Things to Do This Labour Day Weekend in Victoria
Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1, 2025
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
2025 Saanich Fair
Come join Western Canada’s Oldest Continuous Agricultural Fair ~ The 157th 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
August 30 – September 1, 2025
Saanich Fair, 1528 Stellys Cross Rd, Saanichton
$16 per adult, $ 11 for youth and seniors, kids free
Labour Day – #1 Shay 1st Anniversary
Come celebrate Labour Day weekend at BC Forest Discovery Centre. There will also be blacksmithing demonstrations at the centre on Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm. Details
August 30, 31 & September 1, 2025 | 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
$46.95 (adult 18+), $40.95 (senior 65+), $27.95 (Child/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
Pablo Cardenas presents Portraits of Cuba
World-class Cuban pianist Pablo Cardenas presents a show featuring a repertoire that includes classical compositions from the best Cuban composers of all time, alongside emblematic songs that represent a crucial part of the island’s musical patrimony, which his outstanding guest vocalists will sing. All music is arranged under Pablo’s musical vision, where he uses a mix of styles, like Afro-Cuban jazz, fusion, and other influences. Details
Friday, August 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$30 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome
Bach in Love at Goward House
Put the finishing touches on your summer by celebrating with us on the Labour Day weekend for an intimate garden concert at Goward House featuring soprano Jennifer Turner singing the music of J.S. Bach and Henry Purcell.
In a concert featuring soprano, Jennifer Turner, you will hear love songs from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena and from Purcell’s theatrical music; arias from Bach’s beloved Wedding Cantata, and colourful instrumental music from Bach’s violin and gamba sonatas. Details
Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 2:30 PM
Goward House Lawns, 2495 Arbutus Road, Victoria
$25 Adults; $5 Child 7-12 with Adult
The Clay Pigeons: the music of John Prine + more
Based out of Victoria, BC, The Clay Pigeons bring a fresh approach to some of the greatest songs written by the greatest American songwriters….John Prine, Iris Dement, Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley, Willie Nelson and others. The Clay Pigeons was first conceived by Rachelle Reath, Aaron Watson and Kelly Fawcett, members of the popular Tom Waits tribute, The Beautiful Maladies and features Victoria bass master, Joey Smith and mandolin virtuoso Brad Shipley from Gabriola Island. Expect to hear beautiful songs, big vocal harmonies and stellar instrumental arrangements from 5 of the coasts most celebrated musicians. Details
Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hermann’s Jazz Club, 753 View Street, Victoria
$30 plus fees/tax, walk-ins welcome
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
FreezeFrame | Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Meadow Park, Latoria Boulevard at Dunlin Street, Colwood
Free
Summer Skywalk Music
Come out to Malahat SkyWalk every Sunday, starting June 30th, and enjoy live music, local brews, handmade pizza, dairy-free soft serve, and breathtaking views. It’s family-friendly so bring the whole crew to your new summertime happy place. Details
August 30 – 31, 2025 | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Malahat SkyWalk – Tower Plaza, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
FREE for annual passholders & included with admission. Admission: $27 – $47
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Outstanding!
An ambitious, show-stopping trio sweats under the spotlight as their dreams come into conflict with reality. This riveting romp will take you through a theatrical journey of everything you’ve ever wanted to see onstage… In the form of an itemized list. Details
August 22 – 24, 30 – 31, 2025
Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street, Victoria
Advance price: Student/Senior $13 + fee, Regular $16 + fees
Victoria Fringe Festival
The 2025 Victoria Fringe will feature local, national and international artists again this summer as the Fringe returns for 12 days of indie theatre. Whether this is your first time Fringe-ing or your 30th, we are glad you’re joining us for 12 days of madcap fun this summer. Details
August 20-31, 2025
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
$7 to $17
IV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Fridays at the Station: Common Ground Festival
Hosted by Ansah Company and proudly sponsored by the City of Langford Common Ground Festival is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
Join us for an evening of incredible live music, delicious food, refreshing local beer, and a vibrant outdoor market featuring talented small-business owners and artisans from a range of diverse identities and lived experiences. Details
Friday, August 29, 2025 | 4:00 PM – Dusk
720 Station Avenue, Langford
Free community event
The Raptors
This is your chance to get up close and personal with some of British Columbia’s most majestic birds of prey. Marvel at the beauty of eagles, owls, and hawks as you learn about the over 30 species of birds of prey that call BC home. Our partnership with The Raptors offers an unforgettable experience perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone visiting Vancouver Island. Details
Wednesday – Sunday, June 14 – August 31, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Malahat SkyWalk – Interpretative Pull Out, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
FREE for annual passholders & included with admission. Admission: $27 – $47
SkyWalk Salmon & Bannock BBQ
We’re firing up the grill at the Tower Plaza for a West Coast feast that’s part of the full SkyWalk experience.
Enjoy 4 oz of locally caught salmon, flame-grilled to tender, smoky perfection. It comes with warm, fluffy bannock slathered in fragrant herb butter. On the side, creamy coleslaw bursting with crisp freshness, deluxe potato salad with a touch of tang, sweet and smoky BBQ corn on the cob, and a bright lemon wedge to lift it all.
