Events
FRI. MAR 16
Introduction to Knitting -Make a scarf. BYO needles & yarn. Knitting has always been a beautiful way to make clothing out of string. Come to the castle to learn the basics and get started on your very own small knitting project. 2pm at Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan). $25.
MASQUERADE – Charity Fashion Show – Presented by the Commerce Students Society and supporting the United Way. 7pm at 9one9 (919 Douglas). $15. media@uviccss.com.
VLMS Annual Rock and Gem Show -See rock and gem dealers from Western Canada, gem cutters, gold panning, jewelry demos, fossil displays. Kid’s corner and hourly door prizes. To SUNDAY, 12:30pm at the Leonardo da Vinci Centre (195 Bay). $4/$5. 250-385-0597, gyirwin@telus.net.
SAT. MAR 17
BATTLE OF THE BRIDGE 7: – Hungry for Beef – emcee battle and food drive for the Mustard Seed. 2pm at Incite Screen Printing (2514 Douglas). $5. battleofthebridge@gmail.com.
SUN. MAR 18
FAMILY SUNDAY – Drop-in and enjoy creative hands-on art-making activities, guest artists, musicians, performers and more. 2pm at ART GALLERY OF VICTORIA (1040 Moss). $2.50-$13. aggv.ca.
NowRuz Celebration of Spring Equinox- Live music, dance performances, Iranian and Afghan arts and culture show, kid’s play zone, plant sale, ethnic food and more in celebration of the rebirth of the earth and community.12pm in Centennial Square. Free. 250-813-2021.
Mon. MAR. 19
BIG HEARTS FOR SMALL ANIMALS -It’s all about the little guys in this day workshop; guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and more. 9am at BCSPCA. Also TUESDAY. $35. Register at spca.bc.ca/youth/whats-happening.
Introduction to Crochet – Make a headband. $25 (BYO hook and yarn.) 2pm at Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan).
TOUR DE FRANCE: WINE TASTING -Explore the six main wine regions, their climates, soils and grape varieties and other factors which shape their styles. Wine tasting, cheeses and notes included. 7pm at Monterey Rec Centre (1442 Monterey). $42. 250-370-7300, recreation.oakbaybc.org.
TUES. MAR. 20
Pike Brewery Beer Dinner – A beer tasting experience like no other. Five fabulous Pike Brewery beers paired with 5 delicious courses by Spinnakers Chef Ali Ryan. 6:30pm at Spinnaker’s (308 Catherine). $45. 250-386-2739, claire@spinnakers.com.
Vancouver Island Club Night – The Great Capes: An Accidental Voyage by Beth Leonard. 7pm at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (3475 Ripon). $20. bluewatercruising.org.
Victoria Sketch Club’s 103rd Annual Art Show- Sale of recent original paintings by well-known, award-winning artists. 7pm at Glenlyon Norfolk School (1701 Beach). To Mar. 25. victoriasketchclub.ca.
WED MAR 21
Passion for Tango Fundraiser – TrioTango, Klez Galz and Flamenco Jam present an evening of music, dance, vocals, and fun. Come for some deals at the silent auction. 7:30pm at Hermann’s (735 View). $8-$12. 778-432-0112, info@passion4tango.com.
Ongoing
Escape Artists’ Annual Show and Sale – Artist demonstrations. SATURDAYS 11am at the Loft Art Gallery (2720 Mill Bay). Free. To Mar. 30. 250-743-4647, cvvw@valleyvinestowines.com.
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.
Victoria flower count – Each municipality is encouraged to take up the challenge to be the “Bloomingest Community” in Victoria. 250-360-2837, flowercount.com.
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. MAR. 16
SWING CITY – East Coast Swing lesson with John followed by dance. 8pm at Edelweiss Hall (108 Niagra). $8/$10. 250-744-3666.
SAT. MAR. 17
One World 2012: An International Show of Music and Dance – The students of Pearson College UWC will perform twenty five cultural selections from across the world. 2pm at the Royal (805 Broughton). $15-$23. 250-391-2416.
ONGoing
Argentine Tango- Tango Vita- Beginner-Intermediate lesson with Rene & Hilda. SATURDAYS 8pm. $10 followed by Milonga 9:15pm. Barefoot Wellness (1303 Broad). www.tangovita.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-$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.
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.
