Gabriola Island Events Blog

October 5 – Official Community Plan – Village core World Cafe Workshop, Community Hall at 7 pm, for info 247-2063

October 6 – Thanksgiving Studio Tour preview gallery at Artworks, 7-9 pm

October 8-10 -Gabriola Arts Council presents the 15th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Studio Tour, a 3 day self guided art tour, 10 am to 4 pm. Pick up your studio tour brochure at local businesses or visit gabriolaartscouncil.org. This is our favorite event of the year, if you are planning a visit to Gabriola this is the time to come. Gabriola artists have opened their studios, wonderful to visit and fabulous to shop from such a unique collection of jewellery, paintings, clothing and accessories, weaving and handspun items, glasswork, pottery, sculpture, woodwork,  photography, leatherwork and more!

October 31 – Halloween fireworks at Twin Beaches, after dark (time TBA). This event has been taking place for many decades at the Gabriola Sands provincial park (Twin Beaches), always impressive and fun for the kids with a bon fire and hot chocolate.

There is something of interest happening daily on Gabriola – Jam nite at the Skol, Jazz at Raspberries, movies at The Roxy, youth paddle Kayak Adventures, kids hiking club, pilates and yoga, tai chi and karate, bridge club, soup socials, kids soccer, walking club, choir, library events, teen drop in at The Gathering Place, workbees at the Commons, open house at the shipyard school, farmers market and more!

September 1 – Summer Adventures in Art, art exhibits at Art Works, 7-9 pm

September 1 – Chin Straps and Other Remedies, sold out at the Theatre Festival! 8 pm at The Roxy

September 3-4 – Urgent Care Clinic – Sneak a peek at the foundation and framing, the top of Church Street, 11-3 pm

September 4 – Building the Trust Benefit Concert and silent auction at 6 pm, tickets $20 at Art Works, 7-10 pm at the Community Hall

September 7 – Eric Bibb in Concert, tickets $22, 7 pm at The Haven

September 8 – Casting Call! Gabriola Players auditions for The Pied Piper and The Tail of The Rat King, 7 pm at the Rollo Centre

September 18 – Fall Fair at The Commons, including The Great Gabriola Squash Race

September 18 – Terry Fox Run, registration starts at 9:30 at Gabriola Sands (Twin Beaches), race starts at 11 am

September 24 – Wine Festival, Village Liquor Store

Saturdays Mornings – Agi Hall Farmers’ Market, 10 til noon

Mark your calendars – October 8-10 – Gabriola Arts Council Thanksgiving Studio Tour, 10 – 4 all over the island artists open the doors to their studios and workshops, a visual joy and fun to buy! gabriolaartscouncil.org

August 1 – Gabriola Arts Council celebrates BC Parks 100th anniversay with a free concert in the park at Twin Beaches 10 -2

August 4 – Concert on the Green, Fab Fourever doing a tribute to the Beetles, Gabriola Golf & Country Club, 4 pm, tickets at Artworks, under 12 years old free

August 4, 11, 18, 25 – Summer Adventures in Art, art exhibits at Artworks, 7-9

August 7 – Gabriola Photography Club summer show and sale, Rollo Center, noon – 4

August 13 – 56th Annual Gabriola Community Salmon BBQ, $12 a plate, 4-8pm at the Community Hall

August 13 – Full Moon Drumming at Drumbeg Park, 8:09 pm

August 19 – 21 – Gabriola Theatre Festival, 12 shows to choose from, art, music and fun for all ages, assorted venues - gabriolatheatrefestival.ca

August 26 – Coffee House, Agi Hall, 7 pm

For Teens – The Gathering Place, Friday night teen drop in 7 til midnight, Saturday teen movie night 7 til midnight – 250-247-7668

Saturday Farmers Market – Agi Hall 10 - noon

Sunday – Silva Bay Market 10 – 2

July 1 – Canada Day Celebration at Folklife Village all day

July 1 – Potato Cannon Contest, 1 pm at Brickyard Beach

July 1 – All ages Dance Party with ‘Orkestar Slivovica’ playing Gypsy Balkan music and song, 7 pm at The Haven

July 2 – Juno nominated Mae Moore in concert at The Roxy

July 3 – Mae Moore song writing workshop, registration@poetrygabriola.com , 10-2 at The Commons

July 3 – Gabriola Fun-a-Thon, bike ride and fun run fundraiser for PHC (People for a Healthy Community), 10-2 at Twin Beaches Park

July 7, 14, and 28 – Summer Adventures in Art, 7-9 pm at Artworks

July 9 – Once upon a time there were Fairies and Elves, an art in the garden event, family fun, 10-4 at 538 Wildwood Cres.

