We’ve arrived at another wonderful long weekend, Victoria!
Spend your Labour Day long weekend at the Saanich Fair and Midway, eat delicious Greek delicacies at GreekFest, gawk at elegant classic vessels at the Victoria Boat Festival and much, much more.
The last of the Fringe Festival will be bringing audiences final, wonderous performances of theatre, comedy, music and dance—plus, the ‘Pick of the Fringe’ awards ceremony on Sunday.
And with another stretch of sunshine, treat yourself to Marble Slab at the Bay Centre using Victoria Buzz’s discount code!
For all of this and more, here’s 14 things to do in and around Victoria this long weekend—August 31st to September 2nd:
Saanich Fair 2024
As summer begins to wind down, the much-anticipated 156th Saanich Fair, Western Canada’s oldest continuous agricultural fair, is set to return this Labour Day weekend.
West Coast Amusements is once again bringing their array of rides and games, but this year’s midway is bigger than ever.
The fair has expanded the midway space, adding five more rides than last year, which should help reduce wait times and allow more time for fun.
Visitors can look forward to classic contests like the pie-eating competition and pedal tractor, as well as an abundance of local farm-fresh produce. True to its roots, the fair will showcase a variety of farm animals, including chickens, alpacas, and more.
The 156th Saanich Fair promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with family-friendly fun, delicious food, and a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage—the full program list can be viewed here.
- Where: Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stellys Cross Road
- When:
- Saturday, August 31st: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, September 1st: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Monday, September 2nd: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
GreekFest Victoria
If you missed the first weekend of GreekFest, there’s still plenty of time to catch another full weekend of food, fun, and family entertainment right here in Victoria!
GreekFest takes place at a lively outdoor venue alongside the Greek Orthodox Church and Community Centre—it officially kicked off on Friday, August 30th and runs until Monday, September 2nd!
Alongside the tantalizing Greek cuisine, there will be more mesmerizing dances, and fascinating ethnic and cultural performances during this weekend’s festivities.
If you wish to check out the menu ahead of time, you can do so, here. There’s also an option to order online and take your food to go!
As always, admission for GreekFest is free, but if you’re interested in partaking in the delicious delights on-site, make sure to have cash.
- Where: Greek Orthodox Church and Community Centre, 4648 Elk Lake Drive
- When: Friday, August 30th to Monday, September 2nd—11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Touchdown Pacific – BC Lions
This event will see the BC Lions take on the Ottawa REDBLACKS at the converted Royal Athletic Park in Victoria on Saturday. There will be watch parties held as well after the game sold out in just an hour.
Festivities kicked off on Thursday, August 29th, and continue through Friday, August 30th, at Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
Running from noon to 7 p.m., the event features a diverse lineup of entertainment, music, and artistic celebrations, setting a vibrant tone ahead of Saturday’s game.
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- Where: Multiple locations including Royal Athletic Field, see schedule here
- When: Friday, August 30th to Saturday, August 31st
Marble Slab Creamery at the Bay Centre
From August 29th to September 8th, you can treat yourself and a friend to a cool, creamy delight at Victoria’s Marble Slab Creamery, located in the Bay Centre.
Thanks to an exclusive partnership, Victoria Buzz is offering an incredible Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deal on ice cream, shakes, and sundaes.
Simply use the code VBSCOOP in person at Marble Slab Creamery to take advantage of this sweet offer.
With every purchase, you’ll receive a second item of equal or lesser value for free. It’s the perfect excuse to try out a new flavour or share your favourite with a friend!
- Where: Exterior of the Bay Centre on the View Street side
- Hours: Open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Victoria Classic Boat Festival
Don’t miss one of the largest and most renowned festivals of the summer, the 45th annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival, hosted by The Maritime Museum of BC!
It kicked off on Friday, August 30th and runs until Sunday, September 1st—celebrating the most beautiful boats from Vancouver Island and beyond as they bring an air of majestic grace to the Inner Harbour.
Admission is open, with a $5 suggested dock donation to help with the continuation of this event for years to come.
- Where: Inner Harbour, downtown Victoria
- When: Kicked off on Friday, August 30th and runs until Sunday, September 1st
- Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fringe Festival 2024
Intrepid Theatre’s Fringe Festival has officially kicked off as of Wednesday, August 21st and runs until Sunday, September 1st!
