‘What’s happening Chilliwack’ is a list of some of the many community events taking place in Chilliwack. To get your event added to this list at no charge, email jenna.hauck@theprogress.com or call 604-702-5576. This list is updated weekly.
UPCOMING EVENTS (see current and ongoing events further down):
Aug. 30 and 31, 2024 • 'Skreagfest Six' a two-day music event in support of the BC Cancer Foundation – and in honour of Chilliwack nurse Sarah Penner and her unborn baby who died of cancer – returns on Aug. 30 and 31. There will be a pre-party on Friday, Aug. 30 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and the main music event is set for Saturday, Aug. 31 from noon to 11 p.m. where there will be acoustic music during the day and bands in the evening. There's also beer, food, a 50/50 draw, and prizes. Skreagfest Six is Aug. 30 and 31 at 1st Fairfield Scouts Hall (47130 Hope River Rd.). Admission is by donation.
Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2024 • The 36th annual Island 22 Horse Trials B.C. Championships returns Friday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 1. The event, hosted by the Island 22 Equestrian Society, is open to the public. Schedule: dressage on Friday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; cross-country on Saturday, Aug. 31 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and show jumping on Sunday, Sept. 1, starting at 8 a.m. Entry to this public event is free, and parking is $5. There is also a concession on site. For more info, go to island22horsepark.com.
Aug. 31, 2024 • Non-profit organization Love Without Borders is having its Summer Without Borders Fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 31 from noon to 4 p.m. at Central Community Park. This family-friendly event includes a hot dog sale, bake sale, market, raffle, live music, fire truck, the actual movie car from Ghostbusters Afterlife, and Hailey Adler as the emcee. Money from the event goes towards the organization’s Building Bridges Initiative where they build tiny homes to house people in need and give them a leg up. Love Without Borders provides the homes, utilities, groceries, all free of cost, as well as a chance at a career in the resident’s chosen trade. For more, go to lovewithoutborders.ca/housing.
Sept. 2, 2024 • The 10th annual Vision Tree Charity Car Show is on Monday, Sept. 2 in the Chilliwack Alliance Church parking lot at 8700 Young Rd. The event starts at 8 a.m. The event will bring in funds to send underprivileged kids in Grades 3 to 5 from Robertson Elementary School to summer camp in Hope next year. The vehicle-themed fundraiser is not just a classic car show. There will also be an autocross event, static display of famous movie cars and hot rods, a remote control display with an action-packed racecourse, and a Hot Wheels race track.
Sept. 4 to Dec. 18, 2024 • At 'Conversation Circles' people can improve their English through speaking and listening about different topics each week in a safe and friendly space. This program is at the Sardis Library on Wednesdays (Sept. 4 to Dec. 18) from 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. This drop-in program is suitable for all age groups. It is in partnership with the Chilliwack Learning Society.
Sept. 5, 2024 • The Chilliwack branch of the Prostate Cancer Canada Network is having its next public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Mt. Cheam Lions Club Hall (45580 Spadina Ave.) at 7 p.m. Presentation will be by Peter Brown who will talk about his experience with prostate cancer. Spouses are welcome to attend. Coffee will be available. For more, contact Dale Erikson at 604-824-5506 or Dave Eno at 604-792-0300.
Sept. 5 to Nov. 28, 2024 • Join others at Chilliwack Library for 'English Learners Book Club' where there will be a casual discussion of the selected book. It's happening on Thursdays (Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Oct. 31 and Nov. 28) from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Books will be provided. Join anytime. Read, learn, share, have fun. For Intermediate+/CLB 5+ readers. To register, contact Laura Klassen at esl@chilliwacklearning.com or call/text (778) 960-9516.
Sept. 7, 2024 • The 34th annual Parkinson SuperWalk is Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Landing Sports Centre (45530 Spadina Ave.). Funds raised help Parkinson Society British Columbia continue to grow its programs and services, expand advocacy efforts, and increase its investment in innovative research. Registration that day is at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. There are three walking routes: .8 kilometres, 1.2 kilometres, and 1.6 kilometres. To participate, donate, or for more, go to parkinson.bc.ca.
