We're enjoying the very best of spring time right now: Mild temperatures, bright skies and lots of spring blooms. It's a great time to get explore our beautiful valley, and to enjoy the many community activities on offer.
- Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser for MS Support Group. Drop off your pennies at the MS Society office, Duncan
- Ongoing – Penny Drive fundraiser in support of four food banks, Wavaw, & The Salvation Army, News Leader Pictorial office, 2-5380 Trans Canada Highway, Duncan
- Ongoing – Frances Kelsey student art show, Whiskey Point Grill, Mill Bay
- Ongoing, weekdays - 9:00 a.m. - Parent Child Mother Goose, various locations. Info, 250-709-3050
- Ongoing until April 14 – Upper Island Music Festival. Info, http://www.nanaimomusicfestival.com
- Ongoing until April 30 – Call for volunteers, Somenos Marsh Wildlife Society. If you are interested in helping out, contact the society at 250-732-0462
- Ongoing until April 30 – Scrap metal drive fundraiser for Cowichan Folk Guild. Donations may be made by dropping your scrap metal off at Schnitzer Recycling and telling them it’s for the guild.
- March 26 – May 8, 3:50 – 5:00 p.m. – Somantics Yoga class, Duncan Wellness Center, 303-80 Station St. Info, (250) 748-6600.
- April 24, May 1 and May 8, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Volume 1, Cowichan Valley Youth Magazine iPad workshop for writers, artists, photographers, and videographers aged 10 to 14, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- Ongoing, various times until May 15 - Tread Lightly, a retrospective show of the works of valley painter Judy Hudson, Island Savings Center Gallery. Info, 250-748-5879
- April 25 – 28, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. - 43rd annual Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show, Island Savings Centre. Info, 250-749-3298
- April 26 – 28, all day - Brentwood Regatta, Brentwood College, Mill Bay. Info, regatta.brentwood.bc.ca
- April 26 - 28, various times - Cowichan Valley Home Expo, Island Savings Centre, Duncan.
- April 26 - May 5, various times - Western Canada Cup Junior A Hockey tournament, Frank Crane Arena, 1-2290 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo. Info, www.nanaimoclippers.com
- April 26- 28, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Ladysmith inaugural self guided Spring Art studio tour. Info, 250-245-1252
- April 26, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Healthy Start to Learning, Aggie Hall, Ladysmith. Info, 250-210-0870
- April 26 – 28, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Artisans annual studio tour event. Info, www.cowicahnvalleyartisans.com
- April 26 - May 18, various times - Delicious Lies, Chemainus Theatre. Info, www.chemainustheatre.ca
- April 26, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. – Maple Bay Elementary Spring Market, 1500 Donnay Dr., Maple Bay
- April 26, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Beverley McKeen, Cowichan Bay Pub
- April 26, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Glow in the Dark Swim. Break out the glow sticks and join in the fun at Cowichan Aquatic Centre.
- April 26, 7:30 p.m. - A World of Music; Geoff Horrocks, Trish Clair, Kevin Robinson, in the chapel, Providence Farm. Info and reserved tickets, 250-748-3975
- April 27, 9:00 a.m. – Live at the Metropolitan Opera in HD, broadcast live from New York, Handel’s “Guilio Cesare,” Cowichan Theatre, Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- April 27, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - St Ann’s Garden Club plant sale and farm garage sale, Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Info, 250-746-4204
- April 27, 10:00 a.m. - Parent Child Mother Goose, Country Grocer upstairs room. Info, 250-709-3050
- April 27, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Fall and Winter Gardening, instructor Linda Gilkeson. Register VIU Cowichan Campus, 250-746-3519
- April 27, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Wild food forage experience with renown chef, author and mycologyst Bill Jones of Deerholm Farm. Info, 250-748-7450
- April 27, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - Brenda's Brats Songs of War and Peace, Pioneer Square Mall in Mill Bay. Admission includes refreshments and admission to art show. Advance tickets only, Valley Vines to Wines in Mill Bay Centre or call 250-710-2392
- April 27, 8:00 p.m. - J.P. Hoe, Duncan Garage Showroom
- April 28, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Quamichan Lake Fishing Derby. Info, 250-746-0227.
- April 28, 1:00 p.m. - Kids' Dress Rehearsal at the Duncan Garage Showroom; open mic for youth.
- April 28, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Jazz at the Crofton Hotel Pub, The Belmont Ave. Trio. Info, 250-324-2245
- April 29 - June 27, Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Learn to Row, Maple Bay Rowing Club. Info, 250-748-2052
- April 29, 8:00 - 10:30 a.m. - Volunteer Cowichan All Candidates Breakfast Debate, Oceanfront Hotel
- April 29 (and the last Monday of every month), 1:00 p.m. - ParkinsonÃs Support Group, Duncan United Church
- April 29, 6:00 p.m. - FitWalk learn to run clinic, 5 & 10 k and half marathon run-walk clinics, Duncan Christian School, 495 Beech Ave.
- April 29, 6:00 p.m. - Brain Fitness Program, Cobble Hill Hall, 3550 Watson Ave.
