21 things to do in and around Victoria this Labour Day weekend – September 4th to 7th

It’s almost back-to-school season, Victoria!

While school might be right around the corner, summer’s not over yet! Finish out the summer strong this Labour Day weekend with some end-of-summer events that have become some of the biggest in Victoria.

This weekend features Greekfest, the Saanich Fair, Fringe Festival, the Victoria Classic Boat Festival, a showdown between the Victoria Royals and the London Knights and so much more!

If none of those peak your fancy, there are plenty of markets, concerts, comedy nights and more to keep you entertained this weekend.

For a taste of what’s to come this weekend, check out these 21 things to do in and around Victoria this Labour Day weekend – September 4th to 7th:

ALL WEEKEND

GreekFest at the Greek Community Centre

GreekFest has become one of the most popular events of the summer.

The annual festival is held in a lively outdoor venue, and serves as a gateway to Greece’s rich heritage, showcasing the country’s traditions and customs.

One of the highlights of GreekFest is undoubtedly the delectable Greek food.

Traditional Greek dishes such as lamb on the spit, souvlaki, spanakopita, loukoumades and baklava are prepared with authenticity and care, allowing attendees to savor the flavors of Greece.

The event also showcases the beauty and elegance of Greek dances.

Dancers in colorful traditional costumes gracefully swirl and twirl to the rhythmic tunes of Greek music.

This weekend will be the second and final weekend of the festival, so make sure to check it out!

The festival is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: The Greek Community Centre, 4648 Elk Lake Drive
• When: Friday, September 4th to Monday, September 7th

Saanich Fair

It’s just not summer without the Saanich Fair.

Agriculture is at the heart of the fair, but it will also bring everyone’s favourite midway attractions to the grounds.

From 4H and animal showcases to funnel cakes and carnival rides, the fair is fun for the whole family.

They’ve also been developing the kids zone, and will be highlighting a “Tiny Town” on the west side of the property.

This year, the theme is “small but mighty.”

The fair aims to celebrate the small but meaningful parts of the fair that make it what it is. Volunteers, exhibitors and families that come out to the fair every year make the event a special occasion, and this year will be no different.

In honour of the theme, this year’s feature is the miniature horse!

Admission to the grounds is $18 for adults, $13.05 for seniors and $12 for youth 12 and under. You can purchase tickets here.

• Where: Saanich Fairgrounds, 1528 Stellys Cross Road
• When:
  • Saturday, September 5th and Sunday, September 6th – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Monday, September 7th – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fringe Festival

It’s the last days of Fringe Festival!

This year’s festival takes over the city with Fringe venues from James Bay to Oak Bay and across downtown.

Fringe is also reflecting on 40 years of the Victoria Fringe, and will be sharing stories and pieces from the archives in their e-news and on social media and are working on a pop-up display in the Intrepid Studio lobby that will feature highlights of the 40 years of Fringe history that will be open during the Festival.

Come out, take a chance on wild and wonderful theatre, and embrace the weird at Fringe!

There are plenty of world-class theatre shows happening this weekend, so make sure to check out the website and find one that looks interesting!

For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit their website here.

• Where: Until Sunday, September 6th
• When: Varying times

Victoria Classic Boat Festival in the Inner Harbour

Have you ever been to a boat festival?

At the Victoria Classic Boat Festival, visitors can explore the docks, view up to 100 classic boats, cheer on their favourites during the Sail Race and take part in a wide range of engaging activities throughout the weekend.

The Sail Race will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 6th, with prime viewing locations being Ogden Point Causeway, Clover Point or Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf.

There will also be performances from several featured artists, as well as the Yacht Dogs Cafe serving up tasty eats.

The festival is put on by the Maritime Museum of BC. Admission is by donation with a suggested $5 donation.

• Where: Inner Harbour
• When:
  • Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 6th – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Victoria Royals versus London Knights Clash of Kingdoms at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

It’s almost hockey season!

The “Clash of the Kingdoms” series will mark the first-ever inter-league meeting between WHL and OHL clubs outside of the Memorial Cup tournament, bringing together two prominent Canadian Hockey League programs for a one of a kind early-season event.

The London Knights are coming to town following two straight championship seasons in 2024 and 2025.

While the series is expected to feature several top NHL prospects, it will also showcase a matchup between two of junior hockey’s most prominent coaches, Dale Hunter and James Patrick.

