Free and Nearly Free Things to Do in Victoria

October 2008-March 2009

(Click on the links below for more details on each event.)

October

The Magic Necklace and Other Stories Oct 1

Three Lasqueti Island women explore themes of magic, myth and fairy tale.

Chinese Folk Art Oct 1 - 5

This exhibition will feature the many different ways Chinese folk art is expressed: embroidery, textiles, paper-cuts, masks, wood-carving, ceramics, and more.

  Don Jean-Louis, The Silver Works Oct 1 - 5

A collection of drawings and paintings from Silver Works from 1985 -1986

Lab 8.2 Jackson 2Bears Oct 1 - 5

Jackson 2bears creates an interactive and performable project that reflects on traditional Indigenous spirituality and its deep connection to the land and the natural environment.

Lot in Life Oct 1 - 5

Through the Gallery's collections spanning the 16th to 20th centuries, this exhibition explores the activities we perform to survive - the labour and industry that establishes our position in the world.

Rice is Life Oct 1 - 5

The exhibit will explore issues related to the future of rice, such as water and land management, the use of science to foster sustainable rice development, economic issues, and enviromental factors.

The All Nude Review: Revealed & Exposed Oct 1 - 5

On Canvas reveals it's inaugural Nude Review...showcasing the works of over 12 local artists.

Yoko Takashima Oct 1 - 5

Yoko Takashima presents an interactive new media project along with recent works exploring ideas of sensuality, embodiment, domesticity and maternity through photography, installation and new media.

Royal BC Museum, Free Spirit: Stories of You, Me and BC Oct 1 - Nov 22

Free Spirit: Stories of You, Me and BC is a major feature exhibition at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of British Columbia as a Crown Colony.

Victoria International Improv Festival 2008 Oct 2 - 4

Combining Storytelling with classic and modern improv styles, !nstant Theatre brings to their performances an always entertaining balance of comedy and fantasy, ridiculous and truth.

 BC Women's Show and Sale 2008 Oct 4 - 5

Take A Day to Get Away! Showcasing to the people that make 85% of the purchasing decisions - Women!

The 3rd Annual Shop the Wild Festival Oct 4-5

This fantastic annual event offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the benefits of going green and choosing local. BC is is full of wild and wonderful things to discover!

2008 Pumpkin Art Tour: Bear Mountain Westin 

Come and view hundreds of pumpkin carvings set up in themes featuring Canadian Idols, cartoon characters, prime ministers, presidents, TV shows, the royal family, sixties icons, CBC history and more!

Royal Victoria Marathon Oct 12th

"One of the Top 10 destination Marathons in North America"
- Runner's World Magazine

The Impromaniacs present Bad Math Oct 16th

It's improv...Theatre so very live that it's painful.

Sidney Fine Art Show Oct 17th, 18th & 19th

The Sidney Fine Art Show is a world-class juried art show featuring work by artists primarily from around B.C.

Light The Night 2008  Oct 18

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night® Walk is a 5 km twilight walk that features participants carrying illuminated balloons to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer.

Pumpkin Swim Oct 26

It's back! Our 3rd annual pumpkin swim! Bring your whole family to this fun filled Halloween event. Brave the spooky Halloween games of the pool deck and take home a pumpkin to carve for Halloween.

Pumpkin Art at Ogden Point Oct 29-Nov 2

Come and view hundreds of pumpkin carvings set up in themes featuring Canadian Idols, cartoon characters, prime ministers, presidents, TV shows, the royal family, sixties icons, CBC history and more!

The 12th Pumpkin Yard: Festival of Jack O'Lanterns  Oct 30-31

Scores of spooktacular works of pumpkin art. From David Bowie to ghostly poker players to mythical Celtic beasts. Featuring original art designs from local and international pumpkin artists.

November

Edges Festival of Media Art: Film Screenings Nov14-16

This media art festival showcases new works from independent media artists from across Canada.

Victoria Toy Show (collectible toys and dolls) Nov 16

The Victoria Toy Show is held twice a year in beautiful Victoria, BC Canada. It has become a tradition and regularly hosts over a hundred tables of collectible toys and dolls! There's lots to see and do! If you have toys to sell or get valued, if you're a rabid collector, or if you're just a kid of any age, this show is for you!

Santa's Light Parade and Food Drive Nov 22

Starting by the Legislative Buildings the parade will proceed along Government Street, then turn left on Discovery Street and finish in the Capital Iron Parking Lot. Volunteers will be collecting food donations for the Mustard Seed Food Bank

 Festival of Trees Nov 18-Jan 5/09

Every year, the Festival of Trees transforms The Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital.  As sponsors of this event, local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate the trees - in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion.

December

Truck Light Parade and Food Drive Dec 6

Mark the date on your calendar...The 2008 IEOA Truck Light Parade and Food Drive takes place on Saturday Evening, December 6, 2008.

Sidney Santa Claus Parade & Lighted Sailpast

This is a procession of boats floating along Sidney harbour that you will not want to miss. Each will be decorated with sparkling Christmas lights and each will put some "ho ho ho" into your Holiday spirit.
Call (250)656-4355 or visit http://www.sidney.ca/ for more information.

Festival of Lights Fire Truck Parade and Food Drive

Lighting up the streets, and the lives of those less fortunate with the Annual Lighted Truck Parade and Food Drive.

Navy Ships Christmas Lights and Food Drive

Access to view the colourfully lit displays on the ships and buildings at CFB Esquimalt is by bus at the gates.  Admission is a food item or cash donation to the Mustard Food Bank and they will be on-site throughout the contest collecting donations. Visitors can vote for their favourite ship.

January 2009

Polar Bear Swim at Elk Lake Jan 1st 2pm

Join us for a wild and crazy cool dip in Elk Lake off of the Patricia Bay Highway. Polar Bear Swim starts at 2:00pm sharp. Admission is free.

Festival of Trees Jan 1-5

Every year, the Festival of Trees transforms The Fairmont Empress into a lush forest of beautifully decorated trees to raise funds for BC Children's Hospital.  As sponsors of this event, local businesses, organizations and individuals decorate the trees - in a sometimes wacky, often irreverent and always beautiful fashion.

Victoria Film Festival Jan 30-Feb 8

 The Festival's vision is to establish an annual independent film event in Victoria with a worldwide reputation that is deeply anchored in the local community and that will eventually become a milestone in the career of young artists and filmmakers.

February 2009

Victoria Film Festival Jan 30-Feb 8

 The Festival's vision is to establish an annual independent film event in Victoria with a worldwide reputation that is deeply anchored in the local community and that will eventually become a milestone in the career of young artists and filmmakers.