Things to Do This Labour Day Weekend in Victoria
Friday, September 1 – Monday, September 4, 2023
Labour Day long weekend events & activities including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, exhibitions and more.
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
SAANICH FAIR
Come join Western Canada’s Oldest Continuous Agricultural Fair ~ The 155th Saanich Fair on Labour Day Weekend! Nothing beats the Saanich Fair so we hope you’ll turnip for this year’s event – it will be spectacular!! Details
September 2-4, 2023
Saanich Fair, 1528 Stellys Cross Rd, Saanichton
All day ride wristband presales $35, available until the day before opening
Samson’s 113th Birthday!
Samson the Steam Train is turning 109. When you’ve been around as long as Samson ‘the friendliest steam engine’ has, your birthday party can’t just be one day. That’s why there are 3 days of celebrating at the BC Forest Discovery Centre. Join the party and enjoy Birthday Cake and singing “Happy Birthday to Samson” at 1 pm each day. Sign the giant birthday card, make crafts, eat cotton candy and take a ride to celebrate 109 years of Sampson the Steam Train. And if you’re hungry, the concession is open for lunch or a snack. Details
September 2 – 4, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
BC Forest Discovery Centre, 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan
Adults $10, Seniors (65 & older)/Youth (18 years & under) $8, Children (2 & under) & 100 yrs and over FREE
Malahat SkyWalk
Located 30 minutes from Victoria, just north of the Malahat Summit, Malahat SkyWalk, the newest and first of its kind attraction in British Columbia is now open.
Malahat SkyWalk is an elevated wooden walkway, 600 m high rising 20 m through an arbutus and Douglas fir forest. Visitors to the location ascend a circular ramp gently rising to the top of a 10-storey, architecturally inspiring spiral tower lookout into the natural landscape and vistas of the Cowichan Valley and Finlayson Arm.
Daily | Gate Admission 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Malahat SkyWalk, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
$36.95 (adult 18+), $32.95 (senior 65+), $22.95 (child aged 6-17)
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Victoria
Victoria offers a wide variety of sites, restaurants, and incredible activities to enjoy. Indulge in outdoor activities or indoor fun, with the guarantee that no matter what you choose – there is something for every child to delight in. Details
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Nanaimo
This family-friendly city, located on Vancouver Island is home to more than 200 parks, a variety of interesting historic sites, and many fun activities meant just for kids. Details
Family Getaways in BC
The dynamic landscape of beautiful British Columbia makes it the perfect spot for the perfect family trip. Whether your family enjoys exploring the mountain ranges, big cities or beachfront destinations, BC has something for every family, young and old. Build memories exploring the numerous west coast destinations that BC has to offer. Details
II. Live Music
Nautical Disaster
Nautical Disaster was formed in 2018 by frontman Ryan LeBlanc, after hearing enough people at karaoke nights tell him to start his own Tragically Hip tribute act. With vocals set, finding the musicians wasn’t tough. Rodney VanSpengen (Drums) and Alan Davies (Guitar) have been with the project since the beginning, with Harry Somers (Bass/Vocals) joining about 8 months in and Steve Brown (Guitar/Vocals) joining about 1.5 years in.
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Malahat SkyWalk – Tower Plaza, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
FREE for annual passholders & included with admission. Admission: $36.95 (adult 18+), $32.95 (senior 65+), $22.95 (child aged 6-17)
Vibrate Victoria: Multi Room Party!
Vibrate is back again with a multi-room party at Hermann’s Upstairs. We’re having a good old fashioned fam-jam featuring all your favorite locals. We expect this to be a busy weekend so advance tickets are highly recommended. Details
Friday, September 1, 2023 | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$20 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome
Whiskey River: End of Summer Country Night
Whiskey River plays old-school country music. One of Vancouver Islands favourite country bands, Whiskey River brings together top-notch musicianship and an appreciation of the Golden Country hits. Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Alan Jackson, Dwight Yokham and many more. Bring your boots and hat and be ready to two-step all night long. Details
Saturday, September 2 2023 | 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$20 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome
Blues Jam Hosted by the Deb Rhymer Blues Band
The Deb Rhymer Band is a Victoria British Columbia Canada favourite. The Deb Rhymer Band features Kelly Fawcett on guitar, Phil Albert on bass, Andy Graffiti on drums and Deb Rhymer on vocals. Deb and the band have played all the various clubs and pubs in the Victoria music scene as well as a number of blues events and festivals. Details
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$5 jammers free
Colwood Music in the Park
Colwood hosts Music in the Park performances on Friday evenings from 6 to 8 pm throughout the summer to bring neighbours together to enjoy live, outdoor music and food while spending time together outdoors in some of our community’s lovely local parks.
The Men in Black will be performing the songs of Johnny Cash, come out and sing/dance along to the tunes you know and love
Greek n’ Go will be serving up authentic, traditional Greek street food.
