Events
Thurs. FEB. 2
Girl’s Night Out – Grab your ladies and come out on the town for deals, promotions, giveaways and entertainment at some of your favourite shops, restaurants, and studios. downtownvictoria.ca.
fri. feb. 3
The 18th Annual Victoria Film Festival – Check out the stellar lineup of films, galas, and events. Program guides at Cineplex Odeon Victoria Cinemas, Serious Coffee, Empire Theatres, and the Film Fest office (1215 Blanshard). communications@victoriafilmfestival.com. 250-389-0444.
GottaCon 2012 – The fourth annual gaming convention will run 24 hours a day with contests, tournaments, vendors, demonstrations, food, drinks, entertainment and games. 5pm at Pearkes Arena (3100 Tillicum). To SUNDAY. $17-$60. Kids free with adult. cupton@gottacon.com.
Philippine Night – Hosted by Bayanihan Community Centre. Food, history, and discussion of Canadian ethnicity. Part of “Seeing It Through Your Eyes 2”. All welcome. 5:30pm at 1709 Blanshard. 250-472-1898.
Victoria Winter Farmer’s Market – Shop from local farmers in Market Square. Poultry, meats, seafood, cheese, salt, fresh produce, breads, preserves, and more. The first and third SATURDAYS of every month to Mar. 17. victoriapublicmarket.com.
sAT. feb. 4
Vic Film Festival: John Landis in the House with Richard Crouse – John Landis, director, screenwriter, actor joined by Richard Crouse for an exclusive interview. Followed by a Quote-Along screening of The Blues Brothers. 7pm at the Vic Theatre (808 Douglas). $25.
Sun. feb. 5
FREE Acupuncture Day + Documentary Screening – Try Heart & Hands yoga. Donate to support AIDS Vancouver Island and Victoria Youth Homelessness Summit. Donations for cold weather items also accepted. 9am at Heart & Hands Health Collective (851 Cormorant). Free. heartandhandscommunity.ca. 250-893-2426.
Pacific Opera Victoria presents INSIDE OPERA – A presentation and discussion of the mid-February production of Carmen. Hosted by Robert Holliston, and featuring performers. 10am or 12pm at the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall (UVic). Free. rsvp@pov.bc.ca. 250-385-0222.
MOn. feb. 6
ALUMNI WEEK AT UVIC – More than a dozen special events. Enter an online draw for a $3,000 travel voucher from UNIGLOBE Geo Travel. All alumni who attend an event will be entered in a draw for Canucks tickets. To Feb. 12 at various locations. alumni.uvic.ca.
Ongoing
The Versatile Group – All artists of any genre are invited to share their ideas, work and successes. FRIDAYS 2-4pm at The Moka House, Shoal Point (16 Dallas). Free. 778-433-0537.
Victoria flea market – Offering a huge assortment of interesting things. SUNDAYS 9am-2pm at the DaVinci Centre. $2/free after 1pm. 250-381-5033.
Weekly Winter Market – Featuring vendors with handcrafted funky accessories and hair accent pieces, one of a kind festival style apparel, vintage clothing, storytelling, live entertainment, a kids zone and more. SUNDAYS noon-5pm at The Well (821 Fort). Free.
Board games Night – Scrabble and more. SUNDAYS 5:30pm at the Superior (106 Superior). Free. 250-380-9515.
SCRABBLE NIGHT – Bring a board game and a friend, or play on the in-house boards and find an opponent there. TUESDAYS 6:30-9pm at James Bay Coffee & Books. Free. 250-386-4700.
Dance
FRI. FEB. 3
Club Salsa – Free salsa lesson with Javier followed by a night of dancing to Latin beats from DJ Ramesh and live music from Latin Project. 8:30pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $10. 1415broad.ca.
The Legendary Ballet Nacional de Cuba – The Western Canada premiere including selections from Don Quixote, Swan Lake and more. Pre-show chat in the theatre lobby 45 minutes prior to curtain.7:30pm at the Royal (805 Broughton). Also SATURDAY. From $25. rmts.bc.ca.
