October in Victoria - Festivals, Food & Fall Fun
October in Victoria offers locals and visitors the perfect backdrop for a calendar packed with festivals, races, and community celebrations. Whether a foodie, a literature lover, or simply in search of a little Halloween magic, there’s something happening for everyone in the city this month.
Ghostly Walks Halloween Tour
October 1 through November 2
These guided tours bring the city’s ghost stories, legends, and historic haunts to life, weaving chilling tales with local history. Perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, each walk offers a unique way to explore Victoria after dark while learning about its eerie past.
Victoria International Wine Festival
October 2-4, 2025 at the Victoria Conference Centre
Raise a glass at the Victoria International Wine Festival, one of the city’s most anticipated culinary events. With more than 400 wines from around the world, guests can sip through grand tastings, attend themed seminars, and enjoy wine-paired dinners.
Victoria Tea Festival Revival
October 4 from 11:00am-5:00pm at Nootka Court (next door to Magnolia Hotel & Spa)
Presented by the International Tea Appreciation Society, the festival welcomes tea enthusiasts to sample teas from around the globe! Visitors can enjoy a tea fair with tastings, live music, tea symposium, documentary screenings and the World Tea Championship! Don’t forget to bring your own teacup!
Fall Fun at Galey Farms
Various dates and times, visit the link above for full details
Embrace the crisp autumn air at Galey Farms in Victoria, where fall comes alive with seasonal activities for the whole family. From pumpkin picking and corn mazes to hayrides and farm-fresh treats, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season and create lasting memories. Don’t forget your camera—there are plenty of picture-perfect moments waiting among the fields!
Royal Victoria Marathon
October 10-12, 2025
A Victoria tradition, the Royal Victoria Marathon is more than just a race, it’s a scenic celebration of fitness, community, and endurance. With events ranging from the full marathon and half marathon to an 8K, 5K, and Kids Run, the weekend welcomes athletes of all levels. The course winds past ocean views and fall colours, making it one of Canada’s most beautiful races!
Victoria Festival of Authors
October 15-19, 2025 at various locations
Now in its 10th year, the Victoria Festival of Authors brings literature to life! The festival brings together more than 40 writers for readings, panels, virtual readings and workshops exploring everything from Indigenous storytelling to performance poetry.
Art of the Cocktail
October 18, 2025 at Crystal Garden
Get dressed up in your best 1955 inspired garb and sip through Victoria’s premier cocktail event. Art of the Cocktail gathers top bartenders, distillers, and mixologists for an evening of creative drinks, tastings, and live entertainment. From classic favourites to daring new concoctions, it’s the ultimate night out for cocktail lovers.
Wicked Victoria
October 26, 2025 on Government St
Downtown Victoria transforms into a Halloween wonderland for Wicked Victoria. Government Street comes alive with costumed characters, trick-or-treating, live music, face painting, and family-friendly fun. With its inclusive, community vibe, this free festival invites everyone to celebrate the spooky season together.
Halloween at Bilston Creek Farm
October 18 & 19 and October 25 & 26 at Bilston Creek Farm
Celebrate Halloween amidst the beauty of Bilston Creek Farm in Metchosin. Enjoy free admission with activities like the Golden Pumpkin Hunt, photo ops, and games in the barn. For the little ones, the Kids Halloween Experience offers a pumpkin hunt and a mini witch’s broom craft for $10 per child (advance online tickets required). Treat yourself to seasonal delights like caramel apples, pumpkin loaf, and hot apple cider at the Bilston Canteen, or savor wood-fired pizza from Hustle & Dough. Don’t miss the chance to find the hidden Golden Pumpkin each day for a chance to win a Bilston Fire Pit Experience!
From sipping tea and wine to cheering on marathon runners and celebrating Halloween in the streets, October is one of the most vibrant months to experience Victoria. Whether you’re visiting from afar or enjoying the city as a local, these events offer the perfect way to soak up autumn on the West Coast.