What's Up? A List of Events in Cowichan

Fall is here but the weather is still mild, and there are many interesting events taking place throughout the valley.  From sidewalk art exhibits to mushroom foraging, harvest dances to hockey, there's something for everyone.  Join in the fun!

• 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
• Weekdays, beginning September 16 at various locations throughout the Cowichan Valley - Parent-Child Mother Goose, a free, interactive song, rhyme and story time activity.  For information and registration, please contact Margaret Moss Health Center, (250) 709-3050
• June 1 - October 1 - Stage 1 sprinkling regulations are in place for all CVRD water systems.  For more information on regulations contact the CVRD at 250-746-2513 or visit cvrd.bc.ca
• 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 18 - October 26 - Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society Tapestry Gala, Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Center, 200 Cowichan Way, Duncan.  Info, 250-748-3112
• August 8 - September 27 - The east side of Holland Creek Trail in Ladysmith will be closed. Info, 250-245-6424.
• August 27 - October 15 - Call for artists' submissions of "teeny tiny" artworks for the upcoming Cowichan Valley Arts Council "Teeny Tiny Art Works - A Gift Show." Entry Forms and Guidelines are available at PORTALS (2687 James Street, Duncan) or on the CVAC website. Entry forms and entry fees are due October 15, 2013. All entrants must be members of the Cowichan Valley Arts Council.
• September 3, 10:00 a.m. - September 28, 3:00 p.m. - Photography and Gourds, photos by Gary Chilibeck and artwork by Raven Wyntre-Clarkson, Imagine That!, 251 Craig St., Duncan
• September 13 - 28, various times - Chemainus Theatre Festival presents "A Pretty Girl (A Shayna Maidel), Chemainus Theatre, 9737 Chemainus Rd.  Info, www.chemainustheatre.ca
• September 20 - October 26, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Encore Women's Choir fundraiser.  Info, encorewomenschoir.com 
• September 20, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (and every Friday) - Seniors' Zumba, Island Savings Centre.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• September 20, 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. - 1st Annual VIREB President's Cup Golf Tournament, Duncan Meadows Golf Course, 6507 North Rd., Duncan.  Info, golf@vireb.com 
• September 20, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Harvest Dance at the Gardens, Community Gardens, High Street, Ladysmith
• September 20, 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
• September 21 - 29 - Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.  Info, shorelinecleanup.ca
• September 21 - November 2 (various dates, depending upon nature's schedule) - Fall Mushroom Hunt - Amuse is Going Wild, Amuse on the Vineyard, 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd., Cobble Hill.  Info and bookings, (250) 743-3667
• September 21, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Peace in the Valley Global Mala Yoga Event, Cowichan Station Hub.  Info, (250) 709-3744.
• September 21, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Duncan United Church Harvest Fair, 246 Ingram St., Duncan.
• September 21, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Golf and curling speil, March Meadows Golf Course and Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.  Info, (250) 749-6742
• September 21, 10:00 a.m. - Fall gardening seminar, Dinters Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• September 21, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and every Saturday until Thanksgiving) - Honeymoon Bay Outdoor Market, Coffee Mill, Honeymoon Bay 
• September 21, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - St. John's Church, Cobble Hill September Festival, 3295 Cobble Hill Rd.  Info, 250-743-3095 or info@stjohnscobblehill.ca
• September 21, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. (weekly on Saturdays) - Open Mic, Duncan's Courts Sports Lounge
• September 21, 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Inspire Fest, Shawnigan Lake Village.  Info, inspireshawnigan.com/events/
• September 21, 7:00 p.m. - Junior A Hockey, Cowichan Capitals vs Victoria Grizzlies, Island Savings Centre, Cowichan Arena
• September 21, 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. - CommUNITY Dance, The Hub, Cowichan Station.  Info, (240) 748-7312
• September 21, 7:30 p.m. - Victoria Symphony at the Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• September 21, 8:30 p.m. - Shine Runner (rock band), Oak and Carriage Pub
• September 22, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and every Sunday) - Duncan Flea Market, Eagles Hall, 2965 Boys Rd, Duncan.  Info, duncanfleamarket@hotmail.com
• September 22, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Junk in the Trunk Sale, Saywell Park, South Shore Rd., Lake Cowichan.  Info, (250) 749-3244
• September 22 (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
• September 22, 2:00 p.m. - Junior A Hockey, Cowichan Capitals vs Surrey Eagles, Island Savings Centre, Cowichan Arena
• September 22, 2:00 p.m. (and every Sunday) - Sunday Country Jam, Eagles Lounge, 2965 Boys Rd., Duncan
• September 22, 2:00 p.m. - "The Off Pulse Quartet," Jazz at the Crofton Hotel Pub, 1534 Joan Ave., Crofton
• September 22, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Northwest Wildlife Preservation Society's free tea and talk, Arbutus Ridge Golf Course, 3525 Telegraph Rd., Cobble Hill.  Info, northwestwildlife.com or (604) 568-4907
• September 22, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Cowichan Estuary Nature Center beer and burger fundraiser, Cowichan Bay Pub.  Info, cowichanestuary.ca
• September 23, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Seniors Tai Chi - Short Form, Island Savings Centre.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• September 23, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Meditation, the Art and Act of Mindfulness, Island Savings Centre.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• September 23, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Hospice Society presents a Reel Alternatives Film, The Sapphires.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238  
• September 24, 9:30 a.m. (and every Tuesday through June 10) - Maple Bay Painters Artists' Club, Cowichan Exhibition Centre, 7380 Trans Canada Highway.  Info, (250) 748-9682
• September 24, 12:00 noon (weekly on Tuesdays) - Toastmasters Noon Hour Club, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Hwy.
