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Events Calendar

May 2013

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Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Project Information Session

Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Project Information Session

May 2, 8 - 10 am

Location: Swans Hotel (Collard Room)

Event: Construction of the new Johnson Street bridge will begin in May 2013. Businesses, residents, and bridge users are invited to drop in for coffee at an information session to learn more about upcoming construction activity. City staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Contact: johnsonstreetbridge@victoria.ca or 250-361-0545.

 
 
Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

May 2 - 4, 7:30 pm
May 4, 2 pm
May 5, 1 pm & 6:30 pm

Disney's Beauty & the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Victoria.  Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Royal Theatre. Disney's Beauty & the Beast features the animated film's Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.

 
 
South Vancouver Island Regional Heritage Fair
 
 
Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

May 2 - 4, 7:30 pm
May 4, 2 pm
May 5, 1 pm & 6:30 pm

Disney's Beauty & the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Victoria.  Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Royal Theatre. Disney's Beauty & the Beast features the animated film's Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.

 
 
Men's Leadership Breakfast

Men's Leadership Breakfast

May 3, 7:30 - 9 am

The Victoria Women's Sexual Assault Centre brings Dr. Jackson Katz - a leader in gender violence prevention education and critical media literacy - to the Harbour Towers Hotel.  This event is specifically for self-identified men and particularly civic leaders, including those from community organizations, aboriginal bands, multicultural communities, youth sports organizations, schools, and religious groups. Admission costs $40 for an individual or $220 for a table of 6 - breakfast included.

 
 
Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

May 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm
May 5 & 12, 2 pm

The Victoria Operatic Society presents Miss Saigon at the McPherson Playhouse. A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, Alain Boubill & Claude-Michel Schonberg (creators of Les Miserables) bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.

 
 
Downtown Places & Passages - a Jane's Walk
 
 
The Butler Speaks
 
 
Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

May 2 - 4, 7:30 pm
May 4, 2 pm
May 5, 1 pm & 6:30 pm

Disney's Beauty & the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Victoria.  Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Royal Theatre. Disney's Beauty & the Beast features the animated film's Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.

 
 
Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld

May 4, 7:30 pm (doors at 6:30 pm)

Jerry Seinfeld performs his signature stand-up routine at the Save On Foods Centre. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Seinfeld now sets his sights on performing both nationally and internationally in 2013.  Tickets (incl HST): $59.50, $79.50, $99.50 (plus FMF and service charges).

 
 
Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

May 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm
May 5 & 12, 2 pm

The Victoria Operatic Society presents Miss Saigon at the McPherson Playhouse. A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, Alain Boubill & Claude-Michel Schonberg (creators of Les Miserables) bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.

 
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Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Project Information Session

Johnson Street Bridge Replacement Project Information Session

May 5, 10 am - 2 pm

Location: Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, Harbour Room

Event: Construction of the new bridge will begin in May 2013. Businesses, residents, and bridge users are invited to drop in for coffee at an information session in May to learn more about upcoming construction activity. City staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Contact: johnsonstreetbridge@victoria.ca or 250-361-0545.

 
 
Reef Rum Nights

Reef Rum Nights

February 17 & 24, 5:30 - 7 pm
March 3, 10, 17 & 24, 5:30 - 7 pm
April 7, 14, 21 & 28, 5:30 - 7 pm
May 5, 12 & 26, 5:30 - 7 pm

Over the course of these 13 nights, guests of The Reef Restaurant can experience thirteen different, top-shelf rums from around the globe. While most of the selection is on Caribbean brands, there will be a showing of Canadian and American rums.  Guests are invited to the tasting anytime between 5:30 - 7 pm, where a local rum agent will be on hand to answer product questions.

 
 
Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

May 2 - 4, 7:30 pm
May 4, 2 pm
May 5, 1 pm & 6:30 pm

Disney's Beauty & the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Victoria.  Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Royal Theatre. Disney's Beauty & the Beast features the animated film's Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.

 
 
Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

May 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm
May 5 & 12, 2 pm

The Victoria Operatic Society presents Miss Saigon at the McPherson Playhouse. A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, Alain Boubill & Claude-Michel Schonberg (creators of Les Miserables) bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.

