Recent Updates

Friends of Uplands Park - Camas (Kwetlal) Day 2026 Victoria BC

Join the Friends of Uplands Park for the 2026 annual spring celebration of Camas (Kwetlal) Day 2026 and celebrate Uplands Park's 80th Birthday!

This is a community celebration of Uplands Park's endangered Garry Oak ecosystem during the peak camas (kwetlal) bloom.

This FREE for EVERYONE EVENT includes:

* Live Music with the Bald Eagles
* Environmental Organizations Displays
* Guided Camas Meadow Walks
* Free Refreshments
* Family Activities
* Prizes of Native Plants

The location is the Beach Drive Field at the Entrance to Cattle Point.

Uplands Park was designated a natural area park in March 1946, so this year marks its 80th anniversary. This event brings together local environmental non-profit organizations who will help share the importance of protecting Garry Oak and other local ecosystems. Uplands Park is one of the best examples of a Garry Oak ecosystem and also hosts the region's highest bird species count thanks to restoration efforts. Music, prizes and guided walks through Uplands Park will entertain -- and there, of course, will be cake!

The lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, have long harvested the camas lily's onion-like bulbs, historically steaming them in pits to produce inulin, a healthy sugar. Cooked bulbs taste like baked pears and can be eaten whole or ground into flour. First Nations cultivated camas lilies in family plots, using traditional methods to increase yields and weed out the toxic white "death camas." Pit cooked camas was both a staple food and a valuable trade item. As you look over the meadows of blue in Uplands Park it is likely that these extensive fields of camas lilies were once cultivated by the lək̓ʷəŋən people.

The Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary in Saanich BC hosts Vancouver Island's largest Native Plant Sale on May 2nd and 3rd for its 31rst year. Shop a wide range of native plants to support biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and provide habitats for local wildlife.

All proceeds fund conservation efforts and community stewardship at the Nature Sanctuary.

When: Saturday May 2nd 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, and Sunday, May 3rd, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Where: Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, there is free admission and parking available at several locations around the sanctuary and at the Swan Lake Nature House.

On Saturday, Victoria Master Gardeners and the Native Plant Study Group will be in attendance to answer questions and provide expertise.

Introducing any number of native plants at your home or workplace helps support biodiversity by creating habitat for native pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

The 2025 Harrison Tulip Festival is from Tuesday, April 15th to Sunday, May 4th in Agassiz, British Columbia, Canada.

Since 2006, the Harrison Tulip Festival in the Fraser Valley has invited the public to explore its blossoming fields on Seabird Island.
The Tulip Festival is held on a 109-acre farm nestled amidst breathtaking mountain vistas.
Stroll along designated pathways adorned with 10 million tulips, complemented by the delightful fragrances of hyacinths and double daffodils.
Bring the whole family to enjoy 40 acres of tulips and other spring flowers with amazing photo opportunities!

*Bouquet-Making Workshops – Create a floral masterpiece with freshly picked blooms.
*Tulip Talk – Discover the history of our farm and the flowers we grow.
*Photo Contest – Capture the beauty of the festival and enter to win exciting prizes!
*Live Music on the Farm – Enjoy performances while strolling through the fields.
*Easter Weekend Festivities – Celebrate spring with special family-friendly activities.
*Variety Kids Day – For every bunch of tulips sold, we’ll donate to the Variety Club.
*Food Trucks Every Day – Savor delicious eats while taking in the colourful views.
*Sunrise Openings – Experience the tulips in the magical early morning light.
*Expanded Secret Gardens – Explore stunning new floral designs in the beautiful show garden.
*Farm Store – Take home fresh-cut flowers, unique gifts, and local goods.
*Yard Games – Have some fun with family-friendly games.
*Expanded Picnic Area – Relax and enjoy a meal in the newly enhanced flower themed picnic areas.

Open daily starting April 15, 10 AM – 6:30 PM (weekend & holiday early openings!)
Tickets: Starting at $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for kids.

ESQUIMALT LATERN FESTIVAL 2024

Bring a lantern (LED only), wear a costume (theme is creatures of the unknown) and join the Township Community Arts Council's Esquimalt Lantern Festival on Friday, September 13 at Esquimalt Gorge Park & Pavilion to experience a unique, magical evening unlike anything else in the township!

6-8 PM - PRE-SUNSET GATHERING
Live music! Roaming puppets! food vendors! Larger-than-your-head bubbles!
Face painting! Lantern-making!

