‘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. A new list is posted online every Friday. The list is updated regularly.
UPCOMING EVENTS (see current and ongoing events further down):
Dec. 13, 2024 • The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra brings Handel's Messiah to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre stage on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. All seats $40. Tickets available at the cultural centre, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW (7469).
Dec. 13, 2024 • The Candlelight concerts, featuring a local string quartet illuminated by thousands of candles, are coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. On Dec. 13, people will hear 'A Tribute to Coldplay on Strings.' For more, including links to buy tickets, read this story online.
Dec. 14, 2024 • The Salvation Army Church presents Christmas for a King featuring Steve 'Elvis Elite' Elliott on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. People are asked to bring a non-perishable item for the food bank. There will be complimentary tea, coffee and sweets at intermission. It's at 46420 Brooks Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets $30. Cash only, advance tickets: call 604-792-0311.
Dec. 14, 2024 • Join others at the Chilliwack Library for Holiday Cheer with the Mayday Youth Choir – an afternoon of music, refreshments and crafts. The Mayday Club Youth Choir is a grassroots youth-run charity based out of Abbotsford, that aims to erase the stigmas surrounding neurodiversity. Cosy up with a warm beverage while they perform some familiar favourites then stay after to make some holiday themed crafts. It's on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Drop in, all ages welcome.
Dec. 14, 2024 • The North Shore Celtic Ensemble brings A Celtic Christmas to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $39, with Patron Program discounts available, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).
Dec. 14, 2024 • Candlelight: Christmas Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker' and more is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 14 at 8:45 p.m. The show is by Fever and features live music where the performers are illuminated by thousands of candles. Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/199456
Dec. 15, 2024 • Chilliwack's very first Tuba Christmas will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. in District 1881. Peruse the shops and stalls while musicians serenade people with tubas and euphoniums to spread holiday cheer and raise money for the BC SPCA. The organizer is looking for more tuba and euphonium players to join. Musicians can register at forms.gle/SWD3HMa5DsvVXUXe6.
Dec. 16, 2024 • Bring a book, take a book. Ready to give your personal library a refresh? Head to the Chilliwack Library for the Book Exchange Party, where you can gift someone a book from your collection and bring home another that is new to you. Participants encouraged to stay and socialize. It's on Monday, Dec. 16 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Registration required, please call or drop by to sign up. For ages 19+.
Dec. 21, 2024 • The Nutcracker by Ballet Victoria is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $39, with Patron Program discounts available, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).
Dec. 21, 2024 • The Unbranded Whitey Christmas is Dec. 21 at Corky's Irish Pub at 8:30 p.m. Whitey will be hitting the stage along with The Unbranded for a show of mixed genres. Tickets $10.92 and available at eventbrite.ca.
Dec. 21, 2024 • A Very Subdued Christmas with Robert Sarazin Blake is at Bozzini's Upstairs Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.). Suitable for kids and adults of all ages. Tickets $25.50 at Bozzini’s or call 604-792-0744 to reserve.
Dec. 21, 2024 • Author Frank Talaber will be having a book signing event at Dickens Sweets and Vintage Market (45945 Alexander Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. He will have gift-wrapped sets of his two series with him for purchase.
Dec. 22, 2024 • The Chilliwack Christmas Light Drive, an event by Fraser Valley OffRoad Toy Run, is Sunday, Dec. 22. The public is invited to decorate their vehicle with lights and decorations and take part in the event. All vehicles, horses and companies welcome. Meet on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Park and Ride (44049 Yale Rd.). Vehicles will be leaving at 6 p.m. sharp. The route ends at Chilliwack Alliance Church on Young Road. A mapped route and turn-by-turn directions will be posted the week of the event. For more, go to facebook.com/events/s/chilliwack-christmas-light-dri/1070633951422666.
Feb. 7 and 8, 2025 • All About Expos presents A Taste of the Valley at Chilliwack Heritage Park on Feb. 7 and 8. There will be all kinds of locally grown or made products, plus local brews, wines, ciders, and spirits. There will also be vegan and gluten-free sugar products, plus hot sauces, spices, baking, jerky, and more. Admission is $5. For more, go to allaboutexpos.com.
CURRENT EVENTS:
NOW to Dec. 16, 2024 • Paws 4 Stories is at the Chilliwack and Sardis libraries from Oct. 5 to Dec. 16. Reading to a four-legged buddy can help build confidence and increase self-esteem. Child-certified therapy dogs from St. John Ambulance are the perfect fit for those needing a friend to read to. Participants are asked to have a book picked out to read to the dog ahead of their 15-minute appointment. Call or drop by the library to schedule a session. It’s at the Chilliwack Library: Saturdays, Oct. 5 and 19, Nov. 2 and 16, and Dec. 7 and 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; and at the Sardis Library: Mondays, Oct. 7 to Dec. 16, (excluding Oct. 14 and Nov. 11) from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
NOW to Dec. 18, 2024 • Love to read and talk about books? Join the monthly BeTween Book Club to read books, have lively discussions, eat snacks and meet other book lovers. Recommended for ages nine to 12. It’s at the Chilliwack Library: Wednesdays, Oct. 30 (The Secret of Nightingale Wood by Lucy Strange), Nov. 27, and Dec. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
NOW 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.
NOW to Dec. 21, 2024 • The Chilliwack Visual Artists Association presents Christmas charity fundraiser A Gift of Art from Nov. 27 to Dec. 21 in the O'Connor Group Art Gallery at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Opening reception is Saturday, Nov. 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday.
NOW to Dec. 23, 2024 • Christmas at Greendale Acres runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 23. Attractions include Santa’s Workshop, arts and crafts area, Greendale Post Office where kids can write and send letters to Santa, a festive Greendale Express train tour of Christmas Light displays across the property, Christmas Market, entertainment, food and much more. Children can step inside Santa’s Workshop to become elf apprentices, crafting festive treasures before sending their letters at the Greendale Post Office. It's at 41905 Yale Rd. W. For more, go to greendaleacres.ca.
NOW to January 2025 • Stó:lō Salish weaving exhibit 'Salish Story Weavings of S'olh Temexw' is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre until January. 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.
NOW to Jan. 18, 2025 • The fifth annual Community Art Show is on display at the Chilliwack Museum from Oct. 17 to Jan. 18, 2025. This show is a yearly initiative produced in support of Culture Days, and includes submissions from Chilliwack artists in a wide range of mediums including painting, drawing, photography, textiles, and ceramics.
NOW to Feb. 22, 2025 • Exhibition 'Bats: Out of the Darkness' opened at the Chilliwack Museum on Oct. 31, with bat-related stories, info and photos that make a compelling reminder of how essential bats are to the environment. The museum is at 45820 Spadina Ave. and the exhibition is on until Feb. 22, 2025.
NOW to June 2025 • The Chilliwack Rhythm Reelers, a non-profit modern social square dance group, is 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.
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 Lynnwood Retirement Residence at 9168 Corbould St. 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.