July 15 to 17 – Dancing Man Festival with live music performances, dance and music workshops, and a Mardi Gras style art parade in various venues around Gabriola and at The Commons, tickets at Artworks

July 17 – A day of Japanese Poetry, sponsored by Poetry Gabriola, 10-4 at The Commons

Saturday Farmers Market, 10-Noon at The Agi Hall

June 2 – From Flippers to Flukes – Protecting BC’s Whales, Dolphins and Sea Turtles, this multimedia presentation is by Caitlin Birdsall of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Cetacean Sighting Network. 7 pm at the Phoenix Auditorium

June 2 – A Night of Fiction with Joelle Anthony, grade 6 and 7 students share their stories from a year long writing program. 7:30 pm at Mad Rona’s

June 4 – Ground breaking Ceremony for the Gabriola Health Care Foundation. End of Church St

June 5 – Third annual Ocean’s Day Festival, bring a picnic, dress up as your favorite marine creature and win a prize. 1o – 4 at Descanso Bay Regional Park

June 10 – Creat Kids Day with The Kerplunks. 7 pm at Gabriola Elementary School

June 10 – 12 – Visions and Voices, issues and opportunities for the future of the Gabriola Commons, story sharing, workshops, planning and celebration.

June 11 - Animal Magnetism - exhibiton and sale from June 11-30th, this is a fundraiser for GROWLS (wildlife rescue group), animal related pieces from over 30 Gabriola artists. Opening reception is 1-5 pm at 800 Valli Place

June 17 – 19 – Festival of Tango

June 18 & 19 – Silva Bay Fishing Derby

June 26 – Gabriola Island Home and Garden Tour, view some of Gabriola’s prettiest gardens and most interesting homes. 10 – 5 pm

Don’t forget – Saturdays from 10 – noon, Farmers Market at the Agi Hall

May 7 – Camera Info Day at the Rollo Center, noon-3

May 7 – World Comic Book Day, Gabriola Public Library

May 8 – Mother’s Day brunch, at The Rollo Center, fundraiser for the Gabriola Health Care Foundation, $15. Also, Mother’s Day brunch is served at the local restaurants

May 14 – Gabriola’s Got Talent, 3:30 at The Gathering Place

May 21 – Peter and the Wolf, a local production with a cast that ranges from 3 to 17 years, entrance by donation or fresh produce for PHC (People for a Healthy Community). 1 pm and 5 pm at The Haven

May 29 – Tour de Gabriola – a fundraiser for the Gabriola Health Care Foundation

May 29 – Lions Walk for Dog Guides, 12:30 at Twin Beaches

May 31 – National Hunger Awareness Day, time TBA – PHC at The Commons

Weekly Events

Saturdays – Farmers Market at the Agi Hall 10-Noon, starts May long weekend and goes until fall.

Saturdays – Teen Movie night at the Gathering Place 7 – midnight

Sundays – Kids hiking club, 10 am, call Tammy 250-325-1989

Mondays and Tuesdays – Soup Social, 11 am at The Commons, all welcome

Wednesdays – Gabriola Walking Group, 10 am, 250-247-9774

Thursdays – Pre School storytime, 3:15-3:45 at the Gabriola Public Library

Thursdays – Kids in the garden, 3 pm PHC at The Commons

Thursdays – Gabriola Women’s Group, 7 pm at Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar

Fridays – Teen drop-in, 7 pm – midnight, The Gathering Place

Friday, April 1 – Co-op Preschool fundraiser, 7 p.m. Silva Bay

Friday, April 1 – Register for youth softball 2-6 p.m. Ages 4 – 17, starts April 26 at Rollo McClay Park, for info call Gabriola Recreation Society 250-247-2014

Thursday, April 7 – Garden Club: Powerful Growing Techniques – how to work with nature.  All welcome, 7 p.m. at the Agi Hall

