As Victoria settles into the rhythm of a new school year, the city's event calendar shows no signs of slowing down. September brings a vibrant mix of familiar weekly favourites, including the Gorge Farmers Market and Moss Street Market, alongside major festivals like Rifflandia, Ribfest, and the Esquimalt and Saanich Lantern Festivals. There will also be some new celebrations, such as the inaugural Soul of Vietnam at Ship Point. Looks like the seasonal change only adds to the capital's cultural appeal.

Check out the full list of events below.

Esquimalt Rib Fest | Sept. 5-7  | 11am

Feast on smoky, savoury ribs, enjoy local brews, and listen to live music at this beloved foodie festival in Bullen Park. [$120] 

Children’s Concert for Young James Bay Neighbours | Sept. 6 | 3:30-4:30pm

Listen to family-friendly tunes—ideal for ages four to eight—at James Bay United Church. [Free]‍

Social Impact Movie Club: Join or Die | Sept. 4 | 6pm

Documentary screening featuring Harvard Prof. Robert Putnam exploring the erosion of social connection in America and its impact on health, happiness, and democracy at theDock - Centre for Social Impact. [Free]

OK, DOPE Game Show | Sept. 5 | 8pm

The Improv game show where three comedians compete head-to-head as host Bo Jagger Essery tests their skills through questions, prompts, and setups at The Mint. [$15]

Botanical Zine Making | Sept. 6 | 10am

Learn to create botany-themed zines using drawing, writing, collage, and crafting at the Compost Education Centre. Perfect for connecting with fellow botanical art enthusiasts. [$30]

Moss Street Market | Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27 | 10am - 2pm 

Victoria's beloved Saturday farmers market—in its 34th season—in Fairfield, featuring local produce, crafts, and a community atmosphere. [Free]

Blind Dates Live! with Alex Forman | Sept. 6 | 8pm

Singles take the stage for live first blind dates while comedian Alex Forman attempts to help from behind the scenes, often making things hilariously worse in this interactive comedy show at The Mint. [$15]

Final Giant Picnic Season | Sept. 7 | 11am

Last sunlight of summer community gathering featuring markets, food, large blankets, painting, crafts, spikeball, and room for every snack in an open-air, fully accessible celebration. RSVP to find out the location. [Free]

Brews and Baskets: Basket Making with Invasives | Sept. 7 | 1pm

Learn to weave baskets using invasive English Ivy while enjoying craft brews at Herald Street Brew Works mezzanine, finding eco-friendly uses for over-abundant regional resources. [$40]

Senior 55+ Learn to Row | Sept. 10-Oct. 17 | 9am

Twelve-session rowing program for ages 55+ on Wednesdays and Fridays, suitable for any fitness level, offering a full-body workout and mental wellness benefits subsidized by BC Sport Participation Program. [$180]

Rifflandia Festival | Sept. 11-14 | Various times 

Vancouver Island's largest outdoor music festival at the Matullia Lands at Rock Bay, featuring international and emerging artists across multiple stages. [Ticket prices vary]

Community Day: Trekka Returns | Sept. 12 | 9:30am-4:30pm

Celebrate 70 years since Trekka and John Guzzwell set sail, and 66 years since they returned to Victoria Harbour after circumnavigating the globe. Drop in to the Maritime Museum for themed crafts. [Free]

Ship Point Market | Sept. 12-14 | Fri 4pm, Sat 12pm, Sun 10am

This uniquely located market at Ship Point features artwork, food vendors, and beautiful scenery with views of the Empress Hotel and Legislature. [Free]

The Crowd Work Show | Sept. 12 | 8pm

This 100% improvised stand-up comedy show with Nash Park and Alex Forman, who take the stage with zero prepared material, finding the funny by talking to the crowd and navigating their surroundings. [$20]

Natural Dyeing Workshop: Flower Pounding | Sept. 13 | 10am

Learn to create beautiful patterns on fabric using locally grown flowers and natural dyeing techniques, including flower pounding to make your own naturally dyed tote bag, at the Crystal Pool. [$50]

Bryan Adams: Roll With The Punches Tour | Sept. 13 

Global rock icon Bryan Adams brings his massive North American tour to Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre with The Sheepdogs, featuring classic hits and new tracks. [Ticket prices vary]

Saanich Autumn Lantern Fest | Sept. 13 | 5-8:30pm 

Fall is here, and the nights are getting longer—light up the dark with this fun community festival at Gordon Head Rec Centre. Costumes encouraged. [Free; $5 to make a lantern] 

Orchard Markets | Sept. 14 | 11am

This inclusive family and pet-friendly market at Junction Cidery features local vendors, farmers, makers, plus cider, Bicycle Pizza, and shopping at resident small businesses on Orchard Lane. [Free entry]

Piff the Magic Dragon | Sept. 15 | 7pm 

America's Got Talent star and Las Vegas headliner brings his comedic magic show featuring his sidekick, Mr. Piffles, to Farquhar at UVic. [Ticket prices vary]

