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United Way Greater Victoria Climb Up – September 23-October 2

Are you UP for the challenge?

Hike, run or walk your way through United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s 10-day challenge September 23 to October 2 and help raise funds for individuals facing mental health challenges in your community.

Safely connect with family, friends and co-workers while exploring neighbourhoods you live, work and play in, knowing you’re making a difference locally.

Your participation will go towards providing counselling, peer support and outreach services on Southern Vancouver Island. COVID-19 has increased the demand for mental health services by up to 50% and the need will continue to grow as we live through this pandemic and its aftermath. 

Together, we can help heal hearts and minds, one step at a time. Show your local love. Register today. ClimbUP for United Way – United Way Southern Vancouver Island (uwsvi.ca)

MS Bike – September 18

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. When you register, fundraise, and ride in the MS Bike you are taking meaningful action in supporting people living with MS.  You join thousands of cyclists across the country who are helping raise funds to invest in research and services that are fundamental to changing lives.

Go the distance and make a difference, from anywhere for a world free of MS. Join the virtual rally with the MS Bike community from across the country on September 18, or by participating in your own MS Bike event on any date you choose. 

For more information visit msbike.

Phone:778-402-3038| sheron.chrysler@mssociety.ca 

Greek Fest Victoria – August 27-29 & September 3-6

Join us from August 27th to 29th and September 3rd to 6th for our annual Greek Fest at 4648 Elk Lake Drive (in front of Commonwealth Place)! We are happy to announce that the new covid regulations have made it possible for the festival to happen in person, with some additional health and safety modifications. Food will be both dine-in and take-out. Online ordering for take-out orders will open 2 days before the event, with a priority pickup line. To go to the take-out site, click here. We have put together a comprehensive health and safety plan to keep guests safe, including an event capacity, social distancing measures, and sanitization stations. Masks are encouraged but not mandatory. To view all the health and safety protocols, please click here.

Church tours will be at 2:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. daily. The museum will be open from 11:30-8:00 P.M. daily. Check here for more info.

We are so excited to host the Victoria and Vancouver Island community once again!

Bay Centre and Used.ca Fall Clothing Swap – September 25-26

Our Clothing Swap is back!

Join the Bay Centre, Used.ca, and the Makehouse for our Clothing Swap on September 25th & 26th! Registered participants will leave with up to 10 new to you items, just in time for the fall season.

Clothing Swap appointments will be first-come, first-serve. Although you do not need to book an appointment to drop off clothes, you will need to be a registered participant in the Clothing Swap prior to donating clothes.

Stay tuned for updates for online registration opening in September 2021 here.

Saanich Fair – September 4-6

While this year’s Saanich Fair will be a scaled-back version of our traditional fair, we will still offer our guests the opportunity to celebrate our rich agricultural heritage through displays, demonstrations, 4H, food, music, and more. We are excited to welcome back visitors to the Fair, but we are also mindful that the COVID-19 virus is still active in British Columbia. We want to assure you that we have a communicable disease plan in place, developed in cooperation with Island Health and Workplace BC.

Here’s some of the favorite things the public has come to enjoy about the Saanich Fair:

1. First Class Entertainment (formerly West Coast Amusements) will be operating the midway from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM on Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5th, and from 9 AM to 6 PM on Monday, September 6
2. Although not all of their concessionaires are able to return this year, they have 14 concessions providing a great array of sumptuous fair food for fairgoers to enjoy. The main dining room located in the Main Hall will be running again this year (9AM – 7PM Sat/Sun, and 9 AM to 5 PM on Monday)
3. Rotary will be at the Fair providing fun fair games (fishing pond, ball toss, wheel of fortune, etc.)
4. The Direct Farm Market will be in full swing allowing fairgoers to purchase local farmers’ products that they have grown and/or produced. A great place to purchase local fruits and vegetables
5. Commercial Booth section with over 40 local vendors
6. Essential Workers Display, Antique Buggies, and Tractor Display in the West Ring
7. Kidz Zone from 9 AM – 6 PM on Saturday to Monday
8. Kids Farm Games from 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday, located next to the Sheep display
9. All your favorite farm animals: Goats, Chickens, Cows Horses, Pigs, Donkeys, Llamas, and Alpacas
10. Entries in the Main Hall: Flowers Vegetables, Preserved Foods, Honey and displays of Baking and First Nations Crafts
11. Entries in the Gallery Building: Photography, art, displays of Looking back in time
12. Entries in the RCMP Barn: Junior Section display of chickens and eggs
13. Heavy Horse Show, Mainstream Vaulters, and Dog Agility will be featured in the Wallace Ring
14. Light Horse Show will run all weekend in the Saanich Ring
15. The Entertainment Stage will be packed full of Local Talent from all over the city. Check out the webpage Saanichfair.ca for the listing of events on the Main stage.
16. Headliners this year will be Leeroy Stagger on Saturday from 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM and Quadra Sound on Sunday from 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
17. Buy BC Programme info on their website: Saanichfair.ca
18. Online Entries and ticket purchase: Saanichfair.ca
    

