Little Local - October 30

Halloween, Game 7, pumpkin smashes, and E.T. with the Symphony.

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Little Local
October 30, 2025

Tomorrow’s a big one…Halloween AND Game 7! Halloween ranks just behind Christmas and birthdays in our house, so the excitement is real. If you’re celebrating, we’ve shared the list of trick-or-treat spots around town over on Instagram, many of them happening during the day, which is great if you’ve got little ones or plan to be home for the Jays game. Whatever your plans, have fun and stay safe out there! ☂️👻

What are we all doing with the Halloween candy?

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Things to Look Forward to in November

November can be a tricky month. It’s a little too soon to feel excited about the holidays, and the dreary weather can make it hard to get out of the house. But this is your reminder that there’s still plenty to love about this slower, cozier stretch of the season.

Whether you’re craving some indoor fun or hoping for leafy outdoor adventures, here are a few things to look forward to around Victoria this month:

1️⃣ Indoor play + creative fun

As the rain sets in, spots like Birdhouse Creative Studio, Playgroups/Kindergym, and Library Storytimes become family favourites. The IMAX is currently closed (reopening soon 🤞🏼), but the Royal BC Museum is always worth a visit.

2️⃣ Warm treats + family cafés

Hot chocolate, soup, and a baked treat? Yes, please. Take your kids for a cozy café date! Try Little June (Fernwood), Ruth & Dean (Oak Bay), or Smør Scandinavian Bakery (Sidney) for good coffee, kid-friendly treats, and a warm place to hide from the rain.

3️⃣ Nature hikes

If you haven’t seen the salmon run yet, November is your chance! Head to Goldstream or Charters Creek (Sooke) to watch one of nature’s most incredible local events.

It’s also the perfect time for a walk or hike. Spot mushrooms, crunch leaves, and collect colourful finds for a nature collage at home. Our family loves Francis/King Regional Park (Saanich), Devonian Regional Park (Metchosin), PKOLS (Mount Doug), and Mystic Vale (UVic).

4️⃣ Head Downtown!

Downtown Victoria is about to get cozy and festive! We’re launching our Downtown Guide + Fall/Winter BINGO next week to help families explore the city together. Think favourite local spots, hidden gems, and playful ways to get out and about this season. Little Local readers will get the guide and details first!

💛 What are you most excited about this November?

Quick Favour! 🙏🏼

Thanks to everyone who filled this out last week. Would still love to hear from more readers! Please complete a quick, anonymous survey to help me understand who you are and shape what comes next for Little Local.

Read: The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming is a cute fall-themed picture book where Squirrel panics when his leaves begin disappearing, only to learn the wind (and changing of seasons) is the gentle “leaf thief.” It’s a fun way to talk about change and seasons with young kids.

Make: These zucchini muffins from Ambitious Kitchen sneak in zukes, but taste like a treat! Made with wholesome ingredients, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened, they’re a kid-approved snack that’s perfect for school lunches or quick breakfasts.

Little Local is a free, local newsletter. If Little Local has helped your family discover new places and experiences this year, consider supporting our work so we can keep growing. Thank you!
–Sarah

🛒 Urban Grocer: From fresh produce to pantry staples and ready-to-go meals, Urban Grocer (Fort and Oak Bay) makes family shopping easy! Pop in for everyday essentials or treat yourself to something new from their locally sourced selection.

🍔 Big Wheel Burger: Don’t feel like cooking? Head out for an easy family dinner at Big Wheel Burger, serving up classic burgers (with grass-fed beef), hot dogs, and chicken tenders made with local ingredients. It’s fast food you can actually feel good about.

Want to spread the good word about your business, a hire, or just want to say hi to 2,500 local Victoria families?

Want to promote your event? Use this link.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert

📅 Saturday, Nov 1 | 7pm & Sunday, Nov 2 | 2:30pm
📍Royal Theatre

The Victoria Symphony is bringing E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in Concert to the Royal Theatre this weekend, and it sounds like pure magic! The full movie will play on the big screen while the orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score live. It’s the kind of experience that’s just as special for parents as it is for kids, a chance to relive the wonder and share it with them for the first time. Grab tickets for Saturday night or the Sunday matinee.

📅 Happy Halloween!

🎃🍬Trick-or-Treat Around Town

Sweet Street Halloween Spooktacular In Sidney (4:30–6pm)
Downtown Sidney transforms into a sweet lover’s paradise with candy, costumes, and family fun.

Trick-or-Treat on the Avenue (2–5pm)
Bring your costumed crew for an afternoon of trick-or-treating at more than 50 local businesses on Oak Bay Ave! Enjoy live music, treats, and a festive village vibe.

Halloween on the Boolevard (3-6pm)
Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Uptown for a festive afternoon of trick-or-treating along The Boulevard at Uptown. Enjoy candy, costumes, music, and photo ops in a fun, family-friendly setting.

Indoor Trick-or-Treating at Westshore Town Centre (3:30–5pm)
Little ones can collect sweets from participating shops in this cozy indoor setting—perfect for staying dry while still joining the fun.

Haunted Parliament – BC Legislature (3–4:30pm)
Visit the Parliament Buildings for a rare peek inside, complete with Halloween crafts, treats, and costumed fun for families.

Trick-or-Treat Trail at Royal Bay (12-5pm)
A fun, family-friendly afternoon of trick-or-treating in the Commons Plaza with a live DJ spinning Halloween tunes, meet a favourite princess, and of course lots of treats.

Treat Street – Luxton Fairgrounds (5:30pm-8pm)
Enjoy free trick-or-treating, hot dogs, hot chocolate, and live entertainment at this fun family event. Non-food treats available and donations for the Goldstream Food Bank encouraged.

Hillside Trick-or-Treat (10am onwards)
Kids can pick up a list of participating stores from Guest Services and let the candy hunt begin! (while supplies last!)

📅 Upcoming

🎄 Nightmare Before Christmas Market
Saturday, Nov 1 & Sunday Nov, 2 | 10am–4pm
Shop local vendors, handmade goods, and festive treats at Mary Winspear Centre. [Info]

🕯️ Swan Lake Winter Craft Fair
Sat, Nov 1 & Sun, Nov 2 | 12–4pm
Browse handmade crafts and gifts in a cozy lakeside setting at Swan Lake Nature House. [Info]

🎃 Charity Pumpkin Smash
Saturday, Nov 1 | 10am–2pm
Watch your jack-o’-lanterns get dropped from a fire truck at Westhore Town Centre and smashed to bits at this fun post-Halloween event with Langford Fire Rescue. [Info]

💥 Pumpkin Smash
Saturday, Nov 1 | 12–2pm
Smash your pumpkins responsibly at Colwood City Hall! Bring your old jack-o’-lanterns for composting and enjoy the satisfying smash. [Info]

👻 Spooky Pumpkin Walk
Sat, Nov 1 | 5–7:30pm
Take a twilight stroll through a glowing pumpkin trail at Pineridge Park and costumes encouraged! [Info]

🔥 View Royal FireSmart Pumpkin Smash
Sun, Nov 2 | 10am–2pm
Bring your leftover pumpkins to the View Royal Fire Hall and watch them get dropped from a 15-metre hose tower! [Info]

🎨 Family FUNday
Sat, Nov 9 | 10am–1pm
Drop in for free, creative art activities, dress up, and performances at Kaleidoscope Arts Centre. [Info]

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.