Friday, September 1, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Colwood Creek Park, Sunridge Valley Drive
Free
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Victoria Fringe Festival
The 2023 Victoria Fringe will feature local, national and international artists again this summer as the Fringe returns for 11 days of indie theatre at 5 traditional venues and 4 unconventional venues across the city.There will be live events and shows, including the Fringe Eve Preview and FringeKids Fest and a nightly Fringe Cabaret bringing post-show vibes and pop-up programming throughout the festival. Details
August 23 – September 3, 2023
Various locations, Victoria
Free and ticketed; 5-show Fringe Munch Card $65, 10-show Frequent Fringer $115
IMAX MOVIES
Watch Imax Movies. Details
Open Daily
IMAX Victoria 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
$5.40 to $11.95
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Tour de Rock
Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock 2023, driven by Applewood Auto Group is an exciting annual event where law enforcement and emergency services personnel cycle 14 days and 1200 km across Vancouver Island raising money for childhood cancer research and support services at the Canadian Cancer Society.
Enjoy coastal cocktails from our Island friends at Straight and Narrow, all drink proceeds donated to Tour de Rock. Along with live music performances from the Island’s very own Jaimey Hamilton on July 22nd and Nautical Disaster on September 2nd. Be sure not to miss our exciting local food vendors as well: Softys, dairy-free soft serve, and Bicycle Pizza.
$2 from every Malahat SkyWalk ticket purchased will be donated to Tour de Rock. Details
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Malahat SkyWalk – Tower Plaza, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
FREE for annual passholders & included with admission. Admission: $36.95 (adult 18+), $32.95 (senior 65+), $22.95 (child aged 6-17)
Victoria Classic Boat Festival
Join us on the docks to view up to 100 classic boats, visit the docks, cheer on your favourite boats in the races, and take part in one of our many activities! Details
September 1 – 3, 2023
Docks, Inner Harbour, Victoria
By Donation, suggested $5
Sacred Journey: Travelling Exhibit
An ancient tradition nearly lost to history, Sacred Journey tells the story of the repression and resurgence of ocean-going canoes and their vital link to the Indigenous Peoples of the Pacific Northwest.
This traveling exhibit shares First Nations and Native American Tribes stories of their healing journey, as told by leaders in today’s canoe resurgence. Sacred Journey combines art, immersive audio, video displays, and interactive experiences for a breathtaking showcase of the strength and determination of First Nations culture. Details
Daily | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday & Saturday | closes at 10:00 PM
Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
Regular admission $16.95 – $29.95; Child (3-5) Free
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Snapshots of the Saanich Peninsula
Snapshots of the Saanich Peninsula aims to bring together the many perspectives and stories of the region, and showcase them in a community-collaborated photo gallery. Between January – March, Sidney Museum invited photographers interested in having their work be a part of this exhibit to submit photos that highlight the diversity and beauty of the region. This is the first in what we hope to be many similar photography exhibits, and the intent is to provide a venue for local Sidney and Saanich Peninsula photographers to showcase their work, to celebrate the beauty and diversity of life, people, and work on the Peninsula. Details
Daily, until September 1, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney
By Donation
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Government House Public Tours
Join us for a look inside BC’s Government House, the residence of the Lieutenant Governor and the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. Details
September 2 – 4, 2023 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Government House, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria
Free
Vintage Retro Collectible Show/Sale
This major event is a great mix of collectibles; everything from pre and post war jewelry, gold and silver coins, and paper collectibles like stamps and postcards. Toys: dinky cars,, meccano, mechanical and everything from stuffed to Star Wars! Tableware, paintings, and an amazing assortment of wonderful books. Kitchen chic, decor ideas and things to inspire. Details
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney
$5.00 (cash at the door); Children (under 12) free when accompanied by an adult.
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
Parks and pathways, Provincial parks, and conservation reserves are open for people to enjoy some time with nature.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
- Must-Visit Nature Attractions & Parks in Victoria
- Outdoor Activities & Adventures in Victoria
- Outdoor Adventures in Vancouver Island
- Outdoor Adventures in Southern Gulf Islands
Visit the Butchart Gardens
Come, wander, breathe deeply at the Butchart Gardens. Wednesday – Saturday nights from June 30 to September 2, you can take in a live performance from our outdoor stage on the Concert Lawn. Nestled amidst lush trees, the stage is the heart of The Gardens in summer, playing host to a variety of talented performers. Details
Monday – Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday – Sunday | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
September 1 | Two Bobs & A Mule | 8:00 PM
September 2 | Backbeat | 8:00 PM (Fireworks cancelled)
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Adult $39.50, Youth $19.75, Child (5-12) $3.00, including tax
Victoria Harbour Ferry Water Ballet
When the harbour ferries were originally brought to Victoria in 1990, the skippers were amazed at their maneuverability. Taking inspiration from the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride, they set out to test their abilities by creating a synchronized performance. With no passengers on board, the captains were able to push the their little boats to the limit, making them twirl around the water in and out of beautifully choreographed sequences. Details
April 8 – September 4, 2023 | 10:45 AM
September 2 – 4, 2023
Inner Harbour (best viewing in front of Steamship Terminal)
Free
Salmon Tales: How Fishing shaped BC
Salmon Tales takes a dive into the history of how the people of BC have fished from traps to nets to lures. It features stories of those who changed the way we fish as well as those who have dedicated their lives to the thrill of the catch.
