Victoria 
Things to Do This Labour Day Weekend in Victoria
Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7, 2026
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 158th Saanich Fair on Labour Day Weekend! Nothing beats the Saanich Fair, so we hope you’ll turn up for this year’s event – it will be spectacular!! Details
September 5 – 7, 2026
Saanich Fair, 1528 Stellys Cross Rd, Saanichton
$18 per adult, $ 12 for youth (7-13), $13.05 for seniors, kids free
Saanichton Sunflower Festival
Come walk through an array of sunflowers with your family, friends, or come alone. Details
August 14 – September 13, 2026
Ocean View Estates, 7979 Central Saanich Rd, Saanichton
$9.50 – $12.50
STEAMED UP
The BC Forest Discovery Centre will STEAM UP their restored #1 SHAY Locomotive for the last days of summer. The Labour Day weekend will be the last 3 days of steam before the first Halloween Train leaves the station November 27th. The Green Hornet gas train will run until the end of the season on September 20th. Details
September 5 – 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
BC Forest Discovery Centre, 2892 Drinkwater Rd, Duncan
Adults $20, Seniors (65 & older)/Youth (13 – 18) $18, Children (3 – 12 years) $14, Children (2 & under) FREE
Malahat SkyWalk
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
$49.95 (adult 18+), $45.95 (senior 65+), $35.95 (Youth 6 -17), Free (child aged 0-5)
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
Colwood Music in the Park
Don’t miss Colwood Music in the Park performances on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30pm this summer! We’re working to bring community members together to enjoy live music and dancing with fresh local food at some of the most beautiful parks and beaches on the Island. Details
Last Night in Vegas | Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Herm Williams Park, 646 Kelly Rd, Victoria
Free
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Victoria Fringe Festival
This year’s festival takes over the city with Fringe venues from James Bay to Oak Bay and across downtown. We are also reflecting on 40 years of the Victoria Fringe, and will be sharing stories and pieces from the archives in our 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! Details
August 26 – September 6, 2026
Various locations, Victoria
Free and ticketed; Fringe Buttons are required to see a show, $5 each.
IMAX MOVIES
Watch Imax Movies. Details
Open Daily
IMAX Victoria 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Tiny Worlds, Tall Trees: A Woodland Charm Pop-Up
Join The Woodland Charm this September 6 and 20 for a creative pop-up workshop inspired by the small wonders of the forest — moss, texture, natural materials, tiny details, and the kind of imagination that turns a simple vessel into a miniature world.
Guests are invited to drop in and create their own tiny landscape using a mix of living moss, preserved moss, polymer clay miniatures, natural elements, and decorative supplies. Each piece becomes a personal keepsake, shaped by your visit above the trees. Details
September 6 & 20, 2026
Malahat SkyWalk – Tower Plaza, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
$18; Workshop fee is in addition to regular admission or annual membership
Victoria Classic Boat Festival
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is proud to host the annual Victoria Classic Boat Festival, a celebration of maritime heritage in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
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. Details
September 4 – 6, 2026
Docks, Inner Harbour, Victoria
Admission to the docks is by donation–we suggest $5 per person to directly support the continuation of the Classic Boat Festival, and the year-round programs, exhibits, collections care, and operations of the Maritime Museum of BC.
Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life
Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life is an immersive exhibition exploring ancient Egyptian rituals, beliefs and artistry. Visitors are invited to move through intimate, atmospheric spaces that recreate a journey through death, rebirth and the afterlife. See striking embellished coffins, powerful grave goods, jewelry, and everyday objects intended to accompany souls into eternity. Details
On until January 3, 2027
Daily | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
Regular admission
Sidney Street Market
Come out to see the Museum’s booth where we will have historical objects to touch, a small themed display, information about exhibits and events at the Museum, and out ever-popular button maker! Details
Thursday, June 4 – September 10, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney
By Donation
Four Friends Having Fun
Lois Kissinger, Karen Wilk, Shirley Sarens and Linda Butcher are the FOUR FRIENDS HAVING FUN. As well as displaying our art and hand crafted creations, we also “set up shop” for the week, bring our paints and canvases and demonstrate our process for our visitors. We work in a variety of mediums… acrylic, mixed media, watercolour and oil, and usually manage to create several finished paintings by the end of the week for all to. Details
September 4-10, 2026
ArtSea Gallery, 9565 Fifth St, Sidney
Free
Exploring Point Ellice House Museum
Learn about the history of Point Ellice House and Victoria in the early 1900s! Enjoy a charming day out that combines history, culture, and breathtaking sea views. Details
Thursday to Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Point Ellice House Museum & Gardens, 2616 Pleasant St., Victoria
Regular Admission by Donation
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 5 & 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM
Government House, 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria
Free
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 July to August 30, 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
Friday, September 4 | Allen Dobb | 7:30 PM
Saturday, Septemebr 5 | 5:45 PM Backbeat; Fireworks at 8:45 PM
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Adult $44.25, Youth $22.13, Child (5-12) $5.00, 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
May to September 2026 | 10:45 AM
September 5 – 7, 2026
Inner Harbour (best viewing in front of Steamship Terminal)
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 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Corner of Menzies and Superior, 494 Superior St, Victoria
- Sooke Country Market: Saturdays, through mid-October 2026 | 10:00 AM to 2:00 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, until October 10, 2026 | 9 AM to 1:00 PM @ Saanich Fairground, 1528 Stelly’s Cross Road, Saanichton
- Goldstream Farmer’s Market: Saturdays | 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM @ Veterans Memorial Park, Langford
- Esquimalt Farmers Market: Thursdays, April 2 to September 4, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM @ Memorial Park; Mondays, June 15 to September 7, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM @ Gorge 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.
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 7, 2026
Participating Restaurants
Varies with restaurants
Tea at the Empress
A grand tradition for over a century, the world-renowned Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual of afternoon tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Reinvigorated in our timeless, sophisticated Lobby Lounge, Tea at the Empress will continue this quintessentially Victoria experience. Details
Monday – Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday – Sunday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street, Victoria
$114 – $170 per person; Children’s Royal; Tea $70
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
Daily | 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Pendray Tea House, 309 Belleville Street, Victoria
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