Little Local - October 9

It’s that time of year when we reflect to appreciate all the good around us. We’ve been chatting about what we’re thankful for on the way to school: friends, family, good food, our health. I’m also so thankful for the amazing local businesses and organizations that fill our city with events that help us celebrate the season. And of course, for all of you who show up here each week to read and share in it.

What Not to Miss This Month

Last week we shared a roundup of local pumpkin patches, but there are plenty of other fall and Halloween activities you won’t want to miss this:

🌽 Get Lost in a Corn Maze: Saanichton Corn Maze and Galey Farms’ Pumpkinfest are open weekends in October, complete with pumpkins, hayrides, and train rides.

👻 Get Spooked: Older kids and brave parents will love Ghostly Walks downtown, or head to Galey Farms’ Festival of Fear for an extra thrill.

🧙 Take Part in a Halloween Street Party: Wicked Victoria transforms downtown’s Government Street on Sunday, October 26. Come for costumes, live music, and trick-or-treating in the streets.

🍬 Trick-or-Treat Around Town: Before the ghosts and goblins come out, find family-friendly candy trails at Westshore Town Centre, Oak Bay Ave, Sidney Treat Street, Langford Station, Mayfair Mall, Uptown Shopping Centre, and The Commons at Royal Bay.

🍿 Have a Cozy Night In: Bake a spooky treat or queue up a not-too-scary movie. We’ve rounded up a list of family favourites here.

💀 More Halloween Happenings: Scroll down to the What’s Happening section for more local Halloween events.

1) Pumpkin Mac n Cheese: I made this creamy pumpkin mac & cheese from Ambitious Kitchen last night, and it was a hit. It’s got all the comfort of classic mac & cheese, with a touch of sweetness and extra vitamins from pumpkin and spinach. Tip for skeptical young eaters: maybe wait to mention the pumpkin until after they’ve devoured their bowl 😉

2) Wine Pick: The 2022 Unsworth Pinot Noir from Cowichan Valley’s Unsworth Vineyards is made from Pinot Noir, the “Heartbreak grape,” known for being as temperamental (and high-maintenance) as raising kids, but totally worth it. Deep and vibrant, it delivers notes of dark cherry, dried strawberry, and a hint of spice. Perfect with turkey, family dinners, and those long days when bedtime can’t come soon enough. — Joey Sprout, LL’s Wine Consultant

3) Gratitude Chains: Looking for a little mindful moment with your kids? Try making a gratitude chain. It’s a sweet reminder of how much we have to be thankful for, and a lovely way to help kids reflect on the good in their lives. Download here. No printer? No problem. Just cut out paper strips and make your own!

4) Book Recommendation: My kids love How to Make Friends With a Ghost by Rebecca Green any time of year, but it feels especially perfect for October. It’s a funny, gentle story about caring for your own ghost, filled with cozy illustrations and just the right sprinkle of spooky charm.

Want to spread the good word about your business, a hire, or just want to say hi to 2,500 local Victoria families?

🎨 Birdhouse Creative Studio: In Langford’s bright art + play studio, kids of all ages explore, experiment, and express themselves (aka get artsy and messy). Birdhouse offers creative classes, open studio time, and birthday parties!

🌱 Park Lane Preschool: Led by an award-winning team, Park Lane blends nature school, early literacy, and social-emotional learning to nurture curious, confident little learners. Each day brings outdoor discovery, early reading, and friendship, all in a calm, caring environment near Royal Jubilee. Half + full day programs available. Email Kristin to book a tour: [email protected] 

Want to add an event? Use this link.

