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From jazz to Shakespeare, from pottery workshops to whale-watching cruises, from sand sculpture competitions to trumpeter swan festivals... Choose your adventure - and don't forget your camera!

May 2008
Fri Thu	10/26- 12/31	Salmon Run Elk Falls Provincial Park, from a riverside trail along the Quinsam River you can watch chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon returning to spawn.
Fri Thu	10/26- 12/31	Salmon Run Stamp Falls Provincial Park, each year thousands of salmon fight their way up the falls and fish ladder to spawn in upper Stamp River and Great Central Lake.
Fri Thu	10/26- 12/31	Salmon Run Goldstream Provincial Park, from late October through December, some 20,000 salmon make the journey from the Pacific Ocean up Finlayson Arm to spawn in the river they were born in 3/4 years earlier. Park naturalists offer hourly programs during the weekend at the park's Nature Centre describing the life cycle of chum salmon and their spawning activity with a special noon program at the picnic site. For more info on the salmon run scheduled programs at Goldstream Park, call 478-9414.
Sat Sat	3/22- 10/25	SaltSpring Island Saturday Market Each Saturday, from March 22, 2008 through the last Saturday in October. From about 8:30 to 3:30, rain or shine. For internationally acclaimed arts and crafts from Canada's "Island of the Arts". For potters, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, and fine decorative arts. For farmstead cheeses, organic foods, music, and free festive fun.
Tue Sat	4/1- 5/31	Emily Carr Community Festival The Emily Carr Community Festival of the Arts and Ecology will consist of two months of inspired community activities and events honouring the eco-cultural legacy of artist and author Emily Carr, celebrating local art, culture and heritage, UNESCO's International Year of Planet Earth and the Decade of Sustainable Development. For more info: www.emilycarrfestival.ca
Tue Sun	4/15- 5/18	The Violet Hour Tony Award winning playwright Richard Greenberg has a deep passion for language, ideas and comedy. The Violet Hour is about a young publisher, John Pace Seavering, who has just enough money to publish one book – either his best friend’s weighty tome or his lover’s autobiography. Then a mysterious, paper-spewing machine enters. The papers are from books in the future that have information about the lives of Seavering and everyone else. A wonderful new comic fantasy about fate, ambition and time. Newsday calls this play “[A] beguiling…time-machine tragicomedy [filled with] restless, gorgeously written observations about life, love and literati." Location: The Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue.
Thu Sat	4/17- 5/17	Saint Joan 1429 France. Joan of Arc, a charismatic young peasant girl, leads the French to victory over the English, but two short years later she is burned at the stake. Why? Regarded as one of the most riveting and powerful texts in the English language, Shaw's monumental work re-examines Joan's dramatic rise and fall in light of the nationalism, political corruption, religious intolerance and hero worship that caused not only World War I, but that also challenges our world today. Chemainus Theatre, Chemainus.
Thu	5/1	Chinese Tea Ceremony at Silk Road May is Asian Heritage Month, so why not participate in the Chinese Tea Ceremony, which is a ritual traditionally practiced by poets, calligraphers, artists, and tea masters. Although it is simple, there is meaning and symbolism attached to each step. It is performed as a moving meditation, a blessing, a way of honouring guests, or in celebration of special occasions. Enjoy a performance of the Chinese Tea Ceremony, and find out more about Chinese tea traditions. Free Admission. Time: 7:00 - 8:00pm - Silk Road Aromatherapy & Tea Co., 1624 Government Street.
Thu	5/1	Global warming Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 pm in the David Lam Auditorium at UVic (MacLaurin Bldg, Room A144). Dr. Andrew Weaver (UVic) will speak on “Global warming: The scale of the problem and the path to the solution”, and Dr. Werner Kurz (Natural Resources Canada, Pacific Forestry Centre) will speak on “Can Canada’s forests contribute to a climate change mitigation strategy?” Doors open at 6:30 pm. Admission by donation, with net proceeds to Tree Canada for tree planting programs.
Fri Sun	5/2- 5/4	NEW Spring Craft Fair Mark your calendar for May 2nd to 4th because wonderful wares await you for your Mother’s Day shopping needs. The NEW Spring Craft Fair will be held at the AV Rescue Hall at 4790 Tebo Ave, across from McDonalds, in Port Alberni, featuring delightful creations from BC artists and crafters. Hours are Friday, May 2nd, 12-7, Saturday, May 3rd, 10-5, and Sunday, May 4th, 12-5. The AV Search and Rescue will be selling hotdogs and pop as a fundraiser, and admission is free. So come out and join the fun and get your Mother’s Day shopping done at the NEW Spring Craft Fair.
