Events
THURS. MAR. 8
15th Annual VICTORIA FRENCH FEST – To Mar. 11 in Centennial Square. 250-388-7350, francocentre.com.
ACTION AT CITY HALL – Rally at city hall to demand an end to social profiling and police discrimination. 7pm at City Hall. 250-472-4386, safervictoria@gmail.com.
Pecha Kucha – Ten inspiring presenters, 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide to share their story, talent, innovation, or vision. 7:30pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $8/$10. pecha-kucha.org.
REAL WOMEN REAL SUCCESS – Raymond James celebrates women achievers on International Women’s Day. 5:30pm at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas). $40.realwomenrealsuccess.ca.
FRI. MAR. 9
2012 Home and Garden Show – Featuring Jillian Harris from The Bachelorette. 12pm at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (1925 Blanshard). To SUNDAY. info@chbavictoria.com. $7-$17.50.
SMALL CHANGE PERSONAL FINANCE EXPO – Lectures, prizes and more. 12pm at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas). Also SATURDAY 10am. $6-$10. smallchangeexpo.ca.
URBANITE: Inspired by Throw Down – Celebrating contemporary BC artists Sonny Assu, Gregory Ball, and more currently exhibited in Throw Down. With a face-off between Champion Sound DJs Murge and Verse, Theatre SKAM, and more. 8pm at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (1040 Moss). $11/$15.250-384-4171, info@aggv.ca.
SAT. MAR. 10
5th ANNUAL LIFEMARK HEALTH ESQUIMALT 5K RUN AND WALK – 7:45am kids run and 8:30am 5K at Esquimalt Rec Centre (527 Fraser). $2-$22. 250-412-8502, roland.neville@esquimalt.ca.
Bastion Square Hosts Second Annual Celtic Festival – Featuring performances by the O’Brien School of Irish Dancing, The Electric Timber Company, Qristina and Quinn Bachand, The BC Fiddle Orchestra and Celtic fiddling soloist Daniel Lapp. 12pm in Bastion Square. bastionsquare.ca.
DAUGHTER OF CHAOS – An audience discussion with writer/performer Helani Davison following the 70 minute performance. 7pm at the Eric Martin Pavilion Theatre (2328 Trent). By donation. moviemonday.ca.
FLIGHTS AND LIGHT BITES: Sustainable Wines – Sommelier Stuart Brown of Trialto Wine Group will take us through the rising trend and practices of making sustainable wines around the world. 4pm at Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville). $20 plus tax. 250-380-4478.
VICTORIA PADDLE FEST – Olympic gold-medalist Adam Kreek and Canadian Wildlife Federation share their passion. Join Adam in the inner harbour in kayaks, canoes and rowboats.1pm at Songhees Walkway (45 Songhees). Free, donations accepted. 250-818-7413, clay@pinnacleevents.ca.
SUN. MAR. 11
ITALIAN CULTURAL SHOWCASE – Part of Seeing It Through Your Eyes 2. Food, Italian history, culture, art and discussion of diversity. 4pm at the Da Vinci Centre (195 Bay). healthandsocialdevelopment.com.
MON. MAR. 12
VINTAGE CRAFT WORKSHOP: Modern Day Silhouette Art – 2pm at Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan). $25 + $5 materials fee (pay to instructor.) 250-592-5323, thecastle.ca.
WED. MAR. 14
SHOWCASE: Associates Show- WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY 12-5pm. To Apr. 1 at Coast Collective Art Centre (3221 Heatherbell). 250-391-5522, gallery@coastcollective.ca.
VINTAGE CRAFT WORKSHOP: Introduction to Hand-Stitched Embroidery – 2pm at Craigdarroch Castle (1050 Joan ). $25 +$5 materials fee. 250-592-5323, thecastle.ca.
WALPERS ARCADIUM PRESENTS – A celebration of retro arcade gaming, retro gaming-influenced live music and 80s stand-up comedy. 9pm at Logan’s (1821 Cook). $5 includes four tokens for play. info@loganspub.com.
Wake Up, It’s Spring! – Join our resident puppets, Lucy and Todd, along with their friends, for a puppet show full of surprises. For children and their families; kids under 3 must be accompanied by an adult. WEDNESDAY 2:30pm at Saanich Centennial Branch, 250-477-9030. No registration required.
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.
IMAX Film Festival – It’s a celebration of the giant IMAX 70mm film format that takes you places no ordinary film can. $42 pass. To THURSDAY at 675 Belleville. sprimrose@imaxvictoria.com, 250-480-4887.
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. 9
SWING CITY – Cha cha lesson with John. 8pm at Edelweiss Hall (108 Niagra). Dance to follow. $8/$10. 250-744-3666.
