The forecast is for the weather to start warming this week: A great time to get out and about, and to enjoy the many activities on offer in Cowichan
- 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
- April 29 - June 27, Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Learn to Row, Maple Bay Rowing Club. Info, 250-748-2052
- 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 22 - June 1 - Good Timber, Chemainus Theatre. Info, www.chemainustheatre.ca
- May 27 - June 2 - Bike to work week. Info, www.biketowork.ca
- May 28 - June 21, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Transformations in Contemporary First Nations Art, PORTALS - The CVAC Community Centre of Arts, Culture, and Heritage, located next to the library in the Island Savings Centre. Info, cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca/portals.php
- May 29 - June 5, 8:30 a.m. - Workshop: Why Aren't Other People Just Like Me?, Dynamic HR Solutions, 204-64 Station St., Duncan. Info, dynamichrsolutions.com
- May 29 - June 1, 7:30 p.m. - The Importance of Being Earnest, Vagabond Theatre Company, Maple Bay Community Theatre (formerly Maple Bay Elementary School), Considine Ave., Maple Bay. Info, 250-748-2217
- May 31, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Harold Anderson and Beverly McKeen, CowBay Pub, 1695 Cowichan Bay Rd.
- May 31, 6:30 p.m. - Night at the Museum Family Sleepover, Royal BC Museum, Victoria. Info, royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
- May 31 & June 1, 7:00 p.m. - Top of the Town Chemainus Senior's Drop-In Center, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus. Info, 250-246-2111
- May 31, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Open mic night at the Hub, Koksilah Rd, Cowichan Station. Info, 250-748-7433
- May 31, 7:30 p.m. - Acoustic Open Mic, Twisted Sisters Tearoom, Chemainus
- May 31, 8:00 p.m. - Parker Schmidts Fundraiser Show for Hunter, Duncan Garage Show room
- June 1 & 2 - Cowichan Lake Home and Leisure Show. Registration and info, www.lakehomeshow.ca
- June 1 - June 30 - Lux Mundi Art Exhibition, oil landscapes by Soleil Mannion, Inspire! Shawnigan. Info, www.soleilmannion.ca
- June 1 - October 1 - Stage 1 sprinkling regulations are in place for all CVRD water systems. For more informaton on regulations contact the CVRD at 250-746-2513 or visit cvrd.bc.ca
- June 1 & 2, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - SPCA Annual Garage Sale, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds. Info, 250-746-4646
- June 1, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays until Thanksgiving) - Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market, Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay
- June 1, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Ecostravaganza, Ecole Mill Bay, 3175 Cobble Hill Rd, Cobble Hill. Info, 250-743-5504
- June 1, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Ladysmith Kids' Pirates Day, Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina. Info, 250-245-0109
- June 1, 11:30 a.m. - Walk of Nations, from in front of Vancouver Island University to Cowichan Tribes Soccer Field. Info, 250-597-7708
- June 1, 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Golf for MS!, Cowichan Golf and Country Club. Info, experiencecycling.ca
- June 1, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays) - Open Mic, Duncan's Courts Sports Lounge
- June 1 & 2, 6:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Cowichan Valley Relay for Life, Cowichan Sportsplex, Duncan
- June 1, 7:00 p.m. - Songwriters Open Mic, Willow Street Cafe, Chemainus
- June 1, 7:00 p.m. - "A Canadian Spring" with Camerata Spring Orchestra, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St., Duncan. Info, 250-701-0748
- June 1, 7:00 p.m. - Beer and Burger, Oak and Carriage Pub.
- June 1, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Folk Guild's Youth Jammers, Island Oak High School, 5814 Banks Rd., North Cowichan. Info, 250-732-5907
- June 1, 7:00 p.m. - Wildwood Soul, Shady Grove, Mill Bay. Info, shadygrove. ca
- June 1, 7:00 p.m. - Celtic Rhythm Dancers present Celtic Rhythms 2013, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 1, 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Blue Cadillac Band, Cowichan Sportsplex. Info, 250-715-1893
- June 2 - 9, all day - Cowichan Lake Days, various locations. Info, cowichanlakedays.com
- June 2, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Shawnigan Lake Adventure (formerly known as Shawnigan Lake Walk), Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. Info, 250-743-7621
- June 2 (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.
- June 2, 2:00 p.m. - Top of the Town Chemainus Senior's Drop-In Center, 9824 Willow St., Chemainus. Info, 250-246-2111
- June 2, 2:00 p.m. - Jazz at Crofton Hotel Pub with Dirk Ouellette and the Not Yet Quartet, 1634 Joan Ave., Crofton
- June 2, 2:00 p.m. - Hope King Hour, Duncan Garage Showroom
- June 2, 2:00 p.m. - The Importance of Being Earnest, Vagabond Theatre Company, Maple Bay Community Theatre (formerly Maple Bay Elementary School), Considine Ave., Maple Bay. Info, 250-748-2217
- June 2, 8:00 p.m. - Jesse and the Dandelions with guest Doug Hoyer, Duncan Garage Showroom
- June 3 - Heart and Stroke Big Bike, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6264
- June 3, 7:00 p.m. - Area D community meeting, Bench Elementary School, Multi Purpos Room, 1501 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cowichan Bay. Info, cvrd.bc.ca
- June 3, 8:00 p.m. - Plume Ensemble, Duncan Garage Showroom
- June 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Writers and illustrators iPad workshop for ages 8 to 14, Tinkers Computers. Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
- June 4, 12:00 noon (weekly on Tuesdays) - Toastmasters Noon Hour Club, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Hwy.
