Calendar: Make the Most of it

The sun seems to have forgotten what season it is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t party like its 25°C  outside. Show the weather who’s boss by getting outside for some good ol’ fashioned Victoria fun.

Taste: Victoria’s Festival of Food & Wine – Showcasing more than 100 BC wines and a variety of local cuisine prepared by top Vancouver Island chefs. THURSDAY to July 24. Visit victoriataste.com for a detailed schedule of events.

Banzai Japan! – Exciting performances, sumo competitions and more, all to raise funds the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. THURSDAY 7pm at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad). $20. 250-208-4542.

Fun Day In The Park – Bring your family and friends and take in some amazing live entertainment. Join in on our silent auction, bake sale, hamburger sale, raffles, CCFC bingo, Noodle Box tent game, mystery fish tank and more. Proceeds support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. SATURDAY 11am-4pm at Cadboro-Gyro Park. Free. 250-721-1574.

Cuba Day – Celebrate the accomplishments of the Cuban revolution. Includes presentation from Dr. Patricia Arenas Bautista, folk music and full dinner. SATURDAY 4:30pm at 1241 Balmoral. $15. victoriacubafund.wordpress.com.

Lion Dance Parade – Watch lion dancers and Kung Fu demonstrations at this family event. SUNDAY 1pm at the Gates of Harmonious Interest (the corner of Herald and Government). Free. 250-386-3713.

Taking Care of Mom – An afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation just for moms! Featuring speakers, exhibitors, door prizes, mini makeovers, massages, mini spa treatments, loot bags and more! SUNDAY 1-5pm at The Ambrosia Event Centre (638 Fisgard). $40. 250-661-5686.

Library CSI – Forensics expert Cpl. Marie-Ann Davidson and Cpl. Chris Swain visit the library to teach you all about fingerprints, footprints and the art of investigation. Registration required. Ages 7 and up. WEDNESDAY 1-2pm at the Sidney/North Saanich Library (10091 Reshaven). Free. 250-656-0944.

Creatures of the Summer Night – Sharpen your night senses with owl prowling and raccoon trailing. Suitable for families with children over 6 years. Registration required. WEDNESDAY 7:30pm at Swan Lake. $6/$4 Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary members. 250-470-0211, info@swanlake.bc.ca.

Looking for some indoor fun? Email calendar@mondaymag.com to win tickets to An Incredible Evening of Magic, with Murray Hatfield and Teresa on July 23.

Calendar: Holiday Cheer

Win two tickets for the Breakmen concert on December 2. Email calendar@mondaymag.com (SUBJECT: BREAKMEN) to win!

It’s official, the holiday’s are here.

Festival of Trees – A forest of decorated trees will take root. The festival benefits the B.C. Children’s Hospital. FRIDAY-January 4 at the Fairmont Empress and Victoria Conference Centre. Free, ballots by donation. 250-389-2727, fairmont.com/empress.

 

Bear Wear – The best-dressed teddy bears will be on display. Vote on your favourite bear by donation, place bids in a silent auction or just swing by to take a look at the frills and fur. All funds go to the Queen Alexandra Foundation. THURSDAY-December 19 at the Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville). Free, ballots by donation. queenalexandra.org.

The Runway of Fame – UVic’s Commerce Students’ Society puts on a charity fashion show to raise money for the Greater Victoria United Way. THURSDAY 7:30pm at Club 9one9 (919 Douglas). $15. 250-893-5467.

Dinner & Dance for Guatemala – Join the Victoria Central America Support Committee and the Victoria FMLN Committee as we respond to the devastating flooding and subsequent lanslides that occured in Guatemala last summer. Proceeds go to those in need. FRIDAY, dinner 6:30pm, and dance 8pm at 1923 Fernwood. $20/$10 dance only. 250-447-0941.

Habitat for Humanity Great Gingerbread House Showcase – Forty beautiful gingerbread creations will be on display. All proceeds go to support Habitat for Humanity in the community. FRIDAY-January 2 10am-6pm at the Inn at Laurel Point (680 Montreal). Free, vote by donation.

Sunday’s Snowflakes Fashion Show – Enjoy a sumptuous lunch and great fashions at the lovely Delta Ocean Pointe Resort. Featuring designer Simon Chang, Order of Canada. SATURDAY 11am at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort (45 Songhees). $60. 250-381-4461.

Island Farms Santa Light Parade Warm-up – Enjoy musical performances, roving children’s performers, children’s activities and complimentary hot chocolate and treats as a prelude to the Island Farms Santa Light Parade. Parade route on Government, between Bellebille & Cormorant. SATURDAY 4-6pm on Government. Free. victoria.ca/cityhall/arts-spirit-season-square.shtml.

Oak Bay Lightup – Watch as thousands of lights on buildings, trees and lampposts come to life for the Christmas season. SUNDAY 3-6pm in Oak Bay Village. Free. 250-598-5252.

Provincial Legislature Menorah Lighting – The Jewish community marks the start of Chanukah by lighting the largest public Menorah at the front steps of the Provincial Legislature of British Columbia. WEDNESDAY 5:30-6:30pm on the front steps of the BC Provincial Legislature (501 Belleville). Free. 250-744-2770.