Little Local – June 19

We’re so lucky to have incredible growers, makers, and markets right here in Victoria. I need to visit the grocery store a lot less in the summer months! This week, we’re shining a spotlight on local farmers and artisan markets that make for easy family outings.

And if your crew has a sweet tooth, don’t miss Sweet Street at Westshore Town Centre this weekend…it’s going to be a delicious one!

Quick update on…

Your Guide to Local Farmers & Artisan Markets

One of my favourite things to do in the summer is visit a farmer’s market. It’s a feast for the senses, and the kids love it too. We go for the music, the playground, the samples, and of course, the incredible food grown and made by locals. I love that the kids end up snacking on fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies the whole morning.

It’s also the perfect way to try something new! My kids are now hooked on sprout wraps thanks to Jacob (Salt Spring Sprouts & Mushrooms) at Moss Street Market. Yes, sprouts 🤪!

Here’s a list of the Farmers & Artisan Markets happening around town this summer:

Moss Street Farmers Market
Saturdays • 10 am–2 pm (now–Oct)
📍 Moss St & Fairfield Rd
Victoria’s flagship market (and my personal favourite). The summer months are filled with organic produce, baked treats, artisans, live music, hot food, and of course, coffee.

James Bay Community Market
Saturdays • 9 am–3 pm (now–Oct)
📍 Corner of Menzies & Superior St
A friendly neighbourhood staple with local produce, artisan goods, and a lively, laid‑back vibe.

Esquimalt Farmers Market
Thursdays • 4:30–7 pm (now - Sep)
📍 Memorial Park, Esquimalt
Fresh produce, crafts, live music in a relaxed park setting.

Gorge Park Market (Tillicum)
Thursdays • 4:30–7:30 pm (mid‑Jun to mid‑Sep)
📍 Gorge Park on Tillicum Rd
Healthy local produce, cheerful community atmosphere

Sidney Street Market
Thursdays • 5:30–8:30 pm (now - Sept 11)
📍 Beacon Ave, Sidney
A buzzing family‑friendly evening market with produce, crafts, street food, and live entertainment

Goldstream Farmers Market
Saturdays • 10am–2pm (now - Oct 8)
📍 Veterans Memorial Park, Langford
A vibrant Westshore market with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, live music, and nearby playgrounds, perfect for a family Saturday outing.

Metchosin Farmers Market
Sundays • 11am–2pm (now - late October)
📍 4450 Happy Valley Rd
A laid-back country market with local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music.

Oak Bay Night Market
Second Wednesday of each month (June 11 • July 9 • August 13 • September 10) 4–8 pm
📍 Oak Bay Ave, Oak Bay Village
A charming street market with fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, magician performances, face painting, and balloon animals.

Oaklands Sunset Market
Wednesdays • 4:30–8 pm (July 9 - Aug 27)
📍 Oaklands Community Centre
Over 50 local vendors, food trucks, live music, kid crafts, and beer garden.

Sooke Night Market
Thursdays (now – August 28) 5–8 pm
📍 Sooke Region Museum grounds
A cozy West Coast evening market with local food, crafts and live music.

Bastion Square Night Market
Thursdays (June 25 • July 28 • August 27 • September 17) 4–10 pm
📍 Bastion Square
A downtown arts & crafts market featuring food, local artisans, and live music.

Name, Neighbourhood, & Family Crew:
Libby Williamson. Broadmead. Brad (husband), Pippa (7), Rowan (5), Peanut (cat - 13).

What do you do (for work, passion, or both)?
I am a Public Health Nurse. My focus is perinatal health and childhood immunizations. I am particularly passionate about perinatal mental health (how someone’s feeling emotionally and mentally during pregnancy and in the first year after having a baby).

Any recent parenting wins (or fails) you’d be willing to share?
My kids (5 & 7) have JUST started to get along and play well together. Playtime used to involve so many fights, tears, and refereeing. Now they will actually go off to another room and play with one another for an hour or more! I love overhearing their hilarious conversations :)

What’s one thing you’ve learned as a parent that you wish you knew sooner?
How hard it is! I have been so humbled as a parent. Being responsible for your children’s physical, emotional, and academic needs can feel so overwhelming. Having a strong support network makes it much more manageable. Community supports (like this newsletter!) can also help lighten the load.

Kids’ book on repeat at your house:
We love Julia Donaldson and have many of her books. My oldest is also just getting into chapter books and it has been fun to read her some of my childhood favourites (Harry Potter, Charlotte’s Web, Matilda)

Favourite purchase under $100 with kids in mind:
Our best purchase has surprisingly been Hot Wheels! We have a ridiculous number of cars (at least 50 🙈), but they have provided countless hours of imaginative play. My kids love to sort them by colours, divide them into categories, and create “car families” which they will play with daily.

Momease Baby Boutique is the place to go if you're looking for thoughtfully curated baby gear and parenting essentials. The staff are super knowledgeable and helpful, and they carry so many smart, high-quality products you won’t find in big box stores.

Wild Child Playgroup is a nature-based playgroup for toddlers and preschoolers, and one of our favourite ways to get outside with little ones. With songs, stories, and muddy fun, it's a great way to connect with other families. Head down to Craigflower-Kosapsom Park tomorrow at 5pm for Solstice & Song, a family-friendly picnic and music evening to raise funds to support their low-cost programming.

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

Wildflower is a sweet and empowering picture book for ages 3 to 8 about a little daisy who’s told she’s “just a weed.” Unsure of her place in the garden, Daisy compares herself to the other plants until a new friend helps her see that being different doesn’t mean she doesn’t belong. A gentle story about self-worth, confidence, and growing into who you’re meant to be.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why is a great non-fiction introduction for curious kids aged 3 to 8. It's full of clear, colourful photos and answers to all sorts of everyday questions like "What makes cars go?", "Why does dough turn into cookies?", or "What does the doctor see in my throat?" The Q&A format is sprinkled with hands‑on games, crafts, and recipes. My kids love this one!

📅 Upcoming Events

🌼 Solstice & Song Fundraiser & AGM: Friday, June 20 | 5pm-7pm
Celebrate the summer solstice at Craigflower-Kosapsom Park with live music, snacks, and a raffle supporting Wild Child's low-cost nature programming. [Info]

🛍️ The Mom Market: Saturday & Sunday, June 21–22 | 11am-4pm
A family-friendly artisan market in Market Square featuring local makers, handmade goods and sweet treats. [Info]

🍭 Sweet Street 2025: Saturday, June 21 | 11am–3pm
Head to Westshore Town Centre for a free dessert-themed festival with 40+ sweet vendors, live music, family activities, and a licensed area with cocktails and local brews. [Info]

🎉 AfriCa Fest Victoria: June 26–29 | Evenings from 5pm
Celebrate African culture at Centennial Square with music, dance, food, and interactive art activities for all ages. [Info]

🍁 Canada Day at the Inner Harbour: Tuesday, July 1 | 11am–10pm
A huge downtown celebration with a Kids Zone, multicultural performances, food trucks, and fireworks to end the night. [Info]

🎈 Gorge Canada Day Picnic: Tuesday, July 1 | 8:30am–4pm
A full day of family fun along the Gorge Waterway with parades, kids’ inflatables, pony rides, puppets, canoes, live music, and market vendors. [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.