8-10 PM AFTER DARK EXPLORING
Use your lantern to guide you through the Enchanted Forest and magical garden where you will find yourself transported into a different world. The trees will be lit with handmade lanterns and lights, there will be giant glowing puppets, and live acoustic music by Victoria's best musicians. Come experience the magic!

PARKING IS LIMITED
Bike from downtown (15 min ride on protected bike lanes)
Buses #14, #11, and #26 all bring you within a 5 min walk of the park
Park at Fairway Market (272 Gorge Rd) a 10 min walk from the park


The mission of the Township Community Arts Council (TCAC) is to engage our community and promote Esquimalt as a healthy arts and cultural centre recognized for its natural beauty and artistic excellence.

Falkland Stampede is back for 2024 with jam-packed schedules, yet-to-announce events, a parade, daily pancake breakfasts, and more!!
The annual Falkland stampede will take part during the Victoria Day long weekend 2024 (May 18-20th, 2024)

Official Stampede Breakdown:

Saturday, May 18:
Pancake Breakfast - 8 am
Rodeo - 1 pm
Dance - 9 pm

Sunday, May 19:
Pancake breakfast - 8 am
Cowboy Church - 10:30 am
Parade - 12:30 pm
Rodeo - 2 pm
Dance - 9 pm

Monday, May 20:
Pancake - 8 am
Heavy Horse pull - 10 am
Rodeo - 1 pm

Tickets are sold online as well as at the gate as vacancies allow this year, ticket prices are:
Adult $20
Senior $15
Student $15
Children 6 and Under are FREE
Dances are 19+ and cost $20 entrance fee

BEACON HILL CHILDREN'S FARM - NOW OPEN FOR 2024 SEASON!

Welcome back to the farm:
The farm is open daily 10am - 4pm (weather permitting)

Daily goat stampedes at 10:10am and 4:10pm

The Beacon Hill Children's Farm, located within beautiful Beacon Hill Park of Victoria, B.C., is pleased to bring the farm animal experience into the city. Operated since 1985 by the Koenders family in conjunction with the Beacon Hill Farm Society, the Beacon Hill Children's Farm takes pride in providing both an educational and economical form of entertainment for the whole family. The farm's goal is to help children develop a respect for animals that will remain with them for life. Enjoy your visit!

Entrance to the farm is by donation which helps to provide feed, shelter, and medical care for all the furry and feathered friends! If interested, for as little as $25, you can sponsor one of the animals and receive a certificate in the mail. Information on sponsoring an animal can be found on the website below.

The Vernon Autism Walk will once again take place on Sunday, April 21st, in Polson Park.
A fun-filled awareness celebration of all those in our lives with Autism, Kiki the eco Elf, Miss Universal Global International, Face Painting, Art and so much more vendors and special guests will be present!
Hot dog lunch will be available by donation!
This year there will also be a free draw to win a child/youth camp entry to a camp of your choice!
Go online to buy a 50/50 raffle ticket:
Ticket sales start: Friday April 12 at 9am
Ticket Sales End: Sunday April 21 at 2:30pm
Draw to be held: Sunday April 21 at 3pm

Coast City Country 2024 is on Friday, April 19th, and Saturday, April 20th at B.C. Place in Vancouver, Canada.

BC Place Stadium will host 75,000 plus fans on April 19-20 where two stages will feature performances by international country star and American Idol judge Luke Bryan.
See rock icons Nickleback, Dierks Bentley, and up-and-coming country sensation Bailey Zimmerman.
Also taking the stage will be Brett Young, Walker Hayes, Elle King, Nate Smith, and more.
Two late-night events will follow on April 19-20 starring The War and Treaty, Travis Denning, Owen Riegling, and a special guest to be announced.

Tickets: $79 – $529+fees
2 DAY RESERVED SEATING
Starting at $79 (plus fees)

Friday, April 19 – Nickelback, Bailey Zimmerman, Walker Hayes, Elle King, Nate Smith, Chayce Becham, Cooper Alan, Carter Faith, Kylie Morgan, Austin Snell

Saturday, April 20 – Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brett Young, Josh Ross, Dylan Marlowe, Niko Moon, Alana Springsteen, Alli Walker, Dalton Dover

Get ready for an egg-citing Easter event at the Swan Lake Nursery!
On April 3rd, families are invited to join in the Annual Easter egg hunt which kicks off at 11:30 sharp. Children will have the opportunity to search for hidden Easter eggs throughout the Swan Lake Nursery nursery.


