October has arrived! And with it, numerous opportunities for family fun, community bonding, and bone-chilling activities.

We combed through the city’s events and broke down all 43 of them into three categories:

• Family Activities
• Choose-your-day Events and Activities
• Single Day Events and Activities

All events are sorted as best as possible and in chronological order. Happy October to the wonderful Victoria community!

Family Activities

These events feature activities great for kids or the whole family. Be sure to check the next categories for other options that suit your clan as well!

Teal Pumpkin Project

• What: The Teal Pumpkin Project is all about including every single type of Halloween trick or treater. The project is aimed at raising awareness of food allergies during the trick-or-treating season, and to leave no taste buds behind! Putting out a teal pumpkin means you have non-food items for Halloween lovers of all type!
• Where: Save-on-Foods (Fort and Foul Bay)
• When: 
  • October 14 & 15, 10am-4pm. (At Galey Farms)
  • October 21 & 22, 10am – 4pm. (At Galey Farms)
  • October 28 & 29, 10am – 6pm. (Save-on-Foods)

A Spooky Kingergym Party

• What: Halloween fun and activities, inflatables, crafts and a costume parade – a spooktacular time for children aged 1-5 years and parents alike!
• Where: Panorama Recreation Centre
• When: October 27th, 9:30am – 11am.

Halloween Lunch and Dance party

• What: Come join the fun by dressing up in your favorite Halloween costume and enjoying a scrumptious lunch. The annual Monster Mash Theme dance will be sure to have you rattling your bones and shrieking with laughter on or off the dance floor. Purchase tickets in advance by October 24th! All ages welcome.
• Where: Cook Street Village Activity Center, 380 Cook St.
• When: October 27, 12:30pm – 2:30pm.

Halloween Glow Bash

• What: Join Lizzy Lee & Me for chilling activities such as a Scary ice cream sundae bar, a Costume Runway Contest, and a Monster Bash Glow Dance Party! Ages 7+!
• Where: Lizzy Lee & Me, 3655 Shelbourne St.
• When: October 27th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

Pumpkin Art on Oak Bay Ave

• What: Check out over 500 pumpkins covering a variety of themes on Oak Bay Avenue! Everything from local personalities, cartoon characters, the Royal Family, the Beatles, and more! Merchants will carve their own pumpkins and have them on display throughout the weekend. On Halloween, from 2 to 5pm a giant trick-or-treat will be available all along Oak Bay Ave, from Monterey Ave to Foul Bay Road. Hula hoopers, stilt walkers, jugglers, and a magician will all be around to morph Oak Bay Village into a carnival-like atmosphere.
• Where: Beautiful Oak Bay Avenue!
• When: October 27 – 31.

Pumpkin Swim

• What: You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind family event! A Fun Leader will be on duty to play fun and spooky Halloween themed games. At the end of the swim, each family may take one pumpkin home to carve for Halloween.
• Where: Esquimalt Recreation Center.
• When: October 28th, 1pm – 3pm.

Spooky Splash!

• What: Tricks, treats, crafts, and fun for the whole family!
• Where: Panorama Rec Centre
• When: October 28th, 1:30pm – 3:30pm.

Wicked Victoria

• What: A shutdown of Government Street in downtown Victoria for a pedestrian-only family event! Games, pumpkins, live entertainment, and of course, epic Halloween costumes!
• Where: Government Street
• When: October 29th, noon to 5pm.

Sidney Treat Street

• What: Downtown Sidney invites little ghosts, goblins, and princesses to enjoy a family trick or treat event! Visit various Treat Stations around Sidney as well as at some of the local merchants. Pick up a page for the colouring contest and win prizes! A, so make your way to Mary Winspear Centre for the Panorama Recreation Spook Zone from 4pm to 6pm.
• Where: Downtown Sidney (Beacon Avenue)
• When: October 31st, 4pm – 6pm.

Halloween in Metchosin

• What: Join the Metchosin Volunteer Firefighter’s Society for their annual Halloween party! Great for the family – you can partake in their traditional Halloween costume contest, preschool corner, free hot dogs & juice, a massive bonfire, and fireworks!
• Where: Municipal Grounds at 4450 Happy Valley Road
• When: October 31st, 6pm – 9pm.

Fernwood Halloween Bonfire

• What: Fernwood’s family friendly bonfire will light up your Hallows Eve this year! Come on down in your creative Halloween attire for the Halloween Bonfire. The Community Centre gym will be open housing every child’s favourite ­activity: ­a Bouncy Castle! Take a minute to drop in and relax while your child bounces out all their candy-fueled energy.
• Where: Stevenson Park, 1240 Gladstone Ave
• When: October 31st, sunset to 10pm.

