More days off equals more fun—happy Labour Day long weekend, Victoria!
As with any long weekend, there’s plenty of incredible fun to be had throughout the city, including the Saanich Fair, i-Land Caribbean Festival, markets, Fringe Festival shows, and much more.
Dance the night away at a 90s dance party at Capital Ballroom or at Rooftop’s summer send-off, catch the Victoria Royals training camp wrap-up game, and score a back-to-school giveaway from Mayfair Shopping Centre!
Whatever you get up to, we’re sure you’ll find something to make the most of it and bookend August/start September with a bang.
Here’s 16 things to do in and around Victoria this Labour Day long weekend—August 30th to September 1st:
157th Saanich Fair
This Labour Day weekend marks the 157th edition of the fair, one of the oldest and most beloved agricultural events in Western Canada.
Running from Friday, August 29th to Monday, September 1st, the fairgrounds in Saanichton will come alive with rides, live music, livestock shows and thousands of exhibits.
This year’s theme, “Focus on Farming,” ties into the popular photography department and serves as a reminder of the fair’s agricultural heritage. With more than 6,750 entries across 29 departments, expect to see everything from home baking and needle art to preserves, honey, flowers and produce.
Don’t forget about the Midway rides, filled with classic carnival favourites and more! Wristbands are $52.
- Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road, Saanichton
- When: Friday, August 29th to Monday, September 1st
Victoria Fringe Festival
This year marks the 39th annual Victoria Fringe Festival, which hit the city on Wednesday, August 20th and runs until Sunday, August 31st.
The Fringe always brings a burst of creative energy to the city’s atmosphere, and this year is no exception. There will be everything from dance and comedy to drama, spoken word and site-specific shows.
Some of this weekend’s highlights include the festival wrap-up on August 31st, which will include the Pick of the Fringe awards at Hermann’s Jazz Club starting at 10 p.m., where standout shows of the season will be celebrated.
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 $5 for your festival membership button, which is required to see shows.
- Where: Locations vary by performance
- Fringe Wrap-Up: Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street
- When: Kicked off on Wednesday August 20th and runs until Sunday, August 31st—showtimes vary
- Fringe Wrap-Up: Sunday, August 31st at 10 p.m.
Bay Centre’s Marble Slab BOGO deal
If you love ice cream, you’ll want to check this out!
From now until September 7th, Marble Slab Creamery at the Bay Centre (View Street entrance) is offering an exclusive Buy One, Get One FREE promotion just for Victoria Buzz readers.
Whether you’re craving a classic cone, a rich milkshake, or a decadent sundae, this deal has you covered.
Simply use the code VICBUZZDEAL in-person at Marble Slab to unlock the offer. Treat yourself and a friend—or double up on your own dessert indulgence!
- Where: Marble Slab Creamery Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street (View Street entrance)
- When: August 25th to September 7th, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
i-Land Fest
Running from Friday, August 29th to Sunday, August 31st, the i-Land Festival festival will take over Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and will be celebrating all things Caribbean.
Live music, dancing, food and cultural experiences will take place with the stunning waterfront as a backdrop, transporting attendees straight to the islands.
Saturday brings the Carnival Parade—one of the most anticipated moments in the festival. Dancers in vibrant, feathered costumes will bring Government Street to life. The Parade kicks off at 10 a.m., starting at 2326 Government Street, travelling straight down Government Street and ending at Ship Point around noon.
Both Saturday and Sunday will be jam-packed with live performances, a Kids Zone, over 35 artisan vendors, food vendors serving authentic cuisine, a Game Zone boasting a mix of Caribbean games, a Cultural Exhibit and more.
- Where: Ship Point in the Inner Harbour, along Wharf Street
- When: Friday, August 29th to Sunday, August 31st
Visit Neighbourly Wine Co.
Lounge at Neighbourly Wine Co., a charming winery that’s tucked in a forested oasis and offers a wide variety of wines.
With the eight different grape varietals grown, they produce and serve an abundance of white, red and rose wines—all of which are unique and showcase the Vancouver Island terroir.
You can opt to enjoy their wine inside our outside on their luscious backyard garden patio. The indoor area is for sampling only, but you can sit down and get samples, glasses and enjoy a full bottle outside.
- Where: Neighbourly Wine Co., 6409 Oldfield Road
- When: Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Back to School Giveaway: Mayfair Shopping Centre
Everyone loves a giveaway, especially during back to school season!
All you have to do is visit Mayfair Shopping Centre between now and August 31st and scan the QR code at Guest Services to complete an entry form.
