Editorial: Markets, Music and Community Spirit Fill Sooke’s September 19–20 Weekend

Some weekends offer a little bit of everything, and September 19 and 20 is shaping up to be one of them!

Across Sooke, community organizations, volunteers, performers, growers, local businesses and residents are getting ready for a weekend filled with opportunities to gather, connect and enjoy where we live. From a morning at the market and a community walk through town to local theatre, live music, fresh Dungeness crab and a celebration of the harvest, there is plenty happening close to home.

Saturday morning is a good place to start at Woodside Farm, where the Sooke Country Market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market brings together local growers, bakers, artisans and makers, while Woodside Farm Days continue until 4 p.m. with an opportunity to explore the historic farm, gardens and farm life. Together, they make for an easy Saturday morning outing - and a chance to bring something locally grown, baked or made home with you.

At the same time, walkers will be gathering in the town centre for the third annual Grand Parade Sooke, hosted locally by the Sooke Region Communities Health Network. The family-friendly fundraising walk supports programs serving seniors and their families, with participants heading out at approximately 11 a.m. Whether you are walking, volunteering, fundraising or cheering someone on, it is a wonderful example of neighbours coming together in support of neighbours. Motorists travelling through the town centre are reminded to slow down and watch for increased pedestrian activity along the route.

Saturday afternoon also brings an opportunity for residents to connect with candidates running in the 2026 General Local Election. An All Candidates Speed Dating event takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sooke Community Hall, organized by the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and Transition Sooke. 

Then there is a distinctly West Coast way to spend Saturday afternoon. Crabfest 2026 returns to the Sooke Region Museum and Visitor Information Centre from 3 to 6 p.m., bringing people together over fresh Dungeness crab, live music and a community meal in support of the Museum. Advance tickets are sold out, with a limited number expected to be available on event day, starting at 3 p.m. - a strong showing of support before the tables are even set.

For those drawn to the arts, Sooke Harbour Players are also taking the stage with 9 to 5: The Musical at the Sooke Community Theatre. The production runs throughout the weekend and offers another chance to enjoy the creativity and talent found right here in Sooke. And if live music and dancing are more your Saturday-night style, The Fabulous B-Sides take over the Sooke Legion from 8 to 11 p.m.

Sunday brings a change of pace - and a celebration of one of the foundations of community life in Sooke: local food.

The Sooke Harvest Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sunriver Community Orchard. Hosted by Sooke Region Food CHI, the free, family-friendly event celebrates Sooke's agricultural heritage and the people who grow, produce and strengthen our local food system. Farmers, food producers, artisans and community organizations will come together alongside children's activities, demonstrations, entertainment and plenty of opportunities to learn, visit and connect.

Later Sunday, Denim & Daydreams: A Community Fall Festival begins at 4 p.m. at Owl Grove, with live country music, local artisans, food and an easygoing way to round out a busy weekend.

Taken together, the weekend is a reminder that community does not happen by accident. Behind every market table, walking route, stage production, festival tent and community meal are people giving their time and energy to create opportunities for others to participate.

Whether you attend one event or make a full weekend of it, stop and say hello to someone you know. Meet a grower or maker. Cheer on a walker. Catch a local performance. Share a meal. Support a community organization. Perhaps stop into a local shop or café along the way - or leave a little time between events for a walk, a trail or some fresh air by the water.

That combination of people, place and participation is part of what makes a busy weekend in Sooke feel like home.

There is always more happening around town. To stay connected, visit sooke.ca/events to explore the community events calendar and sign up to receive the weekly events digest directly in your inbox so you don't miss what's coming up.

Hosting something of your own? Community organizations are also encouraged to submit their events at sooke.ca/events and help us continue building a calendar that reflects everything happening in Sooke.

However you spend it, enjoy the weekend, Sooke!