Everything’s frosting over, there’s a bite in the air, and Halloween is nearly upon is!
And to celebrate, Halloweekend has plenty of haunting and terrifyingly awesome events to keep you and your family and friends entertained before official candy time.
Scare the crap out of yourself in a creepy corn maze, dress to impress at multiple different venues, bring your kidlets to some Halloween wholesome activities, and much more!
Getting sick of the terrorific times? No worries! There’s also a beloved international Tea Festival, a strictly autumn themed market, and a Harry Potter symphony.
With that, here’s 20 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—October 28th and 29th:
Haunted Manor: Mini-Golf + Ping Pong Lounge
‘Tis the season for haunted mini golf!
Haunted Manor Victoria prides themselves on being not your average mini golf, where you’ll putt your way through a dilapidated manor with a ghoulish history that lures you through your 18-hole game.
Enjoy their feature seasonal attraction, The Pumpkin King Holiday Layover, until November 5th!
General admission is $24.95 and kids 15 and under are $17.95.
- Where: Haunted Manor Victoria, 711 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, October 28th and Sunday, October 29th—open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Halloween Ghost Tour
Celebrate the season of horror by taking a tour of the local haunted hotspots!
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
Saanichton Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Feeling a last-minute frolic through a pumpkin patch?
This year, the corn maze has been expanded to an impressive six acres—their biggest one yet.
There will also be a beer garden and Indian food truck on-site on select weekends, and additionally, the pumpkin patch is dog-friendly!
Grab your flannels and boots and head to the patch, which is open from Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each week until October 31st.
Tickets are available online, and you can book your visit on their website.
Each ticket gets you admission to pumpkin patch and the corn maze and is perfect for all ages.
Pumpkins are also available for purchase, but will be an extra cost on top of your general admission ticket.
- 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
- Tickets: Available online
- $12 general admission
- $9.50 for children (4-12)
- $36 for family pass (2 adults + 2 children)
- Kids under 3 are free
Frankenstein at Craigdarroch Castle
It wouldn’t be an October list without at least one epic seasonal addition!
So, check out the one-man production of “Frankenstein,” based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley, performed in the haunted dance hall within Craigdarroch Castle.
The show will cost $30 (plus additional fees) per showing in the castle’s dance hall, located on the fourth floor. For those with mobility issues, there are 87 steps and no elevator in the castle.
- Where: Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
- When: Saturday, October 28th and Sunday, October 29th at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Festival of Fear and Carnevil at Galey Farms
In the mood to be absolutely petrified?
Galey Farms’ Festival of Fear has begun and includes the Corn Maze of Horror, Crazy Train, and Haunted House.
Bring a buddy or two because it’s going to get freaky!
General admission tickets for Festival of Fear are just under $22 and Carnevil tickets are around $18—you can purchase them here.
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- Where: Galey Farms, 4150 Blenkinsop Road
- When: Saturday October 28th and Sunday, October 29th—multiple time slots are available
Harry Potter and Literary Thrillers
Literary fans, check it out!
The Royal Theatre and Victoria Symphony invites you to experience some of the best literary stories brought to life through the beautifully enriching world of music.
Presented will be thrilling compositions from Harry Potter, Peter Pan, Hobbits, and more!
Ticket prices vary on seat selection, but they start at around $29.
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When: Saturday, October 28th and Sunday, October 29th—showtimes vary
Mitchell’s Farm Pumpkin Patch
Still plenty of wonderfully plump pumpkins at family favourite Mitchell’s Farm!
Come and wander the field, inspect them all, and find your perfect match—if you’ve got time, check out their other product in their farm market too.
Bundle up and bring the whole family!
Plenty of special photo op hotspots as well, so you can post that anticipated yearly pumpkin shot.
- Where: Mitchell’s Farm, 2451 Island View Road, Saanichton
- When: Saturday, October 28th and Sunday, October 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Quazar’s Pop-up Arcade at the Bay Centre
In case you weren’t aware, it’s back by popular demand!
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
Harvest Festival at the Gardens
If you’re in the mood for a wholesome autumn event, look no further!
The Gardens at HCP are hosting a Harvest Festival complete with bouquet making, candle making, face painting, vendors, and more.
If you’re feeling peckish, there will be a BBQ on-site as well!
Everyone is welcome—including pets—and entry is by donation.
- Where: The Gardens at HCP, 505 Quayle Rd
- When: Saturday, October 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Halloween Cruise
Head on up to Sidney to take a look at what Halloween enthusiasts have cooked up!
Not only are there going to be some truly chilling decorations to ogle over, these incredible creations will be done on a lineup of vehicles for their Halloween Cruise.
Feast your eyes on the mix of makes and models, all sporting their best and more terrifying!
Everyone will meet at the Canadian Tire in Sidney and the focus of the cruise will be on Beacon Ave, Bevan, and Lochside.
See you there!
- Where: Meeting up at the Canadian Tire in Sidney, 0300 McDonald Park Road
- When: Saturday, October 28th at 6 p.m.
Crafted Farmhouse Market
Browse plentiful selections from different vendors at the Crafted Farmhouse Market—including upscale vintage furniture, jewelery, baked goods, beauty products, and more!
It kicked off on Friday, October 27th and will run until Saturday, October 28th.
It’s $5 cash admission at the door and is welcome to all ages!
- Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue
- When: Kicked off on Friday, October 27th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.n.
- Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shanna Dance’s ‘Spooky Speakeasy’
Complete with a costume contest, Shanna Dance and Hermann’s Jazz Club invite you to the ‘Spooky Speakeasy’!
Alongside the talented Dance on vocals, will be Ashley Wey on Keys, Louis Rudner playing Bass, Damian Graham on the Drums, and Jonnie Bridgman playing Sax.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or in person.
- Where: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Saturday, October 28th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Victoria Royals vs. Vancouver Giants Halloween Game
A family-friendly, harmonious blend of costumes and hockey!
The Victoria Royals are thrilled to present a very special Halloween game on Saturday, October 28th against the Vancouver Giants.
So, gather your little ghouls and goblins and enter in an all-ages costume contest, trick or treat at different spots throughout the arena, and enjoy season-specific music for an eerily good time.
For adults, the ReMax Fan Deck will be hosting a wine sampling of Bread & Butter Wines!
General admission ticket cost will vary depending on seat selection and those can be purchased here. If you’re looking for a special deal, there’s a Family 4 Pack ticket special that you can grab for $75.
It includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and a large bucket of deliciously buttery popcorn! Any additional tickets can be added for $18.75 each and will include an additional hotdog.
Come say hello at our Victoria Buzz booth near the main entrance—we may even have a treat or two for you!
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Saturday, October 28th, doors open at 5 p.m., puck drops at 6:05 p.m.
Victoria Tea Festival Revival
Presented by the International Tea Appreciation Society (ITAS), the Victoria Tea Festival Revival is set to return to the city on Saturday, October 28th inside the Nootka Court.
Tea enthusiasts are called to come together and drink teas from around the world—each tea will be presented by experts in their fields for a grassroots farm-to-cup experience and community learning!
Scroll through their full lineup and find a topic and a tea that speaks to you!
Tickets are priced on a sliding scale between $10-$20 and can be purchased online or at the door. Bring your own teacup or purchase their mini-mason jars on site.
- Where: Inside Nootka Court, 633 Courtney Street (behind the Bug Zoo downtown)
- When: Saturday, October 28th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Halloween Skate
Come on by Archie Browning Sports Arena for a Halloween-themed skate!
Everyone is invited and all skill levels are welcome.
Plus, kids dressed up in full costume get in for free—now that’s a good deal!
- Where: 1151 Esquimalt Road
- When: Sunday, October 29th from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Latin Dance—Halloween Party
The Victoria Latin Dance Association is throwing a Halloween dance party!
Included in the event will be a 30 minute introduction to Bachata class with Adam and Alicia, followed by a mixture of salsa, bachata, merengue, and kizomba.
Everyone is welcome—no previous dance experience is required and you don’t need a partner to participate!
Admission is $10 cash only at the door.
- Where: Sonora Bar and Grill, 531 Yates Street
- When: Sunday, October 29th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Halloween Market and Bug Zoo at Night
Starting at 5:30 p.m., Nootka Court will transform into wonderfully haunted Halloween market and Bug Zoo event!
The later it gets, the scarier the setting becomes…
Costume prizes will be granted to the Buggiest Costume, the Most Original Costume, and the Scariest Costume!
This market portion of the event is free to attend, the Bug Zoo costs $18 for adults and $10 for youths aged 5 to 17 at the door.
- Where: Nootka Court, 633 Courtney Street
- When: Sunday, October 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Market: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
- Bug Zoo: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Royal Bay Monster Mash
It’s time for the Monster Mash!
Dress your family up and come prepared to dance with the kidlets while listening to featured DJ Chris Poynter at Meadow Park Green.
Royal Bay Bakery, Four Frames Photo, and Funtime Inflatables will also be there with their wonderful goodies!
- Where: Meadow Park Green, Latoria Boulevard
- When: Sunday, October 29th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hallow’s Eve Craft Event
If you’re looking for something fun and cute to do with the family, stop by the Eccentric Artist Studio & Gallery!
They’ve partnered with the Esquimalt Community Arts Hub to provide a free Halloween-themed craft night for families.
Carve pumpkins, make tissue paper ghosts, and dive into the seasonal spirit!
All the materials are included and everyone is encouraged to come in costume.
Be sure to register for the event here—it’s free but donations are accepted.
- Where: Eccentric Artist Studio & Gallery, 829c Admirals Road
- When: Sunday, October 29th from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jazz Bar Benefit Concert
Lovers of music and making a difference, you may want to write this one down!
The Lutheran Church of the Cross is hosting a Jazz Bar Benefit Concert on Sunday, October 29th—all of the proceeds going towards the Shelbourne Community Kitchen.
As described, feature musicians will include the melodic vocals of Kelby MacNayr, along with the talents of Tony Genge on the piano, Joey Smith on guitar, and Bob Watts on drums!
They’re known as four of the West Coast’s top jazz musicians and they’re fully prepped and ready to turn the Lutheran Church into a cozy, intimate jazz experience.
Tickets are $50 per person and includes a delicious dessert or savoury appetizer as well as an alcoholic/non-alcoholic drink of your choice.
Sit back, relax, and have a fabulous time!
- Where: Lutheran Church of the Cross in the Upper Hall, 3787 Cedar Hill Road
- When: Sunday, October 29th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
