Each month Used.ca proudly supports local community events here on Vancouver Island. Pumpkin spice is everywhere which means Fall is just around the corner and with it, comes plenty of exciting local events to check out this September!
1.) Great Canadian Beer Festival – September 8-9
2.) Esquimalt Ribfest – September 8-10
3.) Saanich Fair – September 2-4
4.) Rock, Raffle and Roll for Healthcare! – Now until October 11
5.) Greek Fest 2023 – August 25-27 & September 1-4
6.) Fringe Fest 2023 – August 24 – September 4
7.) Belfry Theatre presents Yaga – September 12 – October 8
8.) Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 10
9.) Our Place Hungry Hearts Gala – September 9
10.) Rifflandia 2023 – September 7-9 & September 15-17
11.) The Drop Zone Victoria– September 19
12.) BC SPCA Offleashed Gala – September 23
13.) Camosun Chargers Golf Tournament – September 22
14.) Relove Market – September 9-10
15.) Capital Bike Fall Go By Bike Week – October 16-21
16.) Vintage, Retro and Collectibles Show – September 3
17.) Esquimalt Farmer’s Market – Now until September 14
18.) Ride to Refuge – September 23
19.) United Way Southern Vancouver Island Campaign Kick-off – September 14
20.) Mind Body Spirit Expo – September 16-17
21.) Victoria Symphony presents Star Trek, Star Wars and Beyond – September 23-24
22.) Ultimate Toy Fair – September 23-24
23.) Passion and Performance Haunted Mansion Halloween Show – October 28
Great Canadian Beer Festival – September 8-9
The countdown is on for the return of the Great Canadian Beer Festival!🇨🇦 Join us at Royal Athletic Park on September 8th and 9th, to celebrate the 29th edition of Canada’s oldest beer festival. Try out brews from coast to coast with 50 BC breweries on site and 14 breweries represented from across the country. Enjoy live entertainment, fun games and obstacle courses, food from your fav local vendors, and of course, delicious craft beer. Tickets start at only $25! Grab yours now at GCBF.com.
Esquimalt Ribfest – September 8-10
The Esquimalt Firefighters Charitable Foundation in conjunction with the Esquimalt Ribfest Society and seven local non-profit groups have raised over $1.0M for local charities during the past 10 years at the Esquimalt Ribfest. This would not have happened without the generous contributions of the sponsors or the tremendous support from the thousands of Ribfest patrons.
The organizing committee is excited to host the 11th annual event on September 8th, 9th and 10th at Bullen Park in Esquimalt and they look forward to having an even greater impact on charities in the community. The six big-rig BBQ companies along with 8 local craft brewers are ready to go. They will be joined by over 20 other charitable and commercial vendors for this three day event. There are 20 local bands committed for the entertainment along with Fleetwood Magic from Vancouver on Friday Night and Juno Award Winner Jack Semple and the Horn Dogs on Saturday Night. Admission is free or by donation to the Esquimalt Fire Fighters’ Charitable Foundation and we look forward to seeing everyone at Ribfest.
Saanich Fair – September 2-4
Come and Plant your Roots at the Fair – it has bean awhile.
The focus of this years’ 154th Saanich Fair is Vegetables.
Lettuce have fun again this Labour Day Weekend.
This year is our 154th Saanich Fair. It all began in 1868 when our pioneer forefathers had this wonderful idea to keep agriculture the focus for the next generations. We have missed two fairs, one in 1920 and again in 2020, pandemics can be blamed for both of these missed fairs.
Plant your gardens – Sew some seeds- We encourage everyone to enter the bounties of their gardens in this years’154th Saanich Fair. Details here.
Rock, Raffle and Roll for Healthcare – Now until October 11
Rock, Raffle & Roll for Healthcare! Win this autographed Fender American Professional II Stratocaster guitar!
Big names from the Los Angeles music industry lend their names to help raise funds for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Iconic musicians, guitarists Danny Kortchmar, Waddy Wachtel and Steve Postell, drummer Russ Kunkel, and bassist Leland Sklar have played for Hall-of-Fame artists (James Taylor, Keith Richards, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Stevie Nicks and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young) and now make up the “supergroup”, The Immediate Family. They have autographed this guitar to raffle off and raise funds for the Saanich Peninsula Hospital & Healthcare Foundation (SPHHF).