• September 24, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Spanish For Beginners (Elder College), Island Savings Center, Duncan.  Info, (250) 748- 7529
• September 24, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. (and every Tuesday until fall) - Ladysmith Make it, Bake It, Grow It Farmers Market, 1st Ave., Ladysmith
• September 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Faculty reading. Join VIU's Creative Writing Department for an evening of readings from their own work, Room 135, VIU Cowichan Campus.  Info, (250) 746-3566.
•  September 24, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Tuesdays) - Dads Make a Difference, 213 - 80 Station St., Duncan. Info, 250-597-2801
• September 25, 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
• September 25, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (and every Wednesday) - Chemainus Wednesday Market, Waterwheel Square, Chemainus.  Info, 250-246-3944
• September 25, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Toastmasters Club 950, Duncan Travelodge, 140 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan.  Info, 250-743-1785
• September 25, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Cowichan Men’s Circle, The Hub, Cowichan Station.  Info, 250-597-2801. 
• September 25, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Munch 150, Great Art on Screen, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edvard Munch, Cowichan Theater.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• September 25, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. (weekly on Wednesdays) - Chemainus Senior Center open acoustic jam.  Info, (250) 510-1347
•  September 26, 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)
• September 26, 2:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Multicultural Leadership Group, Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram St.
• September 26, 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
• September 26, 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - South End Seniors Social Club, Kerry Park.  Info, glodav@shaw.ca
• September 26, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. - TOPS (Take of Pounds Sensibly) meeting, KIDZ Co., 2-2731 James St.  Info, (250) 748-7548
• September 26, 6:00 p.m. - Estate Smart - Prudent Estate Planning, a free seminar, Duncan VIU Campus lecture theatre.  Pre-registration required, (250) 748-1426
• September 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) - Triple P Preteen Parenting Program, Margaret Moss Health Centre, Duncan.  Info, www.triplepvip.ca
• September 26, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (and every Thursday through December 12) - Random Acts of Kindness Teen Group, Crofton Community Centre.  Info, (250) 246-4217
• September 26, 7:00 p.m. (weekly on Thursdays) – Meditation, VIU Cowichan Campus.  Info, 250-710-7594
• September 26, 7:00 p.m. - Prostate cancer support group, Canadian Cancer Society Board Room, 394 Duncan St., Duncan.  Info, (250) 743-6960
• September 26, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents National Theatre Live from London, Othello.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• September 27 - Tour de Rock Spinathon Fundraiser, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith.  Info, (250) 245-6414, extension 6237
• September 27 - 29 - Culture Days, various locations around Cowichan.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/Calendar.aspx?EID=1954&month=9&year=2013&day=20&calType=0
• September 27 - 29 - Cowichan Valley Fall Home Expo, Cowichan Exhibition Hall, 7380 Trans Canada Highway, North Cowichan.  Info, homeshowtime.com
• September 27, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Dive In Cinema, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith. Info, 250-245-6424
• September 27, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. - Public Forum: Developing and Diking Somenos Marsh, Somenos Wildlife Society, Island Savings Center, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, (250) 732-0462
• September 28 and 29, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Salmon and Mushroom Festival, Lake Cowichan Centennial Hall. Info, salmonmushroomfestival.com 
• September 28, 10:00 a.m. - Create your own fall planter, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• September 28, 10:00 a.m. - November 9, 12:00 p.m. - Chronic pain self management program, Duncan Public Library, 2687 James St., Duncan.  Info, 1-866-902-3767
• September 28, 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. - Sip, Savor, and Support fundraiser for Canucks Autism Network, benefiting autism support on Vancouver Island, Mill Bay Marina, 740 Handy Rd., Mill Bay.  Info, millbaymarina.ca
• September 28, 7:30 p.m. - One Night Stand in Cowichan Valley with Don Burnstick, Cowichan Theatre. Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• September 28, 8:00 p.m. - The Stand Up Show, Aggie Hall, Ladysmith
• September 29, 1:00 - 2:20 p.m. - Free Skate, Cowichan Arena.  
• September 29, 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m. - Free supervised, unstructured sports, Multi-Purpose hall, Cowichan Arena.