Sept. 7 and 21, 2024 • 'Paws 4 Stories' is back at Chilliwack Library on Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sept. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Reading to a four-legged buddy can help build confidence and increase self-esteem. St. John Ambulance and its child-certified therapy dogs are the perfect fit for those needing a friend to read to. Have a book picked out to read to the dog ahead of your 15-minute appointment. Call or drop by the library to schedule a session.
Sept. 7, 2024 • The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven is hosting its first ever charity golf tournament called Golfing Fore the Paws Charity Golf Scramble on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Cheam Mountain Golf Course (44610 Luckakuck Way). This golf scramble is $70 per person and includes a round of fun-filled golf, lunch and prizes. It's a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Funds raised help the cats and kittens that are currently in care at the haven and with fosters. For more information and to register as an individual or as a team, check out our Facebook page. Registration ends August 31. For tickets, click here.
Sept. 7, 2024 • 'Coffee with Seniors' is a free socialization community-based project and everyone is welcome to join. Learn about federal government seniors resources. It's at the Sardis Library on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required. To register your first time: email streamsfoundationcanada@gmail.com, or message Streams Foundation Canada on Facebook, or phone 778-772-2203.
Sept. 7, 2024 • Tragically Hip tribute band Gift Shop returns to the Corky's Irish Pub stage on Sept. 7 at 8:30 p.m. over charge is $10.
Sept. 7, 2024 • 'Salmon Savvy for Fishing in Chilliwack' is at the Sardis Library on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Salmon fishing regulations can be confusing and overwhelming for new anglers. Local angler Petr Herman will explain all federal and provincial fishing regulations pertaining to salmon fishing in Chilliwack. This free class will consist of a one-hour presentation on the regulations and a one-hour question-and-answer period. While this information session will be geared towards adults, all ages are welcome to attend. This is a drop-in event.
Sept. 14, 2024 • Ballet Kelowna presents Taqəš [tawKESH] and other works on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. It blends ballet with Coast Salish, grass, hoop, and contemporary dance to tell the traditional story of 'Raven Returns the Water.' Tickets $49 and available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
Sept. 14, 2024 to January 2025 • The opening reception for Stó:lō Salish weaving exhibit 'Salish Story Weavings of S'olh Temexw' is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The exhibit is curated by Joy Hall. The display features intricate designs and profound narratives woven into each piece made by the following Sto:lo Salish weavers: Teqwotenot, Frieda George (master weaver); Poleqtanot, Saylesh Wesley; Teqwotenot, Roxanne Dool; and Gwasgwasinek, Natalie Jimmie. The exhibit celebrates the rich cultural heritage, oral histories, and transformation stories of Sólh Téméxw (Our Land) and the Stó:lō people. Emcee Á'a Líya Warbus will explain the cultural journey of the woven pieces. It will be on display until January.
Sept. 14, 2024 • Come and rock to ACDC tribute band PWR UP! on Sept. 14 at Corky's Irish Pub at 8:30 p.m. Cover charge is $20.
Sept. 14, 2024 • Chilliwack Citizens For Change is holding a fundraiser with live music, dancing, a barbecue, beverages and more on Sept. 14 at Métis House (Building #4 at 7201 Vedder Rd.) from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The organization is raising awareness for its Sunday Club, anti-hate initiatives, climate action, transportation and housing, progressive political change and more. Tickets to the event are $35 and available at chilliwackcitizensforchange.org.
