Little Local - July 31

This week’s issue is packed! We’ve got a roundup of local u-pick farms (mostly blueberries right now!) and a quick look at fall rec centre registration dates. Scroll down for BC Day celebrations and other family-friendly events worth adding to your calendar.

U-Pick Berry Farms

If your kids eat as many berries as mine, you might be interested in a fun way to stock up this season. Luckily, there are a handful of u-pick farms just a short drive from Victoria, where you can fill your buckets with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Here are a few local spots to check out this summer:

Silverside Farm (Cobble Hill) – A no-spray farm offering blueberry picking in July/August and strawberries in mid-August. Open daily.

Lohbrunner Community Farm (Metchosin) – Pick organic blueberries on select Saturdays (August 2 & 9, 12–4pm). A peaceful, community-run space.

Dan’s Farm & Country Market (Central Saanich) – Daily u-pick blueberries from 8:30am–3:30pm, plus a farm stand loaded with fresh corn, cucumbers, and more local produce.

Red Gate Farm (1018 Beckwith Ave) – Blueberry u-pick runs Wednesdays (5:30–8:30pm) and Saturdays (9am–12pm) on a lovely family-run property.

Northbrook Farm (Saanichton) – Certified-organic u-pick blueberries available every day except for Mondays. Their local farm stand is also open Tuesdays and Sundays.

Animal Farms Around Town

Have an animal lover in the house? These local farms around Victoria offer the chance to meet goats, ponies, pigs, and more. Whether you’re popping in for a quick visit or planning a morning adventure, here are some great spots to get up close with farm animals:

Country Bee Honey Farm – Head to this family-friendly farm in Saanichton to visit goats, chickens (and chicks!), ostriches, ponies, donkeys, and pigs. Then browse the shop for honey and bee-themed treats. A local favourite!

Beacon Hill Children’s Farm – A gem inside Beacon Hill Park where kids can meet goats, pigs, and donkeys, watch the daily goat “stampede” (10:10am & 5:10pm), and say hello to the farm’s two new alpacas.

My Chosen Café – Stop by the Critter Corner behind this Metchosin café to greet goats, miniature donkeys, and chickens. It’s a fun pit stop after a beach morning and the perfect spot for lunch!

Bear N Bee Farm – This small, hands-on farm in the Highlands offers occasional interactive visits, farm programs for caregivers + tots throughout the year, and birthday party bookings.

Mary’s Farm & Sanctuary – During the summer, you can book a 1hr guided experience where staff lead you through feeding and caring for the rescued animals that call this peaceful Metchosin sanctuary home.

⛳ Island View Farm & Mini Golf is a hidden gem on the Peninsula where you can find fresh goodies at the farm store and challenge the kids to a round of mini golf. Passport holders get 2for1 mini golf (or 50% off one child) Monday–Friday.

🧑🏻‍🍳 Spriglet offers adorable aprons for tiny chefs, created by a local mom (and this week’s Parent Profile!) Femke. These kid-sized aprons are comfy, durable, and made for real kitchen messes, perfect for baking days, play kitchens, and crafty afternoons.

🍔 Swans Pub: Yes, it’s a pub, but a super family-friendly one! Show your Summer Adventure Passport and get 2for1 kids meals. Perfect for a lunch or dinner outing after a downtown adventure!

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 2,000 local families?

📅 Upcoming Events

📘 Stories in the Park
Thursdays from 10am-11am
Head down to Saxe Point Park every Thursday in July & August for stories by Canadian authors, followed by a fun activity. Great for kiddos 2-5, but everyone’s welcome. [Info]

📚 Galleon Books, Antiques, Collectibles Extravaganza
Friday, August 1 | 4-9pm & Saturday, August 2 | 9-4pm
Treasure hunt your way through vintage books, toys, and collectibles at this fun indoor market at the Mary Winspear Centre. [Info]

🎭 Shrek the Musical Jr
Friday, August 1 | 6pm
Watch young performers bring Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona to life in this lively family production at the Mary Winspear Centre. [Info]