Welcome to a Scottish Ceilidh – Enjoy performances of song and dance, and the music of fiddles and pipes. No partner or experience necessary. Please wear flat, soft-soled shoes. 7:30pm at Dance Victoria Studio (2750 Quadra). Free.viscds.ca, 250-598-0207.
ONGoing
Argentine and Nuevo Tango – Six weeks; $60 regular /$45 student or $12 Drop-in. SUNDAYS 1pm Beginner 1, 2pm Beginner 2, 3pm Intermediate. At the Martin Batchelor Art Gallery (712 Cormorant). 778-432-0112. passion4tangofestival@gmail.com.
Salsa caliente – Beginner and advanced salsa, THURSDAYS 8pm. Intermediate mambo, MONDAYS 6:30pm. Fundamentals of mambo TUESDAYS 6pm. Latin workout WEDNESDAYS 6:30pm. All at Café Casablanca (2524 Bridge). $10. 250-389-0222.
Saanich International Folkdancers – No partner or experience needed. Please wear soft-soled shoes. FRIDAYS 7pm at the Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). $5/$4 students. Free for children under 12. 250-384-0592, balkanbarb@hotmail.com.
VBDS BALLROOM DANCE WORKSHOPS – Pre-Bronze/Bronze Waltz 1pm, $5/$8/$10 per person, per workshop. Intro to Social Foxtrot and Rumba 2pm, $5 per person, per workshop. Singles & couples welcome. SATURDAYS 1pm at the Les Passmore Centre (286 Hampton). 250-721-5483, vbds.org.
Tango Vita – Beginner classes with Hilda-René SATURDAYS 7pm, intermediate 8pm, Milonga 9pm at 306-1221 Broad, 250-477-6360. Beginner and intermediate classes with Jorge-Liliana WEDNESDAYS 8pm, Milonga 9pm at St. Matthias Hall (600 Richmond), 250-858-1234. tangovita.com.
LATIN BALLROOM – Beginner level, low-impact class. MONDAYS and WEDNESDAYS 7pm at Studio 4 Athletics (715 Yates). 250-382-3687.
Contemporary Dance – MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 6pm at the The Victoria School of Contemporary Dance (649 Gorge East). $15/$8. 250-383-7183.
Cuban Salsa – Classes with Salsa Moderna. Beginner and intermediate MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 7:30pm at Café Casablanca (2523 Bridge). 250-891-2310, latinvictoria.ca.
salsa – TUESDAYS Beginner’s lesson 7pm & intermediate lesson 8:15pm at Studio 4 Athletics (715 Yates). $15. salsavictoria.com.
Vic BALLROOM DANCE Society – Practice. FRIDAYS 7-9:30pm at Les Passmore Centre (286 Hampton). WEDNESDAYS 7:45pm at Cedar Hill Rec Centre (3220 Cedar Hill). Free for first-timers. 250-721-5483, vbds.org.
YAM Magazine’s Dance Days – Back by popular demand. 70 events at 31 studios around the city, including free classes and workshops in various styles. To SUNDAY. community@dancevictoria.com. 250-595-1829.
Active
THURS. FEB. 2
Laughter Yoga – Try the first night to see if you like it. Then register for the session after trying it out. 7:30pm at James Bay Community Centre (140 Oswego). Register at 250-389-1470.
ONGOING
CRD Walks – Join Liz Crocker, CRD Regional Parks’ guest naturalist to explore the landscape of Mill Hill. Meet at the info kiosk in the parking lot at 10:30am SATURDAY. BC Transit #50 or #53. Anderson Cove to Mount Maquire (Guided Adult Hike) 18+. The hike is strenuous and steep in sections, so sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the info kiosk in the Anderson Cove parking lot off East Sooke Rd. SUNDAY 11am. 250-478-3344.
