Used around town November 2019
Victoria Festival of Trees – November 21 – January 6
Starting on November 21st and lasting until January 6th, bring your family, your date or yourself down to the Bay Centre and immerse yourself in the holiday magic that only the Festival of Trees can provide. While there, be sure to vote for your favourite tree for your chance to win a $500 Bay Centre gift card.
BC Children’s Hospital Foundation is currently seeking support from local businesses to be a sponsor in the 28th annual Festival of Trees.
As the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season, the Festival of Trees provides your business a unique and affordable way to bring your brand to life for 6 weeks inside the historic Bay Centre in downtown Victoria. Participate in an excellent team-building experience and then sit back as 650,000 people walk the halls of the Bay Centre during their busy holiday shopping season. These shoppers will not only see your brand come to life, they will associate your brand as a supporter of the only pediatric hospital in BC
Please visit www.bcchf.ca/fotyyj, or contact local Philanthropy Manager, Shaun Cerisano, at scerisano@bcchf.ca or 250-380-1528
Hillside Holiday Artisan Market – November 30 – December 1
Magic of Christmas Craft Fair – November 22-23
Kaleidoscope Theatre’s Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery – November 1-3
Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People, Victoria’s professional family theatre, proudly presents the world premiere theatrical stage adaptation of Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, from the creators of Beethoven Lives Upstairs and based on the award-winning Classical Kids audio story.
Katarina, a young gifted violinist is sent to study music at the Pietà orphanage in Venice with the great composer Antonio Vivaldi. It’s Carnival time, magic is in the air and mystery unfolds as Katarina enlists Giovanni, the gondolier, to help in her search to discover her past.
“The Best Way to Unlock the Mind and Heart of a Child to the Wonders of Musical Masterpieces!” – New York Daily News
Tickets are available through the McPherson Box Office at 25.386.6121 or online at kaleidoscope.bc.ca.
Victoria International Jewish Film Festival – November 2-5
The Victoria International Jewish Film Festival is celebrating its fifth anniversary Nov. 2-5 with showings of 11 independent Jewish films from around the world, including one produced in Victoria. All films will be shown at The Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St., in Victoria.
“The Victoria International Jewish Film Festival is excited to celebrate our fifth anniversary by bring a wide-ranging line-up of films from four nations – Israel, Austria, the United States and Canada – to the community,” said Andy Muchin, VIJFF director. “The film’s genres include comedy, drama and documentary, and offer fresh perspective on issues we all face in life.”
A ticket for the opening night gala is $30. Tickets for all other films are $13 general / $10 students and seniors. A festival pass is $100 / $85 for students and seniors. For information on the film program, tickets and passes, visit vijff.ca.
Old Blue Eyes: The Music of Frank Sinatra – November 2-3
Described by the New York Times as “two parts young Sinatra to one part Billy Joel”, Tony DeSare joins the Victoria Symphony to sing hits from legendary Old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has appeared in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to jazz clubs. He’s headlined in Las Vegas, appeared with major symphony orchestras throughout North America, and he has three top-ten Billboard jazz albums under his belt. With a distinctive swinging style that’s all his own, he takes on the legend of Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, delivering a fresh take on Frank’s music in an outstanding, critically-acclaimed homage that includes “Come Fly with Me”, “Just in Time”, “My Way”, “Night and Day”, “One for my Baby”, and more. Performances are Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 8pm and Sunday, November 3 at 2pm at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria.
Vancouver Island Soccer League MCGaving Cup Finals – November 11
The Andrew McGavin Cup competition started as a fundraiser for injured players back in 1933. In the year 2000, the competition changed to a pre-season tournament, then it was dormant from 2007-2012. 2013 brought the current format which resembles the English FA Cup which is open to any team in the VISL (other than the top 4 of Division 1) to enter.
It has had some interesting matches over the years – including last year where a Division 3 team defeated a Division 1 team in the Final. We hold this event Final on Remembrance day and are thankful for those who battled to make our freedoms a reality!
The Vancouver Island Soccer League has been in existence since 1895, providing an opportunity for organized, structured soccer for all adult men. Our categories; Competitive, Recreational, Masters and U21. https://visl.org/
Feel free to follow us along on any or all of our social media paths; we love to include the communities in which our members live.