Choose-your-day Events and Activities

These are awesome Halloween-specific events that happen over multiple weekends or multiple days! Browse the single day events, chuck em in your calendar, then fill the rest with these stupendous options!

Ross Bay Cemetery Tours

• What: Options! A Psychic Tour awaits, where clairvoyant medium Dawn Kirkham leads a walk through the cemetery and shares information on the spirits that inhabit it. A Murder Most Foul explores old graves and the grisly tales found in old newspapers and the BC Coroner’s records. The Annual Ghost Tour will explore ghost stories linked to people buried at Ross Bay Cemetery.
• Where: Ross Bay Cemetery
• When: Click here for detailed scheduling options.
  • Oct 8: Murder Most Foul
  • Oct 22: Psychic Tour
  • Oct 29: Annual Ghost Tour

Monsters House – Fear on the Pier

• What: It’s all anyone’s been talking about. A haunted house exploding with monsters and loaded with fright. Two-for-one admission is October 16th!
• Where: Ogden Point, 203 Dallas Rd.
• When: October 12th – October 31st.
  • Open 6:30pm-11pm Sun-Thurs.
  • Open 6pm-11:30pm Fri & Sat.

Ghost Walk Tours

• What: On these Halloween tours, you’ll hear the stories of the ghost of Belle Adams who slit her boyfriend’s throat, a Jack-the Ripper-style murder, the ghost of the star-crossed Chinese lover, the ghost in the Broad Street bordello, a famous doppelgänger, the mysterious ghost in Trounce Alley, hauntings in Helmcken Alley and classic tales from Bastion Square. The tour starts and ends inside haunted buildings.
• Where: Market Square, 560 Johnson St.
• When: Every day from Oct 13 – Oct 31. 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30.

“Festival of Fear” Galey Farms

• What: Galey Farm’s signature event features a Haunted House for kids, the much scarier 6000 square foot Carnevil Haunted House for adults, a haunted corn maze, Crazy Train and Seance. The Cornfield of Horror is fully animated and features The Haunted Mansion, Pirates Island, The Addams Graveyard and many more fabulous displays. Fun for all ages during the day, but gets much spookier after 6 pm.
• Where: Galey Farms
• When: October 13th, 15th, then 18th – 31. 6pm – 10pm.

Red Death at Craigdarroch Castle

• What: Playing with apocalyptic themes such as viruses and zombie-like epidemics in which the civilized world is brought to its knees by a global infestation, Launch Pad brings you a mash-up of the styles of gothic horror master Edgar Allan Poe and the narcotic fumes of 1970’s disco culture. Audiences are invited to come dressed in their clingiest, shiniest disco attire and take refuge inside the protective walls of Craigdarroch Castle, away from the terrible blood-plague known as… Red Death.
• Where: Craigdarroch Castle
• When: October 17th – October 31st. 16 total shows – full listings here.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

• What: Newly engaged Brad and Janet become stranded with a flat tire during a storm – their only ray of light the mansion of a seductive mad scientist. As their innocence is tested, they meet a houseful of wild characters. Directed by Atomic Vaudeville’s Britt Small, and featuring some of Victoria’s best performance and design talent, this show is big city banging tied with island innovation. Not to be missed.
• Where: Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra St.
• When: First show October 18th. Last show October 29th. 12 total – full listings here.

Pendray’s Corn Maze

• What: Vancouver Island’s biggest corn maze with 14 acres of corn and 10 acres of maze trails – Pendray Farms is the place to be! The average time to get through the maze is 2 hours, although some have made it in 45 minutes.  Grab a bag of their famous kettle corn before heading in. For group info email viccornmaze@gmail.com.
• Where: 9537 West Saanich Road
• When: Thursdays – Sundays, 1pm – 9pm

Market Square turns into “Market Scare”

• What: Market Square takes a new look with wonderful, creepy surprises! Wander around the shops and try to spot the differences. Market Square is host to many stories of ghosts and the supernatural. Their secret tunnels are probably only myths, but their hauntings feel very real. The ghosts here are believed to have long ago frequented the saloons, brothels and gambling dens that lined Johnson Street, Victoria’s once infamous red light district.
• Where: Market Square
• When: Anytime!

