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Victoria Accommodations on Wednesday March 10th, 2010 |
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Victoria Annual Events Calendar
No matter what the month, Victoria has something to offer. Annual events and activities keep locals and visitors alike busy. Take in cultural and social events from January to December when you visit our "happening" little city and surrounding areas. Have fun and enjoy!
JANUARYVictoria Independent Film and Video FestivalNo matter if it's controversial cinema, oscar-winning drama, evocative documentary or the list of who's attending the Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival, this romp though the world of film is the event you don't want to miss. Enjoy over 160 films screening at 4 downtown venues - docs, drama, shorts, experimental and animation. Don't miss Vancouver Island's biggest and longest running film festival, where you'll see the best of independent cinema from across Canada and around the world. Information, contact Nora Arajs at (250) 389-0444 or http://www.vifvf.com. Kiwi Squeeze at Marley Farm Winery 1831 Mount Newton Cross Road, 11am-3pm. This popular annual event is again being held. We welcome the community out to help us process the hundreds of pounds of Kiwis for our Kiwi Wine, Kiwi Gold, Kiwi Solera and Kiwi Vinegars. Watch for more details in the Winter Winenotes Newsletter. Information at (250) 652=8667 or http://www.marleyfarm.ca FEBRUARYVictoria Independent Film & Video Festival, 2007The 12th annual Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival. No matter if it's controversial cinema, oscar-winning drama, evocative documentary or the list of who's attending, this romp though the world of film is the event you don't want to miss. Enjoy over 160 films screening at 4 downtown venues - docs, drama, shorts, experimental and animation. Don't miss Vancouver Island's biggest and longest running film festival, where you'll see the best of independent cinema from across Canada and around the world. Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival, 389-0444 http://www.vifvf.com St Brigits Celtic Springtime, 2007 Enjoy an evening of meditiation of words and hands, story and thanksgiving as part of the on-going series, "Celts at Queenswood." Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Queenswood, 2494 Arbutus Road 414-0308 http://www.canadac.com/celtic/celticv.html Pacific Baroque Festival at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, February, 2007 Location: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Avenue 386-5311 ext. 200 http://www.pacbaroque.com Victoria Story Telling Festival, February 2007 The Victoria Story Telling Festival is a two-day event featuring tellers and tales in abundance; with performances and workshops for adults, children and families. Location: David S. Strong Building, University of Victoria. 479-9118 plcarfra@shaw.ca 14th Annual Hospice Spiritual Care Conference February 2007 Anyone whose life has been touched by illness, death or bereavement will love this exceptional annual event hosted by Victoria Hospice. Location: Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites, 345 Quebec Street. Vancouver Island Health Authority, 370-8283 judy.martell@viha.ca Tourism Victoria Annual Flower Count, February - March , 2007 From February 27 to March 5, 2007, residents of Victoria drop to their knees in their front gardens, back yards and city parks and begin counting flowers. Victoria's annual Flower Count marks the end of winter and the start of an early spring; while residents in most Canadian cities are still under snow in February, Victorians are gardening. The enthusiasm for this tongue-in-cheek promotion is evident in the number of flowers counted - over 4.7 billion blossoms last year - and visitors to Victoria are encouraged to join in the fun. Tourism Victoria 414-6999, reception@tourismvictoria.com http://www.tourismvictoria.com/flowercount MARCHDine Around Town continuesChocolate Fest, March,2007 10 am to 5 pm. http://www.chocolatefest.ca Celebration of chocolate - workshops, demonstration, samplings and a Chocoland for the kids. Fundraiser for Big Brothers and Sisters of Victoria. Cedar Hill Rec Centre, 3220 Cedar Hill Rd., 475-1117 Victoria Festival of Wine, March, 2007 http://www.victoriafestivalofwine.com Two day wine celebration at Victoria Conference Centre - tastings, food and wine pairing, seminars. Tickets must be purchased in advance - call 995-2665 for details or visit website. MAYAnnual Victoria Day Parade, May, 2007An annual event, not to be missed. Starting at 9:00 am on Monday, May 19, the Island Farms Victoria Day Parade will entertain Victorians from Mayfair Mall down Douglas to Humboldt Street. 