Creative Craft Fairs – November 8-10
Over 125 exhibitors under one roof, Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd. November 8th to 10th. Now celebrating its 42nd year, Creative Craft Fairs remains one of Vancouver Islands’ finest and most established fairs and attracts thousands of visitors looking for exciting handmade and imported gifts for the holiday season. Hundreds of draw prizes will be giving away during the three-day fair. There is always plenty to see and do from enjoying snacks or lunch at Greek on the Street food area to visiting the children’s area. The Pearkes venue provides a relaxed spacious environment that is wheelchair accessible. An ideal time to shop is Friday November 8th, opening at 11am and closing at 7pm. Open Saturday November 9th 10am to 5pm and the last day for enjoyable shopping is SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10th 10am to 4pm! Special Guest Greg Joy will be playing Christmas, Celtic, Folk-baroque and original music on guitar and hammered dulcimer November 9th and November 10th.
Nerdy Days of Christmas Craft Fair – November 30 – December 1
Habitat for Humanity Gingerbread Showcase – November 16 – January 5
Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s premier fundraiser, the Gingerbread Showcase, is gearing up for its 11th year this November! Home chefs, professional bakers, artists, designers and more will be showing off their talent, skill and imagination at this magical family event held at The Parkside Hotel & Spa.
This year’s theme is “Building a Diverse Community.” Come and view these Gingerbread masterpieces and donate to vote for your favourite! All donations support Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s build program, helping families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
The showcase runs from Nov. 16, 2019 to Jan. 5, 2020 and is located at the Parkside Hotel & Spa, downtown Victoria.
First chance Christmas craft shows 2019 – November 9-10
Celebrating the spirit of Christmas since 1989…
Nestled in the quaint oceanside town of Sidney, discover First & Last Chance at the Mary Winspear Center, the perfect place to indulge in an exceptional Christmas shopping experience with over 25 categories of unique West Coast handcrafted items to choose from.
Offering something for the art connoisseur in us all ~ from pottery, metal works, sculptures, woodworking, glass and yarn works, weaving, body & skincare, jewellery and sweet & savoury treats. Meet the artists, enjoy the atmosphere and find that perfect gift! Your admission fee covers access to both days, Saturday and Sunday, along with hourly door prizes from our vendors. If you are looking for an impressive selection of artisans to tantalize your tastes this is your chance to get the jump on your Christmas shopping early at First Chance 2019 (Nov 9-10) then wrap it up at Last Chance 2019 (Dec 14-15).
10th Annual Vintage Holiday Fair – November 8-9
Shop and celebrate the holidays in vintage style for 2 days at Da Vinci Centre (Friday 5-9 and Saturday 10-4)! Enjoy shopping 2 floors (over 40 festive booths!) of glorious, festive, nostalgic vintage treasures! Vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery, housewares, books, collectables, treats, holiday ornaments, Christmas decorations and oh so much more! Perfect for finding unique, memorable holiday gifts and decorations for you and your loved ones this year.
Plus, enjoy Roaming Vintage Holiday Fashion Shows on both days, special Vintage Holiday Photo Booth and we’ve got gifts galore for you!
Proudly supporting Women In Need Community Cooperative.
National Philanthropy Day Awards Ceremony & Reception – November 13
Every day, Islanders contribute to causes they love and generate social change that transforms our community for the good. The National Philanthropy Day Reception and Awards Ceremony acknowledge these dedicated and passionate people.
Before the awards kick-off, Canadian Country artist Paul Brandt will share how he and his wife, through their Buckspring Foundation, started the #NotInMyCity campaign which advocates and facilitates on behalf of women and children who are sexually exploited and trafficked in North America.
November 13, 2019 | 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: McPherson Playhouse
Cost:
Early Bird Ticket: $50 + fees
Regular Ticket/After Oct 1: $60 + fees
Early Bird Group of 10+ Tickets: $47.50 + fees
38th Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade – November 30
Let’s “Kick Off Christmas In Victoria” Together!
Join us for a fun filled afternoon and evening of fun with the 38th Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade and join us before and after in “Christmas Square.”
