Feel free to take a breather, Victoria—it’s the weekend!
Whether you’re gathering with your family and friends for Thanksgiving, hanging out at home, or soaking up the October sunshine, we’ve got something for everyone.
There are loads of family friendly events too such as the Ocean Estates corn maze and pumpkin patch, a pop-up arcade, a vintage items sale, an apple festival, and more!
For more information, here’s the details for 12 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend from October 7th to 9th:
The America Crown Circus
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get ready to be enthralled by the magic of the circus!
The America Crown Circus is currently presenting “Runaway With the Circus” at Victoria’s Mayfair Shopping Centre in the Hudson’s Bay parking lot under a massive tent.
It kicked off on Thursday, October 5th and will be running until Monday, October 9th!
You can either pre-purchase tickets online or buy them at the circus tent on the day of the show. To ensure you secure your spot under the big top, organizers recommend checking out the American Crown Circus’ website for tickets and additional information.
- Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street
- When:
- Saturday, October 7th, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, October 8th, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Monday, October 9th, 7 p.m.
Saanichton Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
One of Victoria’s favourite fall activities is back, and you’re not going to want to miss it!
In case you missed the news, Ocean View Estates has officially reopened their corn maze and pumpkin patch, and we can’t think of a better way to ring in the new season.
Take your boo, your family, and your friends and enjoy this wonderful autumn experience!
Tickets are available online and are priced at $12 for general admission, $9.50 for children ages 4-12, and kids 3 and under get in for free!
- When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends (Friday-Sunday, plus holiday Mondays) from now until October 31st
- Where: 7979 Central Saanich Road
Quazar’s Pop-up Arcade at the Bay Centre
Quazar’s newest pop-up arcade is revisiting Bay Centre’s centre court, and if you missed out on it last time, you’re in luck—it’s going to be sticking around until the end of October, so get those game faces on.
This time around, Quazar’s has stepped up their game and added Stern Pinball to bring you the classic game of pinball with a modern twist.
The Bay Centre’s pop-up arcade features six Premium Edition Stern pinball machines running the Insider Connected platform including: Jurassic Park, Deadpool, Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Foo Fighters and more!
- Where: Bay Centre’s Centre Court, 1150 Douglas Street
- When: On now until October 31st – open all Bay Centre shopping centre hours
Halloween Ghost Tour
Celebrate the season of horror by taking a tour of the local haunted hotspots this weekend!
Discover the Past has a variety of different tour options available under ‘Ghostly Walks’ depending on the time of year.
The Halloween special is only available until October 31st, so don’t miss out on a chilling evening stroll with petrifying with ghost stories and Victoria’s dark history.
Ticket prices vary, but general admission is $21 for adults and $16 for students.
- Where: Starts at the archway entrance to Market Square, 560 Johnson Street
- When: Check their schedule for availability as time slots vary
Vancouver Island Visual Artists Society (VIVAS) Open House
Hoping to take a peek at more Victoria’s vibrant arts and cultural displays?
In light of a new grant from Victoria City Council, VIVAS wanted to celebrate and extend their thanks by hosting a unique gallery tour experience for the public!
VIVAS building houses more than 80 artists, 4 galleries, and 5 arts and culture non-profit organizations in downtown Victoria.
There will be gallery exhibitions at Rockslide Gallery, The Vault Gallery, and The Ministry of Casual Living, along with interactive art by Monkey C Interactive and NightShade LightPlay, performance art by Open Actions, live music at Haus of Owl, and more!
- Where: 780 Blanshard Street
- When: Saturday, October 7th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hispanic Trade Show
The Vancouver Island Hispanic Network Society invites everyone to discover the vibrancy of Hispanic businesses at the Hispanic Trade Show this Saturday!
As described, you’ll have the chance to connect with plenty of Hispanic business owners and service providers who contribute to the rich tapestry of Vancouver Island’s commerce.
There will be a variety of food vendors for you to check out in between browsing and making connections!
This event is family friendly and free to attend.
- Where: Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Drive
- When: Saturday, October 7th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Maddie Storvold & Sarah Jane Scouten at The Mint
This is for the songwriters, folk lovers, and storytelling enthusiasts!
Join the featured four-time CFMA nominee Sarah Jane Scouten, and the incredibly talented Maddie Storvold for a night of folk music and storytelling.
Storvold is described the black sheep love child of a folksinger and a comedian, offering a blend of tender flower folk with a splash of piss and vinegar.
Scouten is a Canadian folk and Americana songwriter—her music is said to pay their respects to 60s and 70s country songwriters like Willie Nelson andJohn Prine, while weaving in British folk revival elements.
Tickets are just over $22 and can purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: 1414 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, October 7th at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Apple Fest at Ross Bay Villa Historic House Museum
That’s right! The annual fall favourite Apple Fest is back for another year!
Grab some delicous home-baked apple treats and tea under the branches of their heritage apple trees and stop by their weekly Gift Shop in the Garden for some gifts and trinkets.
There will be plenty for everyone—choose between cakes, pies, and other apple treats, to books, clothing, and their very own tea blend!
All of the proceeds from the Apple Fest will go towards supporting the volunteer-run and owned Ross Bay Villa, a heritage restoration project and museum built in 1865.
- Where: 1490 Fairfield Road
- When: Saturday, October 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Outdoor Fall Pop-Up Vintage Fair
Island Vintage Events is excited to present the Fall Pop-Up Vintage Fair hosted at Lazy Susans!
Find yourself some incredible vintage treasures from places such as The Retro Lounge Shop, Lucky J’s Gems, Brightside Vintage and the Secret Tiki, Fickle Flea Jewelry ,Pink Lady Vintage, The Gift O Thrift, and more.
Make sure you get there right away to catch the hottest items!
- Where: 2039 Oak Bay Avenue
- When: Saturday, October 7th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cheer on the Royal Victoria Marathon Runners
The excitement is building once again as the Royal Victoria Marathon returns to grace the streets this Thanksgiving weekend—good luck to all the runners!
Set to take place this Sunday, October 8th, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of athleticism, community spirit, and the sheer joy of running.
Whether you’re a dedicated runner or simply looking for a way to spend your Sunday morning, the Royal Victoria Marathon is an event you won’t want to miss.
If you’re note partaking however, make sure to cheer on the runners as the fly past you.
This year’s run features two main races: a half marathon and an 8-kilometer race. Both races will wind their way through the scenic routes of Dallas Road and Fairfield, offering participants and spectators stunning views of the coastline and the charming neighbourhoods of Victoria.
- Where: Throughout downtown Victoria, see map here
- When: Sunday, October 8th starting at 7:45 a.m. and going for much of the day until around 2 p.m.
Harvest Market at Junction Orchard & Cidery
Junction Orchard & Cidery in collaboration with SALT are hosting their first ever fall Harvest Market!
Bring the family and join in for some fall festivities, browse local vendors, treat yourself to the abundance of locally provided goodies, and more.
Make sure you bring some cash!
- Where: 273 Prospect Lake Road
- When: Sunday, October 8th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thanksgiving at Abkhazi Garden
Abkhazi Garden invites the public to join them for an autumn stroll through the gardens as they remain open on Thanksgiving Monday.
In addition to the beautiful tranquility of the gardens many sights, there will be an art show of paintings and wooden bowls for sale in the Teahouse, and a plant sale by the front gate.
Admission to the garden is donation.
- Where: 1964 Fairfield Road
- When: Monday, October 9th from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
