Four activities to get you in the festive mood this fall
Illustration by Chloe Latour.
There’s a crisp breeze in the air, leaves are starting to slowly die, and the days are getting shorter. Fall has finally arrived.
Now that it’s sweater weather and midterm season, it’s so easy to curl up on your couch, drink your pumpkin spice latte, and hunker down for the next few months. But don’t let the deadlines and rain discourage you from fully enjoying what October has to offer. Here are four activities to help you get in the spooky spirit.
Pumpkin picking
Heading to a pumpkin patch is one of the most classic and timeless activities to get you in the fall mood. Relive your childhood memories and take your group of friends to one of Victoria’s pumpkin patches.
- Galey Farms: Located in Saanich, this farm includes a corn maze and a farm train that is guaranteed to get you in the autumn spirit. Admission is a bit more pricey, starting at $20, but the ticket includes fun activities for people of all ages. Plus, if you’re looking to enjoy a haunted house or a horror corn maze, Galey Farms turns into “The Festival of Fear” most nights this month.
- Michell’s Farm Market: This farmers market has a “U-Pick” pumpkin patch, meaning there is no admission fee,you just pay per pumpkin. It also serves farm to table food at Harvest Rd, so you can pick up all of your fall vegetable needs and a delicious sandwich while you’re there.
- Ocean View Estates: This farm is the home of the annual Saanichton corn maze and pumpkin patch. Open every weekend during October, this farm is a great option. Admissions are a little cheaper than Galey (starting at $12) making it a reasonable alternative.
Go to a spooky show
Nothing sets the spooky, Halloween mood better than watching a creepy movie. Luckily, there are multiple shows in Victoria that will get you excited for the upcoming occasion.
- The 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back at The Vic Theatre this October. Surround yourself with some of the biggest Rocky Horror fans as they showcase their best costumes and get ready for this lively show. Dress up in your favourite Frank-N-Furter outfit.
- Speaking of The Vic Theatre, this month’s Retromania includes The Exorcist. On Oct. 29, experience one of the best horror movies in theatres once again. Tickets are on sale online for $13.
- If you’re looking to attend a play this fall, Dear Boss: Letters from Jack the Ripper is playing at Intrepid Theatre from Oct. 23–25. Based on the infamous Jack the Ripper letters, this one woman show is perfect for true-crime lovers. Admission is $22.63. Portions of the ticket sales will go to The Grocery Foundation, which helps feed kids across Canada.
Take a ghost tour
Every October, Ghostly Walks hosts a special tour, exploring some of Victoria’s most chilling ghost stories. Each tour is one hour and takes participants through the hauntingly scary sites that Victoria has to offer. Admission is $16 for students and tours take place every day this month. Make sure to book ahead of time.
If you’re on a tight budget and have a bit of free time, you and your friends can also make your own spooky map of Victoria’s most famous haunted places. Just use the free self-guided tour provided on the City of Victoria’s website. The guide takes you through the popular haunted sites while explaining their historical value.
Plan your Halloween costume
With Halloween quickly approaching, it’s now or never to start thinking about what to wear and get your costume perfected. Thankfully, there are a few places in Victoria which you can swing by to grab any finishing touches that you might need.
- Value Village: During the month of October, Value Village turns into a half thrift store, half Halloween store. This is great if you’re looking for cheap clothes or want to have a more classic Halloween look.
- Salvation Army or WINN: These places will provide the most bang for your buck in terms of thrift stores. With cheaper prices, you won’t have to worry about your wallet while planning your costume. Depending on what location you choose, you might have a hard time finding the perfect piece you’re missing, but I suggest heading to the Cedar Hill Salvation Army.
- Disguise The Limit: Located in Colwood, this costume rental shop is a great place to look for your costume needs. This rental store mainly focuses on items for theatre and film, but during the month of October it rents out accessories that your costume may be missing. Just book soon if you want a better chance of getting the piece you need.
- Langham Court Theatre: If you’re looking for a specific period piece that thrift stores don’t have, I’d recommend checking out this costume rental store. Open Wednesday to Saturday, drop ins are welcome. Again, I’d recommend going early so you don’t miss out on their great costumes.
