This Labour Day long weekend, enjoy some outdoor activities with your family and friends as we say goodbye to the end of summer.
This weekend, there are plenty of markets, performances and other events to enjoy.
The rides and delicious treats of the Saanich fair are calling your name!
To help you decide, here are 24 things to do in and around Victoria this long weekend, September 4th-6th:
Visit Upgrade Labs
This weekend, Victoria Buzz will be holding a Buzz on Location at Upgrade Labs in Victoria. Stop by in person or attend virtually to experience Upgrade Labs and enter to win some prizes!
- Where: 516 Fisgard Street, Upgrade Labs
- When: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday September 4th
Enjoy a night of Live LGBTQ2+ Performances
The VPS Youth Leadership Council is holding an outdoor, free, all ages event hosted by local LGBTQ2+ musicians and drag performers this Saturday.
The event features performances by Chris Raine, Bella Bloom, Parker Here, Dandy Dykon and Saint Wellesley.
Drinks and snacks will also be provided! Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and enjoy the show.
- Where: Pioneer Park, 7130 West Saanich Road
- When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday September 4th
- Admission: Free
Sooke Country Market
Visiting Sooke Country Market is a perfect Saturday morning activity. Browse through the vendors selling everything from fresh produce, jewelry, gardening supplies and more.
Check out the list of vendors.
- Where: John Phillips Memorial Park, 2201 Otter Point Road
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays until October 9th
Moss Street Market
2021 marks Moss Street Market’s 30th season in operation. If you prefer contactless pick up, you can visit the online Moss Street Market to pick up your order.
Check out the list of vendors.
- Where: 1330 Fairfield Road
- When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays through October
Attend the ‘All Ways Home’ Music Festival
Have you been missing music festivals?
If so, get your ticket to the ‘All Ways Home’ festival this weekend!
The event, presented by The Zone 91.3, will offer 14 music performances over a single weekend!
Victoria bands such as Current Swell, Jesse Roper, and Jon & Roy will be performing as well as
First Nations hip-hop duo, Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
Canadian bands such as Whitehorse, Carmanah, Old Soul Rebel, Fleece, Pastel Blank are also scheduled to perform.
For more information, visit the All Ways Home Festival website here.
- Where: 1089 Langford Pkwy, Starlight Stadium
- When: September 4th and 5th
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online here.
Enjoy an outdoor concert in Beacon Hill Park
This weekend, attend an outdoor concert at the Cameron Bandshell in Beacon Hill Park.
The outdoor performance venue, also known as The Stage in the Park is located in the middle of Beacon Hill Park, off Arbutus Bridge way and has recently reopened for summer concerts.
The Bandshell includes 12 benches providing seating for over 500 spectators, as well as picnic tables and space for attendees to bring lawn chairs or a picnic blanket.
See below for this weekend’s lineup:
TD Jazzfest presents ‘Summer Sessions of Jazz and Blues’
- Featuring: Jaya Bremer Quartet, David Vest, The Kelby MacNayr, Swing Rhythm Kings, and Bill Johnson
- Genre: Jazz & Blues
- When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday September 4th
TD Jazzfest presents ‘Summer Sessions of Jazz and Blues’
- Featuring: Tyler Lieb Quartet, David Gogo, Shanna Dance Quartet, and The Wild Roots
- Genre: Jazz & Blues
- When: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, September 5th
Play in the sunflowers at the Saanichton Sunflower Festival
It’s September, which means the end of the summer. The sunflower festival will be wrapping up soon so if you haven’t visited yet, be sure to grab your ticket online and take some photos amongst the flowers before it’s too late!
- When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
- Where: 7979 Central Saanich Road
- Tickets: Available online.
Visit the Saanich Fair
The Saanich Fair has returned for a scaled-back version of their traditional fair, following provincial health guidelines. However, attendees will still be able to enjoy rides, food and entertainment!
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road
- When: 9 a.m .to 9 p.m. Saturday September 4th and Sunday September 5th, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, September 6th
- Admission: $13/ticket for adults, $8/ticket for youth and seniors
Out There Art Festival
The Out There Art Festival brings together locals to host art installations and pop-up performances on balconies, in windows and on lawns across Quadra Village.
This year, the 5 day event will feature pop-up performances from groups like Theatre SKAM, Roller Skate Victoria, the Victoria Academy of Ballet, The Frolickers, local DJs, and Victoria’s Youth Poet Laureate James Summer.
The Festival will have 100 temporary and existing art installations on display, which attendees can find via an interactive map. The festival will also offer a guided audio discovery tour and the opportunity to watch artists paint five new murals live.
- Where: All across Quadra Village
- When: August 28th to September 6th
- Price: Prices and admission varies. You can get your festival pass online here.
Attend a Drive-In Movie at Mayfair Shopping Centre
Mayfair Shopping Centre, along with Fresh Air Cinema and FortisBC are bringing you a weekend of drive-in movie events.
Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to the Victoria Hospital Foundation. Tickets must be pre-purchased.
The event will also feature a concession with Kernels Popcorn and Sweet Factory treats available for purchase! Concession will be cash only and proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria.
