October in Victoria is my favourite kind of moody. The rain's settling in (won't lie), the leaves along Dallas Road are going gold, and the whole city has quietly decided it's spooky season. Good news: there's plenty on this week that's easy to reach from Ocean Island, and a lot of it is perfect for a drizzly evening.
Here's my pick of the most guest-friendly happenings, pulled from the latest local listings.
Movie Nights for Rainy Evenings
If there's one thing Victoria does well when the weather turns, it's cozying up in a dark cinema. Three nights in a row, too.
Ghibli Fest is back: Monday, October 19
Studio Ghibli on the big screen is pure comfort food for the soul. I grew up with these films, and watching them here a decade later still feels like a little piece of home. The listing has which film is showing and where. See Monday's line-up
The Return of the King: Tuesday, October 20
All three-plus hours of hobbits, on a proper screen at one of our beloved indie cinemas. Bring snacks. Maybe a pillow. Check Tuesday's listings
Local horror films: Wednesday, October 21
Want something a bit more homegrown? Catch a batch of horror films made by local filmmakers. It's a great way to see a creative side of the city most visitors miss. Get the Wednesday details
Halloween All Month Long
26 ways to celebrate Halloween: throughout October
Haunted houses, frightening films, devilish drag. This round-up has it all, and it's worth bookmarking if you're in town anytime before the 31st. Pick your scare level and go. Browse all 26 ideas
Something with Heart
Blind hockey event with our local junior hockey team: week of October 19
Our hometown junior hockey team is hitting the ice for a special cause with a blind hockey event this week, while having a strong start to the season too. If you've never seen blind hockey, it's genuinely inspiring. Read more and find the date
Pay-what-you-can Remembrance Day concert in Oak Bay: coming up around Remembrance Day
A concert with performances honouring military service, returning to Oak Bay, our leafy neighbourhood just east of downtown. It's pay-what-you-can, so everyone's welcome. The exact date and venue are in the listing. Check the concert details
Worth a Day Trip
Sidney's coziest craft market: this October
Over 60 local vendors, handmade treasures and sweet treats, all in Sidney, the sweet seaside town up the peninsula. It's a lovely half-day out, and you can get there by bus. Check bctransit.com for routes. Confirm the market date before you head out. See the market details
Quick Tips Before You Head Out
- Dates and venues can shift. Always click through to the listing before you go.
- Buses are your friend. Oak Bay and Sidney are both reachable on BC Transit. Have exact change if you're paying cash on board.
- Pack a rain layer. It's October on the coast. Trust me on this one.
Not sure which bus to catch, or want help planning your week? Swing by the Ocean Island front desk. We're always happy to point you in the right direction!
