Happy November, Greater Victoria!
Expected a quiet post-Halloween week? Not even close! We've packed 23 events into this edition—and yes, Christmas is already creeping onto the calendar for those early planners and holiday enthusiasts.
This week's Family Fun picks have everything: the perfect cure for Blue Jays heartbreak, an incredible guided experience at the Goldstream salmon run, and free creative Sunday fun with the kids. In News Bites, we're tackling the giant nine-foot tires washing up on our shores and answering a burning question: where DO those adorable Beacon Hill Park animals go when winter arrives?
Grab your second (or third) cup of coffee and let's dive in! ☕
Festivals, Arts, and Cultural Experiences
Langford: Pacific Edge Chorus – Calling All Women Who Love To Sing! Nov 4 (Tue) @ 935 Goldstream Ave 6:30-9:30pm
View Royal: Bingo! Nov 5 (Wed) @Strawberry Vale Community Club, 11 High St 7-10pm
North Saanich: Free Drop-In Chess Nov 5 (Wed) @Panorama Rec, 1885 Forest Park Dr 6:30-8:30pm
Sidney: Wise Whales Pub Quiz at Beacon Brewing Nov 4 (Tue) @9829 Third St 6-8pm
+ O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy Nov 6 (Thur) @The Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave
+ First Chance Christmas Craft Fair Nov 8-9 (Sat/Sun) @The Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave 10am
+ A Concert of Remembrance and a Tribute to Canada Nov 9 (Sun) @The Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave 2pm
Oak Bay: Story Pole: Indigenous Veterans and the Tallest Totem in the World Nov 6 (Thur) @Windsor Park Pavilion, 2451 Windsor Rd 7pm
+ Concert of Remembrance 2025 Nov 8 (Sat) @Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd 7:30-9pm
Sooke: Kelp Mural Project: Making Visible the Invisible Nov 8 (Sat) @6218 Sooke Rd 9am-12pm
Saanich: 46th Annual Creative Craft Fairs Nov 7-9 (Fri-Sun) @Pearkes Rec Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd 11am-4pm
Victoria: 80s Dance Party Victoria! Nov 7 (Fri) @Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates St. 8pm-2am
+ Burning Mom Until Nov 23 A one-woman show about taking a big bite out of life @Belfry Theatre 1291 Gladstone Ave
Markets
Metchosin: Yuletide Market Series Nov 7-9 (Thur-Sat) @Bilston Creek Farm, 4185 Metchosin Rd
Esquimalt: Esquimalt Farmers Market Nov 6 (Thur) @Esquimalt Recreational Centre 4:30-7pm
+ Nomad Holiday Market Nov 9 (Sun) @The Songhees Wellness Centre, 1100 Admirals Rd 10am-4pm
Victoria: Moss Street Market Nov 8 (Sat) @Sir James Douglas School, 1330 Fairfield Rd 10am-1pm
Saanich: Winter Craft Market Nov 8 (Sat) @675 Jolly Place 10am-4pm
+ 38th Calico Christmas Market Nov 8-9 (Sat/Sun) @957 Burnside Rd 10am-5pm
+ Orchard Market Nov 9 (Sun) @Junction Cidery 273 Prospect Lake Rd 11am-5pm
Family Fun: Our Top 3 Picks
Three unique family experiences we're excited about this week:
🐟 Experience the Goldstream Salmon Run (FREE!)
Join Discover Parks Ambassadors for amazing, guided programs every Sat & Sun 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (30 mins each – reserve your spot here). Learn about responsible salmon viewing, salmon biology and ecology, local plants and wildlife, and park recreational opportunities. Meet at the Goldstream Day-Use Area by the picnic shelter – look for Ambassadors in bright green or orange!
🏒 Cheer on Your Home Team at Victoria Royals Hockey
Still recovering from that heartbreaking Blue Jays Game 7 loss on Saturday? Time to flip the switch to hockey! Catch the Victoria Royals take on the Kelowna Rockets this weekend. Experience the excitement of live local junior hockey with your family. Choose the Saturday afternoon game for a relaxed family outing, or if your kids are a bit older go for Friday night's exciting atmosphere!
🎨 Create Magic at Family FUNdays (FREE!)
Drop in for storytelling, dress-up, hands-on crafts, and lots of imagination at Kaleidoscope Arts Centre (613 Pandora Avenue)! These free Sunday morning events feature rotating special guests like storytellers, artists, and musicians. Open to children and families of all ages.
News Bites
🛞 Giant Tires Invade Vancouver Island Shores!
Massive industrial tires nearly nine feet tall keep washing ashore near Campbell River, frustrating locals trying to stop the invasion. Just days after volunteers removed three, eleven more appeared. Each tire weighs around four tonnes and comes packed with Styrofoam that breaks into tiny pieces potentially harmful to salmon, fish, and birds. Nearly 30 volunteers recently hauled away 430 kilograms of water-logged Styrofoam, but removing the tires requires heavy equipment, torches to cut them apart, and possibly helicopters. The next cleanup could cost around $30,000—funds that would otherwise support other conservation projects. This is one Tim Horton's “Roll Up the Rim” nobody ordered!
🐐 Where Do the Beacon Hill Park Farm Animals Go When Winter Comes?
Spoiler alert: Absolutely nowhere – they're staying put and living their best cozy lives!
When the gates close for winter, the beloved farm animals settle in for the colder months with year-round care from dedicated staff (yes, even on Christmas!). Heat pumps keep the aviary and guinea pigs toasty, while pigs snuggle under heat lamps with extra bedding. Elderly donkeys sport stylish winter blankets, and both donkeys and alpacas enjoy warm heated mash.
The hardy goats? They grow thick winter coats and cuddle together in their barn. Every animal gets fresh unfrozen water, plenty of food, and safe shelter. Want to help keep them warm and well-fed? Donations are always welcome at the farm's website! ❤️
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