Sept. 16, 2024 • Show Vengo Jondo featuring flamenco dancer Marco Flores is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Sept. 16. Tickets $32 and available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
Sept. 18 to Dec. 19 • Discover fun with rhymes, songs, and stories during the Parent-Child Mother Goose program at the Sardis and Yarrow libraries. This is an interactive program for children up to age three and their caregivers. Mother Goose helps learn ways to encourage a child's language and social/emotional development. There are four session to choose from: Wednesdays at the Sardis Library (Sept. 18 to Nov. 6), at 9 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m.; and at the Yarrow Library on Thursdays (Nov. 7 to Dec. 19) at 9:30 a.m. and at 11 a.m. Registration is required. For more info and to register, go to fvrl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events. For more info contact Ali Edelman at aedelman@fvcdc.org.
Sept. 20, 2024 to June 2025 • The Chilliwack Rhythm Reelers, a non-profit modern social square dance group, are starting beginner classes on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at Atchelitz Hall (6542 Lickman Rd.). Classes take place every Friday from September 2024 to June 2025. The lessons are filled with fun, fitness and friendly people. Having a partner is not necessary. The group is made up of a diverse age range of dancers. Teens are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Sept. 20, 2024 • Fraser Valley Comedy presents Patrick Maliha and Steve McGowan on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. The night is hosted by Yo Trieu with special guests Keith Nahanee and Luci Ana. Tickets $37 and available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
Sept. 20 and Sept. 27, 2024 • The Chilliwack Rhythm Reelers will be hosting two free dance sessions as part of its Modern Social Square Dance program, a social activity offering low-impact fitness. The sessions will be held on Friday, Sept. 20 and Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at Atchelitz Hall (6542 Lickman Rd.). No experience is necessary. Couples, singles, and families are welcome. Come as you are or bring a friend. For more information contact Michelle at 604-997-8548.
Sept. 21, 2024 • The annual Fraser Valley Distillery and Beer Festival returns to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Sept. 21. This is a fundraiser event for the Chilliwack Academy of Music and the theme this year is 'Shaken not Stirred.' Tickets $100 and available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW. This is a 19+ event.
Sept. 21, 2024 • The Big Shiny band is at Corky's Irish Pub on Sept. 21 at 8:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at thebigshinyband.com.
Sept. 21 and 22, 2024 • The inaugural Stinking Rose Garlic Festival will be held at Fantasy Farms in Chilliwack on Sept. 21 and 22, continuing the tradition of the former Chilliwack Garlic Festival. The event includes garlic farmers showcasing their harvest, food vendors providing an assortment of garlic-based treats, games and more. Old Yale Brewing will be on site with both alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event. Tickets $12. There's also the Stinking Rose Music Festival Saturday night, and early bird tickets for that (includes daytime access to the garlic festival) are $25. There's also a garlic pancake breakfast on Sunday. Fantasy Farms Inc. is located at 9423-A Gibson Rd. in Chilliwack. For more, go to fantasyfarmsinc.ca.
Sept. 22, 2024 • Join the Chilliwack-Vedder River Cleanup Society for its B.C. Rivers Day celebration and river cleanup on Sunday, Sept. 22. Pre-register before Wednesday, Sept. 18 to be entered into the prize draw. To pre-register email the following information to info@cleanrivers.ca: name, cell number, emergency contact name, emergency contact cell number. On-site registration is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. All participants must sign a waiver. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All volunteers must return to registration to check in by 1 p.m. A barbecue, hosted by the Chilliwack Dogwood Monarch Lions. will be at 1 p.m. This event happens rain or shine. Bring sturdy footwear, and a re-useable mug to enjoy the refreshments. Pickup sticks, bags, and gloves will be provided.
Sept. 23, 2024 • The Vancouver Cello Quartet returns to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre with its Music of Latin America concert on Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $32 and available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
Sept. 26, 2024 • One Fell Swoop Circus presents By a Thread on Sept. 26 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $49 and available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
Sept. 27, 2024 • It's Fraser Valley Comedy night at Corky's Irish Pub on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $10.