Funds raised will be used to help purchase much needed equipment for Saanich Peninsula Hospital’s Emergency Department, Operating Room and throughout the hospital. The proceeds will help to provide care teams with the most up to date equipment and technological advancements, ensuring the highest levels of care and best possible outcomes for everyone on the peninsula and surrounding area.
Tickets are $25 each or 5 tickets for $100 and can be purchased through the SPHHF website www.sphf.ca until 4:30 pm on October 11, 2023. The draw will be held on Wednesday, October 11th at 4:45 pm
Greek Fest 2023 – August 25-27 & September 1-4
Greek Fest 2023 – 22nd Annual Get ready to experience the flavors and culture of Greece at the 23rd Annual Greek Fest! This event will take place on August 25th – 27th and September 1st – 4th, from 11:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. daily at the Greek Community Centre located at 4648 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, BC, right beside Commonwealth Place.
The festival offers a diverse selection of authentic Greek appetizers, mains, desserts, baked goods, and refreshing beverages. Highlights include the traditional roasted lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, loukoumades, and more. Additionally, the event is licensed, and they have partnered with Hoyne Brewery and Arterra Wines as beverage sponsors.
Admission to Greek Fest is free for both dine-in guests and those ordering takeout and pickup online. It’s a family-friendly event, so everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the festivities.
Victoria Fringe Festival – August 24 – September 4
Dance, comedy, drama, spoken word, kids programming, or late-night cabarets, choose your own flavour this summer at the Fringe! 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. We are excited to be back with 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.
Belfry Theatre presents Yaga – September 12 – October 8
Yaga opens at the Belfry Theatre
A gruesome murder in a small town. A female sheriff, a cocky young detective, and a university professor with a taste for younger men. Multiple suspects, secret lives, and ancient magic.
The Belfry production is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Indigenous and Ukrainian artists—a celebration of two unique worlds and cultures. The Slavic folktale of the supernatural Baba Yaga is the launching pad for a clever and witty exploration of female power in its many forms.
Yaga starts September 12 through to October 8 at the Belfry Theatre. The Belfry offers Pay-What-You-Want tickets for every performance.
Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 10
Since 2010, the Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live has brought thousands of riders from across the Island together to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
The 13th Annual Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live on September 10, 2023 at Enrico Winery in Mill Bay is a time to celebrate survivors, families, loved ones and remember those we’ve lost.
Consider making a donation when you register for this event. Your gift means Island Prostate Centre can provide navigation support, exercise programs, and counselling services to meet the growing need in our community.
Even a small donation can make a powerful difference. Your donation stays right here on Vancouver Island to benefit your family, friends and neighbours.
Visit www.islandprostatecentre.com/ridetolive for more information.
Our Place Hungry Hearts Gala – September 9
Our Place and PwC present the Hungry Hearts culinary gala, Best of the Region auctions and Hungry Hearts broadcast on CHEK. Get involved in Our Place’s campaign to raise money to feed those struggling in our community.
Get great auction items, watch an entertaining half hour on CHEK (September 2 at 6pm), get tickets to Victoria’s favourite culinary gala.
Rifflandia 2023 – September 7-9 & September 15-17
Rifflandia Festival returns bigger than ever, with two flagship venues over two weekends and six days of programming this September. Headliners include Iggy Pop, Diplo, Chris Lake, Run The Jewels, Herbie Hancock, Paris Hilton, Salt-N-Pepa, Stephen Marley, Marc Rebillet, Mavis Staples, Chet Faker, KALEO, Chromeo, and so many more!
After a four-year hiatus, last year’s festival drew some of the biggest audiences Rifflandia has ever seen, to experience an undeniably elevated event and lineup. This year’s festival will continue down this same track, with a full six days of programming, now over two weekends.