Esquimalt Ribfest – September 10-12

Planning is underway and we are a little behind, but we are optimistic that the 9th annual Esquimalt Ribfest will go ahead.

We have booked six ribber teams and twenty musical acts, and our local brewers are ready to go!

Rules now allow for outdoor seated gatherings 5,000 people or 50 per cent capacity, or whichever is greater. The B.C. government will re-evaluate restrictions after the Labour Day weekend.

An exciting new addition will be the Blue Buffalo Saloon a tent that can seat up to 100. It can be booked by companies, grad reunions or other groups.

Provincial health guidelines will be followed, with social distancing, hand washing and masks for unvaccinated people recommended, even though Ribfest is an outdoor event.

Greater Victoria Festival Society 7th Annual Wicked Victoria – October 24

We are hopeful and excited to bring back Wicked Victoria to our Wicked Community in 2021

THE GVFS wants to support our community in every way possible and will be launching Wicked Victoria festivities in 2021 (in whatever capacity possible) including bringing back our 2020 launch of “Wicked Week!” On Sunday, October 24 we will kick things off in a Wickedly Wonderful Way so STAY TUNED!

Our Place 8th Annual Hungry Hearts Gala – August 10 – September 18

We are pleased to announce the 8th annual Hungry Hearts gala fundraiser, presented by PwC on September 18, 2021. This high-profile food competition has raised an incredible $900,000 for Our Place over the past seven years and is considered Victoria’s favourite culinary fundraiser. We hope you will consider being a part of the 8th anniversary event. 

Land and Sea Restaurant Competition – August 10-September 7: We are looking for Victoria’s favourite halibut and mushroom dishes. Check back here to find the list of 16-20 participating restaurants. Find your favourites and then go to the Times Colonist contest page to vote.

Amazing Auctions: August 28-September ?: Bid on amazing items from businesses all across Greater Victoria and beyond. https://hibid.ca/events/hungry-hearts-2021

The Hungry Hearts Broadcast on CHEK Television and livestream – September 18: The one-hour livestream will be hosted by CHEK News Anchor Joe Perkins and will include:

1. A cooking demonstration from Executive Chefs Peter Zambri and Takashi Ito
2. A special band performance
3. Stories of strength and determination from people who have faced poverty and addiction
4. The awarding of this year’s Hungry Hearts champion based on the Land and Sea competition as well as some behind-the-scenes fun from our culinary judges.

Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour De Victoria – October 2

Ride Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria presented by Scotiabank.

If you haven’t heard, Victoria has become known as the Cycling Capital of Canada and the Tour de Victoria showcases the best of it! What sets the riding in Victoria apart from other cycling destinations is the scenery and variety of terrain.

Ride the Tour de Victoria and you’ll experience oceanfront riding alongside beaches and cliffs, rolling rural roads through vineyards and farmlands, challenging mountain roads through stunning coastal rainforests, and NO highway riding. Combine this with superb traffic control, ride support, a family-friendly finish festival; the Tour de Victoria is truly a world-class event! 

Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome!

Register Here!

Vancouver Island Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live – September 12

The Vancouver Island Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is happening on Sunday, September 12, 2021! Since 2010, the Ride to Live has brought thousands of riders from across the island together for one common purpose; to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer. Funds raised through this event support the important work of Island Prostate Centre (IPC), the only non-profit that guides and empowers Vancouver Island men and their families as they navigate the uncertainty of a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

The Westcoast Motorcycle Ride to Live is a time to celebrate survivors, families, loved ones and remember those we’ve lost. All funds raised stay on Vancouver Island to support men and their families dealing with Prostate Cancer. Despite the challenges we faced with COVID-19, last year’s virtual event was a huge success raising close to $42,000.  This year, we are back “LIVE” and have a goal of raising $50,000!