Sept. 27 and 28, 2024 • The third annual Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow is Sept. 27 and 28 at Chilliwack Secondary School (46363 Yale Rd.). Grand entry times are 7 p.m. on Friday; and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. The host drum is Wild River. This is a free event and is open to the public. For more info, contact Gary Abbott at 604-845-5234. For vendor info, contact Marcella Sunshine at 778-779-2918 or marcella@impactabby.com.
Sept. 28, 2024 • Tom Lavin and the Powder Blues is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. as part of their 46th anniversary tour. Tickets available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
Sept. 28, 2024 • Stan Giles takes the stage with a Shania Twain tribute artist on Sept. 28 at Corky's Irish Pub at 8:30 p.m. Cover charge is $20 at the door.
Oct. 2, 2024 • The Bad Decisions Comedy Tour is coming to Bricklayer Brewing (101-46126 Yale Rd.) on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). The event features Scott Porteous, Nelson Mayer, Chris Basso and Herbert Henries with special guest Keller Reeves. Tickets $25 for one, or $40 for two. This is a 19+ show. Tickets available at eventbrite.ca/e/the-bad-decisions-comedy-tour-chilliwack-bc-tickets-941362981017
Oct. 5, 2024 • Brewhalla Chilliwack returns to Watson Glen Park, on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The beer festival includes live entertainment, more than 25 craft beverages available to sample, food trucks and lawn games. For more, go to brewhalla.ca/festivals/chilliwack-2024.
Oct. 5, 2024 • ‘A Novel Night to Remember’ is a fundraiser to support literacy programs in Chilliwack and it’s taking place at the Coast Hotel Chilliwack on Oct. 5. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6:15 p.m. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 draw, and live music. People are encouraged to come dressed in character costumes. There will be special appearances by members of the Chilliwack Players Guild. Tickets are $65 each ($455 for a table of 8) by Sept. 15, or $70 each ($490 for a table of 8) from Sept. 16 to 27. For more: email info@chilliwacklearning.com, go to chilliwacklearning.com, or call 604-392-2404. For tickets, go to eventbrite.ca/e/a-novel-night-to-remember-dinner-and-silent-auction-fundraiser-tickets-956697196067.
Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Dec. 13, 2024 • The Candlelight concerts, featuring a local string quartet illuminated by thousands of candles, are coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre for six performances over three evenings. On Oct. 27, the quartet will be performing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more. On Nov. 3, it's 'A Tribute to Taylor Swift' and on Dec. 13, people will hear 'A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings.' For more, including links to buy tickets, read this story online.
Nov. 17, 2024 • Department of Corrections presents The Men in Black performing Johnny Cash songs on Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre at 2 p.m. Tickets $47.50 and available at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
CURRENT EVENTS:
NOW to Aug. 31, 2024 • Westbow presents free movie nights on four Saturdays throughout the summer at Cedarbrook Park (45434 Willowstream Rd.) in Chilliwack from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Schedule: June 29 - Super Mario Bros., July 6 - School of Rock, July 20 - Monsters Inc., and Aug. 31 - Barbie. There will also be food. Bring a blanket or chair; movies start at dusk. For more, go to liveatcedarbrook.ca/events.
NOW to end of August 2024 • The annual Summer Reading Club hosted by the Fraser Valley Regional Library returns to all three Chilliwack branches. The theme this year is 'World of Curiosities' and registration begins in person or online at fvrl.bc.ca on June 21. It is open to people of all ages, and there are lots of chances to win prizes. Various library branches will have different events throughout the summer. Go to fvrl.bc.ca for more.
NOW to Sept. 14, 2024 • Solo art show 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters' by Vickie Legere features photographs taken by her (a sober mother) and drawings by her late son Donnie Addley who died of an overdose. The exhibition is meant to open up dialogue and shine light on addiction, overdose, and how it affects families. The show runs Aug. 14 to Sept. 14 in the O'Connor Art Gallery at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. The opening reception is set for Saturday, Aug. 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., and on some evenings during shows at the theatre. Admission is free.