“We are extremely excited to present our most high-profile and eclectic collection of artists to date! Two weekends will allow both of our flagship event sites to grow into the best versions of themselves, offering two distinct festival experiences under the Rifflandia Festival umbrella! September Forever and Ever!” – Nick Blasko – President & CEO.
The Drop Zone Victoria – September 19
On Tuesday, September 19th, Victoria will become a city of Superheroes
Be one of over 50 people who will rappel 13 stories down the Manulife Building. All to help raise funds for children and families with disabilities.
Register as an individual, create a team or take the Drop Zone challenge with your friends, family or colleagues.
It’s an incredible experience you don’t want to miss out on! Plus, you’ll have bragging rights for a year, maybe choose to wear a Superhero costume, take in the gorgeous views and of course, make a difference!
Register for Drop Zone 2023 and become our next Superhero at DropZoneBC.ca!
BC SPCA Offleashed Gala – September 23
Offleashed celebrates the joy of animals in our lives, champion the programs that serve people and their animals in our area, and support the BC SPCA’s lifesaving work. Featuring the cutest Cuddle Lounge full of sweet animal ambassadors, the most thoughtfully curated silent and live auction items, along with delicious food and drinks, and most importantly you, our caring guests. This year’s Offleashed Gala will make a significant and meaningful impact in the lives of people and animals in need. Purchase tickets here.
Camosun College Golf Tournament – September 22
Camosun College Athletics is excited to host the second annual Camosun Chargers Golf Tournament on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the beautiful Highland Pacific Golf Course. The tournament is a 9-hole shotgun beginning at 4pm (registration open at 3pm), best-ball format, followed by a catered dinner/social. The course will be riddled with mini-games and samplers from local vendors/businesses. Tickets range from $70 (dinner/social only) to $150 for golf and dinner/social. This is the largest fundraiser for the Camosun Chargers Athletics and part of our strong commitment to support high-performance student-athletes. See you on the links!
Relove Market – September 9-10
The ReLove Market is an empowering fashion community dedicated to the pursuit of personal expression balanced with environmental sustainability. We bring local curators and fashion enthusiasts together in a welcoming, inspiring and creative in-person forum to share ideas and textiles! Join us for the finest in secondhand & vintage clothing and local live music September 9 & 10 from 12-6:30pm at Market Square, 560 Johnson St. And don’t forget your reusable shopper for all your fabulous finds. Be sure to tag your snaps from the day with @therelovemarket & #relovegeneration
Capital Bike Fall Go By Bike Week – October 16-21
Go By Bike Week is a 100% FREE tri-annual event encouraging everyone to try cycling! Cycling is proven to improve happiness and productivity, as well as both mental and physical health! With gas prices on the rise, there is no better time to leave the car at home. Not to mention, it’s super fun!
Visit Celebration Stations from October 16th – 21st and keep logging your rides until the 29th for your chance to win from hundreds of amazing prizes!
Register at GoByBikeBC.ca! If you’ve registered before, just log back in! More info: CapitalBike.ca/gobybikeweek/
Vintage, Retro and Collectibles Show/Sale – September 3
Not quite ready to crawl through sheds, barns and outhouses? Then come to the Vintage, Retro and Collectible Show /Sale, Sidney: Sunday, Sept 3. You are sure to discover treasure that is unique and different!
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.
We are seeing fabulous 50’s vintage clothes, bags, shoes and collectibles; furniture and art, lamps and ornaments. Exotic Thai and Japanese pieces and more local First Nations collectibles. Come and experience the show at the Mary Winspear Centre, Beacon Ave, Sidney. 9:30 am – 4 pm . Cash Entrance $5 . Earlybirds: 8:30 am $20. An excellent place to scope out with your family and friends! More Info?
Esquimalt Farmer’s Market – now until September 14
The award winning Esquimalt Farmers Market is back for its second season in Gorge Park! Starting June 19th, join us every Monday from 4:30-7:30pm, at 1070 Tillicum Rd.
Every market date features fresh seasonal farm produce, a wide selection of prepared foods and drinks, quality goods produced by local artisans, ready-to-eat meals from a variety of food trucks and twice-nightly live musical performances plus sweeping views of the Gorge Waterway.
