Used Around Town February 2023

Each month Used.ca sponsors community events here on Vancouver Island and this month we have a great start to the new year! We hope you’ll join us at the following events we’re proudly supporting:

1.) Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria – January 20 – February 5

2.) Intrepid Theatre’s OUTstages Festival – January 25 – February 5

2.) Shine Fashion Event supporting BC Children’s Hospital – February 5

3.) Capital Bike Winter Go By Bike Week – February 6-12

3.) Iron and Wood Golf Simulators Sips & Tips – February 8

4.) Kaleidoscope Theatre presents Clémentine – February 21-26

5.) Fashion Splash – February 25

3.) Modern Wedding – March 5

7.) Crafted Farmhouse Market – March 10 –11

8.) Seeking ‘Previously Loved’ Art Pieces for Art at the Lake – by March 19

9.) TC10K – April 30

10.) Victoria Symphony presents The Nat King Cole Songbook – March 11-12

11.) Island Craft Festival Winter 2023 Edition – February 19

12.) UVic Vikes Basketball Game Night – February 11

13.) Passion and Performance Victoria presents Adventures in Toyland – March 11

14.) Champagne and Cake Show – February 26

15.) Our Place Coldest Night of the Year – February 25

16.) Belfry Theatre presents The Unplugged – February 7 – March 5

17.) Naked Bungy Jump for Mental Health Recovery Partners – March 4-5

18.) Supply Victoria presents Scrappy Last Saturdays – February 25

Shine Fashion Event supporting BC Children’s Hospital – February 5

The BC Children’s Hospital SHINE Fashion Event takes place on Sunday, February 5, 2023, in the iconic Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C.

This will be an afternoon to remember, including a VIP Bubble Reception, a Spring 2023 fashion show, and a stylish silent auction. Hosted by Todd and Rebecca Talbot, this event will welcome local business leaders and fashion lovers alike. This is an exciting opportunity to support B.C. Children’s Hospital and the amazing work they do to care for B.C.’s sickest kids. Buy tickets here.

Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria – January 20 – February 5

Image credit: The Courtney Room Photographer: Dasha Ar

Calling all foodies – Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria returns this January. This foodie festival features multi-course menus at your favourite Victoria eateries, and special hotel rates so you can enjoy a true night out!

Brought to you by Destination Greater Victoria and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association, Dine Around and Stay in Town is Victoria’s most anticipated food event! This 17-day culinary adventure features 50 local restaurants, pubs, and bars, each serving up delicious multi-course, prix-fixe menus ranging from $25 to $65 per person.

Treat yourself to a Victoria staycation and take advantage of special rates at ten local hotels. Soak up some luxury at a great price – hotel rooms start at $139 a night!

Pro Tips:

Check out all the participating restaurants and hotels here, and start making your reservations today.
Book your hotel stay, rooms are already filling up!
Mix things up with a combination of your long-time favourites and new-to-you restaurants.
Not sure where to start your culinary journey? Check out our handy Dine Around guide here.

Dine Around and Stay in Town: Jan 20 -Feb 5, 2023

Website

Modern Wedding – March 5

Modern Wedding is the largest wedding and event showcase of its kind on Vancouver Island. Our innovative marketing team works to bring a fresh approach each year making it a “must-attend” event for couples and industry leaders. Modern Wedding is the only Downtown wedding showcase that attracts brides and grooms with high expectations. You will be immersed in breathtaking visual displays from our carefully selected vendors. Attendees should expect nothing less than chic, elegant, sophisticated inspiration.

Modern Wedding encompasses the complete package when organizing a special event or wedding. The absolute opposite of ordinary is the best way to describe the experience we offer. Insta-worthy displays will fill the Crystal Garden. Indulge in mouth-watering tasting booths, incredible swag bags, and one-of-a-kind contests & giveaways. The Modern Wedding Show will be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Getting married or hosting a special event in 2023? RSVP, YES! March 5 at Crystal Garden for Victoria’s luxury wedding and event showcase. Committed to inspire, impress and influence.

Iron and Wood Golf Simulators Sips & Tips – February 8

This evening is for the female golfer looking to expand her social circle and step up her golf knowledge. Are you ready to take your enjoyment on the golf course to the next level? We will cover everything you need – not just how to hit the ball better, but what to do and expect at the golf course. We want you to feel comfortable as you hit the links with friends, family, clients, and coworkers. LEARN, PLAY, ENJOY, CONNECT. There will be complimentary wine… and music… and a few other secret surprises. Buy tickets here.

Kaleidoscope Theatre presents Clémentine – February 21-26

Whimsical puppetry & heartfelt storytelling help young Clementine navigate tough family changes and find the true meaning of love in the latest production presented by Kaleidoscope Theatre. Bright, bubbly & entertaining, this show for kids and their grown-ups tackles a tricky topic with humour, honesty & optimism.

En route to her family vacation, Clémentine suddenly learns that her parents are no longer in love. Navigating episodes of her everyday life throughout the seasons, with the help of her little sister Laura, Clémentine tames her sadness and finds the strength to mourn the image she had of the “fairy tale family”.

