What's Up? A List of Events in Cowichan

Our wonderful spring weather continues and there's lots going on in the valley.  It's a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the many interesting 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
• 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 26 - May 5, various times - Western Canada Cup Junior A Hockey tournament, Frank Crane Arena, 1-2290 Bowen Rd., Nanaimo.  Info, www.nanaimoclippers.com
• Ongoing until June 1 - The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.  Info, www.shorelinecleanup.ca 
• 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 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 2, 5:30 p.m. - Young Professionals of Cowichan mixer, Cobblestone Pub, 3566 Holland Ave, Cobble Hill.  Bring a non- perishable food donation for the food bank.  Info, www.ypcowichan.ca
• May 3 - Cherry Point Artists Annual Spring Show, St. Peter's Anglican Church.
• 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, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Triple P Pre-Teen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre. Info, www.triplepvipca 
• May 3, 7:00 p.m. - The Brentwood College School Dance showcase "Dreams," charity benefit for all ages at T Gil Bunch Theatre.
• May 3, 7:00 p.m. - Acoustic Jam at Twisted Sisters Tearoom, Chemainus.
• 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 3, 8:00 p.m. - Never Shoot a Stampede Queen, Duncan Garage Showroom
• 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. - Spring Sale at St. Michael and All Angels' Church, Mill St., Chemainus
• May 4, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - In Bloom Wildflower Festival at the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve, 1241 Maple Bay Rd.
• May 4, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Rhododendron Society's Giant Garden Fair, Cowichan Exhibition Grounds, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• May 4, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Kids Learn to Fish Day, Chemainus Lake.  Info, 250-743-8070
• May 4, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre/Wooden Boat Society fundraiser kickoff.  Help repair the ravages of time and replace the roofs.  Info, 250-746-4955
• May 4, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Chemainus Hospital Day Tea, Chemainus Legion Hall
• May 4, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - VI Film Co-op Script Reading, 2687 James St. 
• 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 4, 7:30 p.m. - "Featuring Our Youth" concert, Cowichan Consort Youth Concert, Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Rd., Duncan.
• May 4, 8:00 p.m. - Never Shoot a Stampede Queen, Duncan Garage Showroom
• May 4, 8:00 p.m. - Jazz at the Old Firehouse Wine Bar, Paul Sparrow, Geoff Johnson, and John Robertson.
• 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 5, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - WalMart Black & Decker Barbecue Tour in support of Children's Miracle Network.  Burgers and hot dogs free to  WalMart customers.
• May 5, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Saxaphonist Wayne Kozak of Powder Blues Band fronts an all-star quartet, Jazz at the Crofton Hotel
• May 6, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Arthritis Support Group, St. John's Anglican Church, Duncan
• May 7, 1:00 p.m. - International Day of the Midwife. Join the Cowichan Midwifery Group in front of the Cowichan Library for a walk through downtown followed by a screening of "A Mother is Born."
• May 6, 1:30 p.m. - All Candidates Debate, Arbutus Ridge
• May 6, 7:30 p.m. - Gals Who Write Songs, Duncan Garage Showroom
• May 7, 14, 21, 28 - Writers and illustrators iPad workshop for ages 8 to 14, Tinkers Computers.  Info, www.westviewlearning.ca
• May 7, 6:00 p.m. (weekly on Tuesdays)- Dads Make a Difference, 213 – 80 Station St., Duncan.  Info, 250-597-2801
• May 7, 7:00 p.m. - All Candidates Debate, 824 South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan
• May 7, 7:00 p.m. - Annual General Meeting, Electoral Area B, Shawnigan Lake Parks and Recreation Commission, Shawnigan Lake Community Centre (Lounge), 2804 Shawnigan Lake Rd.  Info, www.cvrd.bc.ca
• May 7, 7:45 p.m. - Making Sense of Discipline, Matrea Centre, 170 Craig St.  Info, www.matcentre.ca
• May 7, 8:00 p.m. - Dress rehearsal, open mic night, Duncan Garage Showroom.