 
 
 
Speed Dating @ Yates Street Taphouse
 
 
Sin City: Bedlam-By-Sea
 
 
Investors Group Stars on Ice

Investors Group Stars on Ice

May 8, 7 pm (doors at 6 pm)

Canada's own Patrick Chan will make his Investors Group Stars on Ice presented by Lindt debut this year. Chan caught the attention of skating fans across the globe at the 2011 World Figure Skating Championships, where he captured three Guinness World Records for his scores in Men's Short Program, Men's Free Skate, and Men's Overall Score. He is also a recipient of the annual Lou Marsh Award which recognizes Canada's top athletes. 

 
Light Sensitive

Light Sensitive

May 9 - 16
Reception & Silent Auction May 10, 6 - 9 pm

Location: Dales Gallery

Event: This yearly exhibition of photographs are from students in the Professional Photography and Journalism & Photojournalism programs at the Western Academy of Photography. The Reception & Silent Auction event will have the photographers in attendance; free admission and nibbles, cash bar.

»
 
Emergency Preparedness Workshops
 
 
Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

May 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm
May 5 & 12, 2 pm

The Victoria Operatic Society presents Miss Saigon at the McPherson Playhouse. A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, Alain Boubill & Claude-Michel Schonberg (creators of Les Miserables) bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.

 
 
Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

May 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm
May 5 & 12, 2 pm

The Victoria Operatic Society presents Miss Saigon at the McPherson Playhouse. A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, Alain Boubill & Claude-Michel Schonberg (creators of Les Miserables) bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.

 
 
The Piano Men

The Piano Men

April 11 & 12, 8 pm
April 13, 2 pm

 

Location: Royal Theatre

Event: The Victoria Symphony presents their Pops Concerts.  Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased through the Royal & McPherson box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.

 
 
Wired To Win: Surviving the Tour de France

Wired To Win: Surviving the Tour de France

May 11, 10 am

Location: IMAX Victoria, Royal BC Museum

Event: Stephen Andrew from CTV Vancouver Island and CFAX 1070 Radio hosts this exclusive screening to benefit the BC Cancer Foundation and the 2013 Ride to Conquer Cancer. Tickets are available at The Old Spaghetti Factory and Oak Bay Bikes; they cost $15 and are currently buy 3 get 1 free! Click here for the Facebook event page.

Organizer: The Old Spaghetti Factory, c/o Mike Gonzalez; 250-381-8444.

 
 
Ehnes Plays Sibelius

Ehnes Plays Sibelius

May 11, 8 pm
May 12, 2:30 pm

Canada's highly acclaimed violinist James Ehnes plays the virtuosic Violin Concerto of Sibelius. Tania Miller and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra take on Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring (its daring music and the 'savage' ballet which accompanied it caused a riot in May 1913). Tickets start at $35 for this performance at the Royal Theatre.

 
 
Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

May 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm
May 5 & 12, 2 pm

The Victoria Operatic Society presents Miss Saigon at the McPherson Playhouse. A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, Alain Boubill & Claude-Michel Schonberg (creators of Les Miserables) bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.

 
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Light Sensitive

Light Sensitive

May 9 - 16
Reception & Silent Auction May 10, 6 - 9 pm

Location: Dales Gallery

Event: This yearly exhibition of photographs are from students in the Professional Photography and Journalism & Photojournalism programs at the Western Academy of Photography. The Reception & Silent Auction event will have the photographers in attendance; free admission and nibbles, cash bar.

 
 
Sunday Market at Bastion Square
 
 
Reef Rum Nights

Reef Rum Nights

February 17 & 24, 5:30 - 7 pm
March 3, 10, 17 & 24, 5:30 - 7 pm
April 7, 14, 21 & 28, 5:30 - 7 pm
May 5, 12 & 26, 5:30 - 7 pm

Over the course of these 13 nights, guests of The Reef Restaurant can experience thirteen different, top-shelf rums from around the globe. While most of the selection is on Caribbean brands, there will be a showing of Canadian and American rums.  Guests are invited to the tasting anytime between 5:30 - 7 pm, where a local rum agent will be on hand to answer product questions.