Saturday’s showing will be In the Heights (2021). Gates open at 8 p.m. and the film starts at 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, UP (2009) will be featured. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 8 p.m.
- Where: 3147 Douglas Street, Mayfair Shopping Centre
- When: Saturday, September 4th and Sunday, September 5th
- Admission: Suggested donation of $20/vehicle. All proceeds will benefit the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
- Tickets: In the Heights tickets can be purchased here. Up tickets can be purchased here.
Eat delicious cuisine at Greek Fest
The 2021 event has already begun, starting celebrations from August 27th to 29th. However, it’s not too late to enjoy some delicious Greek cuisine, as the event will continue this weekend!
This year, you can order your favourite Greek dishes to dine at the event or take to go. Online ordering for take-out orders will open two days before the event, with a priority pickup line.
Attendees can pre-order online or pay on-site (cash only).
- Where: 4648 Elk Lake Drive (In front of Commonwealth Place)
- When: 11: a.m. to 9 p.m., September 3rd to 6th
- Order: Pre-order online or pay on-site (cash only).
- Admission: Free
Take a Tour of Craigdarroch Castle
Tours of Craigdarroch are back! Tours are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday with tickets purchased in advance. Proceeds from tickets fund the ongoing castle restoration projects.
For more information on tickets, prices and to book your tour, visit the Craigdarroch Castle website here.
See a movie at the drive in!
No, you haven’t been transported back in time, this is real! Legacy Drive-In has announced showtimes for their outdoor theatre at Westshore Motorsports Park.
This weekend, see Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Mission: Impossible and Downsizing from the comfort of your car as you enjoy food by Westshore Burger Co.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and it is recommended patrons arrive 30 minutes before showtime to ensure they get the best spot.
- Where: Westshore Motorsports Park (formerly Western Speedway) 2207 Millstream Road
- When: Days of Thunder: 9 p.m.., Friday September 3rd
- Price: $30/car. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sidney Street Market
The Sidney Street Market is back! After a prolonged COVID-19 absence, the market has returned to a new location at the Mary Winspear Centre. While you’re there, be sure to check out Glory Bakehouse for some delicious brownies.
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
- When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Sunday through October 10th
Metchosin Farmers Market
Visit the Metchosin Farmers Market for fresh vegetables, breads, jams, salsa, baked goods and more!
- Where: Metchosin Municipal Grounds, 4450 Happy Valley Road
- When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays until the end of October
Attend Silent Disco Yoga at Sea Cider
This summer, attend a completely unique yoga experience at Sea Cider, a silent disco yoga class. Enjoy a complimentary cider tasting after the class!
- Where: Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, 2487 Mt. St. Michael Rd, Saanichton
- When: Most Sundays at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- To book: Buy your tickets online
Try a new workout class
Fitness classes are back!
As restrictions ease, workout classes are finally re-opening and going back to regular capacity.
If you are interested in trying something new but want to try out some different workouts before committing to a lot of money we have a list of 15 new-member deals at local fitness studios!
Take a staycation on Vancouver Island
BC was recently named Canada’s #1 staycation destination! Which means we are envied by the rest of Canada for our beautiful views, nature and relaxing environment.
Plan a staycation on our very own island with this list of 10 unique Airbnb getaways right here at home!
Take in the views on the Malahat Skywalk
The Malahat Skywalk is open and they saw over 5000 visitors in their first weekend!
The attraction includes a viewing platform 250 metres above sea level, cafe, shops and a 600m elevated TreeWalk and nature trail.
The Skywalk offers scenic views of Mt. Baker, Finlayson Arm, the Saanich Peninsula, and islands in two countries.
View the Malahat Skywalk website for ticket information.
Check out an Island Distillery (or a few!)
From the creators of the ‘Islands Passport’ comes a brand new addition, the ‘Distillery Passport’. The passport includes a complimentary flight and deals at 37 distilleries across British Columbia, with 14 of them located on Vancouver Island alone!
The Distillery Passport is $47.99 and can be purchased online.
- Where: Vendors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and throughout BC!
- When: Available July 21st at 9 a.m., and can be used until June 2022.
- To buy: Grab yours online today!
Try some of Victoria local’s favourite meals
On a local subreddit, r/VictoriaBC, user fyrite asked the public to share their favourite local dishes, the go-tos, the ones people can’t live without.
Victoria delivered, and over 300 recommendations were posted to the thread.
Fyrite took the recommendations and created a mass spreadsheet and map to allow the suggestions to be easily accessible and enjoyed by everyone!
Go for a run!
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, location has a huge impact on the quality of your running experience. Pick a cool August morning or break out the running shoes later in the day when everything cools down. If you’re not sure where to go for your run, we have created a list of 10 scenic routes just waiting for you to explore!
Apply to be on a Netflix reality show
Netflix is currently holding their biggest casting call ever, allowing the public to apply to be a part of some of their most popular reality TV series.
To apply, all you have to do is record and submit a one minute video of yourself.
If you’re ready for your big break, visit the Netflix Reality website to apply!
Try a pumpkin spice drink
Pumpkin spice is back at Starbucks Canada!
Fall menu favourites such as the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew are once again available for you to enjoy.
