FernFest is back in Victoria this Friday

The best part? Exploring the artisan market, no doubt.

Author

Eva Rasciauskas
June 12, 2024

FernFest is back this Friday and Saturday in Victoria, and we couldn’t be more excited to partake in the festivities this year.

Marking its 27th year this weekend, FernFest is a neighbourhood celebration of local music and arts organized by Fernwood NRG—a charitable non-profit organization run by and for the residents of Fernwood—that brings live music, food and beverages, kids activities, art projects and tons of other surprises to the Fernwood Square and surrounding community.

Our highlight going into the festival this year? Undoubtedly the colourful variety of food and beverages we’ll see at the artisan market, which will be open all day Saturday from 11:30am to 7pm right behind the community centre.

Here are a few vendors we can’t wait to visit.

From scratch, small batch ice cream with some of the most creative ice cream sandwiches in Victoria—think ‘Beer & Pretzels’ with malty vanilla & Whistlebuoy Brewing Stout Nicecream between vegan pretzel cookies and ‘Hoyne Dark Matter’ macaron sandwiches infused with Hoyne Brewing Company’s iconic dark beer.

An authentic Mexican food stand with handmade corn tortillas, tamales, moles and salsas for sale, as well as some of the best pork carnitas Victoria residents can get their hands on. If you can’t catch them at FernFest this year, know that they’re a regular vendor at the Moss Street Farmers Market every Saturday this summer!

This mobile mini donut stand can be spotted all over Victoria, but you can be rest assured that they’ll stay put this Saturday in FernFest. Simplicity is key here, and that’s what we love about these tasty little treats—deep-fried dough coated in sugar that lands, still hot, in the palm of your hand. Perfection.

A simple, straight-forward mobile cafe serving classic hot beverages to keep you going through the festival with plenty of energy to spare. Americanos, chai lattes and both regular and decaf beverages for adults and kids to enjoy.

Think of a regular ice pop, but make it sophisticated for a more creative palate. That’s exactly what Kid Sister specializes in, offering flavours like wild blueberry lemon, red flowering currant and strawberry and cucumber mint and lime. Craving something more substantial? They’ve got that too—try their oat milk maple fudge bar to start.

If you’re looking for a delicious, laminated butter pastry, Lilla Baked Goods will be your go-to destination at FernFest this year. They offer the dreamiest selection of sweet treats—poached rhubarb galettes, cardamom buns and apricot pistachio pinwheel cookies are high up on our radar.

If you’re not a believer in vegan desserts yet, let Sweetly Raw Desserts be the place that convinces you otherwise. The selection of creamy mousse and cheescakes is extensive here, with flavours ranging from creamy mango studded with mango jelly to cookies stuffed with dark chocolate and crunchy caramel shards.

A stop for Venezuelan arepas and patacones, many of which can be found without meat, gluten or dairy (or all!), giving options for everyone who stops by. You won’t miss their bright yellow food truck, or the lovely smells that radiate from it.

Asian fusion is the name of the game here, with plenty of creative takes on familiar flavours with food truck menu items like sushi sammies, teriyaki corn kushiyaki and matcha affogato. This isn’t just street food, Hide N Seek is street gourmet.

One thing we’re absolutely sure of here: this ain’t your average hot dog stand. This family-owned food stall serves locally made hotdogs, rice bowls and authentic street-style Filipino pork skewers. At the market this year, they’ll be introducing a special Ichigo Moon hotdog inspired by Japadog.