SMASH: International Indigenous Weaving
April 30, 2010 to August 22, 2010
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
http://aggv.bc.ca

SMASH will showcase work that is vital to an understanding of Aboriginal work from the Coast Salish, Micmaq, American Southwest, Alaskan, and Hawaiian regions. The exhibition will explore the influences of geographic boundaries; the unique materiality of the practice (including wool, bull rush, cedar root and bark, flax, etc); cultural and spiritual uses such as ceremonial naming, births, deaths, marriages and new songs; as well as confluences and contrasts in design concepts.

James Bay Community Market
May 1 - October 2, 2010
Corner of Superior and Menzies, behind the parliament buildings
http://www.jamesbaymarket.com

The Market is open 9-3 every Saturday from May to Oct. Shop for handmade arts and crafts, relax with live music, a cup of coffee and baked goods. Then, take home fresh flowers, locally grown vegetables, fruit and free-range eggs.

For more information visit the website above.

Artisans Show and Sale
June 1 – September 1, 2010
Tulista Park Community Arts Centre, Sidney
http://cacsp.com/events/gallery-by-the-sea

The 16th annual show and sale features quality traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.

For more information visit the website.

The Island Chefs Collaborative Bastion Square Farm Market
June 1 – September 1, 2010 - Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am
Bastion Square
http://www.iccbc.ca/

Support our local growers and savour the bounty of the Island

Peninsula Country Market
June 5 - October 9, 2010 from 9:00-1:00. Every Saturday
Saanich Fairgrounds 1528 Stelly's Cross Road
http://www.peninsulacountrymarket.ca/

This vibrant open air market has more than 50 vendors offering farm fresh products, jams and jellies, honey, homemade bread, cut flowers, assorted fresh meats, organic produce and a fine selection of arts and crafts. Enjoy a country morning among friends with live music, hot coffee, great munchies and a kid's korral.

For more information call 216-0521.

Guys and Dolls
June 17 to September 11
Chemainus Theatre
http://www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca

A Musical Fable of Broadway. It's a show that has been described as the perfect musical comedy. Gangsters, card sharks, night club headliners and the Salvation Army fall in, and out, and back in love again, in this high octane New York fable.

For tickets visit the website above or call the box office 1-800-565-7738.

Raven Baroque in the Summer
July 1-2, 4, 8, August 3-5
Several venues
http://www.victoriachamberorchestra.org

See and hear 12 musicians in Renaissance and Baroque costumes playing concertos by Vivaldi, Handel, Corelli and other favourite composers from the Baroque era. Young musicians from UVIC play solos with this unconducted orchestra.

For more information visit the above website or www.victoria.ca

Behind the Scenes
July 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
Royal British Columbia Museum
http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/BehindtheScenes/

In celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity, the museum will introduce you to curators and collection managers. You can step into the shoes of skilled professionals and see what “a day in the life” is like. This exciting exhibition promises something for every member of the family. Young explorers will meet Piper the Pika, our exhibition mascot. There’s even an AmusEum – a special zone of exploration just for kids! For a truly unforgettable experience, collect a Backstage Pass for a real-time tour of the collections areas.

Good Timber: Songs and Stories of the Western Logger
July 2 to August 28, 2010 - Mondays through Saturdays at 8 pm
Royal British Columbia Museum
http://www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

Other Guys Theatre Company, with the Royal BC Museum, presents an original musical revue featuring the songs and stories of the western logger. Good Timber is an entertaining romp through the past, starring a stellar cast of professional actors, singers and musicians. This musical revue is set against a multi-media backdrop of rarely-seen imagery of BC's old-time logging history. Good Timber is inspired by "Rhymes of the Western Logger', a compilation of logging camp poetry by Robert E. Swanson.

Tickets $15 - $20 plus tax and service fee. Tickets available online or in person at the Royal BC Museum box office. Tickets can also be purchased by phone from the University of Victoria box office at 250-721-8480.

Butchart Gardens Fireworks
July 3 - September 4, 2010
Butchart Gardens
http://www.butchartgardens.com

Saturday nights only. A lavish blend of spectacle and music. Enjoy a different performance each night with entertainment under the stars.

For daily admission rates to the gardens visit the website above.

