We have a rainy weekend ahead of us Victoria!
Environment Canada has issued a heavy rainfall alert ahead of the weekend, be sure to remember your rain jacket and umbrella before heading out.
Thankfully, there are still plenty of fun, indoor activities and events for you to enjoy this weekend.
Here are 24 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend, October 16th-17th:
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.
There’s more! This Friday, October 15th, Victoria Buzz will be on location at Monsters Haunted House for a Buzz on location. You can watch us live on our Buzz on Location event Facebook page.
- 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 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: Sophie Buddle 7 p.m., Saturday, Comedy Here Often? The Late Show: 10 p.m., Saturday
- Tickets: $20. Tickets can be purchased online here
Frankenstein @ Craigdarroch Castle
This Halloween, Frankenstein will wreak havoc in the hallowed halls of the Craigdarroch Castle.
Beginning October 9th and running until October 30th, this four-night, one-man version of Mary Shelley’s classic horror story, Frankenstein, will take place in the Castle’s dance hall, located on the fourth floor.
- Where: Craigdarroch Castle
- When: October 16th, 23rd and 30th.
- Tickets: $30 ($25 for members). Tickets can be purchased online here
Celebrate Camosun Writers
Celebrate Camosun Writers this weekend, in honour of Camosun College’s 50th Anniversary!
This free event will include readings from Camosun students, staff as well as special guests.
Special guests include John John Barton, Victoria’s current poet laureate, and Yvonne Blomer, Victoria’s former poet laureate.
Masks are required at the event.
- Where: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday October 16th
- When: Camosun College, Lansdowne Campus
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 a virtual yoga class for Emily
A young Vancouver Island woman’s battle with bone cancer is inspiring millions around the world.
Victoria resident, Emily Cox, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2019 after a pain in her knee amplified after a hike in Whistler.
From then, her life was full of appointments and treatments including ten rounds of chemotherapy and an operation in which she had the bottom half of her femur and knee joint replaced.
The treatments were a success and for two years Emily lived cancer free.
Unfortunately, at 24-years-old, Emily was diagnosed with osteosarcoma for the second time. This time, amputation of her left leg was the best course of action for her survival.
Now, a GoFundMe has been set up to assist Emily’s recovery.
Additionally, a virtual yoga class will take place on Sunday, October 24th, with all proceeds going to assist Emily’s recovery.
You can register for the virtual event here
See a concert!
This weekend, return to concerts with The Steadies featuring Weirdly Green and Baby Boy at the Victoria Event Centre!
This all ages event will be following COVID-19 safety protocols.
Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m.!
The show will also be available as a livestream on Facebook and Twitch.
- Where: Victoria Events Centre
- When: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday October 17th
- Tickets: Tables of 2, 4 and 6 available. Tickets can be purchased here
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
See a spooky 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 Beetlejuice 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: Beetlejuice: 8 p.m., Sunday October 17th
- Price: $30/car. Tickets can be purchased here.
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. 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!
Get bubble tea!
What is your go to Bubble Tea order?
Milk tea, fresh fruit tea, or slush? Do you get tapioca pearls or coconut jellies?
The possibilities are endless and, in Victoria, so are the options to get your favourite tea drink.
Not sure where to go? You can view our list of best bubble tea places to satisfy your craving here.
Eat at a restaurant with a breathtaking view
When it comes to an enjoyable dining experience, there’s more to it than just the food.
The atmosphere, the service, the view are all important factors that play a role in the overall experience.
Lucky for us, the Island offers an abundance of delicious restaurant options in prime locations.
You can view our list of restaurants with breathtaking views here.