- June 4, 4:00 p.m. - Food Co-op Meeting, help creat a co-operative food hub, The Hub in Cowichan Station, 2375 Koksilah Rd. RSVP to Rick Juliusson, 250-737-1687
- June 4, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. (and every Tuesday until fall) - Ladysmith Make it, Bake It, Grow It Farmers Market, 1st Ave., Ladysmith
- June 4, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Tuesdays) - Dads Make a Difference, 213 - 80 Station St., Duncan. Info, 250-597-2801
- June 4, 8:00 p.m. - Dress Rehearsal Tuesday, open mic night, Duncan Garage Showroom
- June 5, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. (continuing weekly on Wednesdays) - Choir with Cari Burdett, all welcome, M'akola Centre, Ts'i'ts'uwatul'Lelum Assisted Living, 5755 Allenby Rd., Duncan. Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
- June 5, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (and every Wednesday) - Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Square, Chemainus. Info, 250-246-3944
- June 5, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. - Elder College Advisory Committee Annual General Meeting, Island Savings Centre, Mesachie Room
- June 5, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Introduction to Cheesemaking, Cowichan Green Community, Clements Centre, 5856 Clements St., Duncan, Info, 250-748-8506
- June 5, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Toastmasters Club 950, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan. Info, 250-743-1785
- June 5, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Men’s Circle, The Hub, Cowichan Station. Info, 250-597-2801
- June 5, 8:00 p.m. - Tanner James, storytelling guitar picker, Duncan Garage Showroom
- June 6 - Chemainus Giant Street Market. Application forms chemainus.bc.ca
- June 6 (and every Thursday) - Free nature meditations with Dr. John Scull. Info, 250-746-6141
- June 6, 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
- June 6, 2:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Chronic Pain Self Management Program, MS Society of Canada, 204-394 Duncan St., Duncan. Info, 1-866-902-3767 (toll free)
- June 6, 2:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Multicultural Leadership Group, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
- June 6, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Family Choir - 100 Voices for One World, Cari Burdett, 3228A Gibbins Rd., Duncan. Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
- June 6, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Advanced Cheesemaking, Cowichan Green Community, Clements Centre, 5856 Clements St., Duncan, Info, 250-748-8506
- June 6, 6:00 p.m. - Bamberton - Dust to Bust and Back, South Cowichan Library, 2720 Mill Bay Rd., Mill Bay. Info, 250-743-5436
- June 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Triple P Preteen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan. Info, www.triplepvip.ca
- June 6, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Meditation, VIU Cowichan Campus. Info, 250-710-7594
- June 6, 7:00 p.m. - The Search for Sir John Franklin's Vessels, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, Cowichan Bay Maritime Center, 1761 Cowichan Bay Rd. Info, 250-746-4955
- June 7, 7:00 p.m. - Carlson School of Dance presents We are the World, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 7, 7:30 p.m. - Concert for a Summer's Eve, T. Gil Bunch Centre for the Performing Arts, Brentwood College School. Info, tgb.brentwood.bc.ca
- June 8 - Ladysmith Maritime Heritage Day, Ladysmith Maritime Marina. Info, 250-245-1019
- June 8, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Bright Angle Park Recreation Rejuvenation Project and Park Management Plan Public Open House #2, Bright Angel Park Lower Parking Area. Info, Graham Gidden, CVRD Parks and Trails Planner, Parks and Trails Division, 250-746-2620
- June 8, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Community for Climate Fair, VIU Cowichan Campus, 2011 University Way, Duncan. Info, 250-746-3100
- June 8, 7:30 p.m. - Jazz vocalist/pianist Jennifer Scott, Sylvan United Church, 985 Shawnigan Lake/Mill Bay Rd., Cobble Hill. Info, 250-743-4301
- June 8, 9:00 p.m. - June 9, 1:00 a.m. - Lake Days Dance with classic rock band "Maxwell Smart," Cowichan Lake Sports Arena, Lake Cowichan. Info, 250-749-6742
- June 8, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Introduction to Horticultural Therapy, OUR Ecovillage, Shawnigan Lake. Info, 240-743-3067
- June 9, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Cowichan Family Life 19th annual garden tour.