April 8 – 10, Isle of the Arts Festival – 6 Artstart classes, check with  gabriolaartscouncil.org

Saturday & Sunday, April 16 – 17, the 13th annual Silva Bay Shipyard School Launch Festival - boat launch, children’s festival, auctions, live music, sailing race - check with  boatschool.com

Sunday, April 17 -  Book launch, The Tartarus House on Crab, by Gabriola’s George Santos, 3 p.m. at The Commons

Sunday, April 17 – Community Free Golf at the Gabriola Golf and Country Club, 250-247-8822

Easter Weekend – Easter Egg Hunt at the Commons, check  gabriolacommons.ca for details

~Weekly programs for children and teens~

Thursdays at the Gabriola Public Library, 3:15 – 3:45, preschool storytime, everyone welcome

Fridays at The Gathering Place – teen drop-in center, 7 p.m. until midnight, for info call 250-247-7668

Saturdays, teen movie night at The Gathering Place, 7 p.m. until midnight

Sundays at 10 a.m. - Kids Hiking Club, short hikes for kids and their families, all ages welcome, bring a snack, for details call Tammy 250-325-1989

Fri., Mar. 4 – 2 p.m. World Day of Prayer gathering at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. (Log church across from Silva Bay). For more information call Kathy Fretheim at 247-9671.

Fri., Mar. 4 – “Be Kind to Your Spine” workshop. Alleviate back pain. Improve mobility. 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $50. Register by Feb. 28. For info: naomi@nowyoga.net. www.nowyoga.net. 247-7550.

Sat., Mar. 5 – Ladysmith author Connie Kurtenbach will read from her collection of short stories entitled In My Mother’s Garden, about growing up on a Saskatchewan farm. Admission free. 7-9 p.m. at The Roxy. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gabriola Library.

Sat., Mar. 5 – Seedy Saturday Spring Fair at the Commons. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Seed exchange and sale. Master Gardeners’ advice corner. Demos and Games.

Sat., Mar. 5 – Ladysmith author Connie Kurtenbach will read from her collection of short stories entitled “In My Mother’s Garden,” about growing up on a Saskatchewan farm. Admission free. 7-9 p.m. at The Roxy. Sponsored by the Friends of the Gabriola Library.

Sun., Mar. 6 – Raspberry’s Jazz Café presents Live Music: The remarkable Steve Smith (on piano) with friends Art (sax) and Dick (sax). 2-4 p.m. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Thurs., Mar. 10 – Gabriola Ratepayers will be hosting a discussion with Mike Odowichuk, Area Manager Roads, operations manager Jim Symington and Emcon’s road superintendant Rob Heaslip at the W.I. Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any discussion items you wish to bring up that might fit into a limited budget, please email ranyoung@shaw.ca.

Sun., Mar. 13: Raspberry’s Jazz Café presents Live Music: 2-4 p.m. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Sat., Mar. 19 – The Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra performs Pearls of the Classics at the Haven featuring classical guitarist, Oscar Clemotte, in a concert of engaging and beautiful music for strings. The program includes works by Vivaldi, Webern, Massenet,Scarlatti and Suk. Advance tickets are available at Fascinating Rhythm on Commercial St. and The Quilted Duck Gift Cottage on Rutherford Rd. Performance begins at 2 p.m. Tickets at the door. Admission is $20 adults, $10 students, children under 12 free.

Thurs., Mar. 31 – GIRO Work Bee. Always on the last Thursday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please call 247-9257, Tues., Wed., Fri. or Sat. to confirm your attendance.

Weekly Events

Mondays – 5-6:15 p.m., Pilates & Yoga @ Rose Crystal Studio. $10/drop-in. Strengthen you core, align your posture, open your body and heart. More classes throughout the week. See nowyoga.net for info or phone 247-7550

Mondays – Taoist Tai Chi – Drop-in at the Community Hall, 9:45-10:30 a.m. We do 2 sets, $3. Contact Tsiporah, 247-8350.

Wednesdays – The Gabriola Island Singers practice from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Community Hall on South Road at Garland. The choir is accepting new members. Registration fee is $35 per season.

Wednesdays – Gabriola Women’s Group – A social service group. Meets at Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar at 7 p.m. Contact Diane at dianepeloquin@hotmail.com or phone at 250-797-4891.