Active
SAT. MAR. 17
Heart & Hands Yoga – A community health collective and we have an upcoming workshop. Freedom from Anxiety with Yoga & Ayurveda. 2:30pm at the Heart and Hands Collective (851 Cormorant). $30. 250-858-7957, nurturingpath@hotmail.com.
ONGOING
CRD Walks – Spring Fling Drop-In Event. Join CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists for exhibits, crafts, activities for the entire family. TUESDAY 11am at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre. 250) 478-3344, crdparks@crd.bc.ca.
Bike Polo – No horses required. Free bike loans for newbies. WEDNESDAYS 9pm behind Fernwood Community Centre. Free. 250-418-8867.
PICKLEBALL SPORT-FIt- This funny but unique program combines sport and fitness in a fun way. $34. MONDAYS, TUESDAYS and 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.
WEEKLY BIRD WALK – WEDNESDAYS and SUNDAYS 9am at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary (3873 Swan Lake). Free. naturalist2@swanlake.bc.ca, 250-479-0211.
Laughter Yoga – Exercises which stimulate laughter. Wear loose clothing, bring water if desired and a willingness to have fun and explore your childlike nature. SATURDAYS 1pm at Metta in Motion (1314A Esquimalt). 250-477-8608, victorialaughteryogaclub@gmail.com. Suggested donation $5-$15.
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.
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). $11/$13. 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 – Juan de Fuca Pathfinders: SATURDAY 5/10 Walk (rated 2B): Meet at Central Saanich Hall, (1903 Mt. Newton). Registration 9:30 am, walk 10am. 250-658-2325. Garden City Wanderers: 6/10 km Walk: Meet at Pearkes Rec Centre (3100 Tillicum). 250-665-6062. Registration 9:30am, walks 10am.
Spiritual
Mon. MAR. 19
Astrology and Tarot – Workshops in small groups, applied to participants’ charts and lives. Voyager Tarot & Astrology 7pm at 429 Vancouver. $20. 250-381-4299.
Wed. MAR. 21
Coffee and Conversation – Informal drop-in/open house time of fellowship and sociability. 10am at the Victoria Truth Centre (1201 Fort). By donation. 250-384-6112, truthcentre@shaw.ca.
Ongoing
MOSAIC FOR CHRIST – An opportunity to have a soup-er meal and learn about five denominations – how each came to be, what they believe, who they are today and what we have in common. MONDAY 5:30pm at the Grace Lutheran Church (1273 Fort). By donation. 250-383-5256, brendanest58@gmail.com.
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.
The Philosophy and Meditation of Sri Chinmoy – Free 4-week Meditation Course, THURSDAYS 7pm, Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1. 250-592-6211.
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
Introduction to Rocky Point Bird Observatory – Learn about the observatory’s projects, including the songbird, hummingbird and owl monitoring programs. Coffee and tea provided. THURSDAY 6:30pm at Central Branch (735 Broughton). 778-440-1492, rpbo@rpbo.org.
Giggles and Wiggles – Wiggle to the library for a 20 minute storytime. For young children and their families. Kids under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. THURSDAY 10:3am at Emily Carr Branch. 250-475-6100.
Storyteller Shoshana Litman: The Magic Tree – Celebrate trees and World Storytelling Day with participatory stories, songs and a craft. For ages 5-12. THURSDAY 10:30am at Nellie McClung Branch (3950 Cedar Hill), 250-477-7111. TUESDAY 2:30pm at Esquimalt Branch (1231 Esquimalt), 250-414-7198, gvpl.ca
Ahoy Thar Me Mateys -Set sail to the library to listen to new and old tales about pirates. We’ll be craftin’ a treasure fit for a pirate’s trove. For ages 6-9. THURSDAY 2:30pm at Emily Carr Branch (3500 Blanshard). 250-475-6100, gvpl.ca.
STAMP CLUB MEETING – Greater Victoria Philatelic Society meeting. FRIDAY 7:45pm at Windsor Pavilion (2451 Windsor). 250-385-1561, hughvic2@yahoo.com.
An Introduction to Literature in British Columbia – The talk will discuss writers including Ethel Wilson, Malcolm Lowry, Patrick Lane, and Don McKay. Sponsored by UVic Speakers Bureau. SATURDAY 10:30am at Nellie McClung Branch (3950 Cedar Hill). 250-477-7111, gvpl.ca.
