It’s the season for fundraising and nesting—say hello to fancy masquerade balls and an all-female comedy fest in the name of good causes, along with events to spark your restorative self.
Cover illustration by Caitlin McDonagh.
Victoria
October 2 | Beer and Yoga on the Roof Are you a womxn who loves beer? Do you also love yoga? Well, the event committee at Swans Hotel has taken note of your dual interests with their Beer and Yoga on the Roof evening. For $5, you get to grab a pint and head up to a private rooftop patio for a little warrior pose and views of downtown Victoria’s inner harbour. 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
October 2-15 | POTLUCK As the adage goes, what’s old is new again—and in the case of this event, it just so happens to be art. Local artist Andrea Soos was inspired to take her “failed paintings,” those canvasses that didn’t make it across the finish line, and do something new with them. She extended the challenge to 17 of her creative/artist friends, the creative outputs of which will be on display at Northern Quarter until November 2. The show’s opener will be held on October 2.
October 4-6 | Fall Home Expo Calling all home renovators, decorators, gardners and hobbyists—it’s fall home show time in Victoria. Browse more than 150 exhibits at Pearkes Community Centre (admission is free) and go home with a double-jointed microfibre mop you didn’t know you needed.
October 4 | World of Dance Tour This sounds very Michael Flatley, but it has nothing to do with Irish dancing and everything to do with the group outfits and choreographed street moves of today’s best hip-hop troupes. It’s essentially a live version of the TV Show “World of Dance” and features season three’s champs. It’s Jennifer Lopez approved (she was on the show’s panel of judges) and tickets start at $39.50—what more do you need to know?
October 6 | Comedy Smash the Patriarchy Get ready for a night of comedy with some of Victoria’s funniest women, including headliner Carilynn Nicholson, along with Elisa Danvers, Lucia Ribero, Lenore LeMay and many more. Your night of belly laughs will be helping a local charity—Comedy Smash the Patriarchy is a fundraiser benefiting the Cridge Transition House for Women. Don’t miss out on the silent auction too. Tickets are $25 at the door and event is on 1415 Broad St. at 6 p.m.
October 6 | Words in the Woods Victoria’s Festival of Authors (October 2-6) is back to celebrate great reads and connect book writers and book lovers. The festival’s Words in the Woods is part forest walk, part author reading, and will see a slate of writers (Marilyn Bowering, Sonnet L’Abbe, Ariel Gordon and Michael Kenyon) take attendees through Mary Lake Nature Sanctuary and share words inspired by the landscape. Tickets are $25.
October 6 | Under the Big Top The Fairmont Empress’s Promise Ball Gala supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with its uber elegant, circus-inspired fundraiser, Under the Big Top. Hosted at the Empress, it will be a delightful evening that starts with a multicourse meal, followed by highflying, tight-rope thrills and entertainment. A live auction and silent auction prizes are just icing on the (clown) cake. Tickets from $200.
Nanaimo
October 4 | Above and Below Art Event White Rabbit Coffee Co. is hosting another pop-up art event in their bright and charming space located in the city’s Old Quarter District. This time it’s Cory Proulx, an illustrator whose bright and bold work serves as a platform to elevate themes of conservation and sustainable ecosystems. Runs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.(ish). Free admission.
October 4-8 | Live Music at the Vault Cafe Nanaimo’s favourite live music event The Vault Cafe will see a number of acts grace their fun and eclectic stage this week. Don’t Freak Out will take the stage October 4, followed by Last of the 80’s with guests From the Ghost. Both performances run from 9 p.m. to midnight, cover $10.
Tofino
October 1 | Notes of Kindness Card Class This adorable arts and crafts event let’s you make four elaborate “I’m Sorry” cards for all the people you’ve wronged in your life (or maybe you just want to send notes of kindness and encouragement, like “Way to Give Up Vaping, Craig!”). Cards are $20 or you can buy an entire stamp, ink and paper kit for $65.
Ucluelet
October 5 | Under the Sea Masquerade Ball An Under the Sea Masquerade pretty much sells itself, but here are the details if not: dress in your fanciest ball gown attire, make or buy a mask for the occasion (there will be a limited selection of masks on sale at the event) and enjoy live music from Brazillian Jazz Quartet, Abaxaxi. This all takes place at the Ucluelet Aquarium, which means you’ll be frolicking amongst the marine life exhibits. All proceeds go to the aquarium’s (they’re a not-for-profit society) operations, educational programs and animal care. Tickets start are $33 and it’s 19+.
Cumberland
October 4 | Cascadia Poetry Festival This community-based literary arts festival is a “cultural investigation” of the Cascadia bioregion —a.k.a our backyard—through poetry. This environmentally-minded event will touch on themes like the climate crisis and forest fire ecology, and will also feature a walking tour of the Cumberland Forest and village.
Know of an event or cool gathering that we missed? Email us at breakwater@gmail.com to keep us in the loop.
