Because Victoria has more to offer than just UVic
We’re over a month into the semester, so if you haven’t left campus yet, I’m here to tell you — it’s time. You can’t eat campus food forever (after all, it sucks), and you really should experience the “Victoria” part of the “University of Victoria.”
Although it may seem sometimes as though Ring Road is a bubble that you can’t dare to escape, there are things beyond it worth venturing off campus. So, for those new to Victoria or just plain lazy, here’s a round-up of some fall events to get you off campus at least a couple of times this month:
1.Fake Ghost Tours – During the day, the halls of the Royal BC Museum typically fill with tourists. This October, guests can roam around the museum after hours — and potentially run into some ghosts from B.C.’s past. These ghost tours may or may not be historically accurate, but they will be spooky. The fake ghost tours start at 6:00, 7:30, and 9:00 p.m., from October 9 – 12. Tickets are $20 and can be bought in advance here.
2. Stein and Dine — On Saturday, October 19, the Victoria Public Market will turn into a lederhosen-filled Oktoberfest event. Beer from local craft breweries will be served alongside wine, cocktails, and Germanic food from Roast. There will also be live accordion playing, dancing, and beer pong. Tickets are about $50 and include a branded 12 oz stein (aka a beer glass), two 12 oz drink tickets, and two food tickets. Although it’s not the cheapest night out in town, consider the cost of going to actual Oktoberfest would be over $1 000, this is pretty reasonable.
3. One-Man Frankenstein shows at Craigdarroch — This month at Craigdarroch Castle, Jason Stevens will be putting on one-man Frankenstein shows every Saturday. The show is based on the novel Frankenstein, which was written 200 years ago by Mary Shelley. Tickets can be purchased in advance and doors open at six pm. It takes about half an hour to get to Craigdarroch Castle from campus, on either the 4,11,14,15, or 26 buses. Even if you can’t make it to one of these events, the castle itself is also beautiful to visit all year round.
4. Confabulation: Masquerade — On October 17, Confabulation is hosting a storytelling night with the theme “Masquerade: stories of mystery, mistaken identity, and intrigue.” Held at the Victoria Event Center downtown, Confabulation events feature honest and emotional stories told by the people who actually lived them. These unique events usually sell out (or come close) and tickets can only be purchased at the door, so be sure to go early. Find out more here.
5. Galey Farms Festival of Fear — Everyone knows corn mazes are a quintessential fall date. The Festival of Fear, however, is not for the faint of heart. As the sun goes down, the corn maze gets spooky and the PG-13 Haunted House opens its creaky doors. The farm is located just outside of Victoria so it’s only a 20-minute bus ride from campus. The festival will run from 6-10 p.m. on October 17-20, and October 24-31. Check their website for more information.
6. Wannabe: a Spice Girls Tribute Show — Spice up your life with this 90s tribute show on November 7 at Capital Ballroom downtown. Although it would never compare to actually seeing the Spice Girls live, this tribute show would make for a fun girls’ night out. Tickets are $20 in advance, and the event is 19+. For a full British vibe, take a double-decker BC transit bus to the event — either the 15 or the 14 will get you there.
7. Victoria Zombie Walk — At this point in the semester, many of us walk around campus looking like zombies so students may not even need to wear a costume to fit right in at the zombie walk. All of the undead are expected to gather downtown in Centennial Square at around 3 p.m. on October 26 and begin walking from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Even if you don’t attend this event, it’s good to be aware of it since downtown might look a bit more zombie apocalypse-y than usual.
8. Rocky Horror Picture Show — For five nights this October, the Victoria Film Festival is showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The cult classic features Brad and Janet, two sweethearts who meet Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist who introduces them to his latest creation, a muscular man named Rocky. Showings are at the Vic Theater and are 19+. Tickets can be bought for October 25, 26, or 31 here.
