Little Local - July 2

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Good morning! I hope you all had a lovely Canada Day yesterday. We’re in Pemberton this week with some family and already have a few Summer Adventure Passport activities on our list, including berry picking at North Arm Farm.

This week’s issue is all about those “what should we do this morning?” summer days. I’ve rounded up summer playgroups, early years drop-ins, and a few great-looking library programs for kids of all ages. Plus, a reminder that Passport Perks are officially live for July and August.

Summer Playgroups

Many playgroups and kindergyms take a pause for the summer, but there are still some in session if you want to escape the heat, or just want to spend some time indoors. I’ve rounded up local playgroups and early years programs that are in session this summer.

Most are free or by donation, with options for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their grown-ups. I put together the list here on Little Local’s website 👇🏼

📚Also worth noting: Library Story and Playtime is back for part of the summer starting July 7, and I’ve updated the details on Little Local’s Storytimes page. The library also has some great summer drop-in programs. I’ll include highlights in the What’s Happening section, but you can always take a look at the library website for the full schedule.

Do you have your Passport?

It was so nice to meet many of you at last weekend’s Passport Pick-Up Party at Uptown! I loved seeing how excited your kids were to receive their Passports and look through all of the fun activities they get to check off this summer.

And since it’s officially July, the 🍦 Passport Perks are now valid! Each perk can be redeemed once per Passport from now until August 31. Just remember to bring your Passport with you and show it when redeeming a perk.

Need a copy? You can print the digital version at home, or pick up a physical Passport from Victoria City Hall, Thistle & Wren in Fernwood, or the Info Tent at Moss Street Market on Saturdays.

And big love to this year’s Passport sponsors for helping make this little summer adventure possible for local families. Thank you!!

This Weekend

🌴 i-Land Fest
Friday, July 3–Sunday, July 5
Head downtown to Ship Point for this Caribbean cultural festival with live music, food, performances, a marketplace, cultural exhibits, and a kids/games zone. The Caribbean Carnival Parade is on Saturday from 11:30am–1:30pm, starting at Centennial Square and ending at Ship Point. [Info]

🎶 Victoria Folk Music Festival
Saturday, July 4
Spend the day enjoying live folk music, local food, an artisan market and a children’s area at Royal Athletic Park. [Info]

🎆 Butchart Gardens Summer Fireworks
Saturday, July 4
Butchart’s summer fireworks return this Saturday evening, with live music before the show and fireworks at 10:15pm. A later night, but a fun summer tradition if your kids can stay up late. [Info]

🛍️ Bastion Square Market
Thursday–Sunday | 11am–5pm
Browse local artisans, makers, jewellery, clothing, crafts, treats, and more in the heart of downtown Victoria. [Info]

🌿 Moss Street Market
Saturday, July 4 | 10am–2pm
Pick up local produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade treats, and more at this beloved Fairfield market. Bonus: you can also pick up a Summer Adventure Passport at the Info Tent! [Info]

Upcoming

🦀 BC CrabFest
Saturday, July 18 | 11am–10pm
A new harbour celebration at Ship Point with food, music, and ocean stories. A fun downtown outing for families who love seafood, music, and the waterfront. [Info]

✈️ Canadian Forces Snowbirds Over Victoria
Tuesday, August 4 | 5pm
The Snowbirds are coming to Victoria for an aerobatic performance over Dallas Road Park. Arrive early to grab a spot, enjoy the waterfront, and pick up dinner from the food trucks. [Info]

Library Summer Drop-Ins

The library has a great lineup of free summer drop-in programs for kids and families, from hands-on history and comics to Lego, crafts, buttons, and book-themed fun.

Here’s what’s happening over the next week in an easy-to-read format, but check the GVPL website for the full summer lineup.

📦 History Box: Artifact Touch Table
Thursday, July 2 | 3–4:30pm
Get up close with artifacts from different periods of Canadian history at Saanich Centennial Branch. All ages.

🎶 Giggles and Wiggles
Monday, July 6 | 11am–12pm
Little listeners with extra energy can enjoy action-filled stories, songs, rhymes, and free play at Central Branch. For ages 18 months–3 years.

🧸 Stuffed Animal Storytime and Sleepover
Tuesday, July 7 | 2:30–3:15pm
Bring a favourite stuffy to storytime, then leave it behind for a library sleepover at Saanich Centennial Branch. For ages 2–7.

🧱 Lego at the Library
Wednesday, July 8 | 3–4pm
Bring the creativity and the library will bring the Lego for an hour of building fun at Central Branch. For ages 7–10.

🌈 Pride Storytime and Rainbow Crafts
Thursday, July 9 | 11am–12pm
Celebrate Pride with stories, songs, and rainbow crafts at Esquimalt Branch. For ages 0–9.

🔘 Button Making
Thursday, July 9 | 11am–12pm
Kids can turn creative ideas into their own buttons at Langford Heritage Branch. For ages 6–9.

🐾 We Love Those Books! Dog Man and Friends
Friday, July 10 | 11am–12pm
Celebrate Dog Man and friends with book fun, activities, and a supa craft at James Bay Branch. For ages 8–12.

🧸 Stuffed Animal Storytime and Sleepover
Friday, July 10 | 1–1:45pm
Bring a favourite stuffy to storytime, then leave it behind for a library sleepover at Juan de Fuca Branch. For ages 2–7.

Note: These programs are drop-in, but space is limited, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. Adults must stay onsite during children’s programs.

Hope you enjoyed this issue of Little Local! Please reply with any feedback and suggestions :)

P.S. Would you like to get your business in front of thousands of local Victoria families? Email us at [email protected].

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know.