PICKLEBALL SPORT-FIt- This funny but unique program combines sport and fitness in a fun way. $34. MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 1:15pm at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). 250-412-8500.
Walksmart Victoria – MONDAY-FRIDAY. Registration 8:50am. 9am at the Royal Oak McDonalds (4410 West Saanich). 250-479-4087 or walksmartvictoria@shaw.ca.
yoga lab – New to yoga or taking beginner classes? Join our teacher trainees for a yoga class and help us improve our teaching skills. No experience needed. By donation. THURSDAYS 9am to Feb.2nd. Iyengar Yoga Centre of Victoria (202 – 919 Fort St.). 250-386-9642.
moksha yoga – Find out what hot yoga is all about. THURSDAYS 2pm, SATURDAYS 1:30pm & MONDAYS 3:15pm at Moksha Yoga (1088 Fort). $7. 250-385-9642.
Axe Capoeira – Learn the Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports and music. Kids classes THURSDAYS & TUESDAYS 3:45pm. Adults classes SUNDAYS 11:45am-1:45pm. All at Burnside Gym (3130 Jutland). $65 per month for children/$50 per month for adults. 250-884-7998.
ASHTANGA BASICS – Come try a community class geared for all levels and great for beginners. THURSDAY 7pm ($6-10) & TUESDAY 9:30pm (By donation) at The Yoga Shala (1322 Broad). 250-383-3849.
Ghostly Walks – We’re living in BC’s most haunted city. Find out why and where on this 90 minute walk. No registration required. FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 7:30pm outside the Visitor Info Centre (Government at Wharf). $13/$11 students. 250-384-6698.
Karma Class – The regular Moksha series practiced in one hour. All proceeds go to a different charity each month. See what this “hot yoga thing” is all about. Bring your friends and family.” FRIDAYS 8pm at Moksha Yoga (1088 Fort). $7.
Volkssport Walks – Garden City Wanderers, 5/10 km walk (rated 1A). Meet at Willows Beach (Beach Drive) SATURDAY. Registration 9:30am, walk 10am. 250-370-5073. Juan de Fuca Pathfinders, meet at White Spot (1845 Island Highway). SUNDAY 10am. 250-361-4583.
Spiritual
sun. FEB. 5
The Philosophy and Meditation of Sri Chinmoy – Free introduction 2pm. Free 4-week Meditation Course, THURSDAYS 7pm, Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1. 250-592-6211.
WED. FEB. 8
Spirit Talk: Intuitive Group Session – A group channelling about everyone’s favourite subject: LOVE; inspiring each other to create self-love and meaningful, caring relationships. 6:30pm at Red Gate Healing Studio (2033 Belmont upstairs). $20. Register at redgatehealingstudio@gmail.com or 778-433-7334.
Ongoing
Astrology and TaroT – Workshops in small groups, applied to participants’ charts and lives: Neptune into Pisces Feb. 3, and Mars retro in Virgo Jan. 23 – April 13: Cohesive Resonance and Clearing of Dysfunctions, THURSDAY 3pm, and (2nd group) 7pm. AstroSomatics: Cosmically Attuned Health and Wellness, SATURDAY 10am. 429 Vancouver St. $20 First timers for evening workshop. 250-381-4299.
Learn to Meditate – Learn mantra meditation. THURSDAYS 4:30pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338.
Dharma Teachings – With Resident Lama Jhampa Tenzin. THURSDAYS 7pm at the Victoria Dharma Centre (3371 Maplewood). By donation. 250-385-4828.
Meditation – Emotional freedom technique and insight meditation. THURSDAYS 7pm at Unity Church of Victoria (838 Pandora). By donation. 250-382-1613.
COMMUNITY STUDY GATHERING – Meditation followed by dharma talk or reading and discussion time. Third Thursday of each month. 6:30pm at Moksha Yoga Victoria (1088 Fort). Free. info@mokshayogavictoria.com.