69th Annual Victoria Highland Games, May, 2007 Traditional Scottish sports competitions, entertainment and family activities http://www.victoriahighlandgames.com Bastion Square Festival of the Arts 2007 Juried BC Artisans Showcase and Open-Air Marketplace. Thurs to Sun, through April - Wed to Sun, May 3rd to Sept 30th, plus all Canadian and US holiday Mondays - daily 10:30 -5:30, free admission - wheelchair accessible Saanich Centennial: Community Arts Week 2007 The opening event of the Saanich Centennial Community Arts week is at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. Enjoy arts, crafts, entertainment and demonstrations! 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Price: Free! Location: Cedar Hill Recreation Centre. City of Saanich 475-7121 http://www.saanich.ca Asian Heritage Tea Tasting at Silk Road, 2007Tea originated in China and eventually spread to other parts of Asia. Celebrate Asian Heritage Month by learning about the history of tea in China, Japan, India, and other parts of Asia. Taste a selection of teas from estates around the region. Please call ahead to register as space is limited. 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Silk Road Aromatherapy & Tea Company, 1624 Government Street. 704-2688 http://www.silkroadtea.com Scattered Artists Third Annual Studio Tour May 2007 Thirteen local artists in the Cedar Hill area invite you to come into their studios so that you can discover their creative talents. Their art is displayed in their studios and may be purchased directly from the artists. The artists are happy to answer any questions you may have and share with you their love of art. Brochures with maps for the studio tour can be picked up from the front desk at the Cedar Hill Recreation Centre and at various other community businesses at least two weeks before the tour. 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Event Contact Information Jenny Waelti-Walters. 920-3831 Garden Tour 2007; 25th Annual Victoria Conservatory of Music Garden Tour May 2007Enjoy a perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day or simply to enjoy a beautiful summer weekend with the 25th Annual Victoria Conservatory of Music Garden Tour! Open gardens this year include a whimsical seaside cottage, a native plant masterpiece, a southwest jewel full of modern art and a large woodland garden. This is an exclusive opportunity to view a wide selection of beautiful private gardens in the Victoria area. Also featured will be a plant sale featuring old favourites and exciting new varieties. The two-day pass allows for a leisurely self-guided tour. Two-day passes $25.00 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Contact: Victoria Conservatory of Music, 386-5311 http://www.vcm.bc.ca Mothers Day Paint-In May 2007 Join us at Hatley Park where over 100 crafters and artisans gather to display their talents. Stroll through the unique products that are available on Vancouver Island, visit the museum, and enjoy local music and talent on the mainstage. http://www.hatleypark.ca/special-events/paint-in.htm International Museum Day Celebrations May 2007 Victoria's rich history as a commercial and naval port, the oldest city in Western Canada and the provincial capital is reflected in its wealth of historic buildings and heritage institutions. Local museums want to show you something you've never seen before! Originally designated in 1977 by UNESCO, International Museum Day is celebrated the world over to raise awareness of the vital role museums play in society. Although International Museum Day is officially May 18, this year Greater Victoria art galleries, museums and historic sites are celebrating our city's rich heritage with five days of special activities starting on Museum Day, and continuing through to Victoria Day, May 22. Participants in this years International Museum Day celebrations include: - The Art Gallery of Great Victoria - CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum (open May 18, 19) - Craigdarroch Castle - Craigflower Manor and School House - Emily Carr House (open May 18 - 20 only) - Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites of Canada - Hatley Park National Historic Site - Maltwood Art Museum & Gallery - Point Ellice House - Royal British Columbia Museum - St Ann's Academy Event Contact Information Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site Phone: (250) 478-6481 http://www.pc.gc.ca 11th Annual Historic Military Encampment at Fort Rodd Hill, May 2007 Experience more than 30 military re-enactors representing Canada's military history from the 1850's to the 1950's camp out on site and demonstate period uniforms and equipment. Enjoy historic small arms demonstrations. