Little Local - September 10

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We’re slowly finding our way back into routines over here. Between school starting, activities kicking off, and cooler mornings, September is definitely here! 🍂

This week, we’re sharing plenty of reasons to get out of the house, including the reopening of one of our favourite playgrounds, indoor playgroups starting up again, and a full lineup of community events. We’re also celebrating a very special local milestone: Thistle & Wren is turning 10!

Here’s what to know and do around Victoria this week 👇🏼

A few things worth putting on your radar

🍂 Last Chance for Fall Mail: Don’t miss your chance to sign up for Little Local Crew’s fall edition, our seasonal snail mail club for kids! Each envelope includes screen-free activities, local nature notes, stickers, and a few fun surprises to help kids notice what’s changing around them, including a tasty local treat from Rhino Coffee House 👀. Envelopes will be mailed next week!

🎒 Indoor Play is Back: Fall playgroup and kindergym schedules are starting up again, and we’ve updated our guide with the latest times and a few new programs. These drop-ins are great for burning some energy, meeting other families and getting out of the house on a rainy morning.

🛝 Stadacona Park is Back: One of our go-to playgrounds is reopening today! The rebuilt space looks much like the playground we knew and loved, and we’re so happy to have it back. Let’s go!

♻️ Kids Consignment Sale Coming Up: Victoria Kids Consignment’s big fall sale is happening September 19–20 at Eagle Ridge Community Centre in City Centre Park (1089 Langford Parkway). It’s a great one to check out if you’re looking for clothes, outerwear, toys or gear. Have things you’re ready to pass on? Hurry, because seller registration closes tomorrow, September 11!

Cheers to 10 Years!

So much of what we love about Victoria comes from its small, independent shops. They bring character and connection to our neighbourhoods, but behind every inviting storefront are years of risk, persistence and care from the locals who keep them going.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve definitely toyed with the idea of opening a shop of my own, but I also know it’s HARD hard work. So when I heard that Thistle & Wren, one of our favourite local kids’ shops, was celebrating 10 years, it felt like a milestone worth recognizing.

I asked owner Candace (mom of 3) a few questions about the past decade and wanted to share a little of her story here.

What are you most proud of after 10 years?
That the shop has grown and changed, but we’ve stayed true to what I originally wanted it to be: a place to find beautiful, well-made things, support circular fashion and make families feel welcome.

How has motherhood shaped the shop?
It’s really at the heart of it. I wanted to build something my daughters could watch me create, but also a place that felt a little magical for kids. So much of what we carry and how the shop feels comes from my own experience as a mom.

What has the local community meant to you?
Everything. Retail definitely has its ups and downs, and having local families come back year after year is what has allowed us to keep going.

Is there one memory that has stuck with you?
A customer once came in and told me she was expecting a baby, and I was the first person she had told. We’d only just met. It was such a sweet reminder that a little neighbourhood shop can become part of some pretty special moments.

🎨 Why make a mess at home? Fun new adult + tot programs are starting at Saanich Commonwealth Place later this month! Get messy with painting, crafts and gym play in Muckin’ and Messin’ (Tuesday or Wednesday mornings). Or try crafts, songs and kindergym fun with Jumping Jelly Beans (Friday mornings). Both are for ages 18 months to 3 years, and adult participation is required.

🌱 Healthcare That Grows With Your Family: A Sprout Family Health membership offers proactive, personal care from a team that gets to know your family, plus same or next-day Nurse Practitioner appointments and phone or text support from a Health Navigator RN for urgent questions or simply peace of mind. Learn more about a Sprout Family membership.

This Weekend

🌻 Sunflower Festival
Thursday, September 10 & Friday, September 11 | 3–8pm
The sunflowers are still looking beautiful at Oceanview Estates, so the Sunflower Festival has been extended until at least Friday. Check social media for updates. [Info]

🍖 Esquimalt Ribfest
Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13
Ribs, food trucks, live music and a kids zone at Bullen Park with activities and a bouncy castle. [Info]

🎨 Lagoon Arts & Culture Festival
Friday, September 11 & Saturday, September 12
A family-friendly celebration at Goldfinch Arts Centre of local arts with live performances, interactive activities, vendors, food trucks and more. [Info]

🍂 Little Fernwood Harvest Fun Fair
Saturday, Sept 12 | 11am–4pm
Celebrate the season with zucchini races, games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, bake-off and more at Little Fernwood and Fernwood Square. Free! [Info]

🌽 Vic West Annual Corn Roast
Sunday, September 13 | 12–4pm
Head to Raynor Street for roasted local corn by donation, apple pie judging, zucchini car races, a Doggo Show and live local music. Bring a non-perishable donation for the Little Free Pantry if you can. [Info]

🌿 Grandparents’ Day at Abkhazi Garden
Sunday, September 13 | 11am–4pm
Bring the grandparents for free admission to Abkhazi Garden, plus lawn games and a fall plant sale. [Info]

Upcoming

🏮 Esquimalt Lantern Festival
Friday, September 18 | 6–11pm
Esquimalt Gorge Park glows after dark with handcrafted lanterns, giant puppets, live music, art installations and a lantern procession through the park. [Info]

🍂 Heritage Acres Fall Fair
Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20 | 9am–4pm
A proper old-fashioned fall fair with farm animals, miniature train rides, steam tractors, blacksmithing, live music, a candy scramble and plenty of hands-on fun at Heritage Acres. [Info]

🧸 Ultimate Toy Fair
Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20
More than 200 tables of LEGO, Pokémon, Hot Wheels, vintage toys, comics, video games and collectibles at Pearkes. [Info]

📖 Esquimalt Story Festival
Saturday, September 19 | from 12pm
A family-friendly afternoon at Memorial Park with storytelling and a by-donation lunch. [Info]

🍎 Community Sharing Day
Saturday, Sept 26 | 11am–3pm
Taste heritage apples, press fresh juice, take home free fruit, and enjoy orchard tours and kids’ activities at Welland Community Orchard. Free! [Info]

Markets This Week

Esquimalt Farmers Market
Thu, Sept 10 | 4:30–7pm • Memorial Park

Sidney Street Market
Thu, Sept 10 | 5:30–8:30pm • Beacon Avenue **last of the season!

Bastion Square Market
Thu–Sun, Sept 10–13 | 11am–5pm • Bastion Square

James Bay Market
Sat, Sept 12 | 9am–3pm • Menzies & Superior

Peninsula Country Market
Sat, Sept 12 | 9am–1pm • Saanich Fairgrounds

North Saanich Farm Market
Sat, Sept 12 | 9:30am–12pm • 10990 West Saanich Road

Moss Street Market
Sat, Sept 12 | 10am–2pm • Moss Street

Goldstream Farmers Market
Sat, Sept 12 | 10am–2pm • Danbrook Park

PKOLS Farm & Artisan Market
Sun, Sept 13 | 10am–1pm • Lambrick Park

Gorge Farmers Market
Mon, Sept 14 | 4:30–7pm • Esquimalt Gorge Park

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