FOLLOW YOUR JOY- Each evening is honoured as a peaceful time for reflection or meditation in order to nurture the self and the whole of our global village. WEDNESDAYS 7pm at the Church of Truth. (111 Superior). Free or by donation. cotvictoria@gmail.com. 250-380-6383.
SAHAJ MARG MEDITATION INTRODUCTORY TALKs – A heart-centred meditation practiced worldwide for real change from the inside out. Call for details. SATURDAYS 11am. Free. 250-595-4732.
Buddhist Community Sits –
Silent meditation followed by taped Dharma talks and discussion. SUNDAYS 7pm at Lynn Wylie Yoga Studio (202-1600 Bay). By donation. 250-380-6383.
Living Music: Learning Life Skills Through Music – How can we be more musical in our thoughts, words and actions? WEDNESDAYS to Feb. 29. 7pm at the Church of Truth, Community of Conscious Living (111 Superior). Free or by donation. cotvictoria.ca, 250- 380-6383.
A Course in Miracles – Unite the light in you. In-depth study group. MONDAYS 7pm at James Bay New Horizons (234 Menzies). $2. 250-220-9797.
WAY OF MASTERY – Taking you from sleep to wakefulness, from illusion to reality. Reminding you of who you are. WEDNESDAYS 7pm at 415-200 Dallas. By donation. 250-920-0948.
Zen meditation – Learn Zen mediation. TUESDAYS 7pm in the Interfaith Chapel (UVic). Free. 250-721-8338.
Drop-In Meditation – Includes guided meditation, practical instruction and discussion. MONDAYS 7pm and WEDNESDAYS 10am at Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre (2020A Douglas). WEDNESDAYS 7pm at Fairfield United Church (1303 Fairfield). THURSDAYS 7pm James Bay United Church (511 Michigan). 250-592-7164, meditateinvictoria.org.
Community
SPACE NEEDED – After 50 years Lansdowne Co-op Preschool needs a new home with at least 1000 square feet indoors, and an outdoor area. Tax receipts issued for donations of $10 or more. lansdownepreschool.com/preschool.
Call for Submissions – Victoria Film Festival Short Circuit. CineVic invites submissions of short films under 20 minutes. All submissions must have been completed since Jan. 1 2010. Submission fee $15. Deadline Feb. 29. cinevic.ca.
Coast Collective Art Centre – Artist’s Garage Sale. Have you always wanted to try out acrylics, but don’t want to spend a fortune? This is an indoor garage sale of art supplies and tools. 12pm. SATURDAY and SUNDAY at 3221 Heatherbell. gallery@coastcollective.ca. 250-391-5522.
KISS IN THE CITY – Pucker up and showcase downtown Victoria as the backdrop in your photo to win a one night stay at the Fairmont Empress, dinner at the Bengal Lounge, a spa treatment for two and more. Two runners up will also receive dinner, chocolates and movie passes. Deadline Feb. 12. downtownvictoria.ca/kissinthecity.
Seeking singers – Newcombe Singers Choir welcomes new members, especially in the Tenor/Bass range. Attend the first two rehearsals commitment free. TUESDAYS 7:30pm at St. Mary’s Church (1701 Elgin). 250-480-5087 or newcombesingers.com.
Saanich Songmen – Welcoming all men who can carry a tune. Come and enjoy singing popular standards and comic songs with our unauditioned chorus. SATURDAYS 9:30am at the Passmore Centre 286 Hampton Road. 250-389-1059 or 250-361-9878.
Harmonious singers – Kids, teens, parents & grandparents sing together for the sheer fun of it. Feel free to try a “no-audition session”any MONDAY evening. For more details visit harmoniousfamilychoir.com or 250-385-7464.
Violin and viola players wanted – Hampton Concert Orchestra. Free this term. 7:30pm MONDAYS at Les Passmore Centre. Program: Haydn 101, Mozart 39. Concerts May 2012. 250-721-1940.