Toss the Boss – October 2 – WildPlay Nanaimo

Toss The Boss is a FUNdraising event that challenges teams to raise funds in support of the Victoria Brain Injury Society & the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society. To continue advocating and offering support to brain injury survivors and their families, we are offering you a one-of-a-kind opportunity to do something you have only ever dreamed about…

TOSS YOUR BOSS OFF A BRIDGE!

…With a bungee cable attached, of course!

We are asking local and corporate businesses of any kind to form a company team and nominate their boss for a bungee jump. Through our website, you can register your team including the boss nominee and any teammates wishing to participate in the fundraiser. The team must fundraise a minimum of $500 for the exciting opportunity to watch their boss bungee jump in this fun and unique team-building exercise.”

Esquimalt Farmers Market – April 1 – September 16

Esquimalt Farmers Market’s 7th season runs on Thursdays from April 1- September 16 from 430-730pm in The Township of Esquimalt’s Memorial Park at 1200 Esquimalt Road.  Join us in celebrating small businesses and supporting local food!

As we navigate through the COVID 19 Pandemic, understand that changes will likely happen often and abruptly. For this reason, it is best if you refer to our website regularly for updated information including times and locations.

As always, EFM is a pet-free market. Thank you for understanding.

As an essential food service, EFM is operating with the regularly updated guidelines as required by the PHO.

Please shop as a single person from your household whenever possible.

Please “shop don’t stop” and avoid touching things before purchase to help keep our Market’s Vendors and shoppers safe. 

Fibrations Festival – September 19

Join us for the 10th anniversary of Fibrations, an annual free event and community celebration of fibre artists! One beautiful day with workshops, more than 60 exhibitors, demonstrations for everyone, hands-on activities for kids, a toonie raffle, and a Felt-A-Thon with all funds raised going to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Whether you’re an enthusiast, a maker, a crafter, or just keen to learn more, make Fibrations 2021 your September bright spot – we can’t wait to see you there!

Victoria Fringe Fest – August 13 – September 24

The 2021 Victoria Fringe returns with live & online shows, plus free digital events from August 13 to September 24. There are 13 LIVE shows from local artists and 7 ONLINE shows from artists from Germany, Japan, and across Canada and the USA. Plus, free digital events are being hosted online. The website and tickets launch on Wednesday afternoon, so stay tuned to victoriafringe.com.

Oaklands Sunset Market – June 3 – September 1

This year is the largest market ever hosting up to 50 vendors during our market nights and 5 food vendors.  We are proud to be part of the food security coupon program FMNCP (Farmers Market National Coupon Program) and this year we have 25 families that we are supporting with over $200 each towards our market. 

The market kicks off at 430pm and runs through 830pm.  We also have one of the first (I have not seen nor heard of any others) Beer Gardens sponsored by Hoyne Brewing running from 430 – 730pm with some great offerings at just $5.25

Check out our market theme nights with July 7th – Christmas in July (Santa and Mrs. Claus) and a celebration of Pride;  July 14th Francophone Societe takes over on stage; July 21 Dog Days at the Market and much more! Performances weekly and Beer Gardens weekly! 

The 15th annual ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit – Virtual Conference – Oct 27-28

The VIEA Economic Summit is an annual gathering of business, community, and government leaders sharing ideas, asking questions, networking, learning about new initiatives, and exploring opportunities.

This will be a hybrid Summit so you can attend online and/or in-person at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. In-person networking is back and there will be virtual presentations for maximum flexibility for everyone participating. The Summit will adhere to all government-mandated safety protocols.

Both virtual and in-person registration options include four plenary presentations, twelve concurrent sessions on a wide range of themes important to the ongoing transformation of our Island economy. Watch for updates as we announce our 2021 lineup!. All Summit delegates receive a complimentary 7th annual State of the Island Economic Report.

Registration is open. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

It’s never been more important to connect. Be part of shaping the future of our Island economy.

Toonies for Tutoring 

The Victoria Literacy Connection invites book clubs to participate in their Toonies for Tutoring fundraiser, an easy way for book clubs to become literacy heroes. 