In addition to the egg hunt, families can indulge in a delicious hot dog lunch, and Mini donuts which will be on site.
The nursery will also be offering the opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny, making for an easter tradition.

Adding to the festivities, the Vernon Community Music School will provide live music during the event!

On May 23, 2024, at the Vancouver Conference Centre. This remarkable event honors five extraordinary individuals from British Columbia who have triumphed over personal adversity and now give back to their communities in profound ways.

The Courage to Come Back Awards, an initiative of Coast Mental Health. The Courage to Come Back Awards serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the remarkable achievements of individuals who have defied the odds and emerged as beacons of inspiration for others.
The Courage to Come Back Awards is not just a celebration but also an important annual fundraiser for the Coast Mental Health Foundation.

WAKE UP THE GORGE (WUTG) 2024!

Wake Up The Gorge is the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club's (VCKC) annual weekend of racing for OC6 Outrigger canoes and Small Boats. It kicks off the racing season for many of the Victoria and area paddling clubs who use the Gorge Waterway for racing.

The 2024 WUTG will be held on April 6-7 (OC6 on the 6th and small boats on the 7th), boats will launch at the Victoria Canoe & Kayak Club, 355 Gorge Rd. W. Victoria.

TIME: Clubhouse opens 8 AM, Races start 9AM

OBJECTIVES: To unite the Outrigger and Paddling community through Racing, Competition and Friendship.

REGISTRATION
Online registration for the OC6 (Saturday) race can be found through a contact link on the website. Registration for Small Boats remains open until April 7th race day.
More information on registration, fees, waivers, and memberships can be found on the website. Entry fee for OC6 is $150 for adult and $75 for Junior and Small Boat Category is $25 for one or more races.

IMPORTANT - Insurance requires that all participants must be Canadian Outrigger Racing Association (CORA) members. Membership is available via the CORA website. An annual membership ($30 for adults and $10 for juniors) is valid for all races in the current year. Participants must register with CORA in advance of the race and proof of CORA membership must be shown at the onsite registration desk.

SATURDAY, April 6th - OC6 Races

OC6 races start at 9 AM.

Two heats of 1000 meters in two lanes around buoy at 500 Meters (one turn). Each team's time total will result in awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the following categories.

Juniors - paddlers who are under the age of 18 at the time of WUTG and who will not turn 19 in 2024.
Categories: Women, Men, Mixed and Junior
Divisions of:
Open (any age)
Age 40-49
Age 50+ (Paddlers who are at least 50 years of age in 2024, or who will turn 50 within this calendar year)

SUNDAY, April 7th - Small Boat Races

The Race Director will determine which events to hold based on registrations and interest (minimum of one competitor per category). Race categories: Junior, Adult Men, Adult Women, Mixed and Open (20-39) plus Senior Women, Senior Men, Senior Mixed - age groupings by decade from 40+. Small boats include: (Marathon Canoe (MC1/MC2), Outrigger Canoe (OC 1/OC2), K1, Surfski and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP).

Small Boat Races - Morning - race start 9 AM
This race is for OC1, OC2, (all open water small boats). The course is approx. 10km and if the currents allow the racecourse will start at VCKC out and under Tillicum Bridge to West Bay Marine and returning to VCKC. (Map is available on the website).

If the currents under Tillicum Bridge makes this impossible, then the race will take place in the Gorge Waterway and Portage Inlet. (two loops of a 5.0 km course). Awards to be presented at the clubhouse after the race.

Marathon race (MC1) - Race starts after lunch (open to all paddlers who wish to race in protected water).
Marathon race (MC2) - Race starts after rest period and after the singles race.

The afternoon racecourse will be approximately 10 km in the Gorge Waterway and Portage Inlet, there will be buoy turns (two loops of a 5.0 km course). Awards will be presented at the clubhouse following the race.

*there will be a mandatory race briefing for both races 15 minutes prior to racing.

Food will be available for all competitors.

WATCHING AND CHEERING IS FREE!
Plenty of places along either side of the beautiful Gorge Waterway to watch this event and cheer on the competitors, bring a lawn chair and a picnic lunch.

The Coastal Dance Festival 2024 is from Friday, March 1st to Sunday, March 3rd in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.