SUPPORT GROUP – Support group for phobias, generalized anxiety, panic attacks and OCD. With Dr. Tom Lipinski, registered psychologist. THURSDAYS 7pm at the Bridge Centre (125 Skinner). Free. 250-389-1211.
LifeRing – Addiction support program. FRIDAYS 6:30pm at Pearkes Rec Centre (3100 Tillicum). TUESDAYS 7:30pm at the Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). 250-920-2095.
SIPCCentre – Counsellor-led support group for mature women ready to re-explore their sexual orientation. $8/session. FRIDAYS 5-6:45pm at James Bay New Horizons.
Kiwanis House Program – Lifering support group for young mothers dealing with addiction. Free onsite childminding available for young mothers participating in the program. TUESDAYS 6pm at 2652 Cook. Child minding at 5:30pm. Calling in advance is appreciated. 250-382-1004.
Dual Recovery Anonymous – Support group for recovery from both an addiction of any kind and a mental health issue. TUESDAYS 7:30pm in the BCSS Board Room (941 Kings). Free. 250-384-4225.
ALT LOVERS – Sagacity Alternative Lifestyle Society is where folks who enjoy BDSM, alternative lifestyles, kink, and fetish gather to talk, laugh, socialize, share and learn. TUESDAYS 7:30pm at the Ledge, Bedford Regency (1140 Government). Free. sagacitygroup.net.
queer youth DROP IN – South Island Pride Community Centre welcomes queer youth, friends, allies and youth from queer families. MONDAYS 6-8pm at Esquimalt Youth Centre (530 Fraser), WEDNESDAYS 6-8pm at Fairfield Community Place (1330 Fairfield). Free. southislandpridecentre.ca.
PFLAG- Confidential support for parents, families, friends, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer, questioning and allies. 250 592-0305, victoriabc@pflagcanada.ca.
become an AVI volunteer –
Volunteer with AIDS Vancouver Island. AIDS Vancouver Island (713 Johnson, 3rd floor). 250-384-2366 ext 2262. leslie.robinson@avi.org.
Overwhelming Emotions Support Group – Borderline personality disorder, self harm, PTSD? B.C. Schizophrenia Society meets regularly at 941 Kings. 250-383-5144 box 2127, bpdvictoria@gmail.com.
CRIDGE TRANSITION HOUSE –
Looking for female volunteers to drive women to appointments, take them apartment hunting, spend time with children letting them know they are valued and cared about, fill the house with delicious smells of baking and help out with dozens of other tasks and errands. 250-479-3963.
ANIMAL LOVERS – Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders needs volunteers to foster strays, answer phones, assist with transportation and trap feral cats. info@animalcrusaders.ca, 250-474-5581.
Volunteers Needed – To drive cancer patients to medical appointments. Contact the Canadian Cancer Society at 250-414-4253 or visit us online at cancervolunteer.ca.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – Volunteer with Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association. No experience necessary. 16+. MONDAY-THURSDAY mornings and TUESDAY-THURSDAY afternoons. 778-426-0506, vrda@shaw.ca.
LECTURES
Beyond Sharkwater – With filmmaker Rob Stewart. THURSDAY 8pm at the Farquhar Auditorium (UVic). $10/$5. Proceeds benefit United Conservationists. 250-721-8480 or auditorium.uvic.ca/tickets.
A Taste of Camp Life – Join authors Charlotte Gill (Eating Dirt) and Barbara Stewart (Campie) as they discuss working in an Alberta oil rig camp and treeplanting in BC. Discussion followed by audience questions. TUESDAY 7pm at Cabin 12 (607 Pandora). $TBA. heritagehouse.ca.
The Empress and Mrs. Conger: The Uncommon Friendship of Two Women and Two Worlds – Canadian book launch. The author will discuss two women of east and west – the Empress Dowager Cixi, controversial ruler of China, and American Sarah Pike Conger, who extended her hand in friendship in a difficult period of Sino-Western relations. WEDNESDAY12:30pm in Hickman 110 (UVic). Free. 250-721-7664.