• May 8 - Qualicum Middle School Seniors art show opens at Just Jakes, Duncan
• May 8, 5:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays)- Duncan Diva Nights, 2nd floor, Sands Reception Center, 187 Trunk Rd.  Info, 250-746-1091
• May 8, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Men’s Circle, The Hub, Cowichan Station.  Info, 250-597-2801
• May 8, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) – Cowichan Toastmasters Club 950, Duncan Travelodge
• May 8 - 10 7:00 p.m. - Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, Centennial Hall, 309 South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan.  Info, www.kaatzalakesideplayers.ca
• May 9 (and every Thursday) - Free nature meditations with Dr. John Scull.  Info, 250-746-6141
• May 9, 12:00 p.m. - Young Professionals of Cowichan Lunch and Learn, Understanding Coast Salish Art and Architecture, Old Firehouse Wine Bar, 40 Ingram St., Duncan.  
• May 9, 2:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Multicultural Leadership Group, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
• May 9, 6:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays)- Triple P Pre-teen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre.  Info, 250-709-3050
• May 9, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Meditation, VIU Cowichan Campus.  Info, 250-710-7594
• 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, 4:00 p.m. - May 12 - Thetis Island Regatta.  Info, www.thetisisland.com/recreation-events/regatta/htm
• 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, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - South Cowichan Treasure Hunt.  Info, 250-743-3566
• May 11, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Bench Road Elementary School Fun Fair
• May 11, 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. - Crescenta Day at Venturi Scultze Vineyard.  Info, venturischulze.com/blog
• May 11, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Relay for Life barbecue and bake sale, Staples, 252 Trunk Rd., Duncan
• May 11, 2:00 p.m. - Author visit; May Q. Wong at the Cowichan Library, Island Savings Centre, Duncan.  Info, 250-746-7661
• May 11, 2:00 p.m. - Barre None Dance Studio presents Moments on the Stage, T. Gil Bunch Theatre at Brentwood College School.  Info, www.bndance.com
• 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 11, 5:30 p.m. - Dinner Theatre, Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, Centennial Hall, 309 South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan.  Info, www.kaatzalakesideplayers.ca
• May 11, 5:30 p.m - 12:30 a.m. - Queen Margaret’s School Spring Classic Barn Dance and Auction.  Info, barndance@qms.bc.ca
• May 11, 7:30 p.m. - Duncan Choral Society presents Thirty Years, Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Rd. 
• May 11, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Hike for Humanity Fund Raising Concert, Sylvan United Church, 985 Mill Bay Rd. Info, 250-710-0400
• May 11 & 12, 8:30 p.m. - Country band Montgomery Country, Oak and Carriage Pub, 3287 Cowichan Bay Rd. Info, 250-715-6218
• May 12 - 29 - "Optical Window," photography exhibition by third year Brentwood College students, Inspire! Shawnigan Gallery, 1760 Mill Bay Shawnigan Rd.  Info, 250-732-0462
• 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 12, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Shawnigan Hills Athletic Park Grand Opening and Mother's Day Picnic, Shawnigan Hills Athletic Park.  Info, 250-929-8372
• May 12, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Mother's Day Brunch Buffet, Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat.  Info, 250-749-4252 
• May 12, 2:00 p.m. - Jazz at Crofton Hotel Pub presents Ron Joiner, 1534 Joan Ave, Crofton.  Info, 250-324-2455
• May 12, 2:00 p.m. - Open Mic, Coffee on the Moon, 501 Canada Ave., Duncan.
• May 12, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Opening reception for "Optical Window," photography exhibition by third year Brentwood College students, Inspire! Shawnigan Gallery, 1760 Mill Bay Shawnigan Rd.  Info, 250-732-0462
• May 13, 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. (continuing weekly on Mondays) - Childrens' Music Class, 3228A Gibbins Rd., Duncan.  Info, 250-710-0978
• May 13 - June 17, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Rugby Mini Camp for boys and girls 4 to 12 years of age, Cowichan Rugby Club, 1860 Herd Rd., Duncan.  Info, cowichanrugby.ca
• May 13, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Brain Fitness Program, Cobble Hill Hall, 3550 Watson Rd. Info, 250-715-6421
• 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, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Making Sense of Discipline, Matrea Centre, 170 Craig St., Duncan.  Info, www.matcentre.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, 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
• 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, 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 16, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. (continuing weekly on Thursdays) - Family Choir - 100 Voices for One World, Cari Burdett, 3228A Gibbins Rd., Duncan.  Info, www.joythroughmusic.com
• May 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Triple P Preteen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan.  Info, www.triplepvip.ca
• May 16, 7:00 p.m. - This House, a National Theatre live broadcast from England, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• May 16, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. - Chemainus Elementary Community School PAC - 2013 Fun Fair Extravaganza promoting Participaction, 3172 Garner St.  Info, 250-710-3451
• May 17 – 19 – 11th Annual Kitty Coleman Woodland Art and Bloom Festival fine arts and quality crafts show. Info, woodlandgardens.ca
• May 17 - 19 - Maple Bay Wooden Boat Festival, Maple Bay Marina.  Info, 250-746-8482
• 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, all day - Duncan Farmer's Market, City Square, Duncan
• May 18, 10:00 a.m. - Thetis Island Improvement District Annual General Meeting, Forbes Community Hall, Thetis Island.
