There’s a moment every October when the island quietly shifts. The mornings turn misty, the maples start to glow, and every porch in the neighbourhood seems to have a pumpkin on it. So fresh, so crips. After 26 homes and a move across the country from Toronto, I can tell you that fall is when Vancouver Island feels most like home to me.
October is also one of the best months to get to know a new community. If you’re new to the island, thinking about a move, or simply looking for a reason to get out of the house, this guide is for you. I’ve gathered the events, markets and Halloween happenings across Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, Sidney and the Westshore so you can plan your month in one place.
Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches
Galey Farms in Saanich is a fall tradition for so many local families, and Pumpkin Fest runs daily all month long. If you like a little fright with your fall fun, their Festival of Fear takes over after dark. It’s a great evening out for older kids and anyone who loves a good scare.
Out on the Westshore, the Luxton Fall Fair returns to the Luxton Fairgrounds in Langford from October 2 to 4. Gates are open Friday from 3 to 11pm and Saturday from noon to 10pm, with Sunday noon to 9pm. That same weekend, Light Up the Hills brings a festival of lights to Belmont Secondary in Westhills on Saturday, October 3 from 7:30 to 9:30pm.
On the Peninsula, the Halloween Express runs in the evenings from October 16 to 18 at Heritage Acres in Saanichton. It’s a festive and gentle outing that works well for little ones and grandparents alike.
Arts, Culture and Community
Music lovers can catch BreakOut West at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Victoria from October 1 to 3, with performances at various times. On Saturday, October 3, the Victoria Tea Festival fills Nootka Court from 11am to 5pm. It’s a cozy way to spend a fall afternoon downtown, rich in culture. There’s also the Otsukimi market in lovely Fernwood on October 3, from 11am to 4pm at the Fernwood Community Centre.
Book lovers will want to mark October 12 to 18 for the Victoria Festival of Authors, with readings and events at various times around the city. The following weekend, October 16 to 18, the Victoria Fall Home Show comes to Pearkes Recreation Centre in Saanich. If you’re planning a refresh, preparing to sell, or simply gathering ideas for your next chapter, it‘s worth a wander.
Getting Outside This Fall
Thanksgiving weekend brings the Victoria Marathon to downtown Victoria from October 9 to 11. Alongside the main race there is an 8K, a 5K and a kids run. Even if you’re not lacing up, cheering from the sidelines is one of the best ways to feel the community spirit here.
From mid to late October, the salmon begin returning to Goldstream Provincial Park in Langford. The run continues into early December, and walking the river trails on a misty morning is one of my favourite island rituals. Bring a warm layer and stay on the paths so the river stays healthy for years to come.
Local Election Day
Saturday, October 17 is General Local Election Day in every municipality across the region. Polls are open from 8am to 8pm, and voting is a meaningful way to have a say in the future of your neighbourhood. If you have moved recently, check with your municipality about where and how to cast your ballot.
Halloween Fun Before the Big Night
Vic West Halloween Fun Day takes place on Saturday, October 24 at 521 Craigflower Rd from 10am to 2pm. The next day, Wicked Victoria brings Halloween fun to Government St, Langley St and Bastion Square from 10am to 3pm.
On Friday, October 30, G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre is hosting a themed skate from 6 to 7pm. Admission is free when you come in costume, which might be the best deal in town.
Fall Markets Around the Region
Many of our outdoor markets are wrapping up for the season, so October is a lovely time to visit before they close for winter. Here is where to find local produce, baking and handmade goods this month.
Moss Street Market, 401 Moss St, Victoria. Saturdays through October 31, 10am to 2pm.
Bastion Square Public Market, Victoria. Thursday to Sunday into early October, 11am to 5pm.
James Bay Community Market, Menzies and Superior, Victoria. Final market of the season on Saturday, October 3, 9am to 3pm.
Peninsula Country Market, Saanich Fairgrounds, Saanichton. Saturdays through October 10, 9am to 1pm.
North Saanich Farm Market, 10990 W Saanich Rd, North Saanich. Saturdays through October 10, 9:30am to 12pm.
Goldstream Station Market, Danbrook Park, Langford. Saturdays through October 10, 10am to 2pm.
Sooke Country Market, Woodside Farm, Sooke. Saturdays through October 10, 10am to 2pm.
Metchosin Farmers Market, Metchosin Municipal Grounds. Sundays through October 25, 11am to 2pm.
Halloween Markets
October is also market season of a spookier kind. These Halloween markets are full of local makers, vintage finds and seasonal treats.
Monster Mash Vintage Market by Island Events, Da Vinci Centre, Vic West. Saturday, October 3, 9am to 4pm.
Spooky Markets Halloween Market, Langford Station. October 17 and 18, 11am to 4pm.
Halloween Market YYJ, Da Vinci Centre, Victoria. October 24 and 25, Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.
Metchosin Bewitched Market, Metchosin Community Hall. October 24 and 25, 10am to 4pm.
Witchcrafted Halloween Market, Prospect Lake Community Hall, 5358 Sparton Rd. October 31, 10am to 4pm.
Halloween Night Across the Island
When October 31 arrives, communities all over the region come out to celebrate. Here is where to find trick or treating, bonfires and fireworks on Halloween night.
Treat Street Halloween Spooktacular, Beacon Ave, Sidney. 4:30 to 6pm.
Trick or Treat on the Avenue, Oak Bay Village merchants. Times to be confirmed.
Vic West Halloween BBQ, 521 Craigflower Rd, Victoria. 5 to 9pm.
Halloween Spooktacular, Archie Browning Sports Centre, Esquimalt. Starts at 5:30pm.
Treat Street, Luxton Fairgrounds, Langford. 5:30 to 8:30pm.
Halloween Bonfire, Colwood Fire Hall. 6 to 8:30pm.
Otter Point Halloween Bonfire and Fireworks, Camp Barnard, Sooke. Fireworks at 7:30pm.
Finding Your Place This Fall
When I moved here from Toronto, community events were how I started to feel at home. A fall fair, a Saturday market and a Halloween night on a friendly street can tell you more about a neighbourhood than any listing ever will. If you’re new to the island or planning a move, I hope this guide helps you find your people.
Event details can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with organizers before you head out. If you would like a monthly roundup like this in your inbox, you can sign up for my newsletter at yourvanislehome.com.
Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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