Start your day with That Bubble Guy filling the plaza with magical bubbles and meet live birds of prey from The Raptors. The BBQ is served from 11:00am to 3:00pm. After lunch, stick around for live music in the trees from the Summer SkyWalk Music Series and soak in the views, the sounds, and the feeling of summer on the island. Details
Saturday – Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Malahat SkyWalk – Tower Plaza, 901 Trans-Canada Hwy, Malahat
FREE for annual passholders & included with admission. Admission: $27 – $47; BBQ: $28 per plate at The Canteen
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
August 29 – 31, 2025
Docks, Inner Harbour, Victoria
By Donation, suggested $5
Carillon Recital
Join Provincial Carillonneur, Rosemary Laing, for a live recital. Music will feature songs written for the carillon, Canadian folk tunes and popular songs.
The Netherlands Centennial Carillon can be heard throughout the inner harbour, but the best place to enjoy the recital is from a bench in the Native Plant Garden or another area of the precinct around the Royal BC Museum. Details
Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Carillon Tower – Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
Free with admission; Regular admission $8.48 – $29.95; Child (3-5) Free
Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz
Step into a fascinating world of colour and discover how India’s vibrant cottons inspired global fashion trends, transforming everything from t-shirts to floral prints, with Global Threads: The Art and Fashion of Indian Chintz. Featuring 80 objects spanning 10 centuries and 4 continents, this original Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) exhibition showcases India’s painted and printed cottons, revealing their enduring impact on art, science and fashion while uncovering their complicated history of labour and consumption. Details
March 28 - September 28, 2025
Daily | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street, Victoria
Regular admission $8.48 – $29.95; Child (3-5) Free
Health in Space
Explore the health challenges faced by astronauts in space!
Health in Space demystifies the health challenges — such as variable gravity, radiation, and isolation — that astronauts face while living and working in space. Through authentic artifacts and interactive activities, this exhibition will enable you to better understand Canada’s role in advancing health research. Discoveries in this field will be essential for the success of future deep-space expeditions, and may also help solve medical challenges on Earth. Details
Daily, May 5 – November 30, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney
By Donation
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, August 28, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave, Sidney
By Donation
Four Friends Having Fun
It’s hard to believe! It is the 10th Year that Karen Wilk, Shirley Sarens, Linda Butcher and Lois Kissinger are setting up their art studios at the Art Sea Gallery in Sidney, spending the week having fun painting together, exhibiting their original artwork and art cards, welcoming guests and filling the gallery with chatter and laughter. Stop in to see what they are working on, enjoy celebration fun and prizes, and enter a free draw for one of 4 original paintings. Details
August 29 – September 4, 2025
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 Looking 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
August 30 & September 1, 2025 | 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, August 29 | John Gogo with Duke & Coldie | 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 30 | 5:45 PM Backbeat; Fireworks at 8:45 PM
Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Adult $42.75, Youth $21.38, 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 2025 | 10:45 AM
August 30 – 31 & September 1, 2025
Inner Harbour (best viewing in front of Steamship Terminal)
Free
Travelling the Alberni Inlet
The west coast of Vancouver Island is a remarkable place – a place deeply connected to life on the water.
Until recently, the only way to access many of the communities along the Alberni Inlet was by sea. The vessels that carried goods, people, and mail up the Alberni Inlet were considered a lifeline for those who lived in the isolated communities along the way. While many vessels operated in the area, some names stand out in the memories of the inhabitants of the west coast.
Visit us at the Maritime Museum of BC this summer to learn more about these beloved vessels. Details
June 6–November 2, 2025
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
Sail Past and Sail Race
Watch classic vessels leave the Inner Harbour!
Head to the Ogden Point Causeway, Clover Point, or Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf for the best view of the traditional Sail Past, and the Sail Race for sailing vessels. Details
August 31, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Barb’s Fish and Chips at Fisherman’s Wharf
Free
ReLove Night Market
Come hang with us Thursday nights from 5-10pm and enjoy the best curated selection of vintage and secondhand alongside delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music under the stars.. Details
June 26 – September 25, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Fort Common, 1017 Blanshard St, Victoria
Free
Anchors Away Activities: Artefact Interpretation
Join us at the Anchors Aweigh Activities by Ship Point gate all weekend long for fun drop-in activities for all ages run by the Maritime Museum of BC!
View and handle artefacts from the Maritime Museum of BC education collection, and learn about Trekka (1955) and other heritage vessels from our volunteer interpreters. Details
August 29, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Wharf Street, Victoria
Regular admission
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 4, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ Corner of Menzies and Superior, 494 Superior St, Victoria
- Sooke Country Market: Saturdays, through mid-October 2025 | 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 11, 2025 | 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 3 – August 28, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM @ Memorial Park; Mondays, June 16 – September 1, 2025 | 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.
Victoria in the Time of Exclusion
This exhibition examines what happened to the Chinese, particularly those living in Victoria during the dismal exclusion years (1923-1947), through surviving C.I. certificates from Victoria families.
It also was the only time in Canadian history that one group was barred from entry based solely on their country of origin. Victoria family stories are featured as part of the exhibition, alongside the stories of bachelors and C.I.s of many other individuals. Details
Wednesday to Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
10 – 14 Fan Tan Alley, Victoria
$10 – $15
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, 2025
Participating Restaurants
Varies with restaurants
Cowichan Valley Wine Festival
Discover the magic of Cowichan Valley this summer with our month-long wine festival, an unforgettable journey through our premier wine region.
From August 1 to 31, indulge your senses and explore the exquisite offerings of 11 renowned wineries, each with its own unique charm and exceptional wines. Details
August 1 – 31, 2025
Cowichan Valley
Passport $50
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
Daily | 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Fairmont Empress, 721 Government Street, Victoria
$109 – $157 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
$25 – $69
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.