September 24

This Friday, many downtown Victoria cafes will be serving FREE coffee to downtown employees as part of the third annual WAKE UP Victoria, as a way to say "thank you for working downtown and supporting our local businesses".  Up until 10 am, from the time of the cafe's opening, downtown employees are invited to drop by with their own mugs for a free coffee.  Many cafes will also feature live entertainment.

A list of participating cafes will appear shortly.

September 26, 11 am - 4 pm

Don't miss this free, family-friendly local harvest festival, featuring an all-local farmers market, buck-a-bite tastings from amazing restaurants, beer tastings, wine tastings, cider tastings, kids' area hosted by Lifecycles Project & the Compost Education Centre, local musicians, and DJs.  Organized by the Victoria Public Market Society, this local harvest festival will support the establishment of a public produce market in downtown Victoria.

September 30, October 2, 5, 7, & 9

Rossini's deliciously frothy Cinderella is an irrepressible take on the traditional fairy tale we all know and love.  Rossini conjures up a handsome prince, a beastly stepfather, bickering stepsisters, and a beautiful heroine - and sheer magic in the music.  True love, goodness, and forgiveness win out with an unabashedly happy ending - even for the wicked stepsisters!  Tickets cost $39 - $130 and can be purchased through the Royal Theatre box office, by calling 250-386-6121, or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.  The October 2nd performance is a 3 pm matinee, while performances on the other days take place at 8 pm.

October 3

Whether you are an avid social media user, interested in learning about Twitter, or you're trying to grow your business by leveraging social media tools - there's something for everyone at this event.  This one-day conference features local and international speakers.  Registration is $125 until September 15th, or $175 until October 1st.  Held at the Victoria Conference Centre.

October 7, 6 pm

Walk the red carpet and put your trivia intellect to the test at this exciting gala fundraising game!  Twenty artifacts from the Royal BC Museum collections will be displayed throughout the gallery spaces, with twenty trivia questions from curators, conservators, and archivists, designed to stump you.  Your task: determin what is artifact and what is artefiction.  Answer correctly, and you could win one of three top prizes including a 10-day Holland America cruise for two.  Emceed by Tony Parsons, anchor of CHEK News and CBC News Vancouver, this event features a delectable roving buffet, and BC beer, wine, and cider.  Tickets are $125 each - purchase by phone at 250-387-7222 or online. 

October 8, 8 pm

Judy Collins has thrilled audiences in an impressive career that has spanned more than 40 years.  She made her public debut at the age of 13.  Today, she continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart.  Tickets cost $49.50 - $55 and can be purchased online or at the door.  Doors open at 6 pm.

October 8 - 10

The GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon is one of the most popular and scenic running events on the west coast.  Shorter racing options include a Half Marathon, 8K Road Race, and a 1.2K Thrifty Foods Kids Run and Marathon.  The four racing events attract close to 13,000 participants.  Festivities kick off at the Victoria Conference Centre with the Race Expo and race package pickup.  It features over 40 exhibitors with samples, merchandise, souvenirs, interactive displays, health and fitness products, and more.  The Expo is open to the public: Friday, October 8, 3 - 7:30 pm; Saturday, October 9, 9 am - 6 pm; Sunday, October 10, 9 am - 3:30 pm.

October 10 Race Times:

• Marathon Early Start- 6:30 am (5 1/2 - 7 hours only)
• 8K Road Race - 7:15 am
• Half Marathon - 7:30 am
• Marathon - 9 am (under 5 1/2 hours)

October 8 - 16

Dedicated to the exhibition and nurturing of film and video art, Antimatter has grown into the premier showcase of experimental cinema in the west.  Held at various venues across Victoria.