Little Local - May 1

Friends, it’s May!

The sun’s (mostly) out, Victoria’s in bloom, and it’s one of the best months to be outside before summer crowds hit.

If you’re looking for a fun way to make the most of it, check out our May Bucket List—see how many you can cross off with your crew!

May Bucket List

There are so many amazing parents here in Greater Victoria doing interesting things, and we’re excited to celebrate them in this section of our newsletter.

Name, Neighbourhood, & Family Crew:
Candace Negm. Fernwood. Adrian (Partner), Cosette (13), Kennedy (10), and Briar (almost 3).

What do you do (for work, passion, or both)?
I own and operate Thistle & Wren, which keeps me creatively inspired. My passion? My family, running, and diving into anything related to Child and Youth Care. I’m a lifelong learner and love exploring new ways to support and understand young people.

What’s a typical day like in your household?
In one word: busy. With Adrian in accounting school and me owning a small business, our schedule is a finely tuned dance of parenting hand-offs and planning. The kids are involved in extracurriculars, so we rely heavily on our calendar. That said, we always carve out time for connection — whether it’s baking something together, cozying up for a movie night, or heading out for a little camping adventure.

Any recent parenting wins (or fails) you’d be willing to share?
One of the biggest wins lately is that my kids talk to me — like really talk. They share what’s going on in their world, and I never take that for granted. It’s the kind of connection I’ve always hoped to build with them.

Do you have a go-to park, trail, or rainy day activity?
We’re big fans of Mt. Doug and Mt. Tolmie — they’re gorgeous places, free, and easy to get to. Perfect for clearing our heads or burning off a bit of extra energy.

Your favourite coffee shop:
Forever obsessed with Little June. The vibe, the coffee, the community — love it all.

Kids' book on repeat:
We’re deep into Harry Potter, Piggy + Gerald, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Calvin and Hobbes. A good mix of magic, humor, and heart.

Favourite purchase under $100 with kids in mind:
We’re frequent visitors at Bead World, Cold Comfort, Crust, and Knotty By Nature — little local gems that bring big joy to our girls. Whether it’s creative supplies, sweet treats, or hands-on fun, those places are our go-tos.

Victoria Dad Club: Join this group of local dads who get together 1–2 times a month, alternating between hilarious "Dad-Only" hangouts and kid-friendly adventures. This Saturday they’re going fishing at Elk Lake! Join the Facebook group or mailing list to stay in the loop on upcoming dad hangs 🪓 

Times Colonist Book Sale

📍 Victoria Curling Club
📅 Saturday, May 3 | 9am-7pm & Sunday, May 4th | 9am-5pm

This annual event is a treasure trove for readers, offering thousands of gently used books at bargain prices—$4 for hardcovers and $2 for softcovers and children's books. Proceeds support the Times Colonist Literacy Society, which funds literacy programs and school libraries across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Get there early– the sale is a community favourite, drawing crowds from near and far! [More Info]

📅 More Events

🏰 FREE Family Sport and Recreation Festival at PISE: Saturday, May 3 | 11am–3pm Enjoy a free, family-friendly festival packed with exciting activities like sports, para-sports, obstacle courses, bouncy castles, and more for all ages to explore and enjoy together! [Info]

🌸 May Day Spring Fair at Sea Cider: Sunday, May 5 | 11am–4pm
Celebrate the season with local artisans, family-friendly entertainment, face-painting, food trucks, and cider tastings at this charming outdoor fair set in the orchards of Sea Cider Farm. [Info]

👟 KidsRun Victoria 2025: Sunday, May 5 | 10am
A fun, family-focused run at Tillicum Centre supporting pediatric oncology, with races for all ages, entertainment, and community spirit. [Info]

❄️ Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL: May 8 to 18, 2025 
A magical mix of stunning acrobatics and high-energy ice skating, bringing a dreamy, frozen world to life at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre—perfect for a fun family night out! [Tickets]

🏴‍☠️ Esquimalt Buccaneer Days: May 9–12
Celebrate this swashbuckling community tradition with a weekend full of family fun, including a parade, midway rides, pancake breakfast, live music, and pirate-themed festivities for all ages! [Info]

🔬Science Rendezvous: Saturday, May 10 | 10am-3pm 
This free event at UVic and Camosun Interurban features hands-on STEAM activities, live demos, and interactive exhibits for all ages. [Info]

⛺ MEC Swap: Saturday, May 10 | 10am - 2pm A community event where you can buy, sell, or trade used outdoor gear—perfect for families looking to score quality items for camping, hiking, cycling, and more. [Info]

🎡 Luxton Spring Fair: May 15–18
A classic spring fair in Langford with midway rides, games, food vendors, and family entertainment. [Info]

🎵 Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival: May 17–18
Held at Topaz Park, this lively cultural festival includes pipe bands, Highland dancing, caber toss, family zones, and more. [Info]

🎈 Victoria Day Parade: Monday, May 19 | Starts at 9am
The 123rd annual parade features floats, bands, and performers, starting at Mayfair Mall and heading down Douglas Street [Info]

🧸 Ultimate Toy Fair: May 24–25
Held at Pearkes Arena, this huge toy show features new and vintage toys, games, and collectibles for kids and collectors alike [Info]