 
 
Ehnes Plays Sibelius

Ehnes Plays Sibelius

May 11, 8 pm
May 12, 2:30 pm

Canada's highly acclaimed violinist James Ehnes plays the virtuosic Violin Concerto of Sibelius. Tania Miller and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra take on Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring (its daring music and the 'savage' ballet which accompanied it caused a riot in May 1913). Tickets start at $35 for this performance at the Royal Theatre.

 
 
Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon

May 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm
May 5 & 12, 2 pm

The Victoria Operatic Society presents Miss Saigon at the McPherson Playhouse. A classic love story is brought up-to-date in one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. In Miss Saigon, Alain Boubill & Claude-Michel Schonberg (creators of Les Miserables) bring Puccini's Madame Butterfly to the modern world in a moving testament to the human spirit and a scathing indictment of the tragedies of war.

 
 
 
Russell Vintage Grand Opening

Russell Vintage Grand Opening

May 14, 7 pm

Location: Russell Vintage (742 Fort Street)

Event: Russell Books opens the doors on their latest expansion - under the hobby shop beside the main entrance to the store.  Throughout the day, stop in for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake and browse their collection of antiquarian and vintage books. At the 7 pm grand opening event, local authors Esi Edugyan, Steven Price, and Marita Dachsel read excerpts from their books and sign copies. Celebrate Victoria's rich literary community at this event.

 
 
Sin City: Bedlam-By-Sea
 
 
BC HRMA Victoria Roundtable
 
 
Salvation Army Advisory Board Luncheon

Salvation Army Advisory Board Luncheon

May 15, 12 - 1:30 pm

Location: Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa

Event: The annual Salvation Army Advisory Board Luncheon features the Honorable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.  The Salvation Army works every day to give hope and restore dignity in our community; this year at the luncheon, speakers will discuss programs and services the Salvation Army gives to the community.  Reserve your ticket ($40) today!

 
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
 
'Race to the End of the Earth' Feature Presentation
 
 
The Naden Band & The Philharmonic Choir

The Naden Band & The Philharmonic Choir

May 16, 8 pm

Join the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy for an unforgettable evening of music at the Royal Theatre. Hosted by the Commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, this concert will feature the incredible talent of Naden Band soloists and guest artists to be announced. Navy Lt. Matthew Clark, Director of Music, is preparing an exciting program of film, jazz, traditional wind band music, and military marches. This annual fundraiser supports the Royal & McPherson Theatres Society.

 
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
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115th Island Farms Victoria Day Parade

115th Island Farms Victoria Day Parade

May 20, 9 am - 12 noon

Location: Douglas street

Event: This is Victoria's largest parade event, complete with marching bands, floats, clowns, and more. The whole parade takes at least 3 hours to pass by, so come prepared: bring a blanket or folding chair, drinks, and snacks to keep you comfortable. Don't forget an extra jacket if it's cool, an umbrella if it's damp, or hats & sunscreen if it's sunny! The parade starts at 9 am at Mayfair Mall and proceeds down Douglas Street to the intersection of Douglas & Humboldt.

 
 
Chamber of Commerce AGM & Mayoral Address

Chamber of Commerce AGM & Mayoral Address

May 21, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location: Union Club, 805 Gordon Street

Event: Join Mayor Fortin for a State of the City Address that focuses on bolstering our local economy and supporting quality of life through economic development; learn about the business community's role in shaping Victoria's future at The Chamber's Annual General Meeting. Tickets cost $50+GST for Chamber members, $75+GST for future members; a gourmet lunch is included.

 
 
Sin City: Bedlam-By-Sea
 
 
Uno Fest

Uno Fest

May 22 - June 1

Now in its 16th year, Uno Fest is the longest-running solo performance festival in North America. This Victoria festival celebrates the best of independent theatre from around North America: innovative multidisciplinary work, Victoria Fringe Festival favourites, and internationally renowned solo performers.

»
 
Market Square Sunday Market

Market Square Sunday Market

1st & 3rd Sundays, 11 am - 3 pm

Location: Market Square

Event: Featuring tasty local foods and artisan wares, check out this brand-new market. Vendors will be selling freshly baked breads and pastries, spicy Mexican salsas and sauces, head-turning bicycle accessories, flavour-infused sea salts, and much more.

