's a list of 10 things to do in Victoria this May. Feel free to use this post as a space to share any other things to do or events happening this month!!

**1. Treat Mom to a special Mother's Day**

Enjoy a Mother's Day brunch in [Canada's brunch capital](https://www.tourismvictoria.com/plan-your-trip/travel-itineraries/canadas-brunch-capital), explore fragrant gardens filled with spring blooms, or go for a hike along the coast.

**2. Watch the 126th Anniversary Victoria Day Parade**

Join the celebration of colourful floats, marching bands, and community groups lining the route in downtown Victoria. The parade starts in Victoria's Inner Harbour at 9:00am before making its way up Douglas Street. 

**3. Dress up for the Esquimalt Buccaneers Days**

From May 8-10th, Esquimalt will be hosting a 3 day festival to celebrate our maritime and naval pastime with costume contests, pancake breakfasts, carnivals and sports tournaments.

**4. Celebrate spring planting at the Swan Lake Native Plant Sale**

The Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary is welcoming gardeners of all levels to shop a collection of native plants with 100% of proceeds supporting local conservation efforts.

**5. Cheer on the 163rd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival**

Victoria's Highland Games kicks off on May 9th with a Tartan Parade running through Victoria's Inner Harbour before a Tilted Kilt Pub Crawl on May 13th and a weekend of Scottish and Highland Games at Topaz Park on May 16th & 17th.

**6. Visit the ICHIGO Strawberry Market**

Inspired by the arrival of strawberry season at local Saanich farms, the market at the Fernwood Community Centre on May 30th & 31st brings together 130+ artists, chefs and designers for bites and tasty treats.

**7. Dumpling Fest Victoria**

A self-guided tasting tour of dumpling-inspired dishes from a variety of local restaurants

[Dumpling Fest Victoria](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dumpling-fest-victoria-tickets-1984585365251?aff=ebdsoporgprofile) | May 27 | Downtown Victoria

**8. Explore a local market**

[Moss Street Market](https://victoriafarmersmarket.ca/shop-at-the-market/) | Saturday's | Sir James Douglas School  
[James Bay Market](https://www.jamesbaymarket.com/) | Saturday's | Menzies & Superior St  
[Esquimalt Farmers Market](https://www.esquimaltmarket.com/memorial-vendor-map) | Thursday's | Memorial Park

**9. Explore the Victoria Pet Expo**

Pearkes Recreation Centre is hosting a Victoria Pet Expo on May 2nd & 3rd with local vendors, pet-friendly activities and hundreds of fellow pet lovers.

**10. 12th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration**

Visit Fisherman's Wharf on May 31 for a celebration with local conservation organizations, live Seaquaria diving and interactive marine displays. 