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Adults $4.00 Youth $2.00 Location: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, 603 Fort Rodd Hill Road 478-5849 http://www.pc.gc.ca/fortroddhill Uno Festival of Solo Performance at the Metro Studio May 2007 Intrepid Theatre's annual Uno Festival of Solo Performance features 10 hot one-person shows. Experience live high-voltage comedy, drama, and dance theatre from across the continent and beyond! Uno is Canada's oldest international festival dedicated to outstanding one-person theatre. Location: Metro Studio, 1411 Quadra Street, 383-2663 http://www.intrepidtheatre.com Swiftsure International Yacht Race, May 2007 The 64th Swiftsure International Yacht Race promises to be a celebration including a return of some of the classic racing yachts from the 1950s and 60s and many land-based activities for the whole family around Victoria's Inner Harbour. The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is one of North America's most challenging overnight offshore competitions. The Juan de Fuca Strait's daunting combination of occasional fog, unpredictable winds, strong tides and tricky currents tests seamanship, strategy, stamina, tactics, and teamwork. Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 592-9098 http://www.swiftsure.org 13th Annual Cowichan Valley Garden Tour, May 2007 Delight in a self-guided tour of six unique gardens, fascinating in their differing locations, topography, size, vegetation, gardeners' approach and history. $15.00 Location: Cowichan Valley, 748-8281 http://www.cowichanfamilylife.org Metchosin Farmers' Market opens Local produce, pies, jams and jellies held Saturday mornings throughout the summer. Metchosin is a rural community thirty minutes from Victoria. JUNEVictoria to Maui Yacht Race http://www.vicmaui.org/Bastion Square Festival of the Arts, March to September 2007 Bastion Square is transformed into a colourful and eclectic European-style "Artisans Showcase and Open-Air Marketplace," with vendors selling original paintings & prints, stained glass, multi-media jewelry, woodworks, pottery, herbal soaps, clothing and accessories. Many artisans demonstrate their work on site. Visitors also enjoy entertainment with busking musicians and traveling entertainers. Held at the original site of the Hudson's Bay Company's Fort of Victoria, historic Bastion Square stretches from the 1100 block of Government St. to the foot of Wharf St. overlooking the Inner Harbour and is home to the Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Time: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm Thursday to Sunday: March 30 - May 2 Wednesday to Sunday: May 3 - September 30 Event Contact Information Bastion Square Festival of the Arts Phone: (250) 413-3144 Chamber Music Concert, June 2007 A Victoria tradition takes place in an out of the way church hall among the farms, trees and parks of the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria. Music lovers gather to hear chamber music performed in a friendly and informal setting for concerts every Sunday afternoon in June. For seventeen years Eine Kleine Summer Music has delighted enthusiasts from all around the region, attracted by the magic of great music in a rustic setting, among the birds and wildflowers of the Saanich countryside. Enjoy some of British Columbia's finest musicians in the outstanding acoustics of the First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Concerts are held June . Adults - $15.00 per concert; $48.00 for series of four Students & Seniors - $12.00 per concert; $40.00 for series of four Time: 2:30 pm Location: First Unitarian Church of Victoria, 5575 West Saanich Road Event Contact Information Laura Backstrom 22nd Annual Jazzfest International, June 2007 Enjoy 10 days and nights of the coolest music in town. The biggest summertime music festival on Vancouver Island, Jazzfest promises jazz, blues, gospel, and world beat music of the highest calibre. More than 250 musicians in more than 60 performances entertain at venues around the city. Event Contact Information The Victoria Jazz Society Phone: (250) 388-4423 Fax: (250) 388-4407 Email: info@jazzvictoria.ca Web Site: http://www.jazzvictoria.ca Victoria Pride Celebration 2007 Events for the Victoria Pride Celebration include: Pride flag raising ceremony and proclamation 1st Annual Rainbow Bike Ride Big Gay Dog Walk Sunset harbour cruise Jazz 'n Dine, Song 'n Wine Dinner 13th annual Marcus Tipton Memorial