Following the parade the Jolly Man Himself, Santa will be handing out Free Cookies and Milk to all the Good Girls and Boys in Centennial Square and we will Turn the Lights on to the Square at 7pm Sharp! Come on down for games, fun, great food and loads of entertainment!
- 38th Island Farms Santa’s Light Parade November 30, 2019 5pm Start at Government and Belleville
- 2nd Annual Christmas Square 4pm – 8:30pm Centennial Square
Christmas Vintage, Retro & Collectible Show/Sale – November 17
Want to get your Christmas shopping started? Where else could you find Forty-five vendors under one roof selling unique and different items? Get yourself along to the Vintage, Retro & Collectible Sale at the Mary Winspear Centre, Beacon Avenue, Sidney-by-the-Sea.
Pre and post-war jewellery coats and hats; magazines and other paper collectibles stamps: comic books and postcards. Toys: dinky cars, meccano, mechanical and everything from stuffed to Starwar collectibles! A range of tableware, delightful paintings, and an amazing assortment of carefully used books.
Come again or experience the show for the first time at the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney.
9:30 am – 4 pm Entrance $5. Earlybirds: 8:30 am $20
Vancouver Island EcoStar Awards – November 21, 2019
Celebrate sustainability and green leaders on Vancouver Island by joining Synergy Sustainability Institute for the Ecostar Awards Gala on November 21st from 6pm to 10pm at Delta Victoria! The Ecostar Awards recognize outstanding environmental achievements and leadership by businesses, organizations and individuals. Learn more about the event at www.ecostarawards.com.
During the gala the 20 sustainability awards will be given out to the winners and doses of inspiration will be shared around the amazing green initiatives taking place on the island. The night will include networking, silent auction, and much more! Buy tickets here.
Nanaimo Festival of Trees – November 27 to January 6
Merry & Bright: A Holiday Auction in support of Intrepid Theatre – November 24
Join us at The Atrium for Merry & Bright, featuring an incredible array of silent auction items – from tickets to the best arts events in BC, to one-of-a-kind packages, to incredible experiences – and a live auction hosted by the amazing Alison Ross of Alison Ross Appraisals. This annual event raises funds for Intrepid Theatre’s festivals and programs and is a great way to kick off the holiday season and support Intrepid, plus a tasting hour, canapes, and live entertainment.
Thanks to our event sponsors Jawl Properties, Used.ca, Phillips Brewing & Malting Co. and the generous silent & live auction donors. Buy tickets here.
Christmas Craft Beer Show – November 29-30, 2019
The best part about beer is that it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It should be celebrated in the same manner.
Most beer festivals are held throughout the summer months to take advantage of the beautiful relationship between warm weather and a cold glass of suds. There are few things that go together so well, but having to wait through fall, winter and spring to get together again and see what is occurring in the industry by celebrating the delectable flavours seems very short-sighted.
To bridge the gap, we have decided to have everyone raise a mug of holiday cheer and join us for the Christmas Craft Beer Show at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.
In our estimation, this is a great concept that will allow the multitude of fantastic local micro-breweries to gather together to display their seasonal products as well as their brewery favorites to both beer lovers and food and beverage professionals ahead of the holiday season. This is an out of the box event for the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, but one we believe is needed in Victoria and will allow for all involved to garner exposure ahead of the most significant holiday season of the year and a chance for us all to enjoy a happy and prosperous New Year!
Show some Christmas cheer – Patrons dressed in festive attire will be automatically entered to win prizes! Buy tickets here!
2020 Junior Superheroes Calendar
2019/2020 Saanich Jr Braves Hockey
Coming soon…
Vancouver Island Marketing Connect Conference – January 22-23, 2020
Vancouver Island is quickly becoming a mecca for small to medium businesses to thrive and grow. However, many companies struggle to showcase and promote their companies using modern marketing techniques. Marketing Connect Conference is a two day conference designed to equip businesses with marketing tools that will help increase their growth in 2020!
Learn from coveted brands who have trail blazed modern marketing techniques and who are reaping the benefits of unbreakable brand affinity and loyalty.
Topics Include: Google Marketing, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Video Marketing, SEO, The power of influencers.
Dates: 22-23rd of January, 2020
Location: The Vancouver Island Conference Centre
Early Bird pricing ends on November 1.
Link: https://www.marketingconnect.ca