The Labour Day Long Weekend on Vancouver Island

🎉 Four days — Labour Day Monday is included below

Fri, Sep 4 – Mon, Sep 7 · 57 events happening across the island

Our picks this weekend

Labour Day makes this a four-day weekend, and the island is spending all of it — the 158th Saanich Fair, a sandcastle contest on Tofino sand, the Salish Coast Music Festival running Parksville through to Monday, and a film festival as far north as Port McNeill. Monday is the quiet day worth planning for — three of the picks below happen only then.

Live music

Everything else on this weekend

All 57 events we know about, by region.

Southern Vancouver Island

Clash of the Kingdoms: Victoria Royals vs. London Knights
Friday, Sep 4

Clash of the Kingdoms: Victoria Royals vs. London Knights

📍 Victoria

Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. No start time published for this listing

Classic Boat Festival
Friday, Sep 4

Classic Boat Festival

📍 Victoria

The Maritime Museum of British Columbia. No start time published for this listing

25th Annual Victoria Greek Fest
Friday, Sep 4

25th Annual Victoria Greek Fest

📍 Victoria

Commonwealth Place. No start time published for this listing

Friday, Sep 4

Victoria Classic Boat Festival (all day)

📍 Victoria

All-day event on Friday, September 4, 2026. Start time not published by the City of Victoria.

Friday, Sep 4

New Student Campus Tours - Fall 2026

📍 Victoria

All-day event — no published start time. Get ready for your first term at UVic with a New Student Campus Tour ! All new students starting in September are encouraged to join a tour. You’ll be given your tour by current UVic students who will introduce you to the amazing campus services and resources available to you as a UVic student. You’ll also learn about some of the favorite campus hangouts, athletic facilities, dining services, community events, and more.

55+ Beginner Kayak Group
Friday, Sep 4

55+ Beginner Kayak Group

📍 Victoria

Victoria. Times: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Friday, Sep 4

Campus Tours for International Students

📍 Victoria

Connect with volunteers and other new students while visiting our campus. This tour will help you find the places you need to know before starting your classes at UVic! Register here!

Friday, Sep 4

SIN Application Drop-in

📍 Victoria

Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC). A Social Insurance Number (SIN) allows you to be paid for the work you do in Canada, and to access certain government programs. On September 4, Service Canada representatives will be coming to UVic to help international students obtain a SIN. Also joining the drop-in will be a representative from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) who will be able to answer questions about taxes and benefits for international students. In addition, learn about your right as a worker in Canada from WorkSafe BC .

Friday, Sep 4

BC MSP Application Drop-in

📍 Victoria

Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC). Enrolment in BC Medical Services Plan (BC MSP) is mandatory for all international students all will study in BC for 6 months or longer. Need help? Attend this BC MSP Application drop-in to get support with the online application and learn more about health insurance for international students.

Friday, Sep 4

Beach Social

📍 Victoria

Meet us outside the Jamie Cassels Centre (on the side that faces the UVic Busloop). Join us at the beach to play games, enjoy some snacks, and meet fellow Global Community students! A volunteer will meet you at UVic (outside of the Jamie Cassels Centre) and together with a group you will walk down to Cadboro Bay Beach. We look forward to seeing you there! REGISTER HERE

Friday, Sep 4

Busking Showcase - September

📍 Victoria

FURNISHING JAZZ – immersing design in harmony
Friday, Sep 4

FURNISHING JAZZ – immersing design in harmony

📍 Victoria

Luxe Home Interiors. CONCERT SERIES (Fall-Winter 2026) Friday, September 4th – guitarists Elliot Freedman and John Stowell Deeply listenable, definition-defying jazz guitar to the power of two, as Portland’s John Stowell joins composer-guitarist Elliot Freedman (with Dan Howard, bass). Friday, October 9th – saxophonist Ryan Oliver and bassist Louis Rudner Reedsman Ryan Oliver and bassist Louis Rudner in an assuredly virtuosic profession of the art of jazz well beyond its foundational Standards. Friday, November 6th – vibraphonist Nick Apivor and pianist Attila Fias Strikingly sonorous is vibraphonist Nick Apivor on jazz both within & beyond its main streams—as is pianist Attila Fias, who joins for this special duo concert. Friday, December 4th – pianist Chris Gestrin on Fender Rhodes & Moog bass Honouring jazz pianists’ electric & eclectic spirits and their classic ‘70s sounds, Chris Gestrin plays on the Fender Rhodes piano with classic Moog synth bass. Wine and chocolate will be available for purchase in advance of the concerts and in the intermissions, thanks to Renaissance Wines and Sirene Chocolate. Dining before the concerts at Block Kitchen & Bar, quote “FURNISHING JAZZ” for a discount. Kind thanks to Magnolia Hotel & Spa (and The Courtney Room), the series accommodation sponsor. FURNISHING JAZZ donates proceeds to the Victoria Women’s Transition House. Join me to listen in style!