- April 29, 8:00 p.m. - Simon Walls, Duncan Garage Showroom
- April 30, 6:00 p.m. - Zumba in Chemainus, Chemainus Theatre Administration Building, downstairs, 9475 Bare Pt. Rd. Info, 250-802-5436
- April 30, 6:00 p.m. (weekly on Tuesdays)- Dads Make a Difference, 213 – 80 Station St., Duncan. Info, 250-597-2801
- April 30, 6:30 p.m. - Public forum on proposed restructuring, School District 79, all zones, Cowichan Secondary School. Info, www.sd79.bc.ca
- April 30, 7:00 p.m. – Mill Bay Fire Protection District, Annual General Meeting, #1 Firehall, 2675 Lodgepole Rd., Mill Bay
- April 30, 7:00 p.m. - All Candidates Forum, Chemainus Seniors Drop-in Centre
- May 1 – 31: Feast Tofino, Tofino, BC. Info, www.feasttofino.com
- May 1 - 14, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - SPCA annual garage sale, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. Info, 250-743-3187
- May 1, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Growing Connections, Cowichan Green Community project launch and networking event, Alderlea Farm and Cafe, 3390 Glenora Rd. Info, 250-748-8506
- May 1, 5:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays)- Duncan Diva Nights, 2nd floor, Sands Reception Center, 187 Trunk Rd. Info, 250-746-1091
- May 1, 6:00 p.m. - Open house and public hearing on Official Community Plan amendment bylaws 3680 and 3681, and zoning amendment bylaw 3682, applicable to Electoral Area E, Cowichan Station/Sahtlam/Glenora, Eagles Hall, 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan
- May 1, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Men’s Circle, The Hub, Cowichan Station. Info, 250-597-2801
- May 1, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) – Cowichan Toastmasters Club 950, Duncan Travelodge
- May 1, 7:00 p.m. - All Candidates Debate, Cowichan Valley candidates, Cowichan Theatre, 2687 James St., Duncan
- May 2 (and every Thursday) - Free nature meditations with Dr. John Scull. Info, 250-746-6141
- May 2, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month) - Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery and Handwork Group, 3696 Gardner Rd., Saltair
- May 2, 2:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Multicultural Leadership Group, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
- May 2, 6:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays)- Triple P Pre-teen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre. Info, 250-709-3050
- May 2, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Meditation, VIU Cowichan Campus. Info, 250-710-7594
- May 2, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Cowichan Bay Community Parks and Trails Master Plan open house, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre, Hecate Park, Cowichan Bay. Info, 250-746-2620
- May 2, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - All candidates meeting, Eagles Hall, 921-1 Ave., Ladysmith
- May 3, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Animation Antics iPad workshop for ages 7 to 12, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- May 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m. - Duncan Christian Secondary School presents At the Hop, Cowichan Valley Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- May 4 - LaFF Family Garage Sale, Ladysmith. Info, www.familyandfriends.ca
- May 4 and 5 - Queen Margaret's School Alumni Weekend. Info, 250-748-1166
- May 4, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m - Respect and Compassion, a healthy communication workshop, West Coast Men's Support Society, 213- 80 Station St., Duncan. Info, 250-596-2801
- May 4, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Cowichan Valley Garden Fair, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. Info, Twitter – @CowGardenFair.com or www.CowichanValleyGardenFair.com
- May 4, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Kids Learn to Fish Day, Chemainus Lake. Info, 250-743-8070
- May 4, 5:30 p.m. - Twisting the Night Away, St. Joseph's School fundraiser, 9735 Elm St., Chemainus. Info, 250-246-3191
- May 4, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Cowichan Folk Guild Youth Jammers, any instrument, vocals, spoken word or whatever you have to share. Aidan Thorne is featured performer, Bill Levity, MC. Island Oak High School. Info on Youth Jammers Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CFGYouthJammers
- May 5, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – 4th Annual Hike for Hospice, Providence Farm. Info, 250-701-4242
- May 5 (and every Sunday through Oct. 6) 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Farmers’ Market, 4485 Trans Canada Highway at Koksilah Rd.
- May 7, 14, 21, 28 - Writers and illustrators iPad workshop for ages 8 to 14, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- May 10 - Move for Health Day, Frank Jameson Community Centre, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424
- May 10 – 12, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Go to the Dogs Weekend hosted by Tyee Kennel Club, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. Info, 250-746-6560
- May 10, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Kids only drop in at Dinters Nursery. Build a hanging basket for mom. Info, 250-748-2023
- May 11 - Queen Margaret’s School Spring Classic Barn Dance and Auction. Info, barndance@qms.bc.ca
- May 11, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Treasure Hunt. Info, 250-743-3566
- May 11, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Relay for Life barbecue and bake sale, Staples, 252 Trunk Rd., Duncan
- May 11, 12:00 noon – Literacy North Cowichan fundraising golf tournament, dinner, and silent auction, Cowichan Golf and Country Club. Golf and dinner $100. Dinner only $40. Tickets at LNC office, 213B Cowichan Merchants’ Building, corner of Station and Craig; or from any director; or at the Cowichan Golf Club.
