PUMPKIN SMASHES AND WALKS
Spooky Pumpkin Walk at Pineridge Park. The Friends of Sooke Parks Society, with support from the District of Sooke, is inviting the community to a special evening of autumn fun at the annual Spooky Pumpkin Walk at Pineridge Park! Mark your calendars for Friday, Nov. 1, 5-7:30 p.m., and bring your carved pumpkins to light up the trails for one final spooky celebration.
Pumpkin Smash Bash. Bring your decorated pumpkins to be dropped from 100 feet in collaboration with the Saanich Fire Department and the Saanich Fire Charitable Foundation. Saturday, Nov. 2, 12-2 p.m. at Tillicum Centre upper level parking lot near Old Navy. More at eventbrite.ca
Colwood pumpkin smash. A community event at Colwood City Hall. The event is part of a wildlife education initiative to reduce human-wildlife conflict. The city is asking residents to bring their pumpkins to the event instead of leaving them on the road, as the smell of pumpkins attracts wildlife. Saturday, Nov. 2, 12-2 p.m. at 3300 Wishart Rd.More information at colwood.ca
Charity pumpkin smash hosted by Westshore Town Centre and the Langford Fire Rescue. Bring a cash donation to watch your pumpkin get dropped from a fire engine to be mashed, bashed and smashed to smithereens. All proceeds benefit the B.C. Burn Fund. Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Cineplex parking lot at Westshore Town Centre. For more information, go to westshoretowncentre.com.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ON OCT. 31
Halloween celebration in Metchosin with the largest bonfire on the West Shore. Event starts at at 6:30 p.m., with a haunted hall and a costume contest at 7:30. Free glow sticks for everyone, plus hot dogs, coffee and juice. No fireworks this year. 4440 Happy Valley Road.
Central Saanich bonfire. The Halloween tradition continues as the community gathers at Centennial Park for a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display, honoring Forrest Owens. The bonfire will start at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks starting at approximately 8 p.m. Central Saanich Lions Club will be selling hot dogs, hot chocolate and popcorn by donation. More information at centralsaanich.ca.
Spooktacular displays in downtown Sidney, Oct. 15-31 featuring a jack-o'-lantern display of lights and pumpkins at Garden Court, 2360 Beacon Ave., and Pumpkins on the Pier at Sidney Fishing Pier at the end of Bevan Ave. Full details at exploresidney.ca
10th Annual Treat Street. Downtown Sidney will be closed to traffic on Halloween and invites little ghosts, goblins, and princesses to enjoy a family trick-or-treat event! Visit various Treat Stations around Sidney and some of the local merchants. It’s free fun for the whole family, Thursday, Oct. 31, 4:30-6 p.m. Full details at exploresidney.ca
Central Saanich Halloween Bonfire. Come by Centennial Park, 2805 Carlow Rd. for a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display, honoring AC Forrest Owens. The bonfire will start at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks starting at approximately 8 p.m. Central Saanich Lions Club will be selling hot dogs, hot chocolate and popcorn by donation. Details at centralsaanich.ca
Trick or Treat on the Avenue. Halloween celebrants of all ages are in for an afternoon of fun in Oak Bay from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. Featuring live music, treats, games and a costume photo booth, pet costumes, fire hose target shooting and lots more. Participating businesses will display a pumpkin poster in their window so trick or treaters know where to stop. Oak Bay Village from Foul Bay Road to Monterey Avenue. More details at visitoakbayvillage.ca
Spooky Woodland Walk leads young children through an enchanted woodland, full of pumpkins and critters, to Monterey Recreation Centre. Once inside, enjoy a family friendly, easy dinner, activities, and washrooms. Kids can even enter to win a free Family Drop-In admission to Oak Bay Recreation. Thursday, Oct. 31, 3-5:30 p.m. at Monterey Recreation Centre, the Oak Bay Avenue entrance. More at oakbay.ca.
Esquimalt Halloween Spooktacular. Family-friendly activities will run 5-9 p.m. including an outdoor movie, bouncy castle, and trick-or-treating with the firefighters. The Esquimalt Lion’s will also have their concession open for hot dogs and hot chocolate. Thursday, Oct. 31, at the Esquimalt Firehall, located behind the Archie Browning Sports Centre.
Treat Street at Langford Station, presented by the City of Langford and Langford Fire Rescue. This free family trick-or-treat experience is the place to be on Oct. 31. Enjoy free treats, hot dogs, hot chocolate, and more at this safe and fun evening. Non-food treats will also be available. Don’t forget to bring a donation for the Goldstream Foodbank! More at langford.ca.