Pumpkin Pursuit

• What: Pick up your map at any participating business & go find your favourite pumpkin. Once discovered, cast your vote for which is the best, and you could win an awesome Downtown Victoria prize pack! The map is here, and contest information is here.
• Where: All over downtown!
• When: October 29-31.

A Murder on Paper Street

• What: When a body turns up on Paper Street it’s up to this vintage cast of colourful cliché characters to discover who did it, how it was done, and who’s next! Inspired by the best selling author of all time, Agatha Christie, this fully improvised mystery will have you on the edge of your tweed-covered seat until the final reveal!
• Where: Intrepid Studio Theatre, 1609 Blanshard St.
• When: October 25th – October 28th, 8pm start.

Atomic Vaudeville Halloween Cabaret

• What: Picture if you will: You’ve carved your jack-o-lantern for All Hallows’ Eve and decided on a costume when suddenly you see something from the corner of your eye; a flash of terror, an uneasy cackle, a dance-off from beyond the grave. You try to make sense of it all, but something seems… off… your mind races, your palms are sweaty, your breath is shallow, your pupils – dilated. Was that scary clown a sloth?
• Where: The Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St.
• When: October 20, 21, 27, 28, and 31.

Ghost Bus Tours

• What: Ghost expert John Adams leads Ghost Bus Tours – two-hour coach tours past Victoria’s most haunted places
• Where: Oak Bay Marina, 1327 Beach Drive
• When: October 21, 23, 26-29. Reservations required! Tickets here.

Forest Spooktacular drop-in event!

• What: Bring family and friend for a wonderful afternoon of spooky Halloween fun! Join the guided walks – if you dare – and CRD Regional Parks naturalists will take you through the treasures of the natural world. Displays, Halloween crafts, and hot ghoulish brew await. Costumed folks can win a prize!
• Where: Francis/King Regional Park. Meet Francis/King Nature Center off Munn Rd.
• When: October 21, 22, 28, 29. 11am – 2pm.

Haunted Zipline!

• What: Haunted Night Zipline Tours are full of terror and fun! There are strange creatures running amok and spooky tales to be told. Ghosts, monsters and tall tales are all a part of this very interactive experience, available only around Halloween.
• Where: Adrenaline Zipline Adventures, 5128C Sooke Road.
• When: October 27 – 31st.

Spooky Halloween by Point Ellice Gardens

• What: Point Ellice House, rumoured to be a temporary morgue for those lost in the 1896 collapse of the Point Ellice Bridge (now the Bay St. bridge), is ready to spook and entertain those who enjoy the spiritual side of the earth. Bring your family, friends, and especially out of town guests!
• Where: Point Ellice House and Gardens, 2616 Pleasant St.
• When: October 27 – 29, 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm starts.

Ballet Victoria Presents “Dracula”

• What: “Listen to them, the children of the night what music they make”. This is your chance to see the vampire that started it all: DRACULA! Prepare to be seduced by this eerily evocative ballet that will bite deeply into your soul.
• Where: McPherson Playhouse, 643 Broughton St.
• When: October 27 & 28, 7:30pm. October 29, 2pm.

Haunted Horse-Drawn Tours

• What: Take a ride back in time on the haunted horse-drawn trolley down the dark streets of Victoria and hear about the scary occurrences in the most haunted neighbourhoods on the west coast – you just might see a ghost or two! These rides are fully narrated, and every told story is true.
• Where: Located at the corner of Menzies and Belleville.
• When: October 27 – 29.

Self-guided Ghost Walking Tour

• What: Round up a squad, follow the map, and read the stories of some of Victoria’s most haunted downtown locations. A great way to get spooky with some room for spontaneity!
• Where: Wherever you’d like to start!
• When: Whenever you’d like to get going!

Horror Escape Rooms

• What: New to Victoria with an overwhelmingly positive response, these escape rooms are group interactive games meant to immerse you completely in the experience.
• Where: 523 Broughton Street
• When: Anytime after 3pm weekdays, and noon on weekends! Book online.

Visit over 30 haunted locations around Victoria

• What: Victoria is the most haunted city in British Columbia, if not all of Canada. Almost every building in the downtown core has a ghost story. Some say it’s a result of our Wild West beginnings during the Gold Rush, when the streets were full of fortune hunters, pleasure houses, saloons, public hangings, opium dens and vice was around every corner. The mystery around Haunted Victoria remains. So, Victoria Buzz has compiled some of the most famous and active locations of paranormal activity in the city.
• Where: All around town!
• When: Whenever you want!