The 158th Annual Saanich Fair
Saturday, Sep 5

The 158th Annual Saanich Fair

📍 Victoria

Saanich Fairgrounds. No start time published for this listing

PMP Certification Bootcamp – Weekend Classroom Training in Victoria, BC
Saturday, Sep 5

PMP Certification Bootcamp – Weekend Classroom Training in Victoria, BC

📍 Victoria

Ecoline Windows and Doors Victoria. Boost your career with our PMP Certification bootcamp! Our program provides 35 contact hours, expert training, and practice to pass the PMP

Pie Making Workshop
Saturday, Sep 5

Pie Making Workshop

📍 Victoria

808 Viewfield Rd unit b. Learn how to make an apple pie in this 3 hour workshop. Each person will get a pie to take home and enjoy!

Saturday, Sep 5

Sooke Country Market at Woodside Farm

📍 Sooke

Event Schedule: April 18, 2026 - October 10, 2026 Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm Saturday, September 12, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm Saturday, October 10, 2026 10:00am - 2:00pm See more Woodside Farm, 7149 West Coast Road <a

Saturday, Sep 5

Woodside Farm Days

📍 Sooke

Event Schedule: June 13, 2026 - September 26, 2026 Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm Saturday, September 12, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:00am - 4:00pm See more 7149 West Coast Rd, Sooke BC <img class="image-title-side image-mark" src="/Resources/img/card/

Saturday, Sep 5

Craft, Connect & Create

📍 Victoria

Clearihue (CLE) A127. Looking to meet new people and get creative? Join us for a relaxed morning of crafting, conversation, and community-building. Create something unique for your dorm room or a special keepsake to remember the beginning of your UVic journey. Snacks and all art supplies will be provided! REGISTER

Saturday, Sep 5

Paint, Plant & Connect

📍 Victoria

Clearihue (CLE) A127. Get creative and join us for a fun, hands-on event where you’ll get to paint and personalize your own plant pot, then plant your very own starter tropical plant to take home. No experience or artistic skills are needed. Just bring your creativity and get ready to meet new people, relax, and add a little greenery to your space. Snacks and all materials will be provided! *While supplies last* REGISTER

Saturday, Sep 5

University of Victoria Women’s Rugby vs UBC

📍 Victoria

Victoria, BC, Wallace Field.

Saturday, Sep 5

Angela Verbrugge

📍 Victoria

Saturday, Sep 5

Photo Scavenger Hunt

📍 Victoria

Meet us outside the Jamie Cassels Centre (on the side that faces the UVic Busloop). Meet other Global Community members, including our volunteers, international students, exchange students, and study abroad students, while exploring downtown Victoria! The group with the best photos will win a prize. Please bring a cell phone or camera to take photos (please note, if you don’t have a cell phone or camera we will make sure you are in a group with others that do). Please also bring your Umo bus pass (card or app) or be prepared to pay $6.00 cash for the bus fare. REGISTER HERE

IAN MAKSIN in VICTORIA, BC: "The Power of Cello"
Saturday, Sep 5

IAN MAKSIN in VICTORIA, BC: "The Power of Cello"

📍 Victoria

St Andrew's Presbyterian Church. A one-of-a-kind performance to uplift and nurture your soul with world renowned cellist, composer and multilingual vocalist IAN MAKSIN

Super Hero Percussion: All the Hits! (Show #4/5), Victoria Fringe Festival
Saturday, Sep 5

Super Hero Percussion: All the Hits! (Show #4/5), Victoria Fringe Festival

📍 Victoria

Canadian College for Performing Arts (CCPA) Performance Hall. Times: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

10K-ISH: Our Last Fundraiser Show for Island Sexual Health
Saturday, Sep 5

10K-ISH: Our Last Fundraiser Show for Island Sexual Health

📍 Victoria

Ollie Quinn Optometrist. Join us for a night of burlesque with over 20 incredible local performers! All ticket sales & funds raised will go to Island Sexual Health.