Richard III
July 12 - August 21, 2010
Camosun College Lansdowne Campus
http://www.vicshakespeare.com

All Shows are outdoors dress warmly.

Preview Tickets: By donation. Tickets: $25.00; $5.00 off for students/seniors; children 12yrs and under free. For tickets sales visit the above website or order online at www.rmts.bc.ca

Taming of the Shrew
July 13 to August 21, 2010
Camosun College Lansdowne Campus
http://www.vicshakespeare.com

All Shows are outdoors dress warmly.

Preview Tickets: By donation. Tickets: $25.00; $5.00 off for students/seniors; children 12yrs and under free. For tickets sales and times visit the above website or order online at www.rmts.bc.ca

Summer nights at the Victoria Conference Centre
July 17, 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Conference Centre Theatre, behind the Empress Hotel
http://www.magicinvictoria.com

Canada's Masters of Illusion - Murray Hatfield and Teresa present an incredible evening of Music, Magic and Mind-Blowing Illusion, on Saturday evenings in July and August. Combining intimate mysteries with grand illusion, Murray and Teresa present a show for the whole family. With special Musical Guests - The Pinkertons and Friends.

Tickets: Adults $25.00 plus HST Children $18.75 plus HST. Available from the McPherson Theatre Box Office,
250 386-6121 or online at www.rmts.bc.ca Tickets may also be purchased in person at Murray's Trick and Joke Shop
(688 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC 250 385-6807).
For further information and a sneak peak at the show visit the website above.

Billy Bishop Goes to War
July 20 - August 15, 2010
Belfry Theatre
http://www.belfry.bc.ca

A Canadian masterpiece. An acclaimed new production. Billy Bishop Goes to War follows a born loser from Owen Sound as he becomes the greatest of all World War I flying aces. With its charming songs and delicious wit, Billy Bishop has delighted audiences around the world, and won the Governor General’s Award, the Chalmers Award and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award.

Tickets available by calling 250-385-6815 or online at the above website.

Sooke Fine Arts Show
July 24 - August 2, 2010
SEAPARC Leisure Complex - 2168 Phillips Road, Sooke, BC
http://www.sookefinearts.com

The Sooke Fine Arts Show has provided the opportunity for many emerging and well known artists to show their work. Many special events are being organized over the 10 day event – regardless of your age or taste there is something for everyone.

For more information visit the website.

Stinking Fish Studio Tour
July 24 to August 2, 2010
Metchosin and East Sooke
http://www.stinkingfishstudiotour.com/

The Stinking Fish Studio Tour features the best of fine art and fine craft on the southern island, surrounded by its natural beauty. All Stinking Fish artists are juried by peer professionals to assure the highest quality in fine art and fine craft.

Tour times 10 am - 5 pm. Visit the website for more information about artists and locations.

Victoria Electronic Music Festival
July 31 and August 1, 2010 from noon to 10 pm
Centennial Square
http://www.vemf.ca

A showcase of cutting edge DJ's, Producers, and live acts both locally and abroad. This all ages event is free to attend and features an exceptional artist lineup, VEMF Interactive seminars, a beer garden, and much more. We'll keep you rockin' till the early morning as VEMF offers multiple nightclub and after hours events both Sat & Sun night.

For more information please visit the above website.

Capital Festival 2010 / BC Day
July 31 - August 2, 2010 from 11 am until dusk
St. Ann's Academy
http://www.capitalfestival.com/capital-festival-bc-day-celebration/capital-festival-2010

Designed to celebrate the rich cultural and creative community of BC, our signature Capital Stage in Victoria will feature prominent musicians and musical ensembles at our BC Day/Weekend Festival.

For more information visit the website above.

Symphony Splash
August 1, 2010 at 7.30 p.m.
Inner Harbour, Victoria
http://www.victoriasymphony.ca/concerts/index.asp

The highlight of the August long weekend is the Symphony Splash. Victoria's Inner Harbour is transformed to a concert venue of gargantuan proportions. The orchestra and guest performers are set up on a barge directly in front of the Parliament Buildings. Powerful speakers carry the sound to the thousands who ring the harbour to listen. The program is usually a mixture of pops and classics and the concert traditionally closes with The Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with guns and the carillon. This event is not to be missed. Festivities start at 4 pm.