 
 
Sunday Market at Bastion Square
 
 
Veselka Dancers: Baba Yaga's Supper

Veselka Dancers: Baba Yaga's Supper

May 19, 7 pm

Baba Yaga's Supper is a Ukrainian folk ballet for all ages, developed by Lisa Hall specifically for the Veselka Ukrainian Dancers. Baba Yaga is a powerful witch whose back is bent with age and whose face is covered in ugly warts. Her long gray hair has not been washed or trimmed in hundreds of years and her clothing has turned into rags. She lives with her evil sister and hench toads in a hut that moves around on chicken legs, deep in a birch forest.

 
 
Unveiling of "The Hands Of Time" 150th Anniversary Public Artwork

Unveiling of "The Hands Of Time" 150th Anniversary Public Artwork

May 22, 10 - 10:30 am

Location: Lower Causeway of the Inner Harbour, across from the Fairmont Empress Hotel

Event: Mayor Dean Fortin will be joined by Franc D'Ambrosio, a member of the City of Victoria's Art In Public Places Policy Commitee, and artist Crystal Przybille to unveil "Holding a Mirror", one of 12 bronze statues commemorating the City's 150th anniversary of incorporation. Ranging in size, the 12 sculptures consist of life-sized hands engaged in activities symbolic of Victoria's past.  

 
 
Investors Group Fundraiser for Power to Be
 
 
Q With Jian Ghomeshi - Live!

Q With Jian Ghomeshi - Live!

May 22, 7 pm

Location: Royal Theatre

Event: This live-audience show features live music and on-stage interviews between Jian and a host of west coast culturemakers. This show will be recorded live-to-tape. Q is Canada's liveliest arts, culture, and entertainment program, renowned for its long-form interviews that bridge pop culture with high arts and today's hot-button issues. Tickets are $25.75, available through the Royal & McPherson box offices, online, or by calling 250-386-6121.

 
 
World Voices Concert

World Voices Concert

May 22, 7:30 pm

Location: Emanu-El Synagogue

Event: The Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria presents the 3rd annual World Voices Concert, featuring choirs including: Jewish Community Choir, Scottish Gaelic Choir, Luna Ukranian Quartet, Balkan Babes, Doukhobor Choir, Polish White Eagle Band, and the Edelweiss Choir. Refreshments included. Admission is by suggested $10 donation at the door; proceeds will be shared between Temple Emanu-El for roof repairs and CACGV for music programming. 

 
 
Swiftsure International Yacht Race

Swiftsure International Yacht Race

May 23 - 27, times vary each day

There are a number of different public events that run throughout Swiftsure week. The Swiftsure Centre is located at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour and is the information headquarters for the race; stop in to use transponders and computers to see how the racers are doing! Here's a summary of the public events scheduled during the week:

Thursday, May 23: Swiftsure Centre opens for registration. From 8 - 11 pm, you can rock to a performance by The Midnights at the Swiftsure Centre.

»
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
 
BC Bites & Beverages: Uncorked: The Teenage Years of the BC Wine Industry

BC Bites & Beverages: Uncorked: The Teenage Years of the BC Wine Industry

May 23, 7 - 9 pm

Drawing on the Royal BC Museum's extensive British Columbia wine label collection, Dr. Hammond presents this lecture - a sparkling toast to forgotten classics and the popular wines of the 1960s and 1970s. Enjoy sampling contemporary award-winning local wines paired with delicious BC cheese at this informative and often-times irreverent evening.

 
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
 
Dream Big Gala

Dream Big Gala

May 24

Location: Hotel Grand Pacific

Event: Enjoy a formal night out with a fabulous three-course dinner, live entertainment, and a silent auction to support this Vancouver Island charity. The Temps provide the live music, performing hits by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and other classics to modern rock. Bid on a variety of fantastic items and experiences including jewellery, travel, art, and more. Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased online.

 
 
Making Crime Pay

Making Crime Pay

May 25, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Location: Greater Victoria Public Library Central Branch

Event: BC authors demystify the art & craft of writing and selling crime fiction. Panels include: Moving from Idea to Draft; Handling Common Problems in Plot, Character, and Style; and Marketing your Work. Register online.

