Victoria News

Spark Festival at the Belfry Theatre

2010-03-10T10:50:00-08:00

From March 8 - 21, 2010 the Belfry Theatre will present SPARK, its annual festival of new plays and ideas. This year's festival brings together artists from Halifax, Vancouver, Edmonton and Victoria. Mixed in with the full productions of Agnes B, Tiny Apocalypse, The Russian Play and The Drowning Girls are a host of workshops, free readings, parties and the BMO miniplays.

Festival highlights include:
* Free sneak preview readings of Neworld Theatre's wicked new satire, Ali and Ali 7 and Taking It Off by Deb Williams (Mom's the Word).
* The premiere of Suddenly Dance Theatre's Agnes B and a new production of Tiny Apocalypse from Vancouver's Rough House.
* Seven free miniplays, presented by BMO, including a sound installation, from more than 20 local artists from Theatre SKAM, Gotta Getta Gimmick, Full Circle: First Nations Performance, and Launch Pad Productions.
* Image as Story, an art show inspired by the plays in the SPARK Festival, at the Collective Works Gallery.
* The Midway Party with Atomic Vaudeville and Cranaoke (Live Karaoke with Morgan Cranny).
* A stunning production of Hannah Moscovitch's The Russian Play from Halifax's 2b Theatre.
* Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson, and Daniela Vlaskalic's award winning production of The Drowning Girls from Edmonton.
* Workshops by John Webber, Christian Barry and Michael Shamata.
Ticket Information:
Admission for play readings, parties and the BMO miniplays are free but they are first come, first served each evening. Professional development workshops are $20.00. To register please call 250-385-6815.
Tickets for Agnes B, Tiny Apocalypse, Belfry 101 Live, The Russian Play and The Drowning Girls are $20.00 (plus GST). Discounts are available for students ($10.00 for High School Students, $15.00 for University and College Students). Tickets are available at 250-385-6815.

More information: http://www.belfry.bc.ca

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria: Glimpses of Japan

2009-12-15T07:26:00-08:00

Glimpses of Japan: Recent Print Acquisitions

Glimpses of Japan will display prints by famous 18th and 19th century ukiyo-e artists like Hokusai, Kunisada, Hiroshige and his students Hiroshige II and III, and Yoshitoshi. There will be examples of works by print makers of the shin hanga (new print) movement of the 1920s and 30s like Yoshida and his sons, Toshi and Hodaka, Hasui, Kanpo, and Shotei as well as prints by major sosaku hanga (creative prints) movement of the 20th century like Watanabe Sadao, Munakata Shiko, and Yoshitoshi Mori.
The exhibition will offer interesting glimpses of Japan and its people from the 18th century through to the end of the 20th century. Subjects include landscape, historical scenes, individual portraits, genre scenes and impressionistic images.

Over the past five years, the AGGV has acquired well over two hundred old and new Japanese prints. More than half the prints were recently purchased by the curator or donors over the internet and a wide selection of these will be on display. The prints were acquired to augment the Gallery's fine collection of Japanese prints, one of the most comprehensive collections outside of Japan.

Christmas at Craigdarroch

2009-12-15T07:21:00-08:00

Craigdarroch Castle will be splendidly decorated for the Christmas season in grand Victorian style.
While touring the Castle, visitors are invited to take in one of 39 performances of seasonal music, storytelling and children's entertainment; all of which are included with regular admission.
New this year to Craigdarroch Castle's holiday program is Family Night at the Castle. On December 19th and 20th visitors are invited to join Kate the Maid or Christopher the Butler on a guided tour of the Castle and learn all about Victorian Christmas
traditions as well as the Dunsmuir family followed by some delicious cider and cookies served from the pantry.Craigdarroch Castle is an 1890's mansion built by wealthy coal baron, Robert Dunsmuir. It is a stunning example of the finest architecture, materials and craftsmanship available in the Victorian era with exquisite stained-glass windows, woodwork and period antiques. An oak staircase allows visitors to climb 87 steps to the Tower for one of the best views in Victoria.
Tours start at 6:30 pm and tickets are $14.50 CDN / $ 14.00 USD for adults, $6.50 CDN / $ 6.00 USD for children 6-18; children 5 and under are free. Please visit the website for more detaiils. (Christmas is Here)

Price: $14.50 (Adult: Child rate is available.)
Dates: Dec 01, 2009 - Dec 31, 2009
Website: http://www.thecastle.ca/

Metchosin Farmers Market

2009-10-03T10:20:00-08:00

Take a special Sunday driver over to the Metchosin Municipal Grounds to pick up some super fresh fruit and veggies at the Farmers Market.
The market has been expanding and gaining new vendors weekly. When you arrive at the market there are yellow signs directing our customers where they need to park. We have signs for the "Vendors and Disabled Only" to enter the Market as we have closed off the usual entrance to the Market area.We still have natural, greenhouse and organically grown vegetables, and culinary herbs, with fruit and berries now added! Our bread bakers have been busy this season along with our "delectable" bakers with their muffins, cookies, pies and more! Salsa, jams and jellies and chutneys abound - look for honey yet to come. Fresh farm eggs can also be found at the Market. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers as well as jalapeno peppers are still here.
Your favourite "sausage in a bun" lunch is available to munch on as you sit at our picnic tables and listen to the music or watch our weekly demonstration. Then you can visit the Pioneer Museum or purchase a book from their Bookstore.
The pottery stall, which is colourful with a good variety or items stands on a corner; The leather man custom makes almost anything, from knife sheathes to saddles in good quality leather; two makers of soaps, lotions, balms, facecreams and much more; two vendors grow and bring their own flowers for you to choose individually your special bouquet or take home the flowers and vase; homemade tea cosies, potholders, aprons and more; tie-dyed clothing and accessories add a colourful touch to this market.
We welcome each customer to browse through the stalls join us with a coffee, or peruse our pamphlet holders under the overhang that offer local trails, beaches and hikes.
Contact: Michelle Simmonds, Market Manager (250-478-7871)
See website: http://metchosinfarmersmarket.blog.com/