Both Hunter and Patrick played over 1,200 National Hockey League games during their playing careers and have been instrumental in the development of some of the Canadian Hockey League’s best alumni now playing in the NHL.

Ticket prices vary and can be purchased here.

• Where: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
• When:
  • Friday, September 4th – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 5th – 4 p.m.

Topaz Thrash at Topaz Park

Canada Skateboard presents Topaz Thrash III!

What started as a local jam has grown into one of the region’s can’t-miss stops on the skate calendar—two full days built for every level of rider, from first-timers to competitors chasing a piece of the $10,000+ prize purse.

Saturday kicks off with a Learn to Skate session for anyone looking to get on a board for the first time, followed by U13 Street and Bowl jams for the next generation of competitors and an opportunity to skate and interact with Canada’s Olympic Skateboarders.

The day will cap off with the Men’s and Women’s Open Bowl Event. Sunday is all about the street course, with Open Street running throughout the day.

Whether you’re competing, cheering on a friend, or just coming out to watch some of the best skating in the region!

Tickets are $45 for competitors, or by-donation for all other types of tickets. Purchase yours here.

• Where: Topaz Park, Topaz Avenue, Finlayson Street and Blanshard Street
• When: Saturday, September 5th to Sunday, September 6th

FRIDAY

Indie Rock Showcase at The Loft Pub

Head down to The Loft for a night of raw, guitar-driven indie rock in an intimate pub setting.

Local and emerging bands take the stage with soaring riffs, driving rhythms and honest energy.

This show will feature Atomsmatter, Carla Olive Trio and Waterfront station taking the stage.

Expect a laid-back crowd, cold craft brew and great live music in a classic venue atmosphere.

Perfect for fans of underground sounds and late-night discovery. Go early, stay late!

There is a voluntary cover charge of $10 at the door.

• Where: The Loft Pub, Gorge Road East
• When: Friday, September 4th – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Dance Yrself Clean at Lucky Bar

Indie Sleaze Night is back!

Caleb Robbie and Friends will be on the ones and twos.

Expect all your favourite indie jams, including MGMT, Metric, Vampire Weekend, Hot Chip, Animal Collective, La Roux, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Death Grips, The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Passion Pit, M.I.A. and more!

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Lucky Bar, 517 Yates Street
• When: Friday, September 4th – 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Freestanding Expo at Fernwood Park

Support your local artists!

Expect live music, a pop-up art exhibition and art market, all courtesy of Handout Collective.

Exhibiting artists include Ivy Mcwilliams, Edie Skeard, Leda Shields and Jenna Short.

Music acts at the park will include the meating, Flat Pop, Andrei Dimaano, Sora Rosenberg, DJ Loch and DJ Rena.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Fernwood Park, 1240 Gladstone Avenue
• When: Saturday, September 5th – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Ditch Lily, Death Make Stardust, Hoodie Browns, zerowhonnock and Grace Period at the Campus Community Gardens

Catch a back-to-school garden show!

Ditch Lily& The Swan Boats are in town straight from Corvallis, Oregon.

They’ll be supported by Death Make Stardust, Hoodie Browns, Grace Period and zerowhonnock.

Wear something flowery and forget about your homework!

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

• Where: UVic Campus Community Garden, 2100 McKenzie Avenue

• When: Friday, September 4th – 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

The Rock Bay Rumble with 365 Pro Wrestling at Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe

Any pro wrestling fans? 365 Pro Wrestling, one of Victoria’s wrestling organizations, are going all out with a huge brawl at Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe.

Pro wrestling in Victoria may be a new thing to some, but 365 is a favourite activity for many in the city. Pitting villains against heroes and friends against enemies, these wrestlers know what they’re doing.

These events are rowdy, loud and an all-around great time. This is one of the biggest events in Rock Bay all year, and it will sell out, so make sure to get your tickets early.

Tickets are $25 for general admission or $35 if you’d like to be seated. They can be purchased here.

• Where: Wheelies Motorcycles & Cafe
• When: Saturday, September 5th – 6 p.m.

Nick Burden at Hecklers Bar & Grill

Every Saturday, Hecklers brings you the best and brightest in Canadian comedy and beyond.

This week, Nick Burden hits the stage.

Nick Burden is an internationally touring headliner hailing from Ottawa.

With his small-town charm and fearless approach to any topic, Nick has become a favorite wherever he performs.

Tickets are $24 and can be purchased here.

