If you're looking for some spooky fun this Halloween, fear not, there are events for ghosts and goblins of all ages to enjoy. Here are some of Monday's favourites:
Oct. 13-31
Festival of Fear
Galey Farms (4150 Blenkinsop)
This annual event includes a fully animated cornfield, a "Crazy Train" ride, spooky theatrical performances, séances with Madame Isabella and a bone-chilling "CarnEvil" venue for teens and adults. Nightly through Oct. 31 from 6-10pm. $10/7/5. Galeyfarms.net
Nightly until Oct. 31
Ghosts of Victoria Festival
Ghost walks, ghost bus tours, ghost stories and paranormal investigations are all part of the Ghosts of Victoria Festival. Taking place at famously haunted locations in Victoria such as Craigdarroch castle, St. Ann’s Academy and the Ross Bay Cemetery. More information at discoverthepast.com/festival.
Oct.26 and 27
The Horror Within: An Improvised HP Lovecraft
This fully improvised show is inspired by the works of the grandfather of horror, HP Lovecraft. Listen to the harrowing tales of three intrepid knowledge seekers as they delve too deep into ancient mysteries, telling you horror stories based on your suggestions. 8pm at the Intrepid Theatre Club (1609 Blanshard). $12 at Russell Books and at the door.
Oct.26 and 27
Voices from the Past: Ghostly Walking Tours of St. Ann’s Academy
St. Ann’s Academy may have closed its school in 1973, but that doesn’t mean all the students left.
Now, with perfect ghostly timing, the academy has opened its doors for a rare tour of lesser-seen rooms, dark closets and cold spaces that showcase the unexplained phenomena of the school’s 100-year history. The 90-minute tours will take place in and around the building, and will contain a mix of historical facts and stories collected over the years of unexplained experiences — strange sightings, sounds and some a little darker.
“Most of our ghostly stories are benevolent,” says Shelley Myhres, program co-ordinator for St. Ann’s Academy National Historic Site. “But we do have at least one account of a malevolent incident.”
Myhres, who has worked with the academy for almost 15 years, experienced her own phenomenon on a stormy night in December 2007. While branches whipped and rain pelted the windows of the building, she was sure she heard women’s voices singing a French Christmas carol. She checked outside for carolers, but no one was around. The voices continued.
Tours begin at 7pm at the entrance to the chapel (835 Humboldt). and will take place rain or shine, so dress for the outdoors. Tickets $12/$10. Reserve tickets at 250-953-8829, stanns.academy@gov.bc.ca.
Oct. 26 to Nov. 3
The Metamorphobia Masquerade
Atomic Vaudeville presents its annual Halloween Show featuring the first-ever Kanye Lounge (in the guitar bar — no line, drink service, first drink free). Oct. 26, 27 and 31 and Nov. 3 at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). Adults $22, students/seniors $18, Kanye Lounge $35. Special "drop some knowledge" night where students get in for $13 is Thurs., Nov. 1. Tickets at ticketrocket.org or 250-590-6291.
Oct. 27
Forest Spooktacular
Join in on this guided walk for some spooktacular afternoon Halloween fun with CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists at Francis/King Regional Park (Munns Road). Displays, Halloween crafts and hot ghoulish brew await. 11am to 2:30pm. Walks leave at 11:15am and 1:15pm.
Oct. 27
Rockabilly Halloween
Join the Cavaleros for some shakin' n' stompin' Halloween fun at the Cambie (856 Esquimalt). They're joined on the bill by the Jukebox Jezebels, The Flaming Skulls and Hank Angel. Show at 8pm. $10.
Oct. 27
All-Ages Halloween
Join Nardwuar the Human Serviette and The Evaporators, Open Relationship and Thee Goblins for an all-ages show. 8pm at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church Hall (1112 Caledonia). $8 in advance at Lyle's Place, Talk's Cheap and Ditch Records. Doot doola doot doo … doot BOO!
Nightly until Oct. 31
Oak Bay Pumpkin Art
Hundreds of pumpkins, carved in the likeness of local personalities, cartoon characters and other celebrities will be on display behind the Oak Bay Municipal Hall nightly from 5-10pm until Oct. 31. Oak Bay Village also hosts a trick-or-treat event Halloween night, with a bonfire in Firemans' Park afterward.
Oct. 27
Spooks and Spokes Ghost Ride
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition hosts this themed ride. Bike along on this easy 20-kilometre night ride and learn about the spirits who live in some of the finest homes and castles of Victoria. Costumes and decorated bicycles are encouraged. Suggested donation $5. Meet at Centennial Square at 6:30pm. More information at gvcc.bc.ca.
Oct. 27
Boo Grass Scare Dance
Join the Young Oldtime Music and Dance Association (YOMADA) for the second annual Halloween-themed square dance with live music by Pennyless!, The Capitol City Synchopators, Dan Weisenberger, the YOMADA House Stringband and a top secret special guest. No experience required. All dances taught on the spot. 7pm at Kirk Hall (680 Courtenay). $10 advance at Solstice Cafe and Larsen Music. $15 at the door. Yomada.ca.
Oct. 27
The Cosmic Allstar Affair
Radio Contact Productions is helping the legendary Max Power celebrate the 10th anniversary of his first trip to space by hosting a space-aged party in a secret location! With music by Jphilip, The Electric Timber Company, DJ Nigel, Admiral Gordon Blun and Keith Gallant Sound. Only 200 tickets are available and they can be found at Coastline Surf and Sport (1417 Broad). Find out more at radiocontact.ca.
Oct. 28
Witches, Fortunes and Treats at the Royal BC Museum
Old Town will be transformed into a old-fashioned Halloween experience with trick or treating, crafts, spell-casting and interactive storytelling. Come in costume. 1-3 pm. Included with admission or membership. Royalbcmuseum.bc.ca.
Oct. 28
Zombie Manhunt
One of the biggest games of hide-and-go-seek you'll ever see, but this time, it's different — there will be blood! Meet at Centennial Square at 3pm to hear the rules and get your signed waiver in. Wear something warm that you don't mind getting dirty, torn, or covered in blood (fake blood, that is). facebook.com/events/287515548023930.
Oct. 30 and 31
Movie Monster
Intrepid Theatre is hosting a spooky DIY film adventure for kids and adults alike. Go behind the scenes and create your own scary set and monster costume and then record a short film. Then watch your masterpiece in a private screening room. 3-8pm at DaVinci Centre (195 Bay). $5/child, $15/family.
Intrepid Theatre is also hosting Movie Monster for Adults (Oct. 29), open to those who contribute $30 or more to their fundraising campaing to bring Movie Monster to underpriveledged families (indiegogo.com/moviemonster).
Oct. 30
Ghosts of the Arts
Put on a white sheet and float down to the Ghosts of the Arts silent walk. The nation-wide performance event will focus public attention on the importance of arts and the funding cuts that have devastated art organizations in our communities. Meet at 7pm at Centennial Square and float down Government Street to the legislature for a spirited silent vigil, then on to haunt a local watering hole for drinks and discussion.
Oct. 31
Halloween Punk Massacre
Logan's Tavern of the Damned hosts Alcoholic White Trash, Endprogram and Fuquored. 10pm. $10. M