Happy November everyone! Bring out your rain jackets and cozy sweaters, autumn has begun to settle into Victoria. If you’re looking for some quintessential fall plans or want to find something to do on a rainy day, we’ve got you covered.
Extra Life – Play Video/Board games to heal kids
Extra Life is an international charitable campaign that sees fundraisers playing video games, board games, and more to raise money for sick kids. This year, Extra Life Victoria will be playing games and raising money for the B.C. Children’s Hospital at Club Kwench downtown.
You can sit in, play, or donate!
- Where: 843 Fort Street, Club Kwench
- When: Saturday, November 3rd, 3:00 p.m. for 24 hours
Cystic Fibrosis Pumpkin Smash Event at Heritage Acres
This pumpkin-smashing event is taking place on November 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the whole event is supporting Cystic Fibrosis. This fun event will include two slingshots, a teeter-totter launch, hammer pumpkin smash, pie-eating, pie-making contests and fun cut-outs for any pictures you want to take!
- When: Saturday, November 3rd, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
- Where: Heritage Acres (7321 Lochside Dr, Saanichton, BC)
The Fall Bazaar at St. Aidan’s United Church
Marketplaces in Victoria are always fun, and The Fall Bazaar is no exception. The church stuffs 21 local and quality stalls into its walls, and offers snacks and gourmet hot dogs. It’s only the first weekend of November but it’s never to early to get some unique Christmas shopping done!
- When: Saturday, Nov 3rd, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Where: 3703 St. Aidan’s Street, St. Aidan’s United Church
An Evening of Black and White … Because Grey Matters
The Victoria Brain Injury Society invites you to an Evening of Black and White …Because Grey Matters! The event is described as an elegant evening of entertainment that features an intimate concert with Edie DaPonte and her band, a tapas style dinner, cider and ale from Sea Cider and Driftwood Brewery, and more. Let yourself get classy for a good cause.
- When: Saturday, November 3rd, 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
- Where: 728 Humboldt St., Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel
Chinatown Walks
Chinatown Walks are walking tours hosted by Discover the Past, the same company that does the annual ghost tours. The tour will be available every Saturday year round, and they’re a great way to explore Canada’s oldest Chinatown.
- When: Saturday, November 3rd, 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Tours begin in front of the Starbucks Coffee on the corner of Fisgard St. and Government St.
The Dark Carnival Variety Show
This variety show is returning for its second year, and it’s bringing even more jaw-dropping events. This year they’ve added acts like aerial silks, aerial cubes, lyra performances, hula hoop displays, sword swallowing, contortion, hand balancing, clowning, and more.
- When: Saturday, Nov 3rd, doors open at 8:00 p.m. and show starts at 9:00 p.m.
- Where: 1411 Quadra Street, Metro Studio Theatre
Pumpkin Smash at Millstream Village hosted by Langford Fire House
Come to the Millstream Village event hosted by Langford Fire House on November 4th from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to have your pumpkins smashed! All proceeds will go to benefit the organizations Muscular Dystrophy Canada and BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund. BBQ lunch will be available at 11:00 a.m. and face painting will be offered at the event! Also bring your recyclable cans and bottles because the West Shore Warriors will be holding a bottle drive at the event.
- When: Sunday, November 4th from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
- Where: Millstream Village (2401 Millstream Rd, Victoria, BC)
Pumpkin Smash event in View Royal
Bring your pumpkins to the Public Safety Building in View Royal on November 4th between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and climb up the tower to throw them down at targets! If you hit a target, you will be entered in a fun prize draw! A $2 donation is suggested for pumpkins–all the proceeds will go to the Fire Hall’s Movember campaign.
- When: Sunday, November 4th from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.
- Where: Public Safety Building (333 Island Highway, View Royal)
So now that you know, make sure to bring over your pumpkins to these fun events–it’ll be a smashing good time!
Paletteable Pottery Vintage Christmas Tree Painting Party
Paletteable Pottery and Arts is hosting a vintage Christmas tree painting party! The event lets you pick your favourite vintage specialty glaze and miniature multi-coloured lights to create your own ceramic tree! They work great as Christmas decorations, tree ornaments, or holiday gifts.
- When: Sunday, Nov 4th, 2:00 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
- Where: 1720 McTavish Rd, McTavish Academy of Art
“100 Days of Remembrance” at Fort Rodd Hill
Visitors can come to the Vancouver Island heritage site Fort Rodd Hill to take part in a “100 Years of Remembrance” celebration to honour those who served.
During the event people can view and learn historical military vehicles from the Ashton Armoury, shipbuilding in Esquimalt during WW2, the contribution of Craigdarroch Castle as a military hospital in 1919, and more.
- When: Sunday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Where: 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road
Remove invasive plants from Knockan Hill Park in View Royal
Volunteers can flex their green thumb and their good will at Knockan Hall Park this weekend. The forested area is home to a variety of birds, butterflies, Garry Oaks and Douglas firs. Volunteers are helping restore the ecosystem by removing invasive plants. Snacks and refreshments will be provided!
- When: Sunday, Nov 4th, 9:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Where: Knockan Hill Park
Victoria Flea Market
The end of summer means the beginning of flea market season in Victoria! According to the Victoria Flea Market, they’ve been scouting out the best items all summer and are displaying them this weekend. You’ll be able to find vintage items like vinyl records, toys, art, stamps, coins, cameras, clothes and more.
- When: Sunday, Nov 4th, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Where: 411 Gorge Rd East
Cosplay Media Shoot with MKM Photography
For those who had kick-ass Halloween costumes or just enjoy the art of cosplay, MKM Photography is holding a cosplay media shoot at Beacon Hill Park. All ages are welcome (though minors will need a guardian to send a waiver), and participants have a chance to win prizes for the best costume!
- When: Sunday, Nov 4th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Beacon Hill Park, starting by the children’s playground near the bridge and bathrooms.
The Salmon Run at Goldstream Park
The annual salmon run, where tens of thousands of fish make their way back to Goldstream to spawn, has begun! Salmon who were born in the river head off to the open ocean to grow before returning to their home stream to reproduce, and they’re already there! Come say hello to over 30,000 fishy friends.
- When: Whenever you’re free!
- Where: Goldstream Provincial Park