📅 Weekend Events

🕸️ Crafts From The Crypt Fair
Saturday, Oct 11 & Sunday, Oct 12
A spooky-cute market filled with handmade crafts, curiosities, and Halloween treasures! The Barn at Highland Pacific Golf Course. [Info]

🍎 Apple Fest at Ross Bay Villa
Saturday, Oct 11 | 12–3pm
Celebrate the season with heritage apples, fresh-pressed juice, and fall treats at this charming historic house event. [Info]

🏃‍♂️ Royal Victoria Marathon – Kids Run
Saturday, Oct 11 | Willows Beach Park
A fun, energetic dash for young runners as part of the Royal Victoria Marathon weekend. Every finisher gets a medal! [Info]

🎉 Royal Victoria Marathon
Sunday, Oct 12 | Downtown Victoria
The marathon and half may be sold out, but there’s still room to join the 8K, 5K, or Kids Run! Or just come to cheer. It's one of the city’s most inspiring events of the year! [Info]

🌳 Orchard Market at Junction Cidery
Sunday, Oct 12 | 11am–5pm
Shop local makers, sip cider, and enjoy live music and pizza among the apple trees at Junction’s fall market. [Info]

📅 Upcoming and Ongoing

🩺 First Aid for Caregivers: Baby Choking & CPR Rescue
Friday, Oct 17 | 9:30–11:30am
An approachable, hands-on class at Crystal Pool, for any caregiver to learn baby CPR and choking rescue. Bring your child (up to 18 months) and learn together. $15 [Register]

🎃 Historical Halloween Hunt at the Sidney Museum
Oct 1–31
Step back in time for a spooky scavenger hunt through the museum’s exhibits. Find hidden Halloween surprises and learn a little local history along the way. [Info]

🎃 Halloween Weekends at Bilston Creek Farm
Oct 18–19 & 25–26, 11am–5pm
Enjoy cozy, low-scare Halloween fun at Bilston Creek Farm in Metchosin! Hunt for the Golden Pumpkin, play games in the barn, and stop by the farm store for lavender treats and warm cider. Costumes encouraged! [Info]

🌽 Saanichton Corn Maze
Weekends in October
Wander through twisting trails, meet friendly farm animals, and take in the fall farm vibes. Great for families with kids of all ages. [Info]

🎃 Pumpkinfest at Galey Farms
Weekends in October
Pick a pumpkin, ride the train, explore the corn maze, and enjoy classic fall fun at one of Victoria’s favourite family traditions. [Info]

👻 Festival of Fear at Galey Farms
Evenings in October
For families with older kids and thrill-seekers. Explore haunted houses, spooky mazes, and eerie train rides after dark. [Info]

🕯️ Ghostly Walks – Halloween Tour
Oct 1–Nov 2
Join Victoria’s famous storytellers for chilling tales of ghosts, murders, and mysteries on this popular guided walking tour. [Info]

🐴 Haunted Halloween with Tally-Ho Carriage Tours
October
Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage downtown for a spooky (and family-friendly) storytelling ride through Victoria’s haunted history. [Info]

🎻 Kids Concert: What Do YOU Play?
Saturday, Oct 18 | 3–5pm
An interactive symphony experience at the Farquhar at UVic where kids meet the instruments, move to the music, and discover their own rhythm. [Info]

🎃 Spooky at the Station
October 18 & 19 | 4–8pm
Langford Station is getting a spooky makeover! Bring the family for two nights of Halloween fun with live music, local vendors, trick-or-treating, games, and plenty of festive photo ops. [Info]

🎃 Lohbrunner Pumpkin Fest
Every Sat & Sun in October | 10am–4pm
Pick the perfect pumpkin, wander the patch, enjoy hay bales and photo ops, and take in the autumn scenery at Lohbrunner Farm. [Info]

🐙 A-Scare-ium of the Salish Sea
Saturday, Oct 25 | 5:30–8:30pm
Dress up and trick-or-treat under the sea at Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea! Enjoy glowing displays, underwater jack-o-lanterns, and spooky (but not too scary) fun while supporting local causes. [Info]

⛸️ Halloween Skate
Thursday, Oct 30 | 4-5pm
Dress up and hit the ice at Archie Browning Sports Centre. Enjoy a frightfully fun family skate with music, costumes, and prizes! [Info]

👽 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert
Nov 1–2
Experience the magic of E.T. on the big screen at the Royal Theatre with live orchestral accompaniment by the Victoria Symphony. [Info]

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.