Can’t make Mondays? No problem! Find us every Thursday evening in our original location in Memorial Park, at 1200 Esquimalt Rd.
Visit our website at www.esquimaltmarket.com for the weekly vendor list and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates!
Ride to Refuge – September 23
Sanctuary Youth Centre provides a safe and supportive environment for Victoria’s street entrenched or at risk youth. Operating five days a week, our drop-in program gives youth access to showers, meals, groceries, mentorship and activities. Each month over 170 individual youth (between the ages of 14 and 22) access Sanctuary’s space.
Join Sanctuary Youth Centre on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 and cycle or walk for drop-in and mental health programs, with an emphasis on wellness and healthy living.
Your help means teenagers find hope at a critical stage in their young lives; it means positive choices, pathways to detox, healthy relationships, stronger communities and safer streets. Register here.
United Way Southern Vancouver Island Campaign Kick-off – September 14
Join us for United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s annual campaign kick-off! We’re unveiling our fundraising goal at this exciting free event open to all. Come for the local food trucks, live music, cultural performances, and a raffle. Munch on free popcorn and complete the Community Quest for a chance to win awesome local prizes. Be one of the first 200 people to donate at least $20 and receive a $5 food voucher to the food trucks. Whether you’re a donor, a workplace supporter, or just curious—don’t miss this!
Location: 1 Centennial Sq, Victoria, BC.Date: 14th September 2023
Mind Body Spirit Expo – September 16-17
The Mind Body and Spirit Expo, which was once held at the legion in Langford, is back by popular demand at the new Scottish cultural centre in View Royal on the West Shore. The event will take place on September 16th from 10:30 am to 5 pm and on September 17th from 11 am to 4 pm. $5.00 at the door. Don’t forget to enter to win the door prize!
The expo features a variety of exhibitors and speakers who offer something for everyone. You can browse through the stalls and find products and services that meet your needs, such as crystals, aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, psychic readings, and more. You can also attend free or low-cost sessions and learn from experts in different fields, such as astrology, numerology, energy healing, hypnosis, and more. Additionally, you can network with like-minded individuals and make new friends.
Don’t miss the Nomad Mind Body Spirit Expo, an exciting and educational event that will motivate you to achieve a more harmonious and satisfying life. It’s a chance to explore yourself and the world, so come and be inspired!
Victoria Symphony presents Star Trek, Star Wars and Beyond – September 23-24
Saturday, September 23rd, 7:30pm/ Sunday, September 24th, 2:30pm
Royal Theatre
805 Broughton St, Victoria, BC, V8W 1E5
Sean O’Loughlin, conductor
Journey to a galaxy far, far away and go where no one has gone before. The music of Star Wars and Star Trek transports us to literally another world and lets us live out the adventures of our wildest imaginations. Legendary composers like John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, and Michael Giacchino create the soundtrack to an evening that’s out of this world!
Tickets starting at $29.00 – Purchase tickets online https://www.rmts.bc.ca/production-detail-pages/2023-royal-theatre/star-trek-star-wars-and-beyond/ or Call the Victoria Symphony Box Office at 250.385.6515
Ultimate Toy Fair – September 23-24
Victoria’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair, September 23 & 24 at Pearkes Arena. Loads of action figures, vintage toys, models, trains, comics, Barbie, dolls, bears, LEGO, video games, Star Wars, GI Joe, Transformers, diecast cars, Hot Wheels, Funkos, vinyl records and more!
Passion and Performance Haunted Mansion Halloween Show – October 28
This Halloween Passion and Performance Arts Inc. is bringing you into our Haunted Mansion, an immersive horror experience. Join us on October 28th at the Crystal Garden for this terrifying event.
Passion and Performance’s annual themed parties are one of our most sought after events in Victoria, and the Halloween adaptation is even more popular. With our last Halloween event almost selling out, this is sure to be in high demand, get your tickets early so you’re not left without!
We hope you get out there and enjoy some of these local events this month! If you’d like Used.ca to sponsor your upcoming local event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.
