What are you getting up to this weekend, Victoria?
In classic October fashion, there are plenty of Halloween-related events to check out, including a haunted castle tour, pumpkin picking, a Halloween market and more.
If you’re looking for something different, check out a play by the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA), a mushroom show, and late-night DJ events.
For all of that and more, here’s 11 things to do in and around Victoria this weekend—October 19th and 20th:
CCPA: Ten Lost Years
The CCPA is beginning its season with play, Ten Lost Years, which opened on Thursday, October 17th and runs until Sunday, October 20th.
This powerful play has been adapted from the 1973 book Ten Lost Years: 1929 – 1939 by Barry Broadfoot, who travelled across Canada interviewing survivors of the Great Depression and compiling their memories.
Tickets for Ten Lost Years are $30 for general adult admission and can be purchased here.
- Where: CCPA Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Road
- When: Saturday, October 19th to Sunday, October 20th—showtimes vary
Lohbrunner Community
Don’t miss Lohbrunner Community Farm’s beloved Pumpkin Fest!
This is the last weekend that guests will be able to check out the farm—open both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They’ll have a huge selection of pumpkins, a mini market with fresh produce, arts and crafts, hot drinks by donation and u-pick flowers.
- Where: Lohbrunner Community Farm, 1152 Lippincott Road
- When: Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Halloween at Bilston Creek Farm
Join the crew at Bilston Creek Farm this Halloween, with family-friendly activities taking place over two weekends—October 19th & 20th and October 26th & 27th.
The fun includes pumpkin decorating, a treasure hunt, a golden pumpkin hunt, the pumpkin patch, fire pits with s’mores and more.
Just note that there is a ticket required for those wishing to participate in the pumpkin decorating, fire pits and treasure hunt. There’s also food available for purchase!
- Where: Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Road
- When: October 19th & 20th, 26th and 27th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Haunted Tours at Craigdarroch Castle
Discover the darker side of the 19th century with their new after-hours tour, ‘Curiosities of Craigdarroch,’ running until November 17th.
Led by an expert guide, they’re 90 minutes long and take place from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Friday to Sunday.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to delve into the darker stories surrounding the Dunsmuir family and their experiences during the Victorian era—an era where the Halloween season took on a more morbid tone than we are accustomed to today.
Tours are $32 per person and must be purchased in advance, whether that’s online, by calling (250) 592-5323 or visiting the Castle Visitor Centre.
- Where: Craigdarroch Castle, 1050 Joan Crescent
- When: Friday to Sundays from 4 p.m. o 5:30 p.m.—tours hosted until November 17th
Liquid Lounge Sessions at Quadratic Sound
Head down to Quadratic Sound for a Liquid Lounge Session, Grippys birthday addition!
Support the local scene, dance your heart away and mingle with likeminded music lovers—lineup includes Triple XL, Kirtay, Precision, Slight, and Grippy.
Tickets are just under $12 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.
- Where: Quadratic Sound, 655 Queens Avenue
- When: Saturday, October 19th from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
The Bay Street Music Project
The Bay Street Armoury will be hosting a musical event open to musicians of every skill level as well as music lovers.
There will be a variety of performances, information booths, musical instruments, interactive activities, and food trucks.
Participants include The Victoria Conservatory of Music, The Royal Canadian College of Organists, and Music for Veterans along with music retailers.
There will be performances of musicians from the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, The Canadian Scottish Pipes and Drums, the Chief and Petty Officers Band, renowned organist Steve Benson, and more.
Admission is free!
- Where: Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay Street
- When: Saturday, October 19th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pacific FC Game
Gather with pals and whoop and holler for your local Pacific FC as they take on Forge FC!
Held at the Starlight Stadium, it’s the perfect atmosphere to unwind and feel a part of a large community event.
Ticket prices vary but general admission is $32.
- Where: Starlight Stadium, 1089 Langford Parkway
- When: Saturday, October 19th at 1 p.m.
Obscura at Capital Ballroom
The Midnight Project is hosting a special Obscura techno night at Capital Ballroom!
Immerse yourself in the haunted underground this Saturday—curated by some of Victoria and Vancouver’s hardest hitting techno DJs, C-Star Njoki Njoki, ÆNNIÆ and Prezzy.
Ticket prices depend on tier and they can be purchased here.
- Where: Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates Street
- When: Saturday, October 19th from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Late Night Drag
Come party with the folks at Friends of Dorothy and your host Mina Mercury for Late Night Drag!
Get together with friends, grab a cocktail, get your dance on and enjoy the incredible lineup of revolving drag performers. Cover is $5!
- Where: Friends of Dorothy, 537 Johnson Street
- When: Saturday, October 19th at 9:30 p.m.
Annual Mushroom Show at Royal BC Museum
The South Vancouver Island Mycological Society (SVIMS) is having their annual Mushroom Show at the Royal BC Museum this Sunday!
100s of mushrooms will be on display and everyone is welcome to bring in their own mushrooms to be identified. Mycologists and local experts will be on site to answer any questions you may have.
Additionally, there will be an edible vs. toxic display, a kid’s play corner and presentations!
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
- When: Sunday, October 19th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jane Urquhart at Bolen Books
Join Jane Urquhart with Lorna Crozier at Bolen Books on Sunday!
Urquhart is known for her evocative and lyrical storytelling, and this event is to celebrate her and her latest novel, In Winter I Get Up at Night—which has already been longlisted for this year’s Giller Prize.
It’s free to attend and books will be available for purchase and signing. Reserve your spot here!
- Where: Bolen Books, 111-1644 Hillside Avenue
- When: Sunday, October 20th at 7 p.m.