This wonderful festival celebrates the stories, songs, and dances of the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast.
The Dancers of Damelahamid produce the 17th annual festival in partnership with the Anvil Centre.
The Coastal Dance Festival takes place on the unceded territories, both traditional and ancestral of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), q̓wainƛən (Kwantlen), and qəyqəyt (Qayqayt) people.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1: All ages matinee
11 am-Noon |- Tickets available at ticketsnw.ca
- Chesha7 Iy Lha Mens
- Turongo Collective
- Dancers of Damelahamid
FRIDAY, MARCH 1: Signature Evening Performance
7:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm - Tickets: ticketsnw.ca
- Spakwus Slolem
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Turongo Collective
- Rainbow Creek
SATURDAY, MARCH 2: Festival Stage Performances
1:00 pm - By donation
- Chinook Song Catchers
- Dakhká Khwáan Dancers
- Laura Grizzlypaws
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Turongo Collective
- Git Hoan
SATURDAY, MARCH 2: Signature Evening Performances
7:30 pm, doors open at 7 pm | Tickets: ticketsnw.ca
- Adam Daigneault
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Yisya̱’winux̱w
- Git Hoan
SUNDAY, MARCH 3: Festival Stage Performances
1:00 pm - By donation
- Xwelmexw Shxwexwo:s
- Dakhká Khwáan Dancers
- Yisya̱’winux̱w
- Dancers of Damelahamid
- Adam Daigneault
- Git Hayetsk

Tickets starting at $25
$30 for Adults
$25 for Students & Seniors

Kids put your thinking caps on in this immersive exhibition and explore how STEAM can create the future, today!

This touring exhibition is geared toward children aged 5-12 and is a transformative hands-on adventure into the future through the lens of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math).

Interactive exhibits and full-body experiences allow visitors to explore their personal skills in STEAM and learn to become a nerd for the future.

Be an empowered force for change and complete challenges by sliding into the future, innovating with re-usable materials, collaborating at the Weaving House, and jumping into environmental cleanup at the glowing ball pit lake.

In this future-focused exhibition, visitors will also use innovative Augmented Reality (AR) tiles and STEAM inventions to design the meals, cities, and solutions of tomorrow.

TICKETS (may be purchased online or at the venue)

Adults (19+) $33.20
Senior (65+) $26.75
Youth (13-18) $26.75
Child (3-12) $22.50
2 and under FREE

Please note: Prices do not include taxes and are subject to change without notice.

Frost Fest 2024 is on Saturday, January 20th in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada.
Lots of outdoor family fun is scheduled at Frost Fest in Gyro Park, Pentiction so mark your calendars and get ready for a fun winter day.
*Ski & Board Rail Jam *BCHL Hockey *Sledding Hill *Kids Activities *Food Trucks *Beverage Garden
*DJ *Kids Crafts and much more!
This is a free all-ages family event!

The 2024 Fireside Festival is from Friday, February 2nd to Sunday, February 4th in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
This is a much-loved winter festival not to be missed!
Fireside Festival is full of arts and music, outdoors at Red Bird and indoors at BNA!
Kick Off Party
Friday, February 2nd
5 pm - 11 pm / 19+
At Red Bird Brewing - Outdoor Stage
*Moontricks *Dawson Gray *TeeKaay *Kris Falco *Kailee Duggan

All Day
Saturday, February 3rd
2 pm - 11 pm / 19+
At Red Bird Brewing - Outdoor Stage
*Snotty Nose Rez Kids *Rumpus *NADUH *Post-Modern Connection *Femme Fatale *Bdice *Ramen Fog *Broken Future *Edge *DJ Invizible *Ur Girl Meems *Stereo Sunday Band *Cameron James *DJ Anomaly *Elk the Moose

The Sunday Classic
Sunday, February 4th
2 pm - 12 am
BNA Brewing Co. - Indoor Stage
*Ricky Diamonds *VOX REA w/ The Bankes Brothers *Windmillls *Beau Nectar *Kentucky Eileen *Common Fires *538st *JP Maurice *Sally Wallick *Mr. M

Tickets are available online!