 
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
 
GVHA's CPR Steamship Terminal's Spring Open House

GVHA's CPR Steamship Terminal's Spring Open House

May 25, noon - 3 pm

Location: CPR Steamship Terminal, 470 Belleville Street

Event: This is a great chance to view the carefully crafted plaster and detail work that bring this heritage space to life in reflection of its past grandeur. The Robert Bateman Centre will be open to the public, and there will be displays present on the building restoration process and other harbour projects and businesses. Live entertainment from local buskers.

 
 
Boston Dance Collective Recital 2013

Boston Dance Collective Recital 2013

May 25, 1 pm & 7 pm

Location: Royal Theatre

Events: Celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the Boston Dance Collective with this exciting event: performances, awards, and guest performers. Tickets cost $24 ($19 for students & seniors, $16 for children 12 and under); both shows can be purchased as a package for $34 - contact the box office at 250-386-6121 for more information.

 
 
Dance Unlimited Recital

Dance Unlimited Recital

May 25, 1 & 7 pm

Location: McPherson Playhouse

Event: These two shows contain different content, but both are exciting displays of dance talent. Tickets are $21 for adults or $18 for children and can be purchased through the Royal & McPherson box offices, by calling 250-386-6121, or online.

 
 
Artist's Reception: To Reunite, To Honour, To Witness

Artist's Reception: To Reunite, To Honour, To Witness

May 25, 2 - 4 pm

Location: Legacy Art Gallery

Event: In addition to the opening of the new downtown exhibit on May 8th at UVic's Legacy Art Gallery, this Saturday afternoon event at the gallery will honour survivors who attended the Alberni Indian Residential School in the 1950s and 60s. This public reception celebrates the reunification of the makers with their artwork, which they produced as children and teenagers with volunteer art teacher Robert Aller.

(Image: Phyllis Tate,1959)

 
 
Mystery Mini-Chats

Mystery Mini-Chats

May 25, 2:30 - 5 pm

Location: Greater Victoria Public Library Central Branch

Event: Meet Canadian crime-writers and learn about their latest works in this fast-paced, fun-filled event. Whether you're looking for your next armchair read or something different to take to your book club, you're sure to find something to your taste as you chat with a wide range of authors in an exciting speed-dating format. Coffee and tea will be served. Books available for purchase & signing.

 

 

 
 
The Brazilian Cultural Festival

The Brazilian Cultural Festival

May 25 & 26

Location: Fairmont Empress

Event: Hosted by Axe Capoeira, this fun event celebrates 13 years of Capoeira and Brazilian culture in Victoria.

The Brazilian Dance Party on May 25th is a chance to get up close to the music, and get down to the beats of Brazil, with tunes performed by Batuque Axe, a twelve-piece band with very Special Guests. When these irresistable rhythms reverberate through the room, it's almost impossible not to dance.

 
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Uno Fest

Uno Fest

May 22 - June 1

Now in its 16th year, Uno Fest is the longest-running solo performance festival in North America. This Victoria festival celebrates the best of independent theatre from around North America: innovative multidisciplinary work, Victoria Fringe Festival favourites, and internationally renowned solo performers.

»
 
 
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Swiftsure International Yacht Race

Swiftsure International Yacht Race

May 23 - 27, times vary each day

There are a number of different public events that run throughout Swiftsure week. The Swiftsure Centre is located at Ship Point in the Inner Harbour and is the information headquarters for the race; stop in to use transponders and computers to see how the racers are doing! Here's a summary of the public events scheduled during the week:

Thursday, May 23: Swiftsure Centre opens for registration. From 8 - 11 pm, you can rock to a performance by The Midnights at the Swiftsure Centre.

 
 
 
 
 
Victoria Steam Exposition IV
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9th Annual Camera Swap Meet
 
 
Sunday Market at Bastion Square
 
 
7th Annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes

7th Annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes

May 26, 2 - 4 pm

Location: Centennial Square

Event: Originally created as a way to bring men together to end sexualized violence, this event asks men alongside their communities to walk one mile wearing shoes of their own (or fancy shoes with heels if they choose) to raise funds and awareness for the Victoria Women's Sexual Assault Centre. It's fun and gets everyone talking about something that's really difficult to talk about: sexualized violence.