Be your own vampire! … sort of

• What: Saving lives feels pretty awesome, and that’s exactly what blood donations can do! The Canadian Blood Services would be happy to help you find more information on how you could be a hero, while you dress up like one this October.
• Where: Canadian Blood Services Blood Donation Clinic, 3449 Saanich Rd.
• When: Whenever is best!

Single Day Events & Activities

One day, and one day only! These are time specific events that are stupendous selections for your Halloween schedule.

Zombie Walk 2017

• What: Rip up some clothes, bathe in some blood (preferably fake), and show off your most treacherous, horrifying face possible. A full zombie hoard will trudge their way through downtown Victoria in search of British Columbia’s finest and most delectable brains.
• Where: Centennial Square
• When: Saturday, October 7th. At 3pm they march!

Wake of the Dead Trilogy

• What: Watch the original Dead Trilogy on the big screen! Costumes are absolutely encouraged as Dead enthusiasts celebrate the life of legendary director George A. Romero.
• Where: The Roxy Classic, 2657 Quadra St.
• When: Saturday, October 7th.
  • 5pm, Night of the Living Dead
  • 8pm, Dawn of the Dead
  • 10:30pm, Day of the Dead

The Art of the Cocktail

• What: For a different kind of “spirits” this October, check out the city’s best from behind the bar. Along with the big players, the Grand Tasting will also highlight artisan, small, and regional distillers.
• Where: Crystal Gardens, 713 Humboldt St.
• When: Saturday, October 14th.

Halloween Dance Fundraiser for Huntington’s Disease

• What: Put on your dancin’ shoes and get ready for a party! The Jolly Mon Band is excited to play this fundraiser for a great cause! Come hear some great covers from the Rolling Stones, U2, The Beatles, The Band, Tom Petty, Donovan, Steve Miller Band, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, the Eagles and more! A cash bar, silent auction, prizes, and a whole ‘lotta fun await!
• Where: 195 Bay Street.
• When: Saturday, October 21st. 8pm – 1am!

Halloween Club Crawl 2017

• What: Starting at V Lounge and taking you through the city to Distrikt, Upstairs, and more! The 2017 Halloween Club Crawl Pass Includes: 4 Halloween Nightclubs and Parties, party bus transportation between clubs, no cover charges and no waiting-in-line, costume contests & prizes.
• Where: Starts at V Lounge, 3366 Douglas St.
• When: October 27th. Doors 6:30pm, buses depart at 7:15pm.

Quadra Village Carnival and Creeeeeep House

• What: Haunted house (2 floors of fun!), carnival games, photo booth, and costume show! Top off the evening with a dance from 8pm – 9pm!
• Where: Quadra Village Community Centre
• When: October 27th, 6pm – 9pm.

Dark Carnival with Nicky Ninedoors

• What: Dark Carnival is the show that dreams and nightmares are made of. Join us for a night of flow art, aerial performances, burlesque, juggling and maybe even some weird performance art.
• Where: Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra St.
• When: October 28th at 8pm.

Groove Kitchen Halloween Howl

• What: Come have a Halloween dance party with Groove Kitchen! The band will be dressed up, and costumes are absolutely encouraged!
• Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View St.
• When: Saturday, October 28th. Doors at 6:30, showtime at 8:30!

Spooks n’ Spokes Ride

• What: Join in one of the most popular GVCC rides! An easy 15 km where you can learn about the ghosts and spirits who haunt the city. Costumes and decorated bikes are highly encouraged! Front and rear lights are required.
• Where: Fairfield Plaza
• When: October 29th, 6pm.

15th Underwater Pumpkin Carving

• What: Bring your dive gear, wear a costume or a decorated hood, carving tools and pumpkin to compete in this annual tradition!
• Where: Esquimalt Lagoon Beach
• When: October 29th, 11am – 1pm.

Free Community Pumpkin Carving

• What: Check out  the 6th annual Community Pumpkin Carving event. This year there will be face painting, Halloween treats, hotdogs, free pumpkins and everything you need to carve and decorate your pumpkin!
• Where: Sands Funeral Chapel Victoria, 1803 Quadra St.
• When: October 29th, 1pm – 4pm.

Heritage Haunted House

• What: Not for the faint of heart. Do you dare?? Admission is a suggested cash donation to the Help Fill a Dream Foundation aiding children with life threatening illnesses.
• Where: Heritage Haunted House, 2808 Heritage Lane.
• When: October 31st, 5:30pm – 9:30pm.