ART
Saturday, Feb. 8
“RED”
Get yourself in the loving mood with “RED,” an event at the Coast Collective Art Centre at 3221 Heatherbell Road. The afternoon will showcase red-themed paintings, photography, glass and fabric art, and sculpture, as well as plenty of chocolate. Be one of the first 40 people through the door and receive a free chocolate treat! 12–5 p.m. Admission is free.
Thursday, Feb. 20 – 22
The Malahat’s #WordsThaw Spring Symposium
This great three-day writing festival features lectures and readings from acclaimed authors and poets. Readings will take place at the University of Victoria, in the David Turpin Building and the Human and Social Development Building. More details at malahatreview.ca/wordsthaw.
COMMUNITY
Thursday, Feb. 13
African Spirit Night & St. Valentine’s Celebration
A lively community celebration of African and Caribbean cultures through dance, food, and music, this event will take place at the Victoria Events Centre, located at 1415 Broad Street. Advance tickets are $7, or it’s $12 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14
Think Spring…
If you’re an avid gardener or have a burgeoning green thumb, come explore a variety of local, organic heritage seeds, brought from small nurseries and businesses. This venue features a community seed exchange, speakers, activities for kids, garden book swaps and a school scarecrow contest. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street. Entry is $7 at the door (cash only).
LECTURES
Monday, Feb. 10
Trash talk
Come out for a coffee and a chat with UVic Professor Dr. Peter Ross for “Café Scientifique—Ocean Pollution in Canada’s Oceans: A Whale of a Tale.” He’ll discuss the pollution of Canada’s oceans from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Hermann’s Jazz Club. Free and open to the public.
MARKETS
Saturday, Feb. 8
Put a ring on it
If you’ve already found your life-long valentine, the Bay Centre is hosting its annual Modern Bride Show in support of the Just for Love Animals Society. The event will have over 50 vendors and live performances throughout the day, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., at the Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street. Admission is free.
MUSIC
Thursday, Feb. 6
Cupid’s confessions
Get struck by Cupid’s arrow at Upstairs Cabaret, located at 1127 Wharf Street. This Valentine’s themed night will feature DJ’s Sam Jones, Sam Hagen (who you may remember as a UVSS director of events candidate for 2013/14), and Jansom. Try to match a semi-formal dress code of white, red, or black—and look your finest! Doors open at 10 p.m., 19+.
Friday, Feb. 7
“Kikeyambay”
This event is a Victoria-based musical project honouring the ancestral cultural traditions of the Malinké and Susu people of Guinea. It features traditional dance, and percussion melded with modern electronic Afro fusion. The event is located at Felicita’s in the Student Union Building on UVic campus. Doors at 8:30 p.m., $5 cover, 19+.
Friday, Feb. 14
The Victoria Django Festival
The Django will offer a two-day festival of swing music and gypsy jazz inspired by the dance halls, opera houses and underground venues of the 1920s and ‘30s. Experience food vendors, free swing dancing workshops presented by the Swing Dance Association of Victoria, and live music from Brishen, The Brett Martens String Band, plus others. Located at White Eagle Hall in St. Andrews Church, 924 Douglas Street, doors open at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Ticket prices vary. Tickets available at Ditch Records, Lyle’s Place, and Larsen Music. 19+.