- May 11, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. - Duncan Volunteer Fire Department presents an evening of magic with Murray Hatfield and Theresa, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- May 12, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Mothers’ Day Brunch and Tea Garden in the Vineyard, Amuse on the Vineyard, 2915 Cameron Taggert Rd.. Info and reservations, 250-743-3667
- May 13, 7:00 p.m. - Disaster Resilience Information Session, Aggie Hall, 1110 - 1st Ave., Ladysmith. Info and r.s.v.p., ep@cvrd.bc.ca
- May 14, 7:00 p.m. (and every 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday, monthly) - Cowichan Valley Camera Club, Clements Cetnre, Duncan. Info, cowichanvalleycameraclub.com
- May 14, 6:30 - 7:55 p.m. - Tim's Tuesday free swim, Frank Jameson Community Centre, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424
- May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Volume 2, Cowichan Valley Youth Magazine iPad workshop for writers, artists, photographers, and videographers aged 10 to 14, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- May 15, 7:30 p.m. - Cord Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans, Cowichan Theater. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- May 16, 7:00 p.m. - This House, a National Theatre live broadcast from England, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- May 17 – 19 – 11th Annual Kitty Coleman Woodland Art and Bloom Festival fine arts and quality crafts show. Info, woodlandgardens.ca
- May 17, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Animation Antics iPad workshop for ages 7 to 12, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- May 18, 10:00 a.m. - Thetis Island Improvement District Annual General Meeting, Forbes Community Hall, Thetis Island.
- May 19, all day - Ladysmith Seafood Festival, Harvest of the Salish Sea, Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina. Info, 250-245-1019
- May 19, 9:00 a.m. – Island Cup Mountain Bike series Mount Prevost Downhill. Info, www.cowichancycles.com
- May 19, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Bay Spot Prawn Festival. Info, www.cowichanbayseafood.com
- May 21 and 22, 1:15 - 7:15 p.m. - Blood donor clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre, Duncan.
- May 21, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. (and every Tuesday until fall)- Ladysmith Make it, Bake It, Grow It Farmers Market, 1st Ave., Ladysmith
- May 21, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Soccer Association Annual General Meetin, at the clubhouse on Sherman Rd. Info, www.cowichansoccer.com
- May 22 - 27, 6:00 p.m. - Martial Arts and Quigong Seminar, Wild Goose Quigong Centre. Info, 250-748-4060
- May 23, 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. - Blood donor clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre, Duncan
- May 23, 2:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Chronic Pain Self Management Program, MS Society of Canada, 204-394 Duncan St. Info, www.selfmanagement.bc.ca
- May 24, 25, 31 and June 1 - Movie Magic iPad workshop for ages 8 to 12, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- May 24, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Hard Quigong seminar, Wild Goose Quigong Centre. Info, 250-748-4060
- May 24 & 25, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - "Rise of the Guardians" drive in cinema and swim, Frank Jameson Community Centre. Info, 250-245-6424
- May 25, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master gardeners' clinic, Dinter Nursery, 250-748-2023
- May 25 & 26, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Joint Opening and Closing Gong Seminar, Wild Goose Quigong Centre. Info, 250-748-4060
- May 26, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Rotary Garden Tour, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-2112
- May 27 - June 2 - Bike to work week. Info, www.biketowork.ca
- May 27, 7:00 p.m. - Still Mine, a Reel Alternatives film presented by Cowichan Valley Hospice Society. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 1 - Ladysmith Kids' Pirates Day, Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina. Info, 250-245-0109
- June 1 & 2 - Cowichan Lake Home and Leisure Show. Registration and info, www:lakehomeshow.ca
- June 1 & 2, 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Cowichan Valley Relay for Life, Cowichan Sportsplex, Duncan
- June 3 - Heart and Stroke Big Bike, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6264
- June 4, 11, 18, 25 - Writers and illustrators iPad workshop for ages 8 to 14, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- June 6 - Chemainus Giant Street Market. Application forms http://chemainus.bc.ca
- June 9, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Family Life 19th annual garden tour.
- June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master gardeners' clinic, Dinter Nursery. Info, 250-748-2023
- July 5 to 7, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Vision artists' studio tour. Info, www.visionartstudiotour.ca
- July 6 to July 7 - Grape Escape Bike Tour to End MS. Info, 250-748-7010
- July 9, 7:30 p.m. - Pet Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- July 14, 8:00 a.m. - Cowichan Challenge Triathalon. Info, http://www.ceevacs.com/ceevacs-races/cowichan-challenge/
- July 27, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Lavenderfest, Dimali Lavendar Farm, 3500 Telegraph Rd. Info, 250-743-4100
- Aug. 16 – RCMP Musical Ride, Avalon Equestrian Center. Info and tickets, 250-746-7529
- Aug. 25 – Art on the Avenue artists’ show and sale, downtown Ladysmith
The South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers for the Mill Bay Visitors Information Center. If you enjoy talking to people and know a lot about the Cowichan Valley, call Shauna Benson at 250-743-3566.