🎸 Music in the Park
Friday, August 2 | 5:30-7:30pm
Kick back in Herm Williams Park with live music from the Soul Shakers. Bring a blanket and enjoy the evening! [Info]

🌿 Exploring Indigenous Perspectives – Self-guided Walk
Saturday, August 2 | 10am-1pm
Take a family-friendly walk at East Sooke Regional Park to learn about Indigenous relationships with the land through interpretive signs. [Info]

🎉 ViVa! Victoria Latin Fest
Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3 | 12–6pm
Dance, eat, and celebrate Latin culture at Centennial Square with music, food, crafts, and family entertainment. [Info]

🌞 SoberFest '25 Victoria
Saturday, August 2 | 1–9pm
A family-friendly festival at Starlight Stadium in Langford with live music featuring Serena Ryder, The Strumbellas, Yukon Blonde, and Snak The Ripper. There will also be games, food trucks, and sober celebration. [Info]

💎 Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Saturday, August 2 | 2-3pm
Drop by the Maritime Museum to make your own sea glass pendant or keychain. Great for crafty kids and adults! [Register]

🎵 Wonderment Festival
Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4
An arts and music festival with free, family-friendly performances in parks around town during the day and ticketed, adult events at night. [Info]

🐦 Beginner Birding Basics: Self-guided Walk
Sunday, August 3 | 10am-1pm
Bring the binoculars and explore Elk/Beaver Lake park while learning beginner birding tips on a self-guided walk. [Info]

🎶 Summer Sounds with MaryJane’s Last Dance
Sunday, August 3 | 2-4pm
Catch this Tom Petty tribute band live at the outdoor stage in Sidney’s Beacon Park. [Info]

⚽ Pacific FC Match: Stewie's Beach Party
Monday, August 4 | 3-5pm
Celebrate Stewie the Starfish’s birthday with a beach-themed home game—expect fun, prizes, and family-friendly energy at Starlight Stadium. [Info]

🌳 Free Play in the Park
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in August 5:30–8pm
Panorama staff are hosting FREE summer fun for the whole family, with interactive play, group games, and inflatable fun on a giant 50' obstacle course! [Info]
Tuesdays: at KELSET Elementary
Wednesdays: at Tulista Park
Thursdays: at Centennial Park

🎵 Memorial Park Music Fest
Tuesday, August 5 | 6–8pm
Bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxed summer concert with The Phonix YYJ at Memorial Park in Esquimalt, perfect for an easy and entertaining evening with the kids. [Info]

🏞️ Neighbourhood Nights
Tuesday, August 5 | 6pm–8pm
Bring a picnic and meet your neighbours at Royal Bay Meadow Park. Enjoy games, activities, and good company in a beautiful community green space. [Info]

☮️ Hiroshima-Nagasaki Day
Wednesday, August 6 | 6–9pm
A peaceful, family-friendly gathering at Esquimalt Gorge Park with music, lanterns, and reflection. [Info]

🎬 Summer Outdoor Movie: Big Hero 6
Wednesday, August 6 | Movie at dusk (~8:30pm)
Bring your blankets to Bullen Park for a cozy outdoor screening of this action-packed comedy-adventure film. [Info]

🎻 Oak Bay Concerts in the Park
Thursday, August 7 | 6–7:30pm
Listen to Black Angus in Willows Park with a stunning ocean view. Pack a dinner and settle in for a fun, family evening. [Info]

🚲 Free Wheelin’ Youth Bike Lending
Monday – Friday until August 29
Head down to the Topaz Park all-wheels skate and bike park, where kids and youth can borrow bikes, scooters, skateboards, helmets, and pads for free! [Info]

💜 Summer Lavender Festival
Every weekend in August | 1pm–6pm
Head over to Bilston Creek Farm for a peaceful afternoon in the sun and lavender fields. Wander the blooming fields, listen to live music, and enjoy local treats. [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. And some links may be affiliate links (I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you), but every product is something I genuinely love or comes recommended by someone I trust.