Join us at the Maritime Museum of BC to explore how our relationship with salmon has evolved and what we can do to protect it into the future. Details
April 6, 2023 – October 28, 2023
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, 744 Douglas Street, Victoria
Adult – $10.00, Senior/Student – $8.00, Youth (12-17) – $5.00, Child (under 12) – Free
Go Glamping
There is a new phenomenon out there that appeals to those who want a wilderness getaway, but don’t want to sacrifice the usual comforts of a hotel or their own home, like a bed, comfortable mattress, electricity, or running water and flushing toilets. It’s called ‘glamping’ and there is no better place to see if this sometimes luxurious method of camping is for you. Details
Go on Scenic Drives
British Columbia has some of the most scenic vistas in the entire country. With a mixture of ocean, mountains, valleys, lakes, vineyards, waterfalls, orchards and farmland, the highways and byways of the province will take you past some amazing views. A road trip through the province will allow you to experience a little bit of everything. Details
Public & Farmers’ Markets
- James Bay Market: Saturdays, through October 7, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Corner of Menzies and Superior, 494 Superior St, Victoria
- Sooke Country Market: Saturdays, through October 7, 2023 | 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM @ Grass Field above Sooke Fire Hall
- Moss Street Farmers Market: Saturdays, May through October | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM @ Sir James Douglas school grounds, surrounding boulevards and Porter Park
- Peninsula Country Market: Saturdays, October 7, 2023 | 9 AM to 01:00 PM @ Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road, Saanichton
- Goldstream Farmer’s Market: Saturdays | 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM @ Veterans Memorial Park, Langford
- Victoria Public Market at the Hudson: Mondays – Saturdays, 11 AM – 6 PM & Sundays, 11 AM – 5 PM @ 6-1701 Douglas Street, Victoria
- Esquimalt Farmers Market: Thursdays, April 1 – September 14, 2023 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM @ Memorial Park
Weekend Getaways
- Girls Weekend Getaways. Details
- Cheap Weekend Getaways for Couples. Details
- Wilderness & Off the Grid Getaways. Details
- Yoga Retreats & Getaways. Details
- Must-Visit Nature Parks. Details
Explore Cowichan
For those unfamiliar, Cowichan is a district located in beautiful British Columbia’s southern Vancouver Island. Cowichan, when translated from First Nations Coast Salish, means ‘Quw’utsun’ or ‘land warmed by the sun!’ The name is upheld by the expansive options of fun outdoor activities, heightened by the warmed months of the summer. Details
Go Fishing
You can cast a line and reel in that big catch at BC Provincial Parks. Do obey any fishing location restrictions in the park.
First Steps: Chinese Canadian Journeys in Victoria + Gold Mountain Dream!
A new temporary exhibition that highlights important starting points for Chinese Canadians in Victoria. Examples of intergenerational resilience and agency are shared through stories of community support, entrepreneurship, and personal accomplishment. Details
Thursday to Monday, until September 25, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
10 – 14 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria
Admission by donation
VI. Food Events, Nightlife, and Other Activities
Le Burger Week
Throughout the week, burger aficionados everywhere are called upon to indulge in their city’s LBW burgers and vote for their favourite one! Details
September 1 to 14, 2023
Participating Restaurants
Varies with restaurants
Tea at the Empress
Enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea prepared by a dedicated culinary team. The menus showcase lavender from our rooftop garden, honey from our hives and fresh, local produce, while our carefully selected loose-leaf teas are ethically sourced from top tea suppliers across the world. Details
Daily | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street, Victoria
$95 per person
Exploring Point Ellice House Museum
Learn about the history of Point Ellice House and Victoria in the early 1900s! Enjoy Looking a charming day out that combines history, culture, and breathtaking sea views. Details
Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens, 2616 Pleasant St., Victoria
$0 – $35
Afternoon Tea at The Pendray Tea House
What could be more quintessentially British than Afternoon Tea? By the late 19th century, the concept of an afternoon break with tea and snacks had evolved beyond a simple light meal into a cultural phenomenon, with members of Victorian high society donning their finest to take part in the ritual of socializing over tea and refreshments. The Pendray Tea House offers a choice of delicious teas with an array of different flavours. Details
Monday – Thursday | 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday – Sunday | 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Pendray Tea House, 309 Belleville Street, Victoria
$24 – $68
Beach Food weekends with music Saturdays
Head to the beach in Colwood for eats from your favourite local food trucks in the fresh air by the ocean. Wander by the waves, beach comb, bird watch, paddle or just lounge on the sand in the sunshine.
Rock of Ages will be playing rock hits from the 60s onwards, get ready for some dancing! Details
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Lagoon Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Colwood
Free event, food for purchase
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.