Clémentine: a (true) story plays February 21-26 at Victoria’s Langham Court Theatre

and is recommended for ages 6+. Buy tickets here.

Fashion Splash – February 25

Fashion Splash 2023 will gather together fashionistas once again, showing off our local growing designer scene. Fashion Splash has become Victoria’s Premiere fashion event. Showcasing and promoting local designers, models, and the local beauty industry. We held our first fashion show at Ship Point, in the downtown Inner Harbour, then at The Atrium, and in 2019 it was held at Ogden Point.

Now you can experience the show at Kwench, one of the coolest new downtown locations. Enjoy live music and a beverage from the cash bar while browsing the items in the silent auction, raising funds for the Victoria Woman’s Transition House. The runway will showcase 9 local designers and 30 models. VIP ticket holders will have food created by Zack of Elk and Tide Catering plus front-row seating in the large VIP area. Fashion Splash is about bringing Victoria’s growing fashion industry together with the community and helping the Women’s Transition House all in one spectacular evening. Buy tickets here.

Crafted Farmhouse Market – March 10 –11

March 10, 5-9pm

March 11, 10am-5pm

Enjoy a unique shopping experience! This local event features 60+ local hand picked and curated handcrafters, artisans, and young entrepreneurial Mini Makers, local live music, food trucks, and drinks provided by Hoyne Brewing & Deep Cove Winery to sip as you shop. Special Guests Elsa & Anna will be visiting and greeting people on Saturday March 11th from 2:30-4pm. $5 cash admission, kids 12 and under free.

Mary Winspear Centre – 2243 Beacon Ave, Sidney BC V8L 1W9

Seeking ‘Previously Loved’ Art Pieces for Art at the Lake

Art at the Lake is collecting art – prints, watercolours, pastels, oils, posters – and collectibles – statuary, vases, objects d’art – for a fundraising online auction. If you are downsizing or just tired of looking at certain pieces, you can give your old art pieces new life by donating them to Art at the Lake.

To donate please email jackie.wrinch@shaw.ca or telephone Mavis at 250-361-3236 by March 19. The sooner the better.

Art at the Lake is a fundraiser for the Prospect Lake District Community Association. Proceeds will be used for the maintenance of the heritage Prospect Lake Hall, located in the heart of the Saanich Peninsula. The Prospect Lake Hall is one of the last community-owned and maintained halls in BC. We thank Steptoe Services for hosting the 2023 Art at the Lake online auction.

TC10K – April 30

Join thousands of runners in the 2023 TC10K and push your limits. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to running, this 10K race is a great opportunity to challenge yourself. The scenic course takes you through Victoria’s Inner Harbour and historic neighborhoods, with cheering crowds along the way. Sign up now and be part of this empowering and exciting community event. With training support and a community of runners to motivate you, you’ll be crossing that finish line in no time. Register here!

Capital Bike Winter Go By Bike Week – February 6-12

Get your bike Winter-ready for Winter Go By Bike Week, February 6 – 12th. Take part in our 2 fun, family-friendly group rides, learn about safe winter riding from our webinar, and win prizes just for riding your bike! We challenge YOU to ride for the whole week, rain or shine! 💪

See more information about Victoria’s Winter Go By Bike Week at CapitalBike.ca/wgbbw/.

Champagne and Cake Show – February 26

Champagne + Cake Show is a showcase for Vancouver Island events, weddings, and celebration professionals benefiting the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. We are partnering with the SHINE Fashion Event at the Empress on Feb 6, 2023.

We are pleased to host the Champagne and Cake Show at the brand-new Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion! Come and see the gorgeous water views and take a tour of the oldest North American Japanese Tea Gardens.

Please join us to sip champagne and eat cake for a good cause! You will be able to visit with Island professionals specializing in event planning & design, decor, and rentals. Meet celebrants, florists, cakemakers, and DJs. Scope out farm and forest venues across the Island. Find out which beaches are best for your event. Find out how to choose your wines and meet alteration experts. And be sure to keep an eye out for our models showing off local gowns and menswear. You might say yes to a dress! Buy tickets here.

Intrepid Theatre’s OUTstages Festival – January 25 – February 5

Intrepid Theatre’s OUTstages returns to heat up your winter this January and February, with shows from leading queer artists from Portland, Vancouver, and Toronto, alongside local performance-makers, plus the return of the Queer Youth Cabaret and free online workshops. Get OUT January 25 to February 5.

https://intrepidtheatre.com/festivals/outstages/

Victoria Symphony presents The Nat King Cole Songbook – March 11-12

Saturday, March 11 (7:30 pm) & Sunday, March 12 (2:30 pm) | Royal Theatre

With songs such as Unforgettable, Nature Boy, and Mona Lisa, audiences have been falling in love with – and falling in love to – the music of Nat King Cole for decades. In this gorgeous and poignant tribute, beloved Canadian jazz artist Denzal Sinclaire applies his superlative voice and engaging rapport to an unforgettable evening of Nat’s greatest hits! Full of variety, the concert’s arrangements are specially prepared by Grammy Award winner Jeff Tyzik.