• September 30, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - ProD Camp for Kids (ages 5 - 12), Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• September 31, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Ocean to Table Family Fun Day, Cowichan Bay Maritime Museum.  Info, (250)746-4955
• October 1, 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
• October 3, 1:00 p.m. - November 7, 3:30 p.m. - Chronic pain self management program, Duncan Public Library, 2687 James St., Duncan.  Info, 1-866-902-3767
• October 4, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Armchair Travel (Elder College), The Real Samoa - A Road Less Traveled, Island Savings Center.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• October 5, all day - World Community Film Festival, Vancouver Island University, 2011 University Way, Duncan.  Info, cowichanvalleyfilm.ca
• October 5, 9:55 a.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents the Metropolitan Opera in HD, Tchaicovsky's Eugene Onegin.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1238
• October 5, 10:00 a.m. - Cuttings and plant propagation, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250)748-2023
• October 5, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Capitals vs Powell River Kings, Cowichan Arena
• October 6, 2:00 p.m. - Cowichan Capitals vs W.  Kelowna Warriors, Cowichan Arena 
• October 7, 7:30 p.m. - The Shangi-La Chinese Acrobats, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244  
• October 8, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Bingo, Valley Seniors Center, 198 Government St., Duncan.  Info, (250) 746-4433
• October 8 - November 30, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Organic Master Gardeners Course, Cowichan Green Community, 360 Duncan St. Info, 250-748-8506
• October 8, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Beginners Reflexology, (Elder College), Island Savings Center.  Info, (250) 748-7529
• October 11, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Capitals vs Alberni Valley Bulldogs, Cowichan Arena
• October 12, 10:00 a.m. - Potting and re-blooming orchids, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• October 12, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. - Farm to Table Dinner featuring locally gathered wild mushroom and the flavours of Spain and Portugal, Deerholme Farm.  Info, deerholme.com
• October 16, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 17, 10:17 a.m. - The Great British Columbia Shake Out earthquake drill.  Info, shakeoutbc.ca 
• October 17, 11:45 a.m. (third Thursday, monthly) - South End Seniors Social Club luncheon (register by Monday, October 14).  Info, (250) 743-9485 or (250) 929-8592
• October 18, 7:30 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre and Ballet Victoria present Frankenstein, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 19, 10:00 a.m. - Winterizing your Pond, Dinter Nursery.  Info, (250) 748-2023
• October 19, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Wild Mushroom Forage, Deerholme Farm.  Info, deerholme.com
• October 19, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Capitals vs Chilliwack Chiefs
• October 19, 7:30 p.m. - John McDermott Looking Back 20th Anniversary Tour, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 20, 2:30 p.m. - Palm Court Orchestra, "Flying Down to Rio," Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 21, 10:30 a.m. - Morning Musicale, Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 23, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Launch Celebration, Cowichan Theater, Duncan.  Info, cowichanculture.com/speakseasy
• October 24, 7:30 p.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents National Theatre Live, MacBeth.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Halloween Monster Bash.  Info, 250-245-6424.
• October 19, 6:00 p.m. - Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce "Howl," Eagles Hall, 921-1st Ave., Ladysmith
• October 23, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Cowichan Culture Speaks Easy Community Launch Celebration, Cowichan Theatre. Info, cowichanculture.ca/speakeasy
• October 26, 9:55 a.m. - Cowichan Theatre presents Live at the Metropolitan Opera, Shastakovich's "The Nose."  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• October 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Hallowe'en Monster Bash, Ladysmith.  Info, (250) 245-6414
• October 27, all day - Shawnigan/Kinsoll Half Marathon (21.1 km) and Half-a-Half Races (10.5 km).  Information and registration, ceevacs.com
• October 28, 7:00 p.m. - Cowichan Valley Hospice Society presents a Reel Alternatives Film, NO (adios M. Pinochet), Cowichan Theatre.  Info, cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1244
• November 2, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Valley Seniors Organization 6th Annual Craft Fair, 198 Government St., Duncan.  Info, (250) 246-4746 or (250) 746-4433
• November 12, 6:30 - 7:55 p.m. - Tim's Tuesday free swim, Frank Jameson Community Center, Ladysmith.  Info, (250) 245-6424
• November 22, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. - Dive In Cinema presents "Brave!" Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• November 30 - Sports Day in Canada.  For information on events in Ladysmith contact Sue Glenn, (250) 245-6414, extension 6237
• December 1 - Cinnamon Bun Fun Run, Frank Jameson Community Center.  Info, 250-245-6424
• December 14, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - LaFF's Breakfast with Santa, Aggie Hall, Ladysmith.  Two seatings.  Info, familyandfriends.ca
• December 20, 6:30 - 8:55 p.m. - Dive In Cinema, The Rise of the Guardians, Frank Jameson Community Centre, Ladysmith.  Info, (250) 245-6424
• December 23, 27, 30 and January 2 & 3, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Christmas break activity days, Frank Jameson Activity Center.  Info, 250-245-6424.
• January 1, 11:00 a.m. (registration), 12:00 noon (swim) - Polar Bear Swim, Transfer Beach Ladysmith