The event is by donation and a fundraiser for the symphony.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra
August 2, 2010 at 8 pm
Royal Theatre
http://www.rmts.bc.ca

Tickets: $82.00, $67.00 available at the McPherson and Royal Theatre Box Office, 250.386.6121, toll-free 1.888.717.6121 or online at the above website.

Hank Williams
August 3 to 15, 2010
McPherson Playhouse
http://www.rmts.bc.ca

Set in the context of a fictional concert that happened on New Year's Eve 1951 (after this legend of country music's death), Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre audiences will have the opportunity to experience the McPherson Playhouse turned into a toe-stompin', seat thumpin', beer swillin' music hall experience as we witness the genius of a cowboy-poet who leonard Cohen placed "100 floors above him in the Tower of Song"

For tickets visit the above website.

Avatar Circus Project
August 6 and 7, 2010
Charlie White Theatre in the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
http://www.marywinspear.ca

Presented and operated by CircusWest, the Avatar Circus Project is a contemporary circus performance featuring Westcoast circus professionals who are mastering the arts of physical theatre, new media and comedy. This style of "new circus" eschews clichés. You won't see clowns in fright wigs or animals in cages. Instead, audiences are engaged with captivating stories and the spectacular artistry of performers at the peak of their abilities.

For more information visit the website above.

Third Annual Tango Festival
August 6 – 8, 2010
Various locations in downtown Victoria
http://www.passion4tango.com

Heat up your summer with concerts, dance performances, workshops and talks. Two concerts on Friday kick off the festival: a noon hour concert at Centennial Square, and an evening concert at St Anne’s Academy. On Saturday afternoon in Centennial Square, a variety of groups will perform and a Market Place of fair trade goods and Latin food will provide entertainment for those of all ages. Sunday evening, jazz tango wraps up the festival. Scintillating performances of tango music and dance from the classic era to Nuevo, jazz style and cultural variations.

For a schedule of performers and tickets, phone 778-432-0112 or visit the above website.

Cadboro Bay Festival
August 7, 2010
Gyro Park

Family fun at the beach with activities, entertainment, bouncy castles, pirate school and more, 11am to 3pm at Cadboro-Gyro Park.

10th Annual Historic Garrison Camp
August 7-8, 2010
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/ne/ne2_e.asp

Bring your picnic lunch and stay the whole day. Enjoy historic talks and various children's activities.

The Arts and Music at Glendale Gardens
August 7 and 8, 2010 at 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Glendale Gardens and Woodland at the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific in Saanich
http://www.glendalegardens.ca

The annual fundraiser will bring over 60 artists, artisans and musicians to the gardens.

For more information visit the website above.

Sooke Triathlon
August 8, 2010
Sooke
http://www.triseries.ca/sooke/

The Subaru Sooke Triathlon will be staged in the charming setting of Sooke, a beautiful ocean-side community located in the western communities of Greater Victoria. The event promises to be a real “rural meets urban” feeling of one of BC’s fastest growing regions. The run course features a journey out on to Whiffin Spit where you will experience being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean with the lighthouse as your beacon.

Sunny and the Kids 2
August 13, 2010
Charlie White Theatre in the Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney
http://www.marywinspear.ca

Sunny will be reviving his Jazz roots for the first half of the show, and crossing over to his passion, Opera, in the second. He will dazzle you with his jazz vocal talents, accompanying himself on the piano, backed with an outstanding rhythm section. This performance is a Sidney-by-the-Sea Rotary Club fundraiser.

For more information visit the above website.

Dragon Boat Festival
August 13-15, 2010
Inner Harbour
http://www.victoriadragonboat.com

Teams from all over North America compete in Victoria's Inner Harbour along a 500-metre course from Laurel Point to the Royal London Wax Museum. As one of Victoria's most spectacular festivals, the Dragon Boat Festival truly has something for everyone. In addition to thrilling races, spectators can enjoy a variety of multicultural performances on the entertainment stage, participate in fun Asian crafts in the Kids' Activity Zone, or savour some of the many tantalizing dishes in the Forbidden City Food Court.

For more information visit the website.