RECOVERY HOUSE: Party Animals
Saturday, Sep 5

RECOVERY HOUSE: Party Animals

📍 Victoria

Eastern Star Hall Chapters No 5 & No 17. Come get wild at our next sober rave! Our DJs spin house music, the lights are flashing & glow sticks glowing.

Summer Firework Saturdays at The Butchart Gardens
Saturday, Sep 5

Summer Firework Saturdays at The Butchart Gardens

📍 Victoria

The Butchart Gardens. Times: 8:45 pm

Sunday, Sep 6

Fisherman’s Wharf & Ogden Point Walking Tour

📍 Victoria

Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC). About this event: Join the Global Community as we explore highlights of Victoria’s James Bay. After we spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf looking at the colourful floating homes, we will walk to the breakwater to visit the lighthouse- a beautiful spot for photos. Cross your fingers for seeing some wildlife! In the past we have spotted jelly fish, otters, and seals at Ogden Point! On this long walking tour, we will be chatting, making new friends, and enjoying the views! Please wear good walking shoes and make sure to bring your water bottle, snacks, and a jacket. Fisherman’s Wharf has lots of food options to buy your own dinner, before we head back to the university. Please ensure to bring your UMO bus pass (via the app or card) or $6.00 to take the public transit. Please note this trip will include taking the public transit bus and walking for about 2-3 hours total. REGISTER HERE Meet us outside the Jamie Cassels Centre (on the side that faces the UVic Busloop)

Super Hero Percussion: All the Hits! (Show #5/5), Victoria Fringe Festival
Sunday, Sep 6

Super Hero Percussion: All the Hits! (Show #5/5), Victoria Fringe Festival

📍 Victoria

Canadian College for Performing Arts (CCPA) Performance Hall. Times: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Sunday, Sep 6

The Sleeves

📍 Victoria

Speed Dating | Ages 27-42 | Victoria
Sunday, Sep 6

Speed Dating | Ages 27-42 | Victoria

📍 Victoria

Single in Victoria? Tired of swiping? Join us for a romantic speed dating event at Swans Pub!

Monday, Sep 7

Mapping with Drones 1

📍 Victoria

All-day event — no published start time. Take your knowledge toolkit to new heights! This course covers the foundational skills to operate a small drone and map your data, from flight planning to creating 2D air photo mosaics and 3D models with open-source software—no drone or mapping experience needed. This online, asynchronous course is offered through the Division of Continuing Studies at UVic from Sept. 7 to Oct. 18, 2026. Register online.

Monday, Sep 7

University Closed (Labour Day)

📍 Victoria

All-day event — no published start time.

Blood Donor Clinic
Monday, Sep 7

Blood Donor Clinic

📍 Sidney

Blood Donor Clinic Clinic Hours: 11:00am-6:00pm For more information and appointment bookings visit www.blood.ca Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney. Start time not published by the venue — check the venue listing before you go.

Monday, Sep 7

Claire Coupland

📍 Victoria

Monday, Sep 7

Heather Ferguson

📍 Victoria

Cameron Bandshell Concert Series: Heather Ferguson
Monday, Sep 7

Cameron Bandshell Concert Series: Heather Ferguson

📍 Victoria

Cameron Bandshell. Times: 1:30 pm

The Choir of Merton College, Oxford in Recital
Monday, Sep 7

The Choir of Merton College, Oxford in Recital

📍 Victoria

Christ Church Cathedral Victoria. One of the UK’s finest choral ensembles sings English music from the Renaissance to the present day.

