11 Events to Check Out in Victoria This September

September is one of the best months to be in Greater Victoria.

The days are still long, the weather is often beautiful, and there is no shortage of things happening around the region. As summer winds down and fall begins to arrive, September brings everything from cultural festivals and agricultural fairs to live theatre, food festivals and community celebrations.

If you are looking for things to do around Victoria this month, here are some of the local events worth putting on your calendar.

Victoria Greek Fest

September 4 to 7, 2026

A Victoria September tradition, Greek Fest returns for its 25th annual celebration at the Greek Community Centre on Elk Lake Drive.

The festival features authentic Greek food, live entertainment, traditional music and dancing, cultural experiences, the Greek Heritage Museum and the AGORA market. Admission is free, making this an easy option for a family outing or a casual afternoon with friends.

If you have never been, come hungry. Souvlaki, roasted lamb, spanakopita, baklava and loukoumades are among the Greek favourites on offer.

Victoria Classic Boat Festival

September 4 to 6, 2026

Victoria's Inner Harbour becomes a showcase of maritime history during the Classic Boat Festival.

Visitors can explore the docks and see up to 100 classic boats, with the weekend also featuring live entertainment and other activities. One of the highlights is Sunday's Sail Past and Sail Race, which takes place from late morning into the early afternoon.

It is a great excuse to spend some time downtown and enjoy one of the most recognizable settings in Victoria from a slightly different perspective.

Saanich Fair

September 5 to 7, 2026

The Saanich Fair is one of the region's longest-running community traditions, dating back to 1868.

Taking place over Labour Day weekend at the Saanich Fairgrounds in Saanichton, the 158th annual fair will feature agricultural exhibitions, livestock, produce and horticulture competitions, baking, arts and crafts, live entertainment, local food and a midway.

For families, the midway is always a draw. For anyone interested in local agriculture and the history of the Saanich Peninsula, the fair offers a great look at the farming traditions that continue to shape the region.

Victoria Fringe Festival

Through September 6, 2026

The Victoria Fringe Festival runs through the first week of September, with shows continuing until September 6.

Produced by Intrepid Theatre, the 2026 festival marks the 40th anniversary of Victoria Fringe. More than 35 shows are being presented at venues throughout the city, covering everything from comedy and drama to dance, music, magic, storytelling and spoken word.

One of the best things about Fringe is the variety. You can plan ahead, or simply take a chance on something completely unfamiliar.

Esquimalt Ribfest

September 11 to 13, 2026

If barbecue is your idea of a good weekend, Esquimalt Ribfest should be on your list.

The three-day event takes over Bullen Park with barbecue, food trucks, live music, vendors and entertainment. The festival runs Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

It is also a community-focused event that supports local charitable initiatives, so you can enjoy a plate of ribs while supporting a good cause.

Little Fernwood Harvest Fun Fair

September 12, 2026

September is when the first signs of fall really start to show up around Victoria, and the Little Fernwood Harvest Fun Fair leans right into it.

Taking place around Little Fernwood, Fernwood Square and Gower Park, the free event celebrates autumn, local harvest and community.

Expect outdoor games, a zucchini race, potato sack races, a harvest and baking competition, live acoustic music, crafts, workshops and a scavenger hunt.

It is a distinctly neighbourhood-style event and a good reminder of what makes Fernwood such a community-oriented part of Victoria.

Metchosin Fall Witches Market

September 19 to 20, 2026

For something a little different, head out to Metchosin for the Fall Witches Market.

The market takes place at Metchosin Community Hall and brings together makers, mystics and vendors for a harvest-season event with a witchy twist.

The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, admission is free, and the event includes ritual stations, DIY spell jars and witchy swag bags for the first 30 guests each day.

If traditional fall markets are not quite your thing, this one offers something a little more unusual.

Esquimalt Lantern Festival

September 18, 2026

As summer gives way to fall, the Esquimalt Lantern Festival brings an evening of light and art to Esquimalt Gorge Park.

This free community event features handmade lanterns, local musicians, large-scale puppets and interactive art installations.

It is the kind of event that is particularly fun once the sun starts to go down, when the lanterns and illuminated installations really come to life.

Canada's Great Kitchen Party

September 29, 2026

Food lovers have another reason to head to Oak Bay at the end of the month.

Canada's Great Kitchen Party returns to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel on September 29 for an evening celebrating Canadian food, drink, music and culinary talent.

Guests will enjoy dishes from some of Victoria's top chefs alongside Canadian wines, beers and spirits. The evening also features a culinary competition, with chefs competing for the opportunity to represent Victoria at the national finals in Ottawa.

For 2026, the event will also feature Canadian music icon Tom Cochrane as part of the evening's entertainment.

Merridale Cider Harvest Festival

September 27, 2026

Technically just outside Greater Victoria, but close enough to make the list, Merridale's Cider Harvest Festival is a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall.

The 8th annual festival takes place at Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill and celebrates BC's craft cider community and the harvest season.

Visitors can sample ciders from producers around British Columbia, enjoy live music, explore the orchard and enjoy farm-crafted food.

The festival runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on September 27, making it an easy day trip from Victoria.

Brewery & The Beast

September 27, 2026

Another September event for food lovers is Brewery & The Beast.

The outdoor culinary event brings together chefs, restaurants, food producers and beverage makers for an afternoon centred around live-fire cooking and local food.

It is a chance to sample dishes from a variety of chefs while enjoying local beverages and the atmosphere of an outdoor food festival.

If you like discovering new restaurants and local producers, this is one to have on your radar.

The Price Is Right Live

September 30, 2026

To close out the month, you can "Come on Down" to the Royal Theatre for The Price Is Right Live.

The interactive stage version of the classic television game show gives eligible audience members the opportunity to get called on stage and play familiar games including Plinko, Cliffhangers, The Big Wheel and the Showcase.

The show starts at 7 p.m. on September 30, with tickets starting at $54.75.

September Is a Great Time to Explore Victoria

One of the best things about September in Victoria is the variety.

You can spend a weekend watching classic boats in the Inner Harbour, visit the Saanich Fair, grab ribs in Esquimalt, explore a neighbourhood harvest festival in Fernwood or head out to the Cowichan Valley for cider.

For us, these events are also part of what makes Greater Victoria such a great place to live. There is always another neighbourhood, festival, market, restaurant or community event to discover.

So before September gets away from you, pick a few events, get them on the calendar and enjoy the last stretch of summer before fall fully arrives.