Drag Baseball Game 13th annual Victoria Pride Day Parade & Festival Event Contact Information Victoria Pride Society Email: info@victoriapridesociety.org Web Site: http://www.victoriapridesociety.org/ ICA Folkfest 2007 Experience Vancouver Island's largest multi-cultural arts and food festival. Enjoy over 200 performances at two different venues. Early-Bird - $10.00 Festival Pass - $13.00 Day Pass - $5.00 Location: Inner Harbour & Centennial Square Event Contact Information Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria Phone: (250) 388-4728 Fax: (250) 386 4395 Email: folkfest@icavictoria.org Web Site: http://www.icafolkfest.com Sooke River Bluegrass Festival Buccaneer Days - Archie Browning Sports Centre - Esquimalt JULYCanada Day EventsVictoria Flower and Garden Competition - http://www.flowerandgarden.net Moss Street Paint-In - http://www.aggv.bc.ca/programs-mspi.asp The Summer Music Festival - http://www.vsmf.org/vsmf/ Victoria Ska Festival - http://www.victoriaskafest.ca/ Bastion Square Arts Festival ICA Folkfest 2007 13th Annual Metchosin Sheep Dog Trials In the fields at the end of Taylor Road in Metchosin. Some of the finest Border Collies in North America pit their wits against Buchanan's crafty sheep. Stinking Fish Studio Tour http://www.stinkingfishstudiotour.com - Self-guided tour. Visit the 25+ artists in their studios, in Metchosin and East Sooke area. Learn about their art, find that unique treasure you cannot live without. Woodworking, Pottery, Floral Art, Painting, Metalwork, Jewelry, Carving, Photograhic Art, etc. - Brochures at Metchosin Store, My-Chosen Cafe, the Sooke Region Museum AUGUSTSymphony Splash, August 2007 http://www.victoriasymphony.caThe largest annual symphony event in North America is a highlight of the summer with the syphony performing on a barge in the Inner Harbour. Special guests include the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific. 385-6515 FolkFest -- Vancouver Island's largest arts festival returns June 2007 with over 250 performances on four dynamic downtown stages. Find out more at http://www.icafolkfest.com. Open Air Victoria. Celebrate Victoria! All summer long, Open Air brings the world of film, circus and music to historic Centennial Square. Find out more at http://www.openairvictoria.com.: #Stinking Fish Studio Tour in Metchosin & East Sooke http://www.stinkingfishstudiotour.com - Self-guided tour. Visit the 25+ artists in their studios, in Metchosin and East Sooke area. Learn about their art, find that unique treasure you cannot live without. Woodworking, Pottery, Floral Art, Painting, Metalwork, Jewelry, Carving, Photograhic Art, etc. - Brochures at Metchosin Store, My-Chosen Cafe, the Sooke Region Museum Sooke River Music Festival http://www.sookerivermusicfestival.com Sooke Fine Arts - The largest juried art show on Vancouver Island. 22nd year! Dragonboat Festival - http://www.victoriadragonboat.com Exciting, colourful boat races in the Inner Harbour with multicultural performances, crafts and food. Fringe Festival - http://www.victoriafringe.com - 21st Annual Festival has more than 200 performances of live comedy, drama and dance from around the world. - features free entertainment and activities for kids and families Bastion Square Festival of the Arts http://www.bastionsquare.com Government Street Public Market - Sunday & Holiday Monday until September 25th Moss Street Market - Sundays to October 15th, Douglas School at Fairfield & Moss - http://www.mossstreetmarket.com James Bay Community Market - Every Saturday from May through September, 9am to 3pm - Home made food, art and produce. Corner of Menzies and Superior - http://www.jamesbaymarket.com Stage in the Park - Cameron Bandshell, Beacon Hill Park - Great outdoor performance venue. A variety of events & concerts - May to September 25th, Beacon Hill Park, all concerts begin 1:30pm - Sunday Concerts in the Park, June to September - Friday Seniors Concerts in the Parks, June to September - Saturday Jazz in the Park, July and August - Holiday Concerts - http://www.city.victoria.bc.ca Maritime Museum of British Columbia - http://www.mmbc.bc.ca Bowker Creek Brush Up, August 2007 - Join Oak Bay artists who display their work, while painting along bowker Creek from 12 to 5 pm. SEPTEMBERThe Classic Boat Festival www.classicboatfestival.ca/BC Women's Show http://www.atrshows.com/ Emily Carr Festival of the Arts Saanich Fall Fair http://www.bcfairs.ca/ Vancouver Island Blues Bash http://www.vicjazz.bc.ca/ OCTOBERVictoria Toy Show http://www.victoriatoyshow.com/Ghosts of Victoria Festival http://www.discoverthepast.com/ Ghostly Walks http://www.discoverthepast.com/ Royal