Little Local - October 1

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October is starting with a whole lot of cake! We have a weekend of birthday parties ahead, including one for our own kiddo, so bring on the sprinkles, sugar, and rainbows!

We held our first Little Local park meetup last weekend at Beckwith Park, and it was so lovely to meet some of you in person! Thanks to everyone who came out. We’ll likely have another in November, and I’ll check in closer to then to find a date and time that works for more families.

This week, I want to make sure you have the scoop on local pumpkin patches in case you want to get in there early. There’s also one last chance to grab a fall snail mail envelope for your kiddos before ordering closes.

And coming next week: ideas for Thanksgiving weekend, plus a look ahead at some Halloween fun around town!

The Perfect Pumpkin

With the cooler weather and some neighbours already putting up Halloween decorations, it’s totally reasonable to start thinking about finding the perfect pumpkin. I mean, it’s October after all! Whether you want to get in and out, or make an afternoon of it, here are a few local spots to check out:

Galey Farms
📍 4150 Blenkinsop Road, Saanich
Make an afternoon of it with Pumpkinfest’s train rides, corn maze, kids’ haunted house, and pumpkin patch! Buy your ticket in advance.

Bickford Farms
📍 7969 Wallace Drive, Saanichton
A family-owned pumpkin patch offering 12+ varieties of pumpkins and a farm stand with fresh corn until Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to take a photo with Mr. Bones!

Lohbrunner Farm
📍 1152 Lippincott Road, Langford
Pick pumpkins and explore the mini market during Pumpkin Fest. If you’re lucky there may even be a few dahlias left for u-pick. Open weekends in October.

Saanichton Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
📍 7979 Central Saanich Road, Saanichton
Explore the corn maze and look for the incredible Pumpkin House.

Silver Rill Corn
📍 7117 Central Saanich Road, Saanichton
Find your perfect pumpkin here before or after exploring their corn maze. There’s also some farm animals to visit, and lots of corn for sale!

Michell’s Farm Market
📍 2451 Island View Road, Saanichton
Visit the u-pick pumpkin patch, then stock up on local produce at the farm market.

Dan’s Farm & Country Market
📍 2030 Bear Hill Road, Central Saanich
Pick up pumpkins, apples and farm-fresh produce on a countryside outing.

Check each farm’s current hours before heading out, and bring boots for muddy patches!

👻 Haunted Manor mini golf: How did I only just find out about this downtown mini golf spot? We went there recently and had a blast! It might be a little scary for younger ones, but if yours enjoy a bit of creapy fun, put this on your list! Reservations recommended.

📚 A new neighbourhood bookshop: You might recognize Meant Well Books from her book truck! Now she’s opening a permanent shop in Estevan Village this weekend. A new local spot to browse books is always welcome, and I’m looking forward to popping in.

🍁 A little fall nature walk: The Gardens at HCP in Saanich are worth putting on your October list. Head for the Japanese Garden to watch the maples change colour through October and let the kids lead the way on a slow stroll through the gardens. Pairs nicely with a brunch or lunch at Charlotte and the Quail ;)

🥕 South Island FarmHub: Local produce is incredible at this time of year! South Island FarmHub brings the farmers market to your door. Fresh, local groceries from farms and food makers across the region. Online ordering opens Thursdays at 12pm for the week ahead. Get your order in!

🌱 Sprout Family Health: Most healthcare is built for when something’s wrong. Sprout Family Health is designed to help families stay well, with direct access to a dedicated care team, longer visits, and support by phone, text, or booking when you need it. Learn more about a membership.

💌 Last call for snail mail! I have just a few envelopes left for our fall mailout, and ordering closes this weekend. Send your kiddos a little local fun, with activities, stickers and a treat delivered to your mailbox. “Fall mailers are SO CUUUUUUTE! They were thrilled for mail day.” – Little Local parent. Order yours before they’re gone!

This Week & Weekend

🍂 Fall Family Fest
Friday, October 2 | 5:30–7:30pm
Bouncy castle fun, crafts and visits from fire trucks and police cars at Henderson Recreation Centre. Recommended for ages 1–7. $7.50 per child [Info]

🎡 Luxton Fall Fair
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4
The Westshore's classic fall fair returns to the Luxton Fairgrounds in Langford, with midway rides, games, heritage exhibits and demos like blacksmithing and cider making. The midway runs Friday 3–11pm, Saturday noon–11pm and Sunday noon–6pm. [Info]

☕ Fundraiser for Flourish!
Saturday, October 3 | 9am–3pm
Stop by Moka House in Cadboro Bay for a fundraiser hosted by Thunderbird Plumbing in support of Flourish! School Food Society. [Info]

🎨 Community Market & Pop-Up
Saturday, October 3 | 11am–4pm
Browse local makers while the kids enjoy free activities with Story Theatre and The Play Theatre Studio at Black and Here Community Centre, 1327 Douglas Street. Admission is free or by donation, supporting accessible arts programs for children. [Info]

🏮 Light Up the Hills
Saturday, October 3 | 7–9:30pm
The West Shore Arts Council's lantern festival lights up Westhills in Langford after dark. Families walk a glowing path past light installations, performers and musicians. Bring a homemade lantern to light your way! [Info]

🍎 Apple Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 3 | 10am–2pm
Enjoy live music, apple treats and a garden gift shop at Ross Bay Villa in Fairfield. Have a mystery apple tree? Bring three unwashed apples in a paper bag for identification! [Info]

🩰 Ballet Victoria's Ballet Rocks
Saturday, October 3 | 7pm & Sunday, October 4 | 2pm
Classical ballet meets iconic rock anthems at the Royal Theatre. The Sunday matinee is a great pick for older kids. Tickets from $35.25. [Info]

👻 Crafts from the Crypt Fair
Saturday, October 3 | 10am–5pm & Sunday, October 4 | 10am–4pm
Browse Halloween-inspired arts, crafts and curious finds at the Saanich Fairgrounds. A fun stop for families who love spooky season! Admission is $5. Kids 12 and under are free. [Info]

Upcoming

🏃 Thrifty Foods Kids Run
Saturday, October 10 | 10:45am & 11am
Kids 12 and under can take on a 1km run starting and finishing at Willows Beach Park. Parents can run alongside for free, and participants receive a medal and toque. Registration is $30 and closes October 9; no race-day registration. [Info]

☕ Wild Mamas
Sunday, October 11 | 10am–12pm
Meet at Ruth & Dean for Wild Child’s new walking group for pregnant and postpartum parents. A chance to connect through early motherhood, with babies born in 2026 welcome. [Info]

🦄 The Unicorn’s Birthday
Saturday, October 17 | 3pm
Victoria Symphony brings musical animals and an interactive birthday celebration to the Farquhar at UVic. Designed for young families and sensory-friendly audiences, with a chance to try real instruments before the concert. [Info]

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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.