Seating is first come first serve, and organizers ask that attendees arrive no later than 7:30 p.m. to make seating as easy as possible.

• Where: Heckler’s Bar & Grill,
• When: Saturday, September 5th – 8 p.m.

Moss Street Market

Moss Street Market is back in full swing!

This year, Moss Street Market is celebrating its 35th season of offering local and organic farm-fresh produce, local foods, handmade crafts, artisanal clothing, inspiring services and community education.

The market takes place May through October, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Sir James Douglas school grounds—rain or shine.

Enjoy the sunshine and grab some local produce and crafts.

The market is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
• When: Saturday, September 5th – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Last Night in Vegas for Colwood Music in the Park at Herm Williams Park

Don’t miss the final Colwood Music in the Park event of the summer!

Meet new friends, explore new places and find new things to love about Colwood!

This week, Last Night in Vegas takes to the stage.

Last Night in Vegas is a cover band who will be playing everyone’s favourite hits.

Greek on the Street will also be serving up good eats to enjoy while the music plays.

Attendance is free and everyone is welcome.

• Where: Herm Williams Park, 646 Kelly Road
• When: Saturday, September 5th – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

James Bay Market

Head down to the James Bay Market at the corner of Superior and Menzies Streets for one of Victoria’s favourite local shopping experiences.

Just steps from the iconic BC legislature, this vibrant market features vendors from across Vancouver Island offering handcrafted jewellery, knitting, body care products and locally sourced food and beverages.

• Where: Corner of Superior and Menzies
• When: Saturday, August 29th – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SUNDAY

Pop-up Outdoor Piano Concert: Brooke Maxwell at Willows Beach Esplanade

Catch a pop-up piano concert at Willows Beach Esplanade!

Brooke Maxwell is a freelance musician based in Victoria.

He is also a sound designer, composer, arranger and the co-creator of the acclaimed Ride the Cyclone.

He recently produced the cast album for RTC, which is now available through Warner Brothers on all major streaming services.

He currently performs around the island with the Beautiful Maladies, The Chuckleberries, Wild Honey Pie and at his regular home base, Pagliacci’s.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet featured artists Louise Huneck and Ana Strauss.

Attendance is free and everyone is welcome.

• Where: Willows Beach Esplanade
• When: Sunday, September 6th – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Black Lips at Studio 919

Time to mosh on a Sunday Night!

The Black Lips are taking over Studio 919 with special guests for one unforgettable night of garage rock, grit and high-energy chaos.

Black Lips is an American garage rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1999.

Tickets are $36.12 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Studio 919, 919 Douglas Street
• When: Sunday, September 6th – 8 p.m.

Stand By Me at Cinecenta

Catch a classic at the campus theatre!

Almost four decades after its release, Stand by Me—based on true events in Stephen King’s life—remains one of the most poignant Summer coming-of-age films.

The film stars some of the biggest stars from the 80s and 90s, including Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix and Corey Feldman.

Tickets prices vary and can be purchased at the door.

• Where: Cinecenta, 3800 Finnerty Road
• When: Sunday, September 6th – 5 p.m.

Stank, Two Rats Loving and Hot Pot at Little Fernwood

Catch a show at Little Fernwood!

Little Fernwood is an intimate venue and always makes for a fantastic night.

This Sunday, catch Stank, Two Rats Loving and Hot Pot as they take the stage at this all ages show.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

• Where: Little Fernwood, 1923 Fernwood Road
• When: Sunday, September 6th – 7 p.m.

MONDAY

ShopTalk Comedy Open Mic at the Mint

Do your friends tell you that you should be a comic? Have you ever wanted to try comedy in front of an audience? This is your chance!

Try stand-up or watch comics try brand new material.

Join ShopTalk Comedy for an open mic at the Mint. New comics are welcome, spots are three to five minutes.

Tickets are $5 at the door or online. Purchase yours here.

• Where: The Mint, 1414 Douglas Street
• When: Monday, September 7th – 6 p.m.

The Gorge Farmers Market

The Gorge Farmers Market is in full swing!

Happening every Monday until September 21st, the Gorge Farmers market will be setting up shop in Gorge Park.

This year, the market is celebrating its fifth season. Local food, live music, a beautiful view of the Gorge Waterway and over 50 vendors.

Get down to Gorge Park and buy local! The market is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

• Where: Esquimalt Gorge Park, 1070 Tillicum Road
• When: Monday, August 24th – 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.