Wicked Victoria is a free Halloween-themed event in October each year with family-friendly things to do on Government Street in Victoria.
The event usually happens on the weekend just before Halloween. In 2022 it took place on Sunday, October 30th. Visit gvfs.ca for the event’s official website.
Wicked Victoria Halloween Event
In celebration of the Halloween season, the Greater Victoria Festival Society runs Wicked Victoria. The event takes place along Government Street in the downtown area of Victoria. During the festivities, the road is closed to traffic. At the street party-style event you get to walk around and check out a number of Halloween-themed activities that are suitable for various ages. The event is open to everyone and it’s free to attend.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wicked Victoria was unable to take place in its usual format in 2020. Rather than having everyone gather outside, there was an online costume contest that year instead. In 2021 the event was held in-person on October 24th (so a full week before Halloween). In 2022 it happened again as an in-person event, this time on the day just before Halloween.
Where and When
2022 marked the 8th edition of Wicked Victoria. This past year, the Halloween-themed event took place on Sunday, October 30th. The festivities ran from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Despite lots of rain, it was a good event.
The event happens along Government Street between Yates Street and Broughton.
What to Expect
In normal years, thousands of people come out to Wicked Victoria to enjoy all the free activities that the event has to offer. In 2022 attendance was lower than usual, but that’s understandable given the amount of rain predicted for the day.
Everyone who chooses to hang around Government Street during the event is encouraged to wear a costume. Although costumes aren’t required, there are costume contests and mini processions that are fun to participate in. Wearing a costume is a great way to show off your Halloween spirit! It’s also fun to walk around and admire all the different types of costumes that everyone wears.
There is an area at the event known as the Wicked Kids Zone. It is where children can decorate cupcakes and get their faces painted. Last year there was also an obstacle course for younger folk to enjoy.
Performing at this past year’s event were the Cookeilidh Celtic band and the Love Cats. In addition to the live music, there was a costume contest for both kids and animals as well as games and other activities. There were also market vendors, a balloon animal station, food for sale and a couple of bouncy castles.
Other Information
For more information about Wicked Victoria, visit the Greater Victoria Festival Society website.
More events put together by the same organization at other times of the year include Light Up the City, Santa Light Parade, Franco Fest, Irish Whiskey Hooley, Victoria St. Patrick’s Day Festival and the Victoria Day Parade, among others.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
If you plan to be in the Lower Mainland in October, other articles that might be of interest on the VancouversBestPlaces.com website include the following:
- Vancouver’s October Events Calendar
- Lower Mainland Halloween Events
- Vancouver Halloween Activities for Kids