You’ll have the opportunity to check out a number of different live entertainment genres—including dance, comedy, drama, kids programming, spoken word and late-night cabarets.
All tickets must be purchased in advance, either online or in person at the Intrepid Theatre box office. There’s also a one-time payment of $6 for your festival membership button, which is required to see shows.
Don’t miss out on their ‘Pick of the Fringe‘ awards ceremony happening at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 1st.
- Where: Locations vary by performance
- When: Kicked off on Wednesday, August 21st and runs until Sunday, September 1st—showtimes vary
Vinyl Open Decks
Join the crew at Quadratic Sound for a night of vinyl magic during their Vinyl Open Decks event!
Focused on showcasing both emerging and seasonal vinyl artists, each performer has the opportunity to present a 45-minute set for an enthusiastic audience.
Saturday’s vinyl evening will feature Armand-Emile and four other talented artists, spinning from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.!
Admission is $15, plus a one-time $5 membership fee for non-members.
- Where: Quadratic Sound, 655 Queens Avenue
- When: Saturday, August 31st from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Moon Fest 2024
Help Moon Under Water celebrate their 12 year anniversary!
There will be live music in the parking lot, BBQ delicacies, a variety of beverage choices, games, a dog station with free dog ‘beer’ on tap and more. Musicians include the Tom Morrissey Band, Courtland and Day Drinkers.
Admission is by donation.
- Where: Moon Under Water Brewpub and Distillery, 350 Bay Street
- When: Saturday, August 31st from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Pop Punk Party
Send the summer off with a bang at Lucky Bar’s Pop Punk Party on Sunday!
Wrangle up your best pals, sing along as each band performs pop punk anthems as well as some original music.
Musicians include Calling All Captains, Poor Sport, Razorvoice, King Bob, Little Lightening and a DJ with music videos.
Tickets are $20 if purchased from the bands or Cavity Curiosity Shop, or $25 at the door.
- Where: Lucky Bar, 503 Yates Street
- When: Sunday, September 1st from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Adrift Wood Co. is hosting a handmade furniture tent sale on Sunday, September 1st to make way for new designs!
Sought-after items like Cedar Adirondack chairs are $99, with most summer items on sale. Plus, tour the workspace, enjoy free hotdogs, and play pool.
Adrift Wood Co. is a new business creating beautiful furniture and sculptures. Jake and Tim love showcasing their woodworking skills and are happy to explain the tools and equipment they use to make the furniture. It’s a fun Sunday field trip for the whole family!
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- Where: 744 Fairview Road #9
- When: Sunday, September 1st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Victoria Folk Club
If you’re in the mood for roots and folk music, Emily Triggs is performing this Sunday at the VFMS Victoria Folk Music Society.
Admission is $8, and those 16-years-old and younger, as well as members, can get in for free.
Before Triggs performs at 9 p.m., a Folk Jam is available at 6:45 p.m. and then an Open Stage at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: VFMS Victoria Folk Music Society, 1110 Hillside Avenue
- When: Sunday, September 1st at 9 p.m.
Victoria Royals Intra-squad Game
You know it’s a good day when you hear the boys in blue are back on the ice at SOFMC!
As the off-season comes to a close, Victoria Royals players are attending Training Camp this week in preparation for what hopes to be a very victorious 2024/25 season.
The camp on home ice will be capped off with an intra-squad game on Sunday, September 1st which will consist of Royal vs. Royal action, following being split into four teams for a round-robin tournament.
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Sunday, September 1st (open to the public), 5 p.m. – Showcase Game
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Don’t forget about Monday’s series of the Esquimalt Farmers Market—still in full swing until mid-September!
You’ll find a huge selection of featured farm-fresh produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, jewelry, clothing and much more.
Plus, they’ll have rotating weekly food trucks and nightly musical performances!
- Where: Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Road
- When: Monday, September 2nd from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Gigi’s Cafe
If you’re ready to show your talent to an encouraging and enthusiastic audience, Gigi’s may just be the place for you!
They offer acoustic open mic nights on Mondays and would love to have you—bring your own instrument or borrow their acoustic guitar or keyboard.
Prepare two to three songs and present your skills! This event is free to attend.
- Where: Gigi’s Cafe, 1002 Hillside Avenue
- When: Monday, September 2nd from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
