The final long weekend of summer is the perfect time to explore all that Greater Victoria has to offer. And this weekend offers plenty of things to fill your day, on the waterfront or at the fairgrounds, taking in some tunes or enjoying the excitement on the soccer pitch.
Fun at the fair - When the Saanich Fair opens its gates on the Labour Day weekend (Sept. 2-4), it will mark 155 years for what has come to be a signature community event for Vancouver Island. The Saanich Fairgrounds (1528 Stellys Cross Rd.) will be filled with a midway, agricultural displays, animal exhibits, live music, contests, food and lots more.
Feel the rhythm – The Sooke Music and Art Festival features a variety of acts to suit just about any musical taste, as well as local artisans and fun and games for all ages. The opening party Friday (Sept. 1) at the Sooke Community Hall features Faultline, Hillsboro, Zenon and Sebastian Kayne. Tickets are $10 for the party running from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. There will be free entry Saturday and Sunday for the festivities at John Phillips Memorial Park (noon to 10 p.m. both days). Some of the acts include Pink Mountaintops, Apex Breaks, Lucy Lambert, Vox Rea, Sarah Smith and Gord Phillips.
Your ship’s come in – Victoria’s 44th annual Classic Boat Festival brings dreams of the sea to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The show features up to 100 classic boats and draws more than 10,000 visitors over the three days Friday to Sunday (Sept. 1 to 3). Admission is by donation. On Sunday afternoon the vessels will leave the Inner Harbour docks and journey around Ogden Point to Clover Point before returning to the Inner Harbour.
Get on the ball – Pacific FC welcome Valour to Langford’s Starlight Stadium for a Saturday afternoon (Sept. 2) matchup (1 p.m. start). Pacific FC is enjoying another successful season, in the hunt for top spot in the Canadian Premier League regular season standings. Tickets start at $26.
Second helping – Who can get enough souvlaki. GreekFest returns for a second weekend (Sept. 1-4) at the Greek Community Centre on Elk Lake Drive next to Commonwealth Pool. Visitors can again be captivated by tantalizing Greek cuisine, mesmerizing dances, and fascinating ethnic and cultural performances.