Sat Mon	5/3- 5/12	Mostly Mozart Festival Now in its third year, the Victoria Symphony presents the Mostly Mozart Festival that celebrates the works of Mozart and his contemporaries. This year three special events have been added, a screening of the documentary film In Search of Mozart and a children’s performance of The Magic Flute. Various venues in Victoria.
Sat	5/3	Qualicum Beach Fire and Ice Festival The Fire is the chili and there's actually a competetion between the more than 20 chili teams involved. The Ice carving competition attracts carvers from all over BC, Alberta and Washington State. Selected from the professional carvers, the "Best in class" and runners up will win valuable prizes. There will also be street performers and even a KidsZone; a really fun place for the truly younger set. So What do you get? A truly Festive atmosphere for all.
Sat Sat	5/3- 9/27	Errington Farmer's Market Now in its 35th year, a visit to the Market is still a great way to spend a summer morning. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods and items created by local crafters as well as coffee and goodies from the coffee shop in a woodsy, friendly atmosphere. There is always music playing, activities for the kids, and lots of conversation with friends and neighbours. Market hours are 10am to 1pm.
Fri Sun	5/9- 5/11	Vic West Art Quest Vic West Art Quest is a studio tour organized by artists living and working throughout the Victoria West community. The public is welcome to attend the opening reception on Friday May 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Xchanges Gallery & Studios (420 William St.) and to visit the artists’ studios between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday May 10 and Sunday May 11. This is a self-guided tour and it is free of charge.
Fri Sun	5/9- 5/11	Scent of Cedars Canadian Pacific Ballet brings to the Oak Bay Community Theatre a World Premiere Ballet Scent of Cedars. Based on the powerful story of a young couple living in a remote West Coast community as they struggle with the death of their ailing mother. See the beauty of this land we live in through the senses of an aging blind woman. Experience with her the tastes, sounds and scents of the West Coast. Remind yourself of the truly important small things in life that we too often forget to enjoy. To purchase tickets and for all other information please visit www.canadianpacificballet.org or call 250.380.2522 or toll free 1.877.335.2522
Sat	5/10	Mothers' Day Paint-In Royal Roads from 10 to 4pm; It's the day to wander through some fine gardens, and at the same time meet more than 100 artists and craftspeople. This is not a juried show and so offers 'the whole gamut' for your pleasure. Also, performances, children's activities and more. Admission if free but parking costs $5.
Sat Sun	5/10- 5/11	Little Red Riding Hood Enjoy this timeless story that is sure to enchant the young and the young at heart. This is the first of the Canadian Pacific Ballet's "Young Audience Series" that is designed for families. This production includes the classical "forest birds" as well as a dancing cow! Join us this Mothers' Day Weekend for Little Red Riding Hood. Guests are asked to bring a non-parishable food item in support of The Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children.Special family packages available. Order today at 250.380.2522
Sat	5/10	Benefit for Olotayan Island Aswang: A Journey Into Myth (81 min) Jordan Clark; Lady La Luna (10 min) Mark Borowski; First Winter Last (4 min) Ana de Lara. Olotayan is an island off the coast of Roxas City, Philippines. It is 1 square mile with 985 inhabitants of which almost 80% are in the poverty threshold. The island has one source of electricity, a generator which has been non-operational since April 2007. Much of Olotayan still relies on the barter system, or trade, to support and feed their families. This makes even a small donation of $2 per resident a near impossible task. Refreshments will be available. There will also be a silent auction for framed photos of Olotayan. Selkirk Montessori School – 2970 Jutland Rd. $5 at the door.
Sun	5/11	Mother's Day Concert at Playfair Park 2:30 - 4:00 pm at Playfair Park - Free Admission. What are you doing to treat your MOM or that person in your life who means so much to you? Saanich Parks and Recreation presents the Mother's Day Concert in the Park! It’s FREE… it’s RELAXING…and it’s something the whole family can do TOGETHER! Come listen to music played by the Reynolds School Band under the direction of Dale Wilson, surrounded by gorgeous plants & flowers. Bring a chair or blanket, or maybe a picnic lunch… sit back, relax & enjoy. The Saanich Lions Club will be on site for you to purchase refreshments.
