Spooky season is upon us and Halloween is kicking off early in the capital city. 

This year, the stars have aligned for the haunted holiday to fall on a Saturday. There's plenty of fun to be had for all ages, with family-friendly and adults-only events happening over the next two weeks leading up to the big day.

Dive into Victoria's ghostly history with haunted museum and cemetery tours, learn about spooky sea creatures in the region, and shop Halloween-themed goods from local merchants.

On Oct. 31, there will be several trick-or-treating events, costume contests, and bonfires to celebrate the ghoulish day. As the evening grows darker, dance parties will be popping up around the city for those 19+.

See the full list of Halloween-themed events below.

Family-friendly events

Scare-ium of the Salish Sea | Oct. 23 | 4:30-8pm

Trick-or-treat under the sea—the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is hosting its annual family-friendly Halloween event with dimmed lights, spooky displays, and a search for sunken jack-o'-lanterns. 

Halloween Market YYJ | Oct. 24, 11am-5pm; Oct. 25, 11am-4pm

The fifth annual market returns with witchy creators, magic makers, and more at the Da Vinci Centre. 

Sooke Spook | Oct. 24 | 5-7pm

Explore the grounds of the Sooke Region Museum and peek in the buildings to see if characters from local history have come back to visit for the evening. Wear a costume, and enjoy concession treats and live music. 

Wicked Victoria | Oct. 25 | 10am-3pm

Government Street, from Yates to Broughton, will transform into a Halloween wonderland for all ages. Wear your best costume and enjoy live music, crafts, and lots of treats from local businesses.

Ross Bay Cemetery Annual Ghost Tour | Oct. 25 | 2pm

One of the most popular events hosted by the Old Cemetery Society. Hear ghostly tales linked to the people buried at the cemetery—some historical figures may "come to life" to tell their stories. 

High Moon: A Werewolf Western | Oct. 22-30 | Multiple performances

Catch one of the nightly performances of this immersive walking play, set in a spooky old western town, at Heritage Acres. Suitable for those aged 12+.

Halloween on the Boolevard | Oct. 31 | 11am-6pm

A day of family-friendly Halloween fun at Uptown—enjoy games, pumpkin carving, and square dancing performances. There will be trick-or-treating from 3-5pm. 

Halloween Spooktacular at Butterfly Gardens | Oct. 31 | 10am-2pm

The gardens will be decked out for Halloween—wear a costume, explore interesting insects, and enjoy complimentary face painting. 

Mayfair Mall Halloween Costume Contest | Oct. 31 | 2-5pm

Show off your best costume for a chance to win Mayfair gift cards. There will be three categories: kids and teens (up to age 16), adults (aged 17+), and groups (two or more participants). 

Treat Street Sidney | Oct. 31 | 4:30-6pm

Beacon Avenue will transform into a safe and festive spot for trick-or-treating, with local businesses and organizations handing out candy. 

Halloween Night at Camp Barnard | Oct. 31 | 6:30pm

The Otter Point Firefighters Association hosts this annual Halloween tradition, with a bonfire, fireworks, and candy bags for kids. 

Trick-or-Treat on Oak Bay Avenue | Oct. 31 | 2-5pm

Pick up treats from merchants on the Avenue—participating shops will display a pumpkin poster in their windows—and enjoy live music, circus entertainment, and costume contests for kids and pets. 

19+ parties

Velvet & Vampires | Oct. 29 | 6-8:30pm; 9-11:30pm

Start the Halloweekend off with a fun and spooky variety show full of burlesque and drag at Pour and Famous.

90s Dance Party: Halloween Edition | Oct. 30 | 9pm

Go back in time with this 90s-themed costume party at Capital Ballroom, with music from Britney Spears. Era-specific costumes encouraged, but not required. 

Nightmares on Tap | Oct. 31 | 9pm-1am

Head to CRAFT Beer Market for a night of costumes, drinks, and dancing. 

Emporia Halloween Costume Party | Oct. 31 | 9pm-2am

Costumes, dancing, fun, and prizes are on offer at Langford's Emporia. 

Madhouse | Oct. 31 | 9pm-2am

Join the wildest Halloween party in Victoria at Capital Ballroom. Expect tech-house, top 40, and club anthems all night, paired with festival-grade production.

Nightmare on Douglas St. | Oct. 31 | 9pm-2am

Enjoy an electrifying night of music, dancing, and haunting fun at Studio 919. Come in your most impressive costume for a chance to win prizes.