To participate, Book Club members donate a Toonie at every book club meeting; the Victoria Literacy Connection uses those funds to help provide literacy tutoring to a wide range of learners.  Reading challenges, “fines” for not reading the book, and silent auctions are just some of the fun ways book clubs can increase their donation.

Click on the link below to read more about the fundraiser and download a PDF. 

The Victoria Literacy Connection provides free literacy programs for children, youth, and adults all over Greater Victoria.  1 in 5 Greater Victoria adults need better literacy skills to fully participate in society. And many children need better literacy skills to keep up in school. 

https://www.victorialiteracyconnection.ca/toonies-for-tutoring-fundraiser/     

VPS Mentorship Program – https://victoriapridesociety.org/mentorship-program/

Get free 1-on-1 support to reach your full potential! The Victoria Pride Society Mentorship Program matches LGBTQ2S+ individuals seeking non-judgmental support with established members of the community. Starting a new career? Thinking of coming out? Need someone to talk to about sexual orientation or gender identity questions? Apply to be a mentee! Successful applicants will be matched with a mentor who can provide a safe space to ask questions and get advice. Victoria Pride Society mentors are an amazing group of talented, ambitious, independent, courageous, and diverse individuals striving to fulfill VPS’s vision in which “all people, through education, equality, and safety are empowered to lead full, authentic lives.”.

VPS Local Queer-Owned Business Directory – https://victoriapridesociety.org/resources/

Getting married? From officiants to photographers, we have you covered. Need your windows cleaned? Help is just a click away in Household Services. Is your puppy needing a spa day? Look under Pet Services for someone to pamper that pooch. From Health & Wellness to Entertainment & Culture, it’s all here in one spot. And if you’re a local LGBTQ2* business owner, and you want to be included in the VPS directory, all you have to do is complete your application here (https://victoriapridesociety.org/vps-business-directory-application/).  It’s free to list!

Victoria HarbourCats Baseball – WE WILL BE BACK!

Despite the cancellation of the 2020 and now 2021 seasons due to COVID-19, the Victoria HarbourCats are gearing up for what will be a celebratory season and a return to West Coast League baseball in 2022.  Season tickets, 10-game flex packs, gift cards, and merchandise are now on sale through the HarbourCats offices at 101-1814 Vancouver Street, or by calling 778-265-0327.  Merchandise, gift cards, and 10-game packs may also be purchased online through “The Cat Shop” at https://victoria-harbourcats-official.myshopify.com/.  

Try us again for the very first time! Help support the best summertime sports entertainment in the City and lock in your 2022 tickets today!  Offices open 10-5 Monday to Friday.   

Note: Thanks to all our fans who purchased 2020 and 2021 game tickets or flex-pack vouchers!  Please keep them in a safe place and we will happily exchange them for tickets or vouchers to any regular-season game in 2022 once the schedule has been released, likely in the fall of 2021.

For more information, follow the HarbourCats at www.harbourcats.com  or at our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/harbourcats.

Belfry Theatre Crush 2021 – October 18-24

Crush is returning to its online format in 2021. This carefully curated auction features a great selection of fine wine generously donated from the private collections of individuals and local restaurants. Whether you are an experienced oenophile or simply a lover of good wine, you will find a wonderful range of spectacular wines. Also on offer are lots from BC wineries including gift baskets and packages, dining, travel, and other unique experiences in every price bracket. The Belfry Theatre All proceeds benefit Victoria’s leading professional theatre company and its beautiful heritage venue in the heart of Fernwood. For more information please contact events@belfry.bc.ca or 250.385.6835.

Social Media for Non-Profits Summit – September 22

The Social Media for Non-Profits Summit on September 22 will teach you how to build trust and compassion, attract new donors and grow your community online. The Summit will garner the techniques industry professionals use to create impactful campaigns and communicate their stories effectively. It will also cover content strategy, storytelling, copywriting, user-generated content, branding and much more, all targeted for the charity sector.

The day will begin with one of Canada’s top 40 under 40 entrepreneurs Jess Tetu, who is not only a brilliant business person, but she is someone who has recognized from the beginning the importance of philanthropy. She is the Founder & CEO of 4seventyone Recovery Resources. We will hear how she connects her two passions to do good.