Monday, Sep 7

Latin Dance - Bachata

📍 Victoria

Ukulele Strumalong
Monday, Sep 7

Ukulele Strumalong

📍 Victoria

The Fernwood Inn. Times: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Central Vancouver Island

AFRICAN VIBES BY THE BAY
Friday, Sep 4

AFRICAN VIBES BY THE BAY

📍 Nanaimo

Departure Bay Beach. Join us for a joyful evening of African-inspired dance, music, movement and community connection at beautiful Departure Bay Waterfront/Beach

Friday, Sep 4

Salish Coast Music Festival - Raven & the Duke & String Fever

📍 Parksville

Come out to the cozy little church at the Parksville Museum to hear a brilliant, boundary-pushing web of acoustic music, blending soaring violin with swing,

IAN MAKSIN in NANAIMO, BC: "The Power of Cello"
Friday, Sep 4

IAN MAKSIN in NANAIMO, BC: "The Power of Cello"

📍 Nanaimo

St Paul's Anglican Church. A one-of-a-kind performance to uplift and nurture your soul with world renowned cellist, composer and multilingual vocalist IAN MAKSIN

Saturday, Sep 5

Paddles in the Park

📍 Nanaimo

Paddles in the Park is an annual pickleball tournament hosted at the Beban Park Pickleball Courts September 4-5, 2026. This event is estimated to attract 100 attendees.

West Coast Sandcastle Contest 2026
Saturday, Sep 5

West Coast Sandcastle Contest 2026

📍 Tofino

Kid and Family-Friendly, Fundraiser. Listed as: September 5, 2026 | 9:00am-5:00pm

Saturday, Sep 5

Artisans by the Sea Market

📍 Parksville

Pacific Shores Resort & Spa. At Mid Island Artisans, we are passionate about supporting local artisans and the art of creating unique handcrafted items. Our talented artisans pour their.

Saturday, Sep 5

Lighthouse Country Fall Fair

📍 Qualicum Beach

Lions Community Park. Fall Fair 10 AM - 4 PM with bouncy castles, games, rides, music, vendors market, food trucks, silent auction, cake walk, and art exhibit. 4 PM - 7 PM.

MEP Innovations Expo (Mechanical • Electrical • Plumbing)
Saturday, Sep 5

MEP Innovations Expo (Mechanical • Electrical • Plumbing)

📍 Parksville

Parksville Community Park. Discover the latest gear and trends in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing all under one roof at MEP Innovations Expo!

Saturday, Sep 5

Level Two Watercolour Class

📍 Qualicum Beach

1063 Ganske Road Qualicum, Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada. Welcome to Watercolor Level 2! This immersive 2-day class is designed for those familiar with wet/wet, wet/dry, and dry/dry techniques. <br.

Saturday, Sep 5

Salish Coast Music Festival - Discover BC History in Song

📍 Parksville

Discover our shared history the (very) old-fashioned way! The BC Folk Song Project at the Parksville Museum courtyard is a celebration of songs drawn from

Saturday, Sep 5

Salish Coast Music Festival - The Claire Coupland Trio

📍 Parksville

Come out to the little old church at the Parksville Museum to enjoy a captivating blend of modern West Coast folk and roots, anchored by intricate fingerpicking

Saturday, Sep 5

Moranz and Fremlin & Allen Dobb @Char's

📍 Port Alberni

Char's Landing. Ryland Moranz is an internationally touring singer-songwriter whose 2021 album XO, 1945 was nominated for Canadian folk music associations contemporary album of the year. In his spare time Ryland plays with Leeroy Stagger, the Lucky Ones, John Wort Hannam, Allen Dobb and more.

Sunday, Sep 6

Salish Coast Music Festival - Axé Capoeira Live Demonstration

📍 Parksville

Parksville Museum. Capoiera is an explosive, high-energy fusion of Afro-Brazilian martial arts, acrobatics, and live traditional rhythm, showcasing the vibrant, community-driven.

Starlight Movie Night 4
Sunday, Sep 6

Starlight Movie Night 4

📍 Nanaimo

Country Club Mall. A free family movie night under the stars featuring Pixar's Hopper, games, food, prizes, and fun—all supporting local healthcare.

Sunday, Sep 6

Salish Coast Music Festival - The Southern Residents Live

📍 Parksville

Errington War Memorial Hall Association. Come out to Errington Hall to see the Southern Residents deliver a tidal wave of hard-driving, traditional bluegrass energy, blending lightning-fast picking,.

Monday, Sep 7

Salish Coast Music Festival - The Bills

📍 Parksville

Knox United Church - Parksville, BC. The Bills never fail to deliver a high-energy acoustic cocktail of global folk, bluegrass, and jazz, delivered with virtuosic musicianship and infectious,.

Northern Vancouver Island

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