24th Annual Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival
Aug 26-Sept 5, 2010
Several venues
http://intrepidtheatre.wordpress.com/victoria-fringe/

A non-stop, twelve-day explosion of comedy, improv, drama, performance art and dance from around the world. All venues downtown, some pay-what-you-can shows at the Fringe Club, random 'happenings' (FringeKids Fest, Fringe Block Party, Pick of the Fringe Pancake Breakfast) and commissioned projects.

For tickets visit and schedule of performances visit the above website or call (250) 383 2663.

Crowded House
August 30, at 7:30pm
Royal Theatre
http://www.rmts.bc.ca

Best known for their international hits, “Don’t Dream it’s Over” and “Something So Strong”, Crowded House returns to Canada, touring in celebration of their sixth album, Intriguer to be released in June.

Tickets: $81.25, $56.75 available at the McPherson and Royal Theatre Box Offices, 250.386.6121, toll-free 1.888.717.6121 or online at the website above.

GreekFest 2010
Sep. 1 - 6, 2010 from 11 am to 10 pm
4648 Elk Lake Drive beside the Common Wealth Place
http://www.greekfest.ca

Greek Fest is a time for food, fun and community. The festival showcases the Greek culture in BC while at the same time supporting the local and international community. With over 20 different performance groups this year, everyone is invited, young and old, to come and celebrate together, not just as Greeks, but as neighbours, friends and family.

Admission is free. A portion of proceeds from GreekFest are donated to various community projects as well as other worthy causes. For more information visit the website above.

Vancouver Island Blues Bash
September 3-6, 2010
Ship Point at the Inner Harbour
http://jazzvictoria.ca/

The Vancouver Island Blues Bash is a four day music festival featuring all styles of blues and R&B on Labour Day weekend.

For more information visit the above website or call 250-388-4423.

Saanich Fall Fair
September 4 – 6, 2010
Saanich Fairgrounds
http://www.saanichfair.ca

This fair on the Saanich Peninsula takes place during the Labour Day weekend and has something for everyone. The oldest agricultural fair in Western Canada, the atmosphere here is one of a traditional country fair with agricultural displays and prize-winning livestock, arts and crafts, fairgrounds and entertainment.

September 4th & September 5th 2010, 8 AM to 9 PM. Admission: Adults $10, Seniors and Youth(7-13yrs) $7, Children 6 and under free.
Monday, September 6th 2010, 8 AM to 6 PM. Admission: Adults $9, Seniors and Youth(7-13yrs) $6, Children 6 and under Free. For more information visit the website above.

Cirque du Soleil - Alegria
September 8 - 12, 2010
Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre
http://www.saveonfoodsmemorialcentre.com

Alegría is a Spanish word for happiness, joy and jubilation and features an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 17 countries and showcases breathtaking acrobatics.

Tickets: from $36 - $100 available at the Box Office, (250) 220-7777, online at selectyourtickets.com or www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria . For more information on ticket prices, and show times visit the above website.

16th Annual Old English Car Affair in the Park
September 12, 2010
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/ne/ne2_e.asp

A spiffing day of vintage and antique British vehicles. Food, music and fun for the whole family.

Johnny Winter and Band plus Guest David Gogo
September 17, 2010, 8:00 pm
Alix Goolden Performance Hall
http://www.vcm.bc.ca

Constantly shifting between simple country blues in the vein of Robert Johnson, to all-out electric slide guitar blues-rock, – Johnny has always been one of the most respected singers and guitar players in rock and the clear link between British blues-rock and American Southern rock (a la the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd.)

Tickets: $39.50 Advance + service charges / $45 Door. Available online at www.hightideconcerts.net, Lyle's Place 770 Yates St., Ditch Records 635 Johnson St. and at McPherson Box Office 250-386-6121. For more information visit
www.hightideconcerts.net and the above website.

Forever Plaid
September 18, at 8 pm; September 19, at 2 pm
McPherson Playhouse
http://www.rmts.bc.ca

A fundraiser event for the Victoria Operatic Society. Forever Plaid is a fast-paced musical comedy, acclaimed worldwide, about four irresistible harmony singers struggling to make it in the 1950’s who are killed in a car accident. More than 40 years later, they return from the afterlife to finally realize their dream. This hilarious look at the guy groups of the '50s includes breathtaking renditions of 29 timeless hits of that era. Take a trip back in time in this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

Tickets: $35.00 available at the McPherson Box Office, 250.386.6121,
toll-free 1.888.717.6121 or online at the above website. For more information visit also www.vos.bc.ca.