The Slocan Winter Carnival 2024 is on Saturday, February 3rd in Slocan, British Columbia, Canada.
Expo Park in Slocan will be alive with fun winter activities for the whole family.
Have fun on the Ice Slide, play in the Snow Fort, try your luck at the Carnival Games, and be sure to get a Raffle Ticket!
Browse the Artisan Vendor Market and delight in the offerings of the Food Trucks.
Attend the Free Snow Sculpture Workshop...it is so much fun!
Entertainment:
Noon Karli Lynn
12:40 Aya
1:00 Melvin Wandmaker
2:00 David Lane
2:45 Spoken Word with Art Joyce
3:00 Kyla Audrey Egli Gold Rose Harpist
3:30 Puppet Show and Spin the Wheel Prizes with Nikki Cole
4:00 Barnharmonics Choir
4:30 Dance performance by DANZI group
4:45 BYODrum Circle and Cypher
5:00 Open Mic
5:45 Mr. Mist
6:00 Merlin
7:00 Avery Florence
7:30 Fire performance by Kiara Astara
8:00 Stubbs

See you at the 2024 Slocan Winter Carnival!

Tantalize your taste buds in Vancouver BC at several restaurants in the neighborhoods of Commercial Drive, East Village & beyond to taste different kinds of dumplings on this self-guided tour!

From Chinese dumplings to Italian gnocchi, Nepalese momos to Mexican empanadas, dessert dumplings and more!

These participating Vancouver BC restaurants will be serving up Tasting Plates of dumplings for guests to enjoy!

Vivace on the Drive
1728 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Cuisine: Italian/European

Vivace on the Drive comes alive with delicious food, drink and live music nightly. The 120-year-old building once housed another supper club that ran for many years, the whole inside of the building was rebuilt to modern day furnishings and the supper club has returned to create a wonderful dining experience. With Chef Rory Byrne leading the kitchen, he has created a wonderful ala carte dinner menu along with a Chef’s Tasting Menu where you have the option of 4 courses, 5 courses or 6 courses for dinner; he also offers a daytime menu along with happy hour in the afternoon.

Maizal
2815 Main Street, Vancouver
Cuisine: Mexican

Enjoy classic hand-crafted cuisine just like on the streets of Mexico. Enjoy gluten free dishes, real Mexican beverages and their famous soft shell tacos. Fresh corn tortillas made to order and more.

Di Olvia Tasting Bar
2632 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Cuisine: Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Tastings Bar

Di Oliva Tasting Bar has over 50 kinds of Extra Virgin Premium Olive Oils from around the world and Balsamic Vinegars imported from Modena, Italy.

Momo Hut
6372 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Cuisine: Nepalese and Himalayan

Momo Hut remains committed to serving the finest Nepalese cuisine available for both dine-in and takeout. Momo Hut proudly welcomes everyone to experience the best of Nepalese cuisine at its Fraser Street location in Vancouver.

Hype Chocolate Co.
855 E Hastings St, Vancouver
Cuisine: Chocolate dessert emporium

A nostalgic chocolate and ice cream shop located in the Strathcona neighborhood is a chocolate-covered sweet tooth’s dream. The store still sells your favorite chocolate bars and sweet treats, but they’ve also added ice cream to the mix and are having fun with floats, milkshakes, and ice cream sandwiches and so much more.

TICKETS available from the website below
Regular Tickets; $79 per person
VIP Experience: $129 per person

Ticket price includes tasting plates of dumplings at each of the participating restaurants on this self-guided tour throughout the evening.

Blizzard Music Fest 2024 is from January 25th to January 28th in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada.

The Blizzard Music Festival has an impressive lineup of artists and the event takes place at multiple venues in beautiful Rossland, British Columbia.
Purchase weekend passes and select single events online.
Festival venues include The Historic Miner's Hall, The Flying Steamshovel, Rossland Legion, Outdoor Ice Palace, and more!
*Alex Cuba *Lazy Syrup Orchestra *Mariel Buckley *Dunks *Shaela Miller *Mark Woodward & many, Many more!
Get your tickets early before they sell out!
There is no better way to break up winter than to have a concert and the Blizzard Music Festival is set to chase away the winter blues.
Blizzard Music Festival - Rossland, British Columbia

Invermere, British Columbia invites you to their Light Up & Santa Claus Parade 2023 on Saturday, November 25th.
Festivities begin at 2 pm to 5 pm with Photos with Santa at the Invermere Legion
$10.00 per photo - All proceeds to the Christmas Bureau
Wagon Rides from 2 pm to 5 pm on 7th Avenue - Pickup & Drop Off at Manulife and Inside Edge
Santa Claus Parade starts at 6 pm at Potluck Park - 7th Avenue to the Arena
After the Santa Claus Parade bring the family over to Cenotaph Park for Tree Lighting with SANTA!
*Firepits *Window Decorating *Fun Festive Activities & More