SAT. MAR. 10
RAGSTAR – Sacred Centre Dance Company presents an event choreographed by Nath Keo in the Orientale style of bellydance as staged in the 1930’s. 2pm and 8pm at Metro Studio (1411 Quadra). $20/$25. 250-634-8850, sacredcentredance@shaw.ca.
SUN. MAR. 11
Collective Joy: Dancing at the Yurt – An afternoon of circle and line dancing with callers Louise Taylor and Joanne Thomson. 2pm at the Yurt (5990 Old West Saanich). By donation. 250-881-1539, joannedthomson@shaw.ca.
Jeff Mortensen Workshops – Learn from a So You Think You Can Dance Canada dancer. Ukrainian Technique and Solo Works and Contemporary Dance workshops for boys 8 and older. $20.Register at 250-475-1174, info@veselkadancers.com.
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-$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
ONGOING
CRD Walks – Mystery at the Lake. SUNDAY 1pm at the Beaver Lake Nature Centre. 250-478-3344, crdparks@crd.bc.ca.
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 – Vic Y. SATURDAY 5/10 km Walk (rated 2B): Meet at Highland Golf Course (450 Creed). 250-385-8519. Garden City Wanderers SUNDAY 10 km Walk. Meet at Running Room, Broadmead (777 Royal Oak). 778-350-0861. Registration 9:30am, walks 10am.
Spiritual
SAT. MAR. 10
A JOURNEY TO THE HEART FOR MEN – A day of experiential personal growth. 10am at James Bay United Church (517 Michigan). 250-483-5438, gary.klein@shaw.ca.
SUN. MAR. 11
EXPRESSIONS OF MEDITATION – Galilee Star guides you through meditative techniques to harmonize your body. SUNDAY 7pm at the Church of Truth (111 Superior). $20. 250-382-5412, galalisa.com.
Ongoing
Astrology and TaroT – Workshops in small groups, applied to participants’ charts and lives. 429 Vancouver St. $20 for 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.
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
The Arab Spring One Year Later: Revolution, Resolution and Resentment – A public forum with UVic scholars. THURSDAY 7pm, Harry Hickman 105 (UVic). Free. 250-721-6325.
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.
Author Illustrator Dianna Bonder: Making a Picture Book – Wonder what it takes to make a picture book? For Grades 4 to 6. FRIDAY 10:30am Bruce Hutchison Branch, 250-727-0104 and FRIDAY 1:30pm Oak Bay Branch, 250-592-2489. Register at gvpl.ca.
Feng Shui for a Balanced Life – Did you know that the stuff you have in your home affects how you feel? This interactive workshop will give you practical changes you can make at home to improve your life. SATURDAY 10:25am at Nellie McClung Branch. Register at 250-477-7111, gvpl.ca.
Annual Celebration of International Women’s Day – With Victoria MP Denise Savoie. SUNDAY 1pm at the Belfry (1291 Gladstone). RSVP 250-363-3600.
The Victoria Fibromyalgia Networking (Support) Group – 1pm MONDAY at the First Metropolitan United Church (932 Balmoral). $2. 250- 381-5202, 250-381-1182.
Lego Mindstorms Robotics – Calling all budding engineers and scientists. Build and program a robot. Ages 10-13. MONDAY 10am at Bruce Hutchison Branch, 250-727-0104; MONDAY 2pm at Central Library, 250-413-0365; TUESDAY 10am at Emily Carr Branch, 250-475-6100; TUESDAY 2pm at Oak Bay Branch, 250-592-2489. Register at gvpl.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
The Changing Landscape, Mega Fauna & Humans: The last 22,000 Years – Grant Keddie on new archaeological and geological discoveries of our local areas from the Ice Age to Fort Victoria. 7pm THURSDAY at Windsor Pavilion (2451 Windsor). 250-595-8084.
Dr. Ted Grant – The father of Canadian photojournalism. SATURDAY 2pm Room A003 by the Maltwood Gallery. uvac.uvic.ca.
The Naked Traveller – Peter Dolezal has travelled to over 60 countries. He will give tips for avoiding the hassles of travel and how to have a dream holiday at an affordable cost. TUESDAY 7pm at Juan de Fuca Branch. Register at 250-391-0653, gvpl.ca.
Before Tragedy Strikes: The Quest to Predict Megadisasters – TUESDAY 7pm at Solstice Café (529 Pandora). Free. 250-721-7744, pritchet@uvic.ca.
Social Justice Studies Conversations with Activists Part 3 – Resisting political violence, torture and the death penalty. Connections and Discernments in anti-violence activism and work. With therapist/activist Vikki Reynolds. TUESDAY 7:30pm in Hickman 105 (UVic).
NATURAL HISTORY PRESENTATION – Glaciers and Tree Rings: How Ancient Forests Buried by Glaciers Can Tell Us about Climate. TUESDAY 7:30pm in Fraser 159 (UVic). Bring a friend and coffee mug.
