We’re only one week into October but the Fall events are already well underway.
Across Victoria, some of the in-person events we have missed are returning and some new ones are being introduced for us to enjoy!
This weekend, watch a hockey game, make your way through a haunted house or enjoy the return of events with a beer festival!
Here are 23 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, October 9th-10th:
Watch the Victoria Royals vs. Kelowna Rockets
Watch the Victoria Royals in their back to back games against the Kelowna Rockets tonight and Saturday!
- When: Friday, October 8th and Saturday, October 9th; puck drops at 7:05 p.m.
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- Tickets: Available online and at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre box office
Visit Monster’s Haunted House
Monsters Haunted House is back once more, at a brand new location that’s sure to spook even the bravest ghouls and goblins this year.
This Halloween, you’re invited to experience the old Landmark University Heights Movie theatre in a new, spine-tingling way.
In October, the space that once held the movie theatre will be transformed by Monsters Haunted House to this year’s eerie ‘University Frights Theatre’ event.
- Where: Landmark Movie Theater, University Heights Shopping Centre – 3980 Shelbourne Street
- When: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October. More dates are available around Halloween!
- Tickets: $20 +tax each. Tickets can be purchased 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 Halloween themed movies at Westshore Motorsports Park.
This weekend, see Scary Movie and Pan’s Labyrinth 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: Scary Movie: 8:00, Friday October 8th and Pans Labyrinth: 8:00, Sunday October 10th
- Price: $30/car. Tickets can be purchased here.
Attend Victoria Beer Society’s ‘Fresh to Death’ event
Victoria Beer Society’s first event after an 18 month hiatus is ‘Fresh to Death’, a fresh hop beer festival.
The festival will showcase 15+ fresh hop and specialty harvest beers.
Tickets for VIP and General Admission are available online.
- Where: The 600 Block of David Street
- When: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday October 9th
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online here.
See a photography exhibit by a local photographer
Victoria local Julia Loglisci has been a full time photographer since 2017, running two successful businesses.
This weekend, enjoy her photography displayed at Fortune Gallery, at her very first photography exhibit!
- Where: Fortune Gallery, 537 Fisgard Street
- When: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
See a comedy show at Hecklers
After being closed for nearly two years, Hecklers is back to fulfill your comedy needs. Every Saturday night enjoy a comedian followed by Comedy Here Often?’s The Late show.
- Where: 123 Gorge Road East, Hecklers Bar and Grill
- When: Andrew Grose and Michael Harrison 7 p.m., Saturday
Comedy Here Often? The Late Show: 10 p.m., Saturday
- Tickets: $20. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Sooke Country Market
It is the last weekend for Sooke’s Country Market! 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
Take a ghostly tour at Ross Bay Cemetery
Every Sunday in October, you can take a spooky, guided walking tour through Ross Bay Cemetery. Learn about the history of Victoria as well as about some of those who have settled there (Sir James Douglas, Emily Carr, Billy Barker and more).
This Sunday, the tour is titled ‘Scottish Columbia’. The tour will feature stories of some of the Scottish pioneers who are at Ross Bay Cemetery.
- Where: Ross Bay Cemetery, 1495 Fairfield Road
- When: Tours start at 2 p.m, every Sunday
- Price: $5 for non-members. $2 for members.
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
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.
Go to the pumpkin patch!
October means pumpkin season has officially begun! Get your family out to the farms to pick the perfect pumpkin for carving!
Check out our list of pumpkin patches around Victoria to get your perfect pumpkin this season.
Try some local coffee shop’s fall menus
Now that Fall is officially underway, it’s time to visit some local coffee shops and warm up with some of their new fall menu items.
Not sure what the new fall items are? Check out our list of 7 coffee shops in Greater Victoria with must-try fall menus.
Watch the Vancouver Island filmed series ‘Maid’
If you’re looking for a new series to watch on Netflix, check out ‘Maid’.
The series, which was filmed entirely in the Greater Victoria area, is based on the memoir “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land.
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 on 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.
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 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!
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.
Try one of Victoria’s best crispy chicken sandwiches
Victoria is full of restaurants putting their own creative spin on the crispy chicken sandwich!
Reddit user u/beesmadehoney78 has been on the hunt, asking for the public’s help in finding Victoria’s best fried chicken sandwich.
Click here to see the list!
Try some of Victoria’s best cocktails
Reddit user u/westcoastwanderer has been on the hunt, asking for the public’s recommendations of the best cocktails in the city.
From this list, along with recommendations from industry professionals, we have created a quick guide to some local favourites.
You can see the list here!