Antimatter Underground Film Festival

2009-12-15T07:16:00-08:00

Dedicated to the exhibition and nurturing of film and video as art, Antimatter has grown into the premier showcase of experimental cinema in the west. Encompassing screenings, installations, performances and media hybrids, Antimatter provides a noncompetitive festival setting in Victoria, British Columbia, free from commercial and industry agendas.The highest standards of curatorial practice are employed to build thematic programs of innovative film and video selected from international submissions. In addition, our annual Foreign Matter series has become the incubator for hundreds of short films, all new to North American audiences, compiled and contextualized by international curators. Reciprocally, Antimatter delivers curated programs of new Canadian work to international audiences through our Foreign Matter tours.

Since 1998, the quality and creativity of its programming, commitment to audience development, and respect for filmmakers and their work have made Antimatter one of the most important media arts events in Canada, and the world.
Contact information: Antimatter Film Festival, 636 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1L3. Tel: 250 385 3327 or 250 385 3339. Email: info@antimatter.ws or rogueart@shaw.ca

Sidney Summer Market

2009-08-09T08:42:00-08:00

Experience Vancouver Island’s best outdoor market every Thursday night during the summer months. Over 200 vendors sell gifts, fresh produce, hand-made crafts, great food, and so much more! Wonderful entertainment on every block! The market lines the main street of Beacon Avenue, between First and Fifth Streets. Parking is available on side streets and public lots, and is permitted in municipal lots after 5:00 pm.

This Annual Sidney Summer Attraction is now considered to be one of the best destination events to visit in the area. For more information, please contact the Summer Market Coordinator at 250-655-6433 or email:market@sidneybusiness.ca

See for more information: Sidney Summer Market

Victoria Dragon Boat Festival

2009-08-09T08:36:00-08:00

Welcome to the 15th Annual Victoria Dragon Boat Festival August 14th - 16th, 2009
The excitement builds as Victoria officially opens registration and welcomes 90 dragon boat teams to the Victoria's beautiful Inner Harbour for the 15th Annual Victoria Dragon Boat Festival.
Victoria has been a long time favourite event for paddlers from across North America. Few events match our beautiful Inner Harbour location and scenery, our festival spirit and camaraderie, and the friendliness of our City and wonderful team of volunteers. We hope you can join us!

This year we are pleased to announce a new Women's Division and the continuation of our popular Specialty Races: The Silk Road Breast Cancer Survivors Cup and Carnation Toss and the Grand Dragon Challenge (Age 50+). Once again, there is no increase in team entry fees and all fees are payable in Canadian funds - great news for our U.S. visitors!
Don't miss out. Each year, Victoria is able to host a maximum of 90 teams and each year we have a waiting list, so register early. The Early Bird deadline is May 1, 2009.
Come celebrate the sport of dragon boating and the spirit of friendly competition with us at the 2009 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival. We look forward to welcoming your team to our City.

For more information: http://www.victoriadragonboat.com/

Live Theatre at Bamberton Historical Townsite

2009-07-10T15:38:00-08:00

On Sunday June 28, July 12 and 19 Seeds and Salt Theatre Company will present Four Stories: Pieces From Our Past, a one hour theatre performance that will include a variety of characters, heroic deeds, intrigue, love, humour and historical events that will make you laugh ,as well as tug at your heart.
Bamberton is 30 minutes north of Victoria just off the Trans Canada Highway. Turn right at the Mill Bay Ferry/Bamberton exit and follow Trowsse Road to the Museum sign.
For more information please contact Maureen Alexander by phone at 250-743-9196 or email.See for more information the Bamberton Historical Townsite website.

Festival Mexicano

2009-07-10T15:34:00-08:00

This weekend festival celebrates Mexican/Latin American culture and features an open air main stage with local performers sharing traditional music and dance, kiosks showcasing Mexican/Latin American food and beverages, arts and crafts.

For more information call 250-216-3664 or visit www.1415broad.ca.

The Victoria Multicultural Society organizes this annual celebration
as a way of promoting great food, music and dance. The celebrations
start on Friday night as part of the regular Salsa Palace. Then the
Festival shifts to Centennial Square on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
All the activities in Centennial Square are free and the focus
is on children and families.

Ceilidh In the Park

2009-06-21T13:05:00-08:00

Music brings people together like nothing else! Celebrate Father's Day in the park and bring the whole family to an all ages Celtic music extravaganza filled with Irish dancers, fantastic fiddlers, rousing singing, and genuine good fun in the Irish and Scottish musical traditions. Enjoy with your friends and family the energy of a Ceilidh - or "Kitchen Table Party". This year's program highlights Daniel Lapp and friends.
For more information please call 250-361-0358