Creeping closer and closer to Halloweekend/Halloween—I hope your decorations are up!
If you’re particularly proud of your decorations this year and you’re hoping to share it with the city of Victoria, you can send a small description and your address to tips@victoriabuzz.com.
Then we’ll publish an article featuring your incredible display and residents of Victoria will have the chance to appreciate it too!
For this weekend, we have a thrilling mix of seasonal events such as the family-friendly Ghost Town opening at Uptown, a mystical market in Metchosin, pumpkin patches, a costume party for dogs, and much more!
We also have some more casual activities including an exciting WHL Victoria Royals game, the pop-up arcade at the Bay Centre, a comedy night, and other great times.
Have a great weekend and here’s 13 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend on October 21st and 22nd:
Ghost Town at Uptown
Who’s up for a Halloween adventure?
You and the family are invited to experience Halloween in a fun and unique way at the Ghost Town attraction at Uptown—and don’t worry, the scare level is low so everyone can enjoy it!
Built by I Dream in Decor, you’re dared to wander through the abandoned streets of the 1869 village of Ghost Town—the eerie remnants of what used to be a bustling area.
Explore the unearthed mansion filled with spirits, take a ride on the rickety train, and jump into the bubble house at the excavation site while completing side quests, and learn the history of Ghost Town from R. H. Farmer with an add on ticket!
The side quests range in difficulty based on age including adult versions as well.
- Where: 3531 Uptown Boulevard No. 13-115
- When: Running until October 31st—multiple dates and time slots available here
Halloween Party for Dogs
Spruce up your pet and head down to The Pet Store in Cadboro Bay!
There will be a ton of adorably fun activities, including trick or treating for dogs, a photo booth, the bone throne, and more!
There’s even a costume contest as well as a pie eating contest for the chance to win huge prizes.
On top of all of this, the store is offering special deals—if you spend $50 or more you a jam packed trick or treat bag valued at $40, and if you spend $200 or more, you get a $75 gift basket!
- Where: The Pet Store, 3845 Cadboro Bay Road
- When: Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saanichton Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
If you haven’t already, get yourself out to the Saanichton Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch for some needed family time and autumn fun!
This year, the corn maze has been expanded to an impressive six acres—their biggest one yet.
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, from now until October 31st—including holiday Mondays.
- When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends (Friday-Sunday) 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
Bewitched Market in Metchosin
Find psychics, witches, energy healers, and more at the Bewitched Market in Metchosin!
There will be hourly draw prizes, plenty of talented tarot readers, spectacular vendors, children’s activities, and even some witchy-photobooth opportunities.
There is no admission fee—just show up and have a mystical time!
- Where: Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Road
- When: Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd from 11 a.m. to 5 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
Festival of Fear 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 are just under $22 and you can purchase them here.
- Where: Galey Farms, 4150 Blenkinsop Road
- When: Saturday, October 21st and Sunday, October 22nd—multiple time slots are available
WHL Victoria Royals vs. Spokane Chiefs
Saturday night hockey!
Cheer on the Victoria Royals for their 7th home game—the second game this week to be played against the Spokane Chiefs.
This second game will also be a part of the ‘Hockey for All’ series, which will welcome drag queen hosts and face painting stations!
Ticket prices vary depending on seat selection, but you can purchase them here.
- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When:
- Friday, October 20th at 7:05 p.m.
- Saturday, October 21st at 6:05 p.m.
Bilston Creek Farm Pumpkin Patch
Looking to find the perfect pumpkin?
With a central focus on the beauty of autumn, you can explore the wonderfully curated Bilston Creek Farm Pumpkin Patch and get into the season’s spirit!
They’ll have festive photo-ops ready for your enjoyment—including a decorated barn, a pumpkin-dotted lavender field, and more.
It’s family-friendly and free for you and the whole family!
- Where: Bilston Creek Farm, 4125 Metchosin Road
- When: Saturday, October 21st from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stand Up Downstairs
If you’re up for a night of laughter and good energy, you won’t want to miss this!
The Wicket Hall in downtown Victoria is hosting a comedy show featuring their headliner Yumi Nagashima alongside local comedians Drew Farrance and Ryan Wallace, and host Shane Priestly.
Yumi’s sets have reached audiences across the globe with appearances on CBC Radio’s ‘The Debaters’ and ‘Laugh Out Loud’ as well as CBC TV’s ‘Just For Laughs’ and CBC Gem’s ‘New Wave of Stand-up Comedy’. Her comedy album ‘My Name Is Yumi’ came out in 2019!
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
- Where: Wicket Hall, 919 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, October 21st at 6:30 p.m.
Clothing Pop-Up for Kids
Who doesn’t love a good clothing sale?
To support breakfast programs for children around Victoria, Breakfast2Music has organized a clothing pop-up sale and you’re invited!
Head down to check out their collection of pre-loved, vintage, and designer clothing as well as accessories.
- Where: 1841 Oak Bay Avenue
- When: Saturday, October 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Le Poème Harmonique
Exhilarating, hauntingly beautiful, and enticing—Le Poème Harmonique is one opera lovers won’t want to miss.
This is to be a debut Victoria performance by one of the most celebrated and recorded Early Baroque ensembles in France!
It will feature royal and popular music from the early reign of Louis XIV, before Versailles, with excerpts from the very first operas given in France by Lully and Cavalli, “pieces de salon” (Marais, Moulinié), drinking songs and the popular tunes hummed throughout Paris.
Tickets are around $30 and can be purchased here. Students and youth are free at the door.
- Where: First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1205 Pandora Avenue
- When: Saturday, October 21st from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Frankenstein at Craigdarroch Castle
Lovers of classic literature and playwright adaptations (or if you’re just looking for a cool Halloween activity)—this is for you!
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 21st at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Annual Mushroom Show at the Royal BC Museum
Come and check out the South Vancouver Island Mycological Society’s (SVIMS) Annual Mushroom Show!
Guests will have the opportunity to learn about 100s of macrofungi with displays and experts on hands for all of your burning questions.
Entrance is by donation and will go towards the continuing programs for the SVIMS!
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
- When: Sunday, October 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
