A ’90s movie under the stars, an educational wine festival (we’re learning while we’re tasting), a vintage Halloween fair, a music festival and other events that are good for building character.
Cover illustration by Caitlin McDonagh.
Victoria
September 14 | Victoria International Wine Festival It might be hard to switch gears after we’ve just had a huge beer festival, but there’s wine and no time to waste. Look out for these fun, educational seminars (prices starting at $40 per hour and a half class) on everything from women in wine to wines of Argentina, and bubbles and cheese. And of course, there will be multiple tasting sessions hosting pours from 300 different wines. Recommended preparation: Somm.
September 4-29 | Nicole Sleeth: All Eyes On You Nicole Sleeth’s naked woman posters are all over town, and no, they’re not ads for a very gifted life drawing class, but for her solo show: “All Eyes On You,” which opened at the Fortune Gallery earlier this month. As far as modern art goes, it’s stunning realism that’s accessible, but what’s cool about her work is that her subjects are strong, empowered women—women who stare straight at the viewer/voyeur and not as passive, decorative objects, as they’ve been traditionally depicted throughout history.
September 20 to 21 | Vintage Halloween Fair This is a brand new fair for Victoria and advance costume shoppers are going to love poking through two floors of vintage treasures, costumes, jewelry, fall fashions, “oddities,” vinyl, books, treats and more. It’s all going down at the Da Vinci Centre (195 Bay St.) and there’s going to be a lineup of old-timey entertainment including fashion shows, pop-up music performances and a vintage Halloween photo booth.
September 21 | Wayne’s World Under the Maltworks Pack up your foldable camping chairs and blankets and head for the Philips Brewing and Malting Co. Backyard this Saturday, because that delightful ’90s everyman underdog story Wayne’s World will be screening outdoors (and naturally it’s going to be party time, excellent). Your $20 ticket includes the film, beer and a “surprise.” Get ready to chant “We’re Not Worthy,” rain or shine.
Saanichton
September 22 | Get Fresh Harvest Market at Sea Cider As it is your moral imperative to soak up every outdoor summer market opportunity before the rain sets in, might we kindly direct your attention to this event at Sea Cider Farm and Ciderhouse. Expect to see 30 hand-picked local food, drink and farm vendors in one place to show off the best of fall produce, artisan meats, cheeses, seafood, pastries, gelato, herbs, plants and foodware. Admission is $2 or $5 per family (of three hungry people or more).
Comox Valley
September 21 | Cumberland, One Last Comedy Festival If the thought of dark days and rain has you feeling down, get in a few laughs at the One Last Comedy Festival, a three-day event starting in Cumberland and ending in Tofino and Ucluelet. Rounding out the last of the Fringe Festival Circuit’s festivities, these three veteran touring acts are here to help ease your transition into fall. The comedy trio includes local Vancouver Island storyteller Holly Brinkman, along with Jon Bennett, a Just For Laughs award winner, and Dion Arnold, co-founder of the UnderDog Comedy Show. Three shows, three towns, one great time.
September 22 | Comox Valley Cycle Tour For one glorious day all the local farmers, wineries, distilleries, breweries and garden nurseries are opening up their gates to the public for a grand tour. Secure a set of bicycle wheels for each member of your crew and go at your own pace on this self-guided tour around the Comox Valley. Tickets are $15 (free for kids) and that gets you access to sample produce, see demos and take tours along the way.
Ucluelet
September 21 | Ucluelet Soap Box Derby The craftsmanship, the drama, the high speeds! Who hasn’t wanted to see or participate in a soap box derby at some point in their lives? The time is now, people. Even if it is only for kids, it’s still going to be a hoot to watch. Registration is $125 per child.
Nanaimo
September 20-21 | Longwoodstock Beer and Music Fest Longwood Brewery’s annual music festival is back. This two-day event is on location at Longwood’s headquarters in Nanaimo (the brewery, not the brewpub) with music acts Current Swell, Carmanah and Dope Soda headlining—plus it will feature craft beer from 10-plus central Vancouver Island breweries and food from local favourite Coco Cafe.
Know of an event or cool gathering that we missed? Email us at breakwater@gmail.com to keep us in the loop.
