Three cheers for the weekend, Victoria!
We don’t know about you, but with the fall equinox settling in on Saturday, September 23rd, we’re ready for the full-on autumn events, cozy atmosphere, and delicious treats.
Remember that autumn comes with its own abundance of fun and family-friendly events, so don’t be sad that summer has reached its close—we’re beginning the next chapter of 2023!
Check out the Luxton Fall Fair as the perfect introduction to the season, hit up an indoor toy and hobby festival, dine at an Autumn Moon Festival to raise money for the Chinese Temple, and so much more.
This weekend is going to be a good one—don’t miss out!
Without further delay, here’s 12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend on Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th:
Vancouver Canucks Training Camp in Victoria
Hockey fans on Vancouver Island are in for an exciting treat this week as the Vancouver Canucks host their training camp roster at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
The four-day event, which kicks off today, Thursday, September 21st, and runs until Sunday, September 24th, promises to showcase the team’s talent and set the stage for a promising season.
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Thursday, September 21st to Sunday, September 24th – click here for times
Luxton Fall Fair
That’s right, it’s that time of year—the Luxton Fall Fair in Langford is back for their 113th autumn extravaganza!
It kicked off on Friday, September 22nd and will run until Sunday, September 24th
Presented to you by the Metchosin Farmers Institute and Luxton Fair Committee, you’re invited to explore their variety of activities, delicious treats, and Midway rides on the Luxton fairgrounds in Langford!
The daily Midway passes cost $45—or $35 if you take advantage of their pre-sales here.
Admission to get onto the grounds is free!
- Where: 1040 Marwood Avenue
- When: Kicked off on Friday, September 22nd and runs until Sunday, September 24th—hours vary depending on the day
Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair
Dive into nostalgia and discover new things at Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair this weekend from Saturday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 24th.
Hosted by Cherry Bomb Toys, this toy extravaganza will be set up at Pearkes Recreation Centre with around 200 different tables set up for weekend-long family enjoyment.
Included on the tables will be action figures, collectibles, LEGO, vinyl records, models, diecast vehicles, vintage toys, Star Wars toys, and much more—you never know what you may find!
General admission to enter the event is $5 for adults and free for children—pay with cash at the door.
Included in your admission fee is a free entry into a door prize and there are loads of incredible things to be won! Dress up in costume for the chance to win a second door prize!
- Where: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
- When: Saturday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 24th—9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days
Victoria Anarchist Bookfair
Celebrate with the other book lovers of the city at the 18th annual Victoria Anarchist Bookfair!
It’s scheduled to take place at the Fernwood Community Centre featuring anarchist and anti-authoritarian publishers, presses, booksellers, authors, zinesters, and artisans.
There will be free admission and free workshops too!
- Where: 1240 Gladstone Avenue
- When:
- Saturday, September 23rd from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday September 24th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Autumn Moon Festival Banquet
In celebration of the Autumn Moon Festival, the Victoria Chinatown Lioness Lions Club is throwing a banquet to fundraise for the Tam Kung Temple, the oldest Chinese Temple in Canada.
The dinner will be held at Don Mee Seafood Restaurant and a total of eight courses will be served along with moon cakes.
Additional raffle tickets available for purchase, and auction items!
So come and have an unforgettable dinner for a good cause.
Tickets are $88—To reserve your spot, fill out this form and e-transfer your ticket money to CHINATOWNLIONESSPAYMENTS@GMAIL.COM.
- Where: Don Mee’s Seafood Restaurant, 538 Fisgard Street
- When: Saturday, September 23rd at 6 p.m.
The Station Food Truck & Music Festival
It’s back for another year, and promises to be better than ever! City of Langford’s second annual Food Truck & Music Festival kicks off at The Station this weekend, and you’re invited.
The two-day festival kicked off on Friday, September 22nd and will run until Saturday, September 23rd at the Langford Station Arts and Cultural District.
Featuring over a dozen food trucks, a lineup of local musicians, beer garden, and lots of games and activities, this is one annual event you won’t want to miss.
- Where: 720 Station Avenue, Downtown Langford
- When: Saturday, September 23rd from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bulk For Hulk Charity Event
The Superheroes of Victoria and Forge Training have banded together to create the ultimate fundraising event for BC Children’s Hospital.
Activities include Superhero Training Sessions, photo ops with favourite superheroes, Boxing Lessons with Batgirl, Might of Valor Strength workout with Captain America, and more!
Tickets are $35 and include complimentary food and an event exclusive t-shirt. Non-members can purchase their tickets online and members can register through their Forge Fitness gym profile.
If you’d love to support but can’t attend, you can donate here.
- Where: 989 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, September 23rd from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wild & Sour Event
The Drake Eatery is excited to host their 10th annual Fall ‘Wild & Sour’ event!
They’ll be featuring over 20 different wild fermented, barrel aged sour beers from some of the absolute best producers of this style.
Plus, you don’t need a ticket to attend! Just show up ready to drink some good beer.
- Where: 517 Pandora Avenue
- When: Saturday, September 23rd from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Esquimalt StoryFest
Esquimalt Recreation invites you and your family to their 18th annual StoryFest at Esquimalt Memorial Park!
This year’s theme is ‘Great Adventures,’ so hop on over and prepare for a wild literary ride with a mix of stories, songs, and fun activities.
Activities will include a story walk through the park, local performers, crafts, and donated books for the kids to sift through and pick favourites to bring home!
The Lions will be BBQing for everyone too!
- Where: 1200 Esquimalt Road
- When: Saturday, September 23rd from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Annual John Coltrane Birthday Celebration
This is a very special evening for jazz and music lovers!
Every year, Hermann’s Jazz Club hosts a birthday celebration for the iconic John Coltrane, who’s known for being among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music.
Witness great musicians bring Coltrane’s music to life with Juno-nominated Ryan Oliver on tenor saxophone, Nick Peck playing piano, Alex Coleman on bass, and Joe Poole on the drums!
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at the door.
- Where: 753 View Street
- When: Saturday, September 23rd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Electric Dream
Get ready for a promised evening filled with ‘electric local talent’ and good times at the Victoria Event Centre.
Cheer on the featured artists Joy Canopy, and NINE LXFE—according to the event page, it’s their first ever performance!
All the more reason to grab some pals, shout and dance, and to make your Sunday one to remember.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door!
- Where: 1415 Broad Street
- When: Sunday, September 24th from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Restoration Activity in Langford
Join the Greater Victoria Green Team as they work to remove invasive English ivy from Porcher Park in Langford to help increase biodiversity and make the area more resilient!
So far, they have over 40 people signed up but they’re still looking for more hands—no landscaping experience necessary!
All of the tools, training, and snacks will be provided.
If you wish to sign up, you can register here! If it’s your first time volunteering with them, you’ll also have to fill out this form!
- Where: Porcher park, 822 Wren Place
- When: Sunday, September 24th from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