St. Patrick’s Day Storytime- Join us for stories of fairies and wee folk as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We’ll share stories, songs and a holiday craft. Come as a leprechaun, or wear green. For ages 3-5. SATURDAY 10:30am at Central Library (735 Broughton). 250-413-0365, gvpl.ca.
Soul Gospel in Victoria – Welcoming new singers of all levels to join us. First time free. TUESDAY 5:45pm at Selkirk Montessori (2970 Jutland). 250-388-6687, info@victoriasoulgospel.ca.
Steampunk Tea- Calling steampunk, gaslight and speculative fiction fans for a rather civilized afternoon tea. WEDNESDAY 2pm at Juan de Fuca Branch (1759 Island Highway). Register 250-391-0653, gvpl.ca.
VICTORIA WOMEN’S NEWCOMERS’ CLUB – New to Victoria? Join us for lunch and a special presentation on Emergency Preparedness by Susan Barr. Come to meet new friends and investigate our activity groups. WEDNESDAY 11:30am at Cedar Hill Golf Club (1400 Derby). 778-430-1892, vicdaynewcomers.ca.
Toastmasters Junior Youth Leadership – Helping kids ages 8-11 build communication and leadership skills. SATURDAYS 10:30am to Apr. 28 at Bruce Hutchison Branch (except Mar. 17 and 24th). 250-727-0104, gvpl.ca.
Tech Buddies: Teen Volunteers at the Greater Victoria Public Library – Volunteer with older adults, using your skills with computers and other new technologies. Ages 13-18. FRIDAYS to Mar. 23, 3:15pm at Central Library. 250-413-0365, teens@gvpl.ca.
The Great After-Work, After-School Un-crumple – Massage and exercises to undo the effects of repetitive work on your hands, arms, and eyes. TUESDAYS 5:15pm at 200-535 Yates. $15, profits to local health & wellness charity. Space limited. 250-589-8655.
Arm Injury Repair and Prevention – Lunchtime presentation by local massage therapist. THURSDAYS 12:15pm at 200-535 Yates. $15, profits to local health & wellness charity. Space limited. 250-589-8655.
SUBMISSIONS WANTED – Maritime Museum is accepting art from kids 5-12 that represents what it means to live by the ocean. Deadline June 30. 250-385-4222, mdieno@mmbc.bc.ca.
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.
SINGERS WANTED – Uplifting church choir needs some guys. Ladies also welcome. Good for your sight-reading or whatever ails you. Rehearsals THURSDAYS, Fairfield United at Fairfield and Moss. 250-477-7791, maxnunu@gmail.com.
MALE SINGERS WANTED – The Greater Victoria Police Chorus, a four part harmony male voice choir, is now welcoming new members, (Police and non-police), WEDNESDAYS 7:30pm. Great crowd, great sound, guaranteed fun. 250-383-7408.
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). 250-389-1059, 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, 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.
Alzheimer Society of B.C. Family Caregiver Series – SATURDAYS to Mar. 31, 10am at Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). 250-412-8500 and cite Course 35338.
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 WANTED – Writers’ Choice Reviews needs volunteers for putting out a monthly non-profit book-reviewing newsletter, in print and online. Chance to hone your skills in writing, editorial, ad sales, and distribution. wcreviews@hotmail.com.
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
Experiencing Meaning on the Edge of Profound Uncertainty – From the author of The Mythic Body. SATURDAY 7pm at Church of Truth (111 Superior). $10/$15. 250-370-5124, Jamie@JamieRosanna.com.
The Dragon of the St. George Hotel – Celebrating Victoria’s 150th anniversary, historian Marie Elliott will give an illustrated lecture about the St. George Hotel, the most elegant accommodation in the city during the gold rush years. 2pm SUNDAY in the Newcombe Conference Hall, Royal BC Museum (675 Belleville). $5. 250-598-1835.
Carmen Aguirre- Winner of CBC Canada Reads 2012.WEDNESDAY 12:30pm in University Centre A180. Free. 250-721-7413, spanit@uvic.ca.
Comparative analysis of use of technology in learning: Japan and New Zealand – With Madhumita Bhattacharya. WEDNESDAY 12:30am in Hickman 110 (UVic). 250-721-7664, capi.uvic.ca.
Visiting Artist Series – Famed NYC artist Allan McCollum offers an insightful retrospective of his 40-year career and over 100 solo exhibitions. WEDNESDAY 8pm Room A 162 Visual Arts Building (UVic). Free. 250-721-6222, finearts.uvic.ca.