Wingfield's Progress
September 23 to October 30, 2010
Chemainus Theatre
http://www.chemainustheatrefestival.ca

In his second season on the farm Walt faces a new challenge. The spectre of urban development looms on the Seventh Concession and Walt sounds the alarm. Can he mobilize the neighbourhood to save the rustic splendor of Larkspur? Does Larkspur want to be saved? Wingfield is back at its side-splitting best in this sequel to Letter From Wingfield Farm. Hilarious Canadiana!

For tickets and more information visit the above website or call the box office 1-800-565-7738.

9th Annual Fort Rodd Hill Lantern Tour
September 25, 2010
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/fortroddhill/ne/ne2_e.asp

Grab your coats and step into time as Fort Rodd Hill opens its doors for an exclusive, after-dark guided tour.

Tickets are limited. For tickets, contact (250) 478-4389.

Cinderella - Pacific Opera Victoria
September 30, October 5, 7, 9, at 8 pm; October 2, at 3 pm
Royal Theatre
http://www.rmts.bc.ca

In Italian with English subtitles. Rossini's deliciously frothy Cinderella is an irrepressible take on the traditional fairy tale we all know and love. Rossini conjures up a handsome prince, a beastly stepfather, bickering stepsisters, a beautiful heroine – and sheer magic in the music. True love, goodness, and forgiveness win out with an unabashedly happy ending – even for the wicked stepsisters!

Tickets: $130.00, $109.00, $93.00, $66.00, $39.00 available at the McPherson and Royal Theatre Box Offices, 250.386.6121, toll-free 1.888.717.6121 or online at the above website. For more information also visit www.vos.bc.ca

Death of a Clown
October 14 - 23, 2010
Phoenix Theatre at University of Victoria
http://www.phoenixtheatres.ca

A satire told through the art of clowning, Death of a Clown recounts the story of Roy, a floppy, fun-loving clown born into a rigid and oppressive metropolis. A natural outsider, he suppresses his clowning nature in favour of a life spent clawing his way up the corporate ladder. But when he meets Anna, a sassy clown with big plans to turn the world upside down, Roy's life is thrown into chaos. The result is a hilarious multi-media satire, featuring a live band and seven original songs, to motivate the rabble rouser in all of us.

Tickets and season tickets available at 250-721-8000.

Yerma
November 11-27, 2010
Phoenix Theatre at University of Victoria
http://www.phoenixtheatres.ca

Lorca's "tragic poem" is a harsh critique of the strict moral code that constrained women in mid-twentieth-century rural Spain. The play chronicles the passion, frustration and anguish of a young married woman as she struggles to come to terms with her inability to become a mother. Trapped within the confines of a loveless marriage and the victim of a judgmental and repressive community, her increasing desperation leads her to an unconventional, superstitious and reckless course of acting.

Tickets and season tickets available at 250-721-8000.

Twelfth Night
February 24 - March 5, 2011
Phoenix Theatre at University of Victoria
http://www.phoenixtheatres.ca

From its unforgettable opening line, to its deliriously comic conclusion, Twelfth Night is a masterpiece of disguise, deception and desire. Mayhem ensues as one character after another takes a tumble at love. Neither clowns nor counts are exempt. Viola loves Orsino; Orsino – and an entourage of suitors – love Olivia; Olivia loves Caesario, but Caesario is Viola in disguise! Enter Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother to redouble the chaos of it all!

Tickets and season tickets available at 250-721-8000.

Inside
March 17-26, 2011
Phoenix Theatre at University of Victoria
http://www.phoenixtheatres.ca

A group of twenty-somethings confront life in the modern world in this new drama. New immigrants, orphaned children, born-again Christians, drug addicts, entrepreneurs and angels find a common ground at ground zero, a hotel named Inside. But inside is also where each of these disparate characters must travel within themselves to find meaning and to understand how their lives have brought them here.

Tickets and season tickets available at 250-721-8000.