 
 
Reef Rum Nights

Reef Rum Nights

February 17 & 24, 5:30 - 7 pm
March 3, 10, 17 & 24, 5:30 - 7 pm
April 7, 14, 21 & 28, 5:30 - 7 pm
May 5, 12 & 26, 5:30 - 7 pm

Over the course of these 13 nights, guests of The Reef Restaurant can experience thirteen different, top-shelf rums from around the globe. While most of the selection is on Caribbean brands, there will be a showing of Canadian and American rums.  Guests are invited to the tasting anytime between 5:30 - 7 pm, where a local rum agent will be on hand to answer product questions.

 
 
The Brazilian Cultural Festival

The Brazilian Cultural Festival

May 25 & 26

Location: Fairmont Empress

Event: Hosted by Axe Capoeira, this fun event celebrates 13 years of Capoeira and Brazilian culture in Victoria.

The Brazilian Dance Party on May 25th is a chance to get up close to the music, and get down to the beats of Brazil, with tunes performed by Batuque Axe, a twelve-piece band with very Special Guests. When these irresistable rhythms reverberate through the room, it's almost impossible not to dance.

 
 
2013 Greater Victoria Bike To Work Week

2013 Greater Victoria Bike To Work Week

May 27 - June 2

The 19th annual Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week is a free, fun-filled community event. Create a team with your workplace and ride your bicycle daily. Inspire a friend or co-worker to try it for one week. With lots of prizes to be won and daily events (Celebration Stations) to attend throughout Greater Victoria, you don't want to miss this event. Meet, celebrate and mutually motivate while benefiting your health and the environment! Registration begins in April.

»
 
 
Sin City: Bedlam-By-Sea
 
 
Victoria Downtown Farmers' Market
 
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
 
Sake For Dummies

Sake For Dummies

May 30, 6 pm

Location: Rogers' Penthouse Suite, Inn At Laurel Point

Event: Enjoy a fantastic dinner courtesy of world-renowned artisan rice-wine sake maker Masa Shiroki and Aura Restaurant's celebrated executive chef Takashi Ito. Since 2007, Shiroki has been growing and harvesting premium rice, for making sake, right here in BC. At this event, you'll experience six exceptional variations of rice wine featured alongside culinary treats like local seafood and foie gras.  Call 250-414-6739 to reserve tickets today! ($115+tax+18% gratutity).

 
 
Dances with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
 
 
Bastion Square Public Market

Bastion Square Public Market

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, May - September, 11 am - 5:30 pm

Location: Bastion Square

Event: The market turns 18 this year! Stretching from Victoria's waterfront on Wharf Street to Government Street, this colourful open-air market brings a vibrancy to Bastion Square with its wonderful array of locally produced arts, crafts, and entertainment. Watch artisans as they create their crafts, or sit and enjoy the market atmosphere at one of the local outdoor cafes.

 
 
Dances with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
 
 
Synergia 2013

Synergia 2013

May 31, 8 pm - 12 am

Location: Victoria Event Centre

Event: Synergia 2013 is a benefit concert for The Mustard Seed Food Bank, with performances by local musicians. Music by: Murray Logan, Robyn Melville, Emily Griffis Reverie, The Symphony Tree, & Hap Mandala. Advance tickets cost $10, $15 at the door. The Mustard Seed Food Bank supports families with children, couples, and individuals who can't afford food on their own due to the rising cost of living or other challenges.

 

Happening this Month

Art Education Faculty - Syn Optic - March 13, 2013 to May 4, 2013
Creating Con[text] - March 13, 2013 to June 15, 2013
Artishow - May 1, 2013 to October 31, 2013
Next Year by Meghan Hildebrand: Madrona Gallery - May 4, 2013 to May 18, 2013
To Reunite To Honour To Witness - May 8, 2013 to June 15, 2013
Race to the End of the Earth - May 17, 2013 to October 14, 2013
Nixie Barton: West End Gallery - May 18, 2013 to May 30, 2013

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