- June 9, 1:00 p.m. - Strawberry Shortcake; Follow Your Berry Own Beat, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 9, 2:00 p.m. - Jazz vocalist/pianist Jennifer Scott, Crofton Hotel Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton. Info, 250-324-2245
- June 11 - October 11 - The Chemainus River Bridge located on Chemainus River near Pinson's Corner (between Swallowfield Rd. and Ashcroft Road) will be closed to all traffic including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
- June 13, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Wild Foods Walk #2; Stolz Pools Parking Lot. Pre-registration required. Info, 250-748-8506
- June 14, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents The National Theatre Live, "The Audience" with Helen Mirren. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 15 & 16 - Be a Home Town Tourist Weekend, Ladysmith. Info, www.take5.ca/hometowntourist
- June 15, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Beauty and the Feast flower and garden show, organized by Mill Bay Garden Club, 3550 Watson Ave., Cobble Hill. Info, 877-825-7414
- June 15, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Jeepers Keepers Vintage Show, 2035 Herd Rd., Duncan. Info, 250-743-3263
- June 15, 12:00 noon – Literacy North Cowichan fundraising golf tournament, dinner, and silent auction, Cowichan Golf and Country Club. Tickets at LNC office, 213B Cowichan Merchants’ Building, corner of Station and Craig; or from any director; or at the Cowichan Golf Club.
- June 15, 12:00 noon - 4:30 p.m. - Tour of Ladysmith Area Accommodations. Info, www.ladysmith-bc-accommodations.com
- June 15, 12:30 p.m and 6:30 p.m. - Adage Studio presents "The Little Mermaid," Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 16, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Father's Day Tractor Show, Forest Discovery Centre. Info, www.bcforestdiscoverycentre.com
- June 18 & 19, 1:15 - 7:15 p.m. - Blood Donor Clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre.
- June 18, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Speakeasy Cocktail Party, Merridale Ciderworks, 1230 Merridale Rd., Cobble Hill. Info, 250-743-4293
- June 20, 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. - Blood Donor Clinic, Heritage Hall, Island Savings Centre.
- June 21, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. - "Monster University" Dive In Cinema and Swim, Frank Jameson Community Centre. Info, 250-245-6424
- June 22, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Wild Foods Walk #3; Wild Tea Walk, Wildwood in Cedar. Pre-registration required. Info, 250-748-8506
- June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master gardeners' clinic, Dinter Nursery. Info, 250-748-2023
- June 22, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Growing Citrus in South-Coastal British Columbia, 1565 Baldy Mtn Rd., Shawnigan Lake. Info, 250-743-3067.
- June 23, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Big Bike Ride for Heart and Stroke. Info, 250-382-4035
- June 24, 7:00 p.m. - "The Quartet," a Reel Alternatives Film, Cowichan Theatre. Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
- June 28 - August 5, all day - Duncan Summer Festival, Downtown Duncan. Info, cowichanfestival.com
- June 28, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. (and every Friday) - Art Beat, a weekly art walk and street party, Willow St., Chemainus. Info, www.cvcas.com
- June 30. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Shawnigan Lake Show'n'Shine, Shawnigan Lake School. Info, 250-516-8533
- July 1 - Canada Day Celebrations, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424 or watch for details in the summer activity guide.
- July 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, various times - Canada Day Old-Time Penny Carnival, Royal BC Museum, Victoria. Info, royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
- July 2, 4:00 p.m. Property tax payment deadline.
- July 4, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Wild Food Walk #4; Coastal Food Walk, Hecate Park, 1845 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay. Pre-registration required. Info, 250-748-8506
- 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 7, 10:00 a.m. - Gut Buster Trail Run Series, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. Info, www.gutbustertrailrun.com
- 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/
- June 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master Gardeners Clinic, Dinter Nursery. Info, 250-748-2023
- June 23 - Ride Don't Hide, In Support of Women's Mental Health, 25 km ride from Glenora trailhead to Kinsoll Trestle and back. Info, cowichanvalley.cmha.bc.ca/get-involved/events/mental-health-week-2011
- July 15, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Wild Foods Walk #5; Wild Foods, Rocky Creek Winery, 1857 Myhrest Rd., Cowichan Bay. Pre-registration required.
- July 19, all day - Islands Folk Festival, Providence Farm, 1843 Tzouhalem Rd. Duncan. Info, www.islandsfolkfestival.ca
- July 27, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Lavenderfest, Dimali Lavendar Farm, 3500 Telegraph Rd. Info, 250-743-4100
- July 28, 2:00 p.m. - Ian McDougall 12tet, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club
- August 2, 3, and 4 - Ladysmith Days. Info, www.ladysmithdays.com
- August 7, 7:00 p.m. - H'Sao Quintet from Chad, Africa, St. Peter's Church, Duncan
- August 11, 2:00 p.m. - Marie-Josee Lord, opera diva, St. Peter's Church, Duncan
- August 16 – RCMP Musical Ride, Avalon Equestrian Center. Info and tickets, 250-746-7529
- August 17 & 18 - Ladysmith Show and Shine, downtown Ladysmith. Info, members.shaw.ca/ladysmithsns/
- August 25 – Art on the Avenue artists’ show and sale, downtown Ladysmith
- August 25, 2:00 p.m. - Miles Black Little Big Band and singer Maureen Washington, Arbutus Ridge Golf Club