Wed Fri	5/14- 5/16	Intl. Children's Festival McPherson Playhouse & Centennial Square host international professional performers featuring circus arts, theatre, performance art, music and dance in this premier cultural event for Island families.
Sat Sun	5/17- 5/18	Celtic Festival and Highland Games This exciting Celtic Festival along with the 71st Highland Games will feature dance, bagpipe and drum competitions, pipebands, caber throwing, a heavy event championship, historical display, entertainment, and Celtic food. The Celtic Festival to be held on May 17 will include a wide range of Scottish and Celtic music and dance entertainment along with various sporting activities; the Highland Games to be held on May 18 will include all the traditional Games activities. Topaz Park, Victoria.
Sat Sun	5/17- 5/18	Fort Rodd Hill Historic Military Encampment More than 30 military re-enactors will camp out on the grounds of Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site and demonstrate uniforms, vehicles and equipment representing BC's military history from the 1850s to the 1950s. This will be a 'BC 150' and International Museum Day event. Price: Adults $3.95; Youth $1.95 Time: 10:000am - 5:30pm Location: Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, 603 Fort Rodd Road, Colwood.
Wed Sun	5/21- 5/25	Blue Suede Shoes TheatreOne in the Round presents: “BLUE SUEDE SHOES”, written by Burton Lancaster. Identical twins share the same birthday as Elvis. For their birthday they each receive a Teddy Bear from the Elvis Fan Club. There are instructions attached to rub the bear’s tummy. The girls obey. Flash, bang, Elvis appears!!! A fun story with a reason for lots of great Elvis music. Call for pre-show chat times. Location: The Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo.
Fri Sun	5/23- 6/1	Animal Farm The animals of Manor Farm drive out their master, Mr. Jones, and try to run the farm themselves, beginning an ideal life of equality and freedom. But when a cunning and brutal pig becomes their leader, the animals find themselves captive to a new form of oppression. As Orwell said, (Animal Farm) is the history of a revolution that went wrong - and of the excellent excuses that were forthcoming..." The Belfry Arts Centre, Victoria.
Sat	5/24	Active Families Celebration Bring the whole family down to experience ACTIVE Lifestyle choices! There will be a variety of activities for children up to age 12 to explore… Take part in a karate class, balance on a balance beam, participate in a game with our Soccer and Sportball instructors, and shoot on a hockey goalie! Demonstrations will include Tai- chi, dance, and much more. You will not want to miss our line up of over 20 health and educational exhibitors who are assisting our community in becoming ACTive by 2010! Join the campaign by committing to an ACTive Healthy lifestyle… We look forward to seeing you in ACTion! For more info: www.saanich.ca
Sat Mon	5/24- 5/26	Swiftsure International Yacht Race The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is one of North America’s most challenging overnight offshore competitions. The Juan de Fuca Strait’s daunting combination of occasional fog, unpredictable winds, strong tides and tricky currents tests seamanship, strategy, stamina, tactics, and teamwork. www.swiftsure.org
Sun	5/25	Norman Foote Finely crafted songs and stories make Norman Foote one of North America's favourite entertainers. Whether performing with symphonies, at festivals, or in concert halls, he weaves imaginative word play and gentle wit with great melodies and clever routines. Norman has created his own style of entertainment and continuess to leave footprints wherever he travels in the world. McPherson Playhouse, Victoria.
Sun	5/25	Shawnigan Lake International Half Iron Subaru Shawnigan Lake International Half Iron: Canada's first outdoor long distance triathlon of the year provides a "Beautiful B.C." experience at Shawnigan Lake. The run on the Trans Canada trail is breathtaking, and no pavement pounding your legs! A true west coast experience and one of the most picturesque triathlons in the world.
Wed Sun	5/28- 6/1	Cirque du Soleil - Saltimbanco Saltimbanco - from the Italian "saltare in banco", which literally means "to jump on a bench"-explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. Between whirlwind and lull, prowess and poetry, Saltimbanco takes spectators on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of the city. Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants. Decidedly baroque in its visual vocabulary, the show's eclectic cast of characters draws spectators into a fanciful, dreamlike world, an imaginary city where diversity is a cause for hope.
Sat	5/31	Selkirk Waterfront Festival Celebrate a free day of fun on the waterfront including rowing races, musical performances, family fun fair, vendors and an artisans market. Celebrate the recent return to the rich recreational roots of the Gorge Waterway dating back to the early 1900's. Selkirk Waterfront, 2940 Jutland Road, Victoria.