Halloween Bonfire at Colwood Fire Hall. Don’t miss the annual Halloween Bonfire hosted by the Colwood Volunteer Firefighters Association! Bring all the little ghosts and goblins to enjoy hot dogs, juice boxes, treats and fun by the firelight on Halloween night. Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8:30 p.m. at Colwood Fire Hall, 3215 Metchosin Rd. colwood.ca
Community Halloween Party and Haunted Maze. Free and family friendly! There will be food, music, dancing, games, community interaction, spooky decorations, and a haunted maze. Thursday, Oct. 31, 12-4 p.m. at Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St.
Witches Nite in Halloween Market. Expect a night full of witchy wonders — spooktacular market, psychic readings, a photo booth, mocktail potions, swag bags for the first 30 lucky souls, and glitter tattoos and treats for the little goblins! Witchy and other costume attire a must! Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-10 p.m. at the Metchosin Community Hall, 4401 William Head Rd. Free admission with secret password ‘BOO’! More info at creativelyunited.org
TICKETED EVENTS ON OCT. 31
Haunted Manor Mini Golf and Ping Pong Lounge is an immersive and interactive twist on the game of mini-golf. You’ll putt your way through an 18-hole course set in a haunted manor with a ghoulish story to tell. General admission $24.95, 15 and under $17.95. Daily to Nov. 3, visit hauntedmanorvictoria.com.
Horse-Drawn Haunted Halloween Tours. Experience the dark and twisted past of Victoria’s most infamous haunted buildings and hear spine-tingling tales of their resident ghosts with a professional guide, well versed in Victoria’s rich underbelly of history and hauntings. Oct. 1-31 from the corner of Belleville and Menzies streets. $275 per carriage. Book at tallyhotours.com.
Ghostly Walks tours weave together Victoria’s ghosts and the stories behind them, bringing the dark history of the city to life. It’s guaranteed to be spell-binding, entertaining, memorable, and — most of all — spine-tingling! Join for an hour of hauntingly good ghost stories and grippingly gruesome tales of true crime. Tickets range from $12 to $22, depending on age. Oct. 1 to Nov. 2, bookings at discoverthepast.com.
Halloween and Fall fun at Galey Farms. Starts Saturday, Oct. 5 and ends Thursday, Oct. 31 at Galey Farms, 4150 Blenkinsop Rd. For details, times and ticket prices, go to galeyfarms.ca.
• Carnevil is a PG-13 haunted house experience, featuring over 6,000 square feet of terrifying thrills. Known as one of Victoria’s largest and most intense haunted houses, Carnevil delivers spine-chilling scares designed for older teens and adults. With elaborate sets, eerie lighting, and unexpected frights around every corner, this attraction is not for the faint of heart.
• Festival of Fear is a signature event with two main venues, Corn Maze of Horror featuring a Haunted House for kids in the Old West Town, and the Crazy Train. Family friendly fun by day, but gets much spookier at night.
• Pumpkinfest is a great time for the whole family! Featuring hay rides to the pumpkin patch, u-pick pumpkins, train rides, corn maze, Old West Town, children’s haunted house, and fantastic seasonal displays! Take lots of pictures for lasting memories of fantastic fun for everyone.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show showing at the Vic Theatre is a 1975 cult classic that has turned into a living-breathing fan-participating extravaganza. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. at the Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St. For ages 19+. Details and tickets at victoriafilmfestival.com
Curiosities of Craigdarroch - The After Hours Tour. A unique opportunity to delve into the darker stories surrounding the Dunsmuir family and their experiences during the Victorian era. Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 30 and 31, 4 p.m. at Craigdarroch Castle. Tickets at Eventbrite.
OTHER FREE EVENTS
Trunk Or Treat! An annual family-friendly (non-spooky) event with decorated trunks, candy, crafts, and a hot dog. Saturday, Oct. 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Colwood Church, 2250 Sooke Rd. Free.
The Sidney Museum Historical Halloween Hunt features 16 jack-o'-lantern pictures, each representing a different Halloween tradition, hidden around the museum. Find all 16 and learn about the history of Halloween! Oct. 1-31 at Sidney Museum, 2324 Beacon Ave. Admission by donation. More at sidneymuseum.ca.