Rick Mercer's Stand-Up for Canada Comedy Tour | Sept. 16 & 19 | 7pm

Iconic comedian Rick Mercer will be at the Royal Theatre with Canada's rising stars Sophie Buddle, Mayce Galoni, and Julie Kim, delivering signature wit, political commentary, and national pride. [$63]

Inter-Tidal Relations Concert Series | Sept. 17 | 4pm 

Curated by Indigenous femmes Nikky Ermineskin (Cree) and Raven Natraoro (Coast Salish), this series uplifts Indigenous and global cultures through music and storytelling at the Cameron Bandshell. [Free]

Under the Sea: An Immersive Art Experience | Sept. 17 - Oct. 5 |  5:30pm

Tanya Bub's immersive underwater world, featuring life-sized sculptures, dynamic lighting, and oceanic soundscapes, will be at Cedar Hill Main Gallery with an opening reception and documentary screening. [Free]

Victoria Royals Home Opener | Sept. 19 | 7pm

The Royals will take on the Penticton Vees as they kick off their new season at Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre. [$21+]

Soul of Vietnam | Sept. 20 | 11am

The first-ever large-scale Vietnamese cultural festival on Vancouver Island, featuring traditional performances, fashion show, authentic cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences at Ship Point. [Free]

Big Patio Days: Oktoberfest | Sept. 20 | 12pm

Market Square patio party featuring OK Charlie with food from Los Panas, cornhole games, and prize giveaways—and, of course, beer—in the sunny inner courtyard with re-entry permitted. [$5]

Brent Butt | Sept. 20 | 8pm 

The Canadian comedy legend and Corner Gas creator will bring his acclaimed stand-up to McPherson Playhouse. [$52.75]

End of Summer Community Mini Golf Tournament | Sept. 21 | 9am

Private shotgun-start mini golf tournament at Island View Farm with prizes including free 2026 season passes, post-game patio activities, snacks, and drinks for all ages. [$20]

Victoria Anarchist Bookfair | Sept. 20-21 | 11am

Check out this alternative bookfair, now in its 20th year, at Fernwood Community Centre. [Free]

Ultimate Toy Fair | Sept. 20-21 | 9am & 3pm

A fair for kids and collectors alike—find vintage toys, action figures, comics, model trains, and more at Pearkes Arena. [$5]

15th Annual Fall Fairfield | Sept. 21 | 12-4pm

Celebrate the Fairfield community with crafts, art, music, and food at the Fairfield Gonzales Community Centre. [Free] 

Flip Night | Sept. 24 | 7pm

This beat-making community session welcomes all experience levels to learn, share techniques, and experiment with sample-based music at Haus of Owl. [$10]

Benji's September Pub Quiz @ Ile Sauvage | Sept. 24 | 7:30pm

Victoria's Quiz Master Benji brings eight rounds of mental gameplay with good tunes, engaging visuals, and a sprinkle of lunacy for bragging rights and gift card prizes. [$12]

Shade Burlesque Festival | Sept. 26-27 | 8pm 

Originally launched in 2019, Shade transforms into a vibrant international multi-day burlesque festival featuring over 30 vivacious performers of colour at McPherson Playhouse. [$38]

Esquimalt Lantern Fest | Sept. 25-26 | 5:30-10pm

Take part in this illuminating annual event—create your own lantern on Sept. 25 to show off the next day at the official festival. Both evenings will take place in Esquimalt Gorge Park. Music, large-scale puppets, and homemade lamps will be on display. Costumes are encouraged! [Free]

Luxton Fall Fair | Sept. 26, 3pm | Sept. 27-28, 12pm

The 113-year-old fair is back at the Luxton Fairgrounds in Langford, with all the rides, exhibitions, and tasty autumn treats that people love. [Admission by donation]

Repair Café West Shore | Sept. 27 | 11am

This community collaboration brings broken items for repairs by volunteer experts, with tools and materials available for DIY repairs, at Gordon United Church in Langford. [Free]

Apple Pressing and Processing | Sept. 28 | 10am

Learn to press apple juice and process it through water bath canning and wild fermentation to create shelf-stable juice, apple cider vinegar, or hard cider at Welland Community Orchard. [$33]

Salty Sundays: Paper Weaving Cards | Sept. 28 | 2pm

Learn to create woven designs using paper inspired by historical sailmaking techniques, making beautiful cards to send to loved ones in this drop-in program for ages 8+. [Free with admission]

Magic Men Australia | Sept. 28 | 7:30pm

This high-energy male revue show, featuring TikTok sensation Will Parfitt and an all-star lineup of chiseled hunks, creates an electrifying stage presence for the ultimate girls' night out at the Royal Theatre. [$51]

Sip & Dip Plunge Party | Sept. 29 | 10:30am

Join this cold plunge party at Cadboro Bay and enjoy coffee, tea, Afro beats, and community vibes, while meeting new people between repeated cold water dips. [$20]

4th Annual South Island Powwow | Sept. 30 | 10am

Mark Truth and Reconciliation by celebrating Indigenous art and culture. The powwow will bring dancers from across North America, an artisanal vendor market, and food trucks serving up fry bread. [Free]