Sooke CRABFEST 2025

A Dungeness‑Crab Feast with a Heritage Heart

Ever wondered how one late‑September afternoon on Vancouver Island could tempt your taste‑buds, spark your spirit of discovery, and support local heritage—all at once? That’s exactly what awaits at Sooke CRABFEST 2025. But what really sets this fundraiser apart… you’ll discover that in the sections below—so keep scrolling, and you’ll soon find how cracking open Dungeness crab actually helps restore a historic lighthouse and uplifts the entire community.

Event Overview

Date & Time:
Saturday, 27 September 2025 | 2 pm – 5 pm (rain or shine)
Location:
Sooke Region Museum & Visitor Centre
2070 Phillips Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0Y3 – just west of Victoria via BC‑14 coastal highway
Price:
$50 per person (incl. GST)—tickets on sale Sunday, 27 July 2025 (online or in‑person). No guests admitted without a ticket, all sales final, no refunds or exchanges. Printed tickets available at the museum if ordered ahead. An Amilia account or linked Google/Facebook login is required to purchase.

What to Expect at Sooke CRABFEST

A Coastal Feast Crafted Locally

Picture long tables laid out on the museum lawn, shaded by towering firs and overlooking the rugged Juan de Fuca waterfront. The menu? Locally caught Dungeness crab, half‑cobs of sweet corn, homemade coleslaw, and crusty bread—all served “long‑table style” and prepared onsite. A cash bar, run by the Sooke Community Association, offers beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Live Music & Sea‑Breezed Atmosphere

An acoustic trio or solo artist sets the mood just steps from your place at the table, keeping things lively but respectful of museum ambience. With the sunlight softening as you dig in and the coastal breeze in the air, it’s proudly local, easygoing, and unmistakably West Coast.

Heritage at the Heart of It All

Tickets don’t just cover your meal—they fund Triangle Island Lighthouse restoration, a striking iron-and-glass beacon relocated to the museum as a major fundraising project. Caption: “Restore glass panels so this historic First Order Fresnel lens keeps shining”. Nearby, Moss Cottage (1870) and the Forestry Path weave stories of First Nations trade trails, early settlers, and coastal innovation. Visitors receiving dinner-side interpretation from staff make this not just a feast, but a living history tableau.

Before or After the Crab

The grounds stay open during daylight hours only, so if you plan to arrive early—or stay late before the 5 pm closure—explore the grounds at your leisure (and at your own pace):

Indoor galleries showcase First Nations basketry, lumber-milling tools, maritime artefacts, and rotating exhibits—donations accepted for entry.
Outdoor exhibits include the Triangle Island Lighthouse, Moss Cottage, the Donkey Engine yarder, and the Forestry Path signposts.
The Gift Shop features local art, books—which make meaningful souvenirs if you’d like to continue Sooke storytelling at home

Tickets & Booking

Tickets go live at noon PT on Sunday, 27 July 2025. They’re available via:

Online through the Amilia portal
Over the phone during museum hours
In person at the museum Visitor Centre

Arrival time: Doors open 2 pm sharp. There are no walk-in sales, and every ticket sold covers both your meal and a charitable contribution—so book early. October's “Sooke Spook” and early November Indigenous Day events may tempt you into a fall-outing double-feature.

Getting There & Practical Tips

By Car

Head west from Victoria along Veterans Memorial Parkway, then take BC‑14 (Sooke Road) to Phillips Road. You’ll arrive at 2070 Phillips Road just past Sooke Harbour. Free parking is available onsite; lots can fill before 2 pm, so plan to arrive early.

By Public Transit

BC Transit Route 62 (Sooke) stops within a short walk of the museum. Follow timetables and consider a quick ride-share if you’re close to the harbour.

On the Grounds

Pathways are firm but not paved. Museum buildings close after dark—plan your visit strictly between daylight hours.

Dress Code

Lay on layers—September’s coastal air often shifts as the sun lowers. Durable shoes, a windbreaker, or sweater are wise choices.

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Accessibility & Family Notes

The outdoor grounds are largely wheelchair-accessible; indoor exhibits have limited ramp-free access and may involve stairs. Crab is served table-side, and shelling can get messy—bring gloves or napkins if you’re tidy, and wear clothing you don’t mind crumbling post-feast. All ages are welcome; pets (on leash) may roam the lawn, but only ticketed guests dine or stay seated.

After‑Crab Recommendations

Since you’ll already be in Sooke:
✅ Sooke Night Market runs Thursdays in summer—with seasonal stops at Moss Cottage & Lighthouse open on-site.
✅ Stretch out with a stroll along Whiffen Spit, paddle the evening light at Sooke Potholes, or hike East Sooke Park on your way home—tide permitting, the coastal tableau is unforgettable.
✅ Grab a morning coffee at Stick in the Mud (now Café V0S1N0), or swing by Wild Mountain Kitchen & Wine Bar—a local favorite

Don’t just visit—you become part of a story that unfurls at every table and trail. At Sooke CRABFEST 2025, the crack of a shell and the whisper of recovering glass in a lighthouse combine for more than a meal—it’s an invitation to explore coastal culture you can taste, admire, and help preserve—all in one unforgettable afternoon.

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