Victoria Marathon http://www.royalvictoriamarathon.com/ NOVEMBERVictoria Symphony International Wine Festival http://www.victoriwinefestival.ca/Santa Claus Parade Goldstream Salmon Run & Bald Eagle Viewing (Nov,Dec) DECEMBERFestival of Trees...This is an annual event at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Vote for your favourite tree that is decorated by businesses or other organizations...the winner contributes to "Helping Kids Victoria". Goldstream Salmon Run On the outskirts of Victoria you can admire 600 year old Douglas Fir and one of nature's most amazing sights, salmon fighting their way upstream to spawn. It is a memory to last forever. For more information go to http://www.goldstreampark.com/salmon.htm or call (250) 478-9414. Oak Bay Christmas Festival Enjoy thousands of Christmas lights, horse-drawn carriage tours and much more. Eagle Extravanganza at Goldstream Provincial Park Two hundred and fifty eagles start arriving at Goldstream in late November and stay until February. Binoculars are a MUST. http://www.goldstreampark.com Sidney Sparkles Lighted Sailpast This is a procession of boats floating along Sidney harbour that you will not want to miss. Each will be decorated with sparkling Christmas lights and each will put some "ho ho ho" into your Holiday spirit. Call (250)656-4355 or visit http://www.sidney.ca for more information. Oak Bay Lighted Sailpast Oak Bay's waterfront will be a joy to see with the parade of beautifully decorated boats. Don't miss this one. Call (250) 598-3369 or visit info@oakbaytourism.com for more information. Moss Street Holiday Market Visit Fairfield Community Place, the Garry Oak Room at 1330 Fairfield Road from 10 am to 4 pm. Choose from organic vegetables, seeds, soaps and botanicals. There will also be a variety of original clothing, sewing and knits, juwelry, pottery and handmade crafts will abound. Admission is free, a hot lunch and Salt Spring Island Coffe will be available. Take a mug for FREE hot apple cider! More information??? http://www.mossstreetmarket.com CFB Esquimalt Our Canadian Pacific Naval Fleet decorates eight ships as a fundraiser for a local food bank. You will also be able to visit the Admiral's residence. Ships of the West Coast Fleet are ablaze with lights from stem to stern every night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. There is no admission charge, but visitors are encouraged to bring a donation of cash or non-perishable food for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. As well, viewers can cast their ballots for their favourite display of colour. More than 100,000 visitors have done so since the contest began in 1987. For more information (250) 363-4006 or http://www.forces.gc.ca Bastion Square 5pm-8pm Enjoy performances of traditional storytelling, Celtic music, Irish and Scottish dance. There will be delicious food and drink, a Celtic Christmas Craft tent for children, holly sales and wreath making, hot apple cider, lively costumed characters and much more. Featured performers include The Ecclestons, one of Victoria's favourite Celtic groups, the Victoria Morris Dancers, Celtic Harpist Alison Vardy, the Vancouver Island Scottish Country Dancers, O'Brien Irish Dancers, pipers and more. Warm up with a hot spiced English cider. Also enjoy Irish pubs nearby to toast the season in style. Nollaig Shona Duit! For more information (250) 386-2238 or http://www.downtownvictoria.ca. The Victoria Harbour Ferry Company offers 45 minute harbour tours in ferries decorated for Christmas. All proceeds from these tours benefits the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Adults $16.00, Seniors $14.00, Children 12 and under $8.00. Inner Harbour, 11am-4pm Market Square 1-2pm Enjoy a grand performance by the Greater Victoria Concert band as they create holiday magic in Market Square. More information (250) 386-2238 or http://www.downtownvictoria.ca. Carr House 207 Government Street, 11am-3pm Emily's Victorian Christmas includes a tour of the seasonally festooned Carr House, Celesital Seasonings special teas, cookies and readings by actress Molly Raher Newman as Emily Carr. For more information call (250) 383-5843 or http://www.emilycarr.com. Christ Church Cathedral 930 Burdett Ave. 7:30 pm Christ Church Cathedral hosts this enchanting evening of music with the Capriccio vocal ensemble. Information (250) 383-2714 Craigdarroch Castle 1050 Joan Crescent Bid farewell to the Old Year and greet the New Year in style with an evening of festivities, Scottish music and dance, and tasty treats. Information (250) 592-5323 or http://www.thecastle.ca. |
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