The Summit is a half day live virtual event. It also includes a library of pre-recorded sessions from a dozen speakers to watch at your own pace. All sessions will be recorded and available for viewing until September, 2022. A full list of speakers and their topics can be found at https://www.socialmediacamp.ca/social-for-nonprofit-organizations

Early bird tickets are $49 CAD (first 100 early bird tickets).

The Summit is proudly supported by Used.ca. 

Fall Go By Bike Week 2021 – September 27-October 3

Registration is now open for Fall Go By Bike Week! This annual event (formerly Bike to Work Week) welcomes anyone in the Capital Region to give cycling a try for one week. Whether you’re biking to work, school, for fitness, mental health, we want YOU to register for Greater Victoria’s largest free event. Every ride counts!

Why register? Dozens of prizes are available for anyone who logs at least one bike ride from Sept 27 – Oct 3. You can join a team with your family, friends, or coworkers, and log your kms to demonstrate the region’s commitment to active transportation.

Celebration Stations are returning, watch the website for the schedule (coming soon).

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or have an old bike collecting dust in the garage, we want YOU to take part. Register for FREE at https://gobybikebc.ca/

Hike for Hospice – September 15-29

Hike for Hospice is back this fall!

From September 15 – 29, hike or walk in honour of your loved ones and help support of end-of-life care.

Walk or hike in your neighbourhood or on your favourite trail or join us for the physically distanced version of this meaningful event starting at the Community Support Center.

Funds raised through Hike for Hospice helps provide care and comfort for patients, as well as support for their families through bereavement counselling out of our Community Support Centre.

Register today at www.victoriahospice.org/hikeforhospice or buy your tickets today for the Hike for Hospice 50/50 raffle at www.victoriahospice.rafflenexus.com Know your limit, play within it 19+

National Philanthropy Day – Coast Capital Power of Youth: Giving Hearts Workshop

The Association of Fundraising professionals is inviting youth from across Vancouver Island to participate in this year’s National Philanthropy Day by registering for the Coast Capital Power of Youth: Giving Hearts Workshop and helping disburse $20,000 to local charities. 

On October 1st, participants will receive a “Do-It-Yourself Toolkit” that includes readings, videos, and online quizzes that will teach them about the importance of philanthropy and provide and empower them to become the change-makers of tomorrow. 

Thanks to the generosity of the Andrew D. Beckerman Fund at the Victoria Foundation, each youth that completes the workshop will receive a $50 CanadaHelps Gift Card to support the charity of their choice. 

Last year, more than 320 youth took part and unlocked $13,000 in donations for local charities.

Youth can register individually or as a group, club, council or classroom by September 30th, 2021. Limited space available, register today at npdvictoria.com.

Xe xe Smun’ eem-Victoria Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters Ceremony – September 30

The community is invited to wear orange and attend the Xe xe Smun’ eem-Victoria Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters Ceremony on Thursday, September 30 from noon – 2:30 p.m. in Centennial Square.

The ceremony will include a blessing of the land and welcome, Indigenous performances, the raising of the Victoria Orange Shirt Day flag followed by a moment of silence, and guest speakers who will share their personal experiences with residential schools and reconciliation.

Event organizers Eddy Charlie and Kristin Spray will speak to the importance of raising awareness about residential schools to honour the more than 6,000 children who died, and the sacrifices that were made by 150,000 residential school survivors and their families across Canada.

All are welcome to this free event which will happen rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Masks are recommended.

The ceremony will also be live streamed on the City’s Facebook page.

For more information visit victoria.ca or victoriaorangeshirtday.com

Victoria Beer Society Lager Than Life & Fresh to Death – October 8-9

The Victoria Beer Society is BACK! Lager Than Life takes place Friday, October 8th from 5:30-8:30pm, to celebrate the diverse range and style lagers have. For too long have lagers been outcast by their boastful IPA cousins, we believe it is overdue for Lagers to take centre stage, as we feature 20 beers from BC craft breweries. Fresh to Death, Victoria’s Fresh Hop Beer Festival, takes place Saturday, October 9th from 2-5pm as we showcase over 15+ fresh hop and specialty harvest beers. Rob Mangelsdorf, a certified Cicerone, leads our VIP event to dive deeper into four fresh hop beers to discuss different flavour profiles and what makes each beer unique. Tickets for VIP and General Admission are on sale now at victoriabeersociety.com.