• May 18, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Open House, Averill Creek Vineyard.  Info, 250-709-9906
• May 18, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Cowichan Bay Spot Prawn Festival Fundraising Gala, Oceanfront Suites, Cowichan Bay.  Info, www.prawnfest.ca
• 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 19, 1:30 p.m. - Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting, Venturi Schulze Vineyard.  Info, venturischulze.com/blog 
• May 19, 2:00 p.m. - Emily Carr String Quartet, Sylvan United Church.  Info, 250-743-4301
• May 19, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. - BBQ on the farm, a true farm to table experience, Bird's Eye Cove Farm.  Info, 250-748-6379
• 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, 6:00 p.m. - Annual General Meeting, Cowichan Basket Society, 5810 Garden St., Duncan.  Info, 250746-1566
• May 21, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Soccer Association Annual General Meeting, at the clubhouse on Sherman Rd.  Info, www.cowichansoccer.com
• May 22, 2:00 - 4:30  p.m. - Chronic Pain Self Management Program, MS Society of Canada, 204-394 Duncan St., Duncan.  Info, 1-866-902-3767
• 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 23, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. - "Taste of Italy"International Buffet, Honeymoon Bay Lodge and Retreat.  Info, 250-749-4252
• 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" Dive in Cinema and Swim, Frank Jameson Community Centre. Info, www.stepsahead.bc.ca
• May 24, 7:30 - 9:45 p.m. - Steps Ahead Dance Company presents @Home X Says Alice, T. Gil Bunch Centre for the Performing Arts, Brentwood College School, Mill Bay.  Info, 250-701-0203
• May 25, all day - Duncan Farmers Market, City Square, Duncan
• May 25, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master gardeners' clinic, Dinter Nursery, 250-748-2023
• May 25, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Book launch, "In Antarctica; an Amundsen Pilgrimage."  Ten Old Books, 101 - 330 Duncan St., Duncan.  Info, 250-746-3566
• May 25 & 26, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Joint Opening and Closing Gong Seminar, Wild Goose Quigong Centre. Info, 250-748-4060
• May 25, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Sing into Spring with Encore Women's Choir, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.  Info, 250-746-9778
• May 25, 8:30 p.m. - Rock and roll band "Splinter," Oak and Carriage Pub, 3287 Lake Cowichan Rd., Duncan.  Info, 250-715-6218
• May 26 - Shawnigan Lake Triathalon.  Info, triseries.ca/shawnigan_lake/
• May 26, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Cairnsmore Craft Fair Market, 321 Cairnsmore St., Duncan.  Info, 250-858-5336
• May 26, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Rotary Garden Tour, Ladysmith.  Info, 250-245-2112
• May 26, 2:00 p.m. - Medford Singers with special guests Global Echoes string ensemble, Duncan United Church.  Proceeds to fund student music bursaries.  
• 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
• May 28, 3:00 p.m. - Community Options Society open house, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan.  Info, 250-748-0232
• 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 1, 7:00 p.m. - Celtic Rhythm Dancers present Celtic Rhythms 2013, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• 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 chemainus.bc.ca
• June 7, 7:00 p.m. - Carlson School of Dance presents We are the World, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, www.cowichantheatre.bc.ca
• June 8 - Ladysmith Maritime Heritage Day, Ladysmith Maritime Marina.  Info, 250-245-1019
• 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 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, 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.
• 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, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Master gardeners' clinic, Dinter Nursery.  Info, 250-748-2023
• 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
• July 1 - Canada Day Celebrations, Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424 or watch for details in the summer activity guide.
• 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
• 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/
• Aug. 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

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.