NOW through September, 2024 • Opening day for the Botanica Sunflower Festival is Aug. 17 and it runs through September. The event features more than 40 different varieties of sunflowers, as well as other late summer blooms like dahlias, gladiolus, zinnias, and cosmos. For more, go to botanicaflowerfestival.com/sunflower-festival.
NOW to Sept. 30, 2024 • Exhibition 'Refuge Canada' will be in Chilliwack June 29 to Sept. 30 at the Chilliwack Museum (45820 Spadina Ave.). It is on loan from the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax. Museum hours are Mondays to Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission applies.
NOW to September 2024 • The Chilliwack Seniors Slo-pitch plays at Townsend Park from April to the end of September on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ages: men 60 and older, women 55 and older. League fees are $50 per year which includes a year-end luncheon. Contact Gary Burr at 604-991-9852 or Bob Langton at 604-617-2849 for more info.
NOW to Oct. 8, 2024 • Coast Valley Markets presents Market at the Coliseum every Tuesday starting on May 21, and running until Oct. 8. There will be food trucks, produce, artisans and music and it’s at 45323 Hodgins Ave. from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. For more, go to coastvalleymarkets.com.
NOW to Oct. 20, 2024 • The Downtown Chilliwack Community Market takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May 26 to Oct. 20 at 9360 Mill St. For more, go to chilliwackmarket.com.
NOW to Oct. 31, 2024 • The Chilliwack Corn Maze, featuring an image of American country star Luke Bryan as the design for this year's maze, opens on Aug. 1. The maze is by Greendale Acres, located at 41905 Yale Rd. W. For more information, including tickets, go to greendaleacres.ca.
ONGOING EVENTS:
The Chilliwack Chess Club meets twice a week where chess aficionados can connect, learn, and engage in friendly matches. It is open to everyone from beginners to grand masters. They meet Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Starbucks across from Real Canadian Superstore (45750 Luckakuck Way) and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church on Brooks Avenue.
First Saturday of each month • Very Very Improv Theatre, a professional company based in the Fraser Valley, has monthly performances at CoWork Chilliwack. Scott Campbell is leading a company of talented improvisers from across the Lower Mainland including Chilliwack-based comedian Cliff Prang. The shows happen on the first Saturday of every month at CoWork Chilliwack. Tickets for all performances are available at veryveryimprov.ca/tickets.
Every Tuesday night • Corky’s Irish Pub wants you to come be a rock star as they host karaoke every Tuesday night.
Every Wednesday morning • TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 1303 Chilliwack meets Wednesday mornings at the Fairfield Scouts Hall (47130 Hope River Rd.). Weigh in is at 8:15 a.m. followed by a meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. For information call 604-316-5202 or e-mail alees45@hotmail.com.
Second Thursday of each month • The Fraser Valley Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Association is actively searching for serving, non-serving, family members or any other personnel who have served in any function with the Patricias to join them every second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Chilliwack-Vedder Legion Branch 295 (5661 Vedder Rd.). For more info, contact Mark Benjamin at 604-793-5826 or markbenjamin01@shaw.ca.
Last Friday of every month • The Mount Cheam Lions hosts a spaghetti dinner on the last Friday of every month at the Lions Club (45580 Spadina Ave.). The cost is $10 and includes spaghetti, garlic toast, tea or coffee, and dessert. It goes from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Gamblers Anonymous • Has gambling taken over your life or the life of someone you know? Gamblers Anonymous can help take back your life. Phone 1-855-222-5542 to speak to someone now. Gamblers Anonymous is a non-profit fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a Gambling Problem.
Gam-Anon family groups • Is someone else's gambling affecting your life? Gam-Anon can help. They offer hope and help when a loved one has a gambling problem. Family and friends are welcomed whether or not the gambler seeks help or even recognizes the existence of a gambling problem. For more information: Email: vancouvergamanon@shaw.ca or call 604-626-9418.
To get your event added to this list of community events at no charge, email jenna.hauck@theprogress.com.