Don’t miss these concerts led by VS Principal Pops Conductor Sean O’Loughlin. Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 pm or Sunday, March 12 at 2:30 pm at the Royal Theatre. It’s the perfect event for the whole family! Click here to purchase tickets.

Island Craft Festival Winter 2023 Edition – February 19

A bevy of craft bevies from Vancouver Island producers, with a wintery twist. Dark beers, spiced ciders, and local whiskies perhaps? Island Craft is a new series of events and experiences that serve to highlight how incredible our local craft scene is here on Vancouver Island. We’re hosted by The Strath – a local family-owned Vancouver Island business since 1954. The festival will be held at The Sticky Wicket. Our 20+ local craft vendors will be spread across the brand-new Wicket Hall and the Clubhouse. Once you arrive, you’ll be given a sample cup and some tokens to start you off. Our regular tickets come with everything you need, or you can upgrade to a premium ticket for $5 more. More details, like start times, our vendor list, and how to acquire more tickets, can be found at islandcraft.ca! We cannot wait to see you there!

UVic Vikes Basketball Game Night – February 11

Basketball fans: it’s the last home games of the regular Canada West season! Come out and cheer on the Men’s and Women’s Vikes teams as they take on rivals the UBC Thunderbirds.

WHEN: Saturday February 11; Women’s tip off at 5pm, Men’s at 7pm

WHERE: CARSA Performance Gym, UVic

Tickets give you access to both Women’s and Men’s games that night.

Get your tickets today at govikesgo.com/tickets

Passion and Performance Victoria presents Adventures in Toyland – March 11

Passion and Performance Victoria Presents – Adventures in Toyland This spring Passion and Performance Arts Inc. is bringing you Adventures in Toyland, an immersive gala experience. Join us on March 11th at the Victoria Conference Centre for this entertaining event. Passion and Performance’s annual themed parties are one of our most sought after events in Victoria. If you joined us at our Carnival of Terrors at Halloween, it’s time for another round of fun and excitement! This is sure to be in high demand, get your tickets early so you’re not left disappointed!

Champagne and Cake Show – February 26

Our Place Coldest Night of the Year – February 25

Coldest Night of the Year: The popular walkathon campaign returns to downtown Victoria and the WestShore on Saturday, February 25. Our Place Society and the Pacific Centre Family Services Association (in the WestShore) for the 2023 Coldest Night of the Year charity two- and five-kilometre walks. Together, we are proud to offer families, faith, work, school and community groups the opportunity to walk in solidarity and raise awareness and funds to help serve the hungry, homeless, and hurting people in our community.

Coldest Night has become one of the country’s most successful community action campaigns. People can sign up at https://cnoy.org/location/victoriapandora for the downtown walk and https://cnoy.org/location/victoriawestshore for the Langford walk starting at Starlight Stadium. Like other years, we will have warmups, family friendly activities, warm toques and warmer bowl of chili (for those who fundraise).

Belfry Theatre presents The Unplugged by Yvette Nolan – February 7 – March 5

When all the world’s technology ceases to function, it is time to find a new way of surviving—or an old way. Two women—one Indigenous and one white, exiled from their village for being too old to bear children, trudge across the desolate, post-apocalyptic ruin, relying on traditional wisdom for survival.

When a charismatic stranger appears, seeking their aid, they must choose whether to use their knowledge of the past to provide hope for the future to the community that branded them “useless.”

“…a gentle, emotional, immediate morality tale…timely, fascinating, and necessary.” Toronto Star

Buy tickets here.

Naked Bungy Jump for Mental Health Recovery Partners – March 4-5

Naked Bungy is BACK!

Come out and bungy jump naked at the 17th annual Naked Bungy Jump for mental health! Take the leap from WildPlay’s 150ft Bungy Bridge to help Mental Health Recovery Partners (MHRP) provide life-saving mental health programs on Vancouver Island.

Help MHRP reach their $100,000 fundraising target!

Fundraise $200+ and jump for FREE! 18+ to be on site. Click here for more information.

Supply Victoria presents Scrappy Last Saturdays – February 25

Scrappy Last Saturdays details

Date(s): Every last Saturday of the month

Time: 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.

Location: 750 Fairfield Road

Cost: free or by donation

Ages: Families with kids ages 7-12 (parents must be present for duration of the workshop)

About

These monthly craft workshops provide affordable art education to families faced with rising cost-of-living expenses and youth a way to engage in climate action through art-making. Each workshop discusses a specific waste problem and what you can do to help using upcycled materials and sustainable principles.

This month’s workshop theme is weaving with found materials on Saturday, February 25th with instructor Keiro Blyth, a teacher and owner of a small upcycled textile sewing business called Partly Cloudy (@partlycloudypartlycloudy).

We hope you have fun at these wonderful, local events this Winter! If you’d like Used.ca to be a sponsor of your event on Vancouver Island, please contact our Community Manager, Carly.