Thursdays – Preschool Storytime at the Gabriola Public Library. Everyone is welcome to our storytime every Thursday afternoons from 3:15 to 3:45.

Fridays – Drop-in teen centre open from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Gathering Place, 790 North Road. Call 247-7668 for more information.

Saturdays – Teen Movie Night at the Gathering Place from 7 p.m. to Midnight.

Saturdays: There will be work bees at the Commons for the rest of this month on Saturdays. Soup will be provided. Work will be on erecting the new greenhouse. If you have some time and want to work with other Commoners come on out and lend a hand and when your done take a spoon in that hand and have some soup.

Fridays – Open House at the Silva Bay Shipyard School from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

We are apparently falling behind on things but better late than never, here is our events blog for January 2011.

Tues., Jan. 11 – Regular Meeting of the Volunteer Committee of the Official Community Plan Review. 7 p.m. at the Agi. Hall.

Wed., Jan. 12th – Free Herbal Series at The Commons. Liver and Skin Herbs. Phone Heather to register 250-247-8514. 7:30-8:30 pm.

Sun., Jan. 16 – Raspberry’s Jazz Cafe presents live music. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the new full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Wed., Jan. 19 – Women’s Full Moon Circle. 7-9 p.m. at The Commons 675 North Road. No cost community event. Bring a pillow and item of beauty (returning home with you). Contact: michele.fireriverheart@gmail.com or 250-668-7046

Wed.-Sat., Jan. 19 – 22 – The Vancouver Island Symphony presents the Old Wine in New Bottles Festival. Four days of events, celebrating with feasting, wine tasting, art and music. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m. Blind tasting competition. Thursday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m. Grand Gala Winemaker’s Dinner. Friday, Jan. 21. Riedel Crystal Glass Tasting Challenge (4-6 p.m.). Festival Concert I (7:30 p.m.)  guest conductor: Ivars Taurins. Saturday, Jan. 22. Explore wine tasting and grazing (6-9 p.m. and 9:30-11:30 p.m.). Festival Concert II (7:30 p.m.)  Conductor: Pierre Simard. Info: www.vancouverislandsymphony.com. Passes and Tickets: 250-754-8550.

Sat., Jan. 22 – The Gabriola Historical and Museum Society will be hosting an Open House and Information Meeting at the WI Hall from 12 to 4. The board will be there and available to address questions and inquiries from members of the public. Those wishing to will have an opportunity to sign a petition supporting the Museum’s request for operational and maintenance funding through the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Sat., Jan. 22 – Robbie Burns Night at the Gabriola Golf Club. A fundraiser for the Anne Reid Highland Dancers who are preparing to qualify/go to the Canadian Highland Dance Competition in Antigonish N.S. Tickets $30 at Artworks and from Alexa Emerson. 247-7250. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 23 – Raspberry’s Jazz Cafe presents live music. Great wine, beer and sandwich panini. Ask about the new full breakfast menu, 7 days a week too!

Thurs., Jan. 27 – Local Trust Committee Meeting. Begins at 10:15 a.m. Gabriola Women’s Institute Hall.

Sat., Feb. 5 – Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers of the Gabriola Historical and Museum Society. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roxy. All are invited to attend, membership forms will be available.

Weekly Events

Mondays – Taoist Tai Chi – Drop-in at the Community Hall, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m. We do 2 sets, $3. Contact Tsiporah, 247-8350.

Wednesdays – The Gabriola Island Singers practice from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Community Hall on South Road at Garland. The choir is accepting new members. Registration fee is $35 per season.

Thursdays – Preschool Storytime at the Gabriola Public Library. Everyone is welcome to our storytime every Thursday afternoon from 3:15 to 3:45, starting Jan. 20.

Thursdays – Yoga drop-in at Rose Crystal Studio. Resumes Jan 13. 5-6:30 p.m. Explore and restore with this fun and inclusive class. Experience the benefits of infusing your yoga practice with a strong focus on core strength, postural alignment and heart-centred consciousness. $10 drop-in. 8 consecutive for $75. www.nowyoga.net.

Fridays – Drop-in teen centre open from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Gathering Place, 790 North Road. Call 247-7668 for more information.

Fridays – Open House at the Silva Bay Shipyard School from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.