The grand prize includes a Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ coffee machine, Fjällräven backpack, pens, notebook, and a Paddywax candle from Indigo!
The secondary prize will be awarded to two lucky entrants, and it includes a water bottle, bookmark, planner with pens, candle, a tote bag from Indigo and a LUSH Fun Day gift box.
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- Where: Mayfair Shopping Centre, 3147 Douglas Street
- When: Kicked off on August 18th and runs until August 31st—during mall hours
Sunset Send Off
Rooftop is sending the summer off with a bang!
Don’t miss the best rooftop vibes, massive bucket drink specials, music, and lights to keep you and your pals grooving all night.
There’s no cover charge for this event.
- Where: Rooftop, above Sticky Wicket, 919 Douglas Street
- When: Saturday, August 30th at 9 p.m.
Sunrise Yoga in the Gardens
Start your morning with wellness and movement at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel for their Sunrise Yoga.
The class, taking place in the Seaside Gardens Terrace, is breath-focused Hatha/Vinyasa, and runs for 60 minutes.
This is the last yoga session in the summer Sunrise Yoga series. Booking price is $25.
When booking, let them know if you’re bringing your own mat, or will need to borrow one. Bring your own water bottle.
- Where: Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Drive
- When: Saturday, August 30th from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
90s Dance Party at Capital Ballroom
Super Taste Victoria is bringing an epic 90s Dance Party to Capital Ballroom this Saturday, and you’re invited!
Enjoy four-hours of iconic 90s songs, featuring hits from artists such as Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Céline Dion, Aqua, Britney Spears, Vengaboys and so many more.
Tickets are just over $25 and can be purchased online.
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- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, August 30th from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Speedwash Car Wash Grand Opening
There’s a new car washing station opening in Colwood!
Head over to Speedwash Car Wash for a day of activities and fun to mark the occasion. There will be high-energy entertainment with Go-Go Dancers, That Bubble Guy & their Speedwash Mascot.
Plus, enjoy local eats from the Greek n’ Go and Lexi’s Ice Cream & Treats vendors, as well as prizes and giveaways!
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- Where: Speedwash Car Wash, 2357 Sooke Road
- When: Saturday, August 30th at 10 a.m.
Eat at Thunderbird Korean Fried Chicken
Thunderbird, the locally owned Korean fried chicken restaurant in the heart of Cook Street Village, is celebrating its seventh anniversary by offering some of its most popular dishes at their original 2018 prices.
The promotion runs every Saturday in August, with a different menu item featured each week.
This Saturday, the deal wraps up with the 7-piece Yangnyeom Chicken, offered at $17 rather than $22.
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- Where: 253 Cook Street in Victoria
- Hours: Saturday, August 30th from 11:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
PKOLS Farmers Market
Hosted every Sunday, the PKOLS Farmers and Artisan Market takes over Lambrick Park with a lovely variety of goods.
Shop for veggies, fruit, baked goods, sauces, cookies, pottery, soap and much more.
It’s free to attend!
- Where: PKOLS Park, Lambrick Park, 4100 Lambrick Way
- When: Sunday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Victoria Royals Intra-Squad Game
The Victoria Royals were in pre-season training camp this week, and it wraps up with a Showcase instra-squad game this Sunday!
Players will be split into four teams and hit the ice for practices and scrimmages as they fight for a spot on the roster. It is the perfect way to get a first look at who might become a household name this season.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m., so grab a coffee and catch some early hockey.
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- Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Sunday, August 31st at 10 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Abkhazi Garden Fall Art Show Fundraiser
This Monday, head over to Abkhazi Garden for their Fall Art Show Fundraiser!
Attendees can view and buy paintings that are inspired by the gardens, all created by local artists who’ve been a part of the Artists in the Garden Program this summer.
All of the artists will be in attendance, so you can chat with them about their work!
- Where: Abkhazi Garden, 1964 Fairfield Road
- When: Monday, September 1st from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Don’t forget about Monday’s Esquimalt Farmers Market, located in Gorge Park!
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 1st from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Empress Avenue Block Party
Party with fellow residents at the Empress Avenue Block Party!
There will be performances from Schryer, Enblom, & Dobres, West My Friend with Cascadia Strings and Capital City Syncopators.
Plus, attendees can snag dinner at the Rolling Tandoor Food Truck, dessert from Cold Comfort Ice Cream, enjoy henna, sidewalk chalk, lawn games and more!
- Where: In the 1100 block of Empress Avenue
- When: Monday, September 1st from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
