This week is all about craft markets, oyster indulgence and queer history told through art. 

Cover illustration by Caitlin McDonagh.

Victoria

Nov. 20 | Nerd Nite Victoria You’d think if anyone would care about spelling ‘night’ correctly, it would be the nerds? But no matter, this nite of beer (from Category 12 Brewing) and brains features informal chats on three topics: the science behind beer (as told from a recovering scientist turned mad fermentationist), coral reefs and the climate emergency (try not to cry into your beer!) and how underwater noise impacts marine mammals in a changing climate. Doors at 7 p.m. at the Victoria Event Centre and tickets for non-student adults are $10. 

Nov. 22-23 | The Owl Designer Fair As local maker fairs go, this one is a big deal. It all goes down at the Fernwood Community Centre, and items on display are either handmade or upcycled form local artists and designers—we’re talking soaps, leather goodies, handmade jewellery, home accessories, planters, original art, and more. There will be food trucks and live music to fuel your casual perusing and free workshops (like embroidery, painting and sewing) to fuel your creativity. It runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 23. The kiddie version of the event, the Little Owl Kids Fair, takes place Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 1-30 | Contrapposto From the Victoria Art Council comes Contrapposto, an art exhibition featuring beading, weaving, quilting and installations from queer artists, both at home and abroad. The theme of the exhibition is queer histories through non-figuration—offering a new way of seeing history as well as imagining the future. The show runs until the end of the month, but there will be a curator’s tour Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. with Kegan McFadden and an artist talk Nov. 27 at 2:30 p.m. with Jade Yumang. See it at 1800 Store St.

Nov. 22-23 | Abeego Makers Market We’re entering the peak season for craft fairs and markets, but this one at Abeego headquarters is worth noting because they invited all their most talented friends and local businesses, too. Look out for goods from Picot Collective, Lore General Store, Rogue Ceramics, Covet and Keep, Sarah Leckie Ceramics, plus pillowy-soft stuffed morsels from Dumpling Drop, and loads more at this #ShopRockBay fest. 

Nov. 22 | Community Potluck Yes, this is a wonderful opportunity to foster a sense of community with your Esquimalt and Vic West neighbours over some tasty homemade dishes, but it’s also a great way to meet new friends, mingle with different age groups (what are the kids up to today? What are the grandparents up to today?) and potentially source yourself some admirers for winter dates. Opportunity is a knockin’ and it’s bringing a crockpot, friends.

Nov. 23 | Trees Dinner in the Jungle No, not the dispensary. We’ve been hearing good things about this hip downtown restaurant and if you haven’t checked it out yet, what better introduction than a jungle-themed d’hote-style dinner…? Dinner in the Jungle includes a three-course meal (served with a welcome glass of champagne) with seatings starting at 6:30 p.m. (things shut down at 11:45 p.m.) and tables for two priced at $100. It’s meant to be a bit swank, so dress appropriately. Grab tickets through the link above.

Tofino

Nov. 23 | Clayoquot Oyster Festival Forget buck-a-shuck at your local seafood restaurant—this is the shell-slurping free-for-all of your bivalvian dreams. For one briny night only, guests will get to tuck into tray after tray of all-you-can eat oysters and chef-prepared oyster dishes. After the feast, there’s going to be a whole lot of dancing, so bring your friends and your puka shell accessories—”ocean-accented” cocktail attire is recommended. The event is 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. and your $89 ticket includes a free shuttle home from the Tofino Community Hall.  

Courtenay

Nov. 22-23 | Banff Mountain Film Festival World tour 2019-2020 There were 350-plus films entered into the Banff Mountain Film Festival and a select few of those were chosen to screen at different communities around the world—and Courtenay happens to be one of those places. These high-adrenaline films will take you from exploring glacier ice caves to scaling mountain tops. The three-hour screenings take place at Sid Williams Theatre, starting at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are $31.50 including fees.

Know of an event or cool gathering that we missed? Email us at breakwater@gmail.com, or keep us in the loop on Instagram and Facebook.