Spooky at the Station Market. This spine-chilling event promises a haunting mix of vendors offering unique, magical, and spooky items perfect for the Halloween season. Free outdoor market with over 30 spooky vendors, food trucks, kids’ station, face painting and more. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20 at 720 Langord Ave. More at langford.ca
10th Annual Wicked Victoria. From Yates to Broughton street, Government Street will be crawling with spooky crafts, creepy and creative costume contests (including one for pets), tantalizing live tunes, and kooky local vendors! Wicked Victoria intends to bring together our wonderful community and celebrate the season of harvest and Hallow’s Eve. Sunday, Oct. 27, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. More details at gvfs.ca
Carr House 4th annual Howl-oween Pet Parade. Register your dressed-up pet for the chance to win the costume contest! Prizes, provided by sponsor James Bay Vet Clinic, will be given to first and second place. Get creative with costumes, create at our craft table, and mingle with other cute animals and fellow pet owners. Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m at Carr House, 207 Government St. Pets and their owners must be checked in at least 10 minutes prior to the event start time, check in will open at 12:15 p.m. Free. Register at carrhouse.org
4th Annual Trunk or Treat Halloween Car Show presented by M2 Graphix and Light Em’Up TV. Join us for a spooky afternoon car meet filled with trick-or-treat fun featuring cool cars, music and food vendors and with with special guests the Superheroes of Victoria! Sunday, Oct. 27, 12-3 p.m. at 1047 Langford Parkway. All leftover candy donated to Jeneece Place.
Esquimalt Halloween Skate. Join us for a spooky everyone-welcome skate. Kids in full costume get in for free. Sunday, Oct. 27, 4-5 p.m. at Archie Browning Sports Centre, 1152 Esquimalt Rd.
OTHER TICKETED EVENTS
Spooky Nights staring Diego Money and illChris. Join us for an all ages spooky Halloween concert with live performances and HipHop dance. Friday, Oct. 18, at White Eagle Polish Hall, 90 Dock St. Tickets” $20 at eventbrite.ca
Halloween at Bilston Creek Farm. Halloween will be in full swing over two weekends with pumpkin decorating and a treasure hunt, Golden Pumpkin Hunt, a pumpkin patch for photos, fire pits with s’mores, pizza, Country Crepes food truck and fun games and activities for the family. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20 and 26-27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at 4185 Metchosin Rd. General Admission to the farm is free. Pumpkin decorating and treasure hunt is $15 per child. Costumes encouraged! For details and sign-up, go to bilston.ca
Bites & Frights Ghostly Foodie Tour. This exclusive two-hour walking tour blends spine-chilling ghost stories with delicious local food, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to thrill both haunted enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Sunday, Oct. 20, 3-5 p.m. Details and tickets at bitesandfrightstour.eventbrite.ca.
Halloween Haunt at the British Columbia Aviation Museum. Take part in a museum-wide scavenger hunt for treats while leaning about British Columbia’s and Canada’s aviation history and collect a prize at the end. Take a tour and walk through our haunted Vickers Viscount, a vintage passenger aircraft with a fully restored interior. In the afternoon, learn about the principles of flight with an afternoon craft in the Norseman Room. Friday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the B.C. Aviation Museum, 1910 Norseman Rd., North Saanich. Details at bcam.net
A Haunted Candlelit Evening of Halloween Classics. Discover the best horror movie soundtracks at St. Ann’s Academy and Auditorium National Historic Site, under the gentle glow of candlelight. Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. at 835 Humboldt St.Tickets at feverup.com
Halloween Market YYJ. An annual Halloween market showcasing handmade vendors from the spooky ot the sweet. Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Da Vinci Centre, 195 Bay St. Details and list of vendors at halloweenmarketyyj.com
Museum Tots Spooky Sea Halloween at the Maritime Museum of B.C., Saturday, Oct. 26, 10:30-11:15 a.m. This weekly program introduces children ages three to five to the fun world of museum learning. Each week’s program revolves around a new theme, encouraging children to learn through crafts, play, song, and dance. No registration required–drop-ins welcome! For more information, call 250-385-4222 or email [email protected]. Included with admission or membership.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: Silent film with organist David Briggs. Gothic Cathedral hosts spooky silent film featuring organist-improviser extraordinaire David Briggs pulling out all the stops for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Saturday, Oct, 26, 7.30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave. Tickets $10/$25.More information at christchurchcathedral.bc.ca/events.
Lost in the Woods Halloween Show and Party, an immersive and terrifying dance spectacle and costume party. Featuring performers, dancing with music spun by DJ Marlon, a photo booth, games, a draglesque experience, incredible food and more. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Victoria Convention Centre, 713 Douglas St. Details and tickets at eventbrite.ca.
Halloween Skate at Panorama Recreation Centre. Celebrate spooky season by wearing your costume on ice. Goblins, ghouls and witches all welcome at this Halloween-themed leisure skate intended for all ages. Saturday, Oct. 26, 12-1:20 p.m. Regular admission rates apply. Skates are available for rent. Helmets available free of charge. Skating aids available upon request.
Halloween Dance. Get ready for a spooktacular night filled with music by Copper Canyon Band, dancing, and fun. Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and compete in our costume contest for a chance to win some awesome prizes — it will be a wickedly good time! Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m. at St Michael & All Angels Anglican Church, 2858 Mill St., Chemainus.
