‘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.
UPCOMING EVENTS (see current and ongoing events further down):
Jan. 10 and 23, 2025 • Join a book club at the Chilliwack Library. The Friday Morning Book Club gathers on Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the Thursday Night Book Club meets Jan. 23 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join in for lively discussions of selected titles. Chosen books will change monthly and copies are provided by the library. Drop in.
Jan. 11 and 25, 2025 • Paws 4 Stories returns to the Chilliwack Library (Saturdays) and Sardis Library (Mondays). Reading to a four-legged buddy can help build confidence and increase self-esteem. St. John Ambulance - SJA 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. It's at the Chilliwack Library on Jan. 11 and 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and at the Sardis Library from Jan. 13 to March 10 (excluding Feb. 17) from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Jan. 13 to Feb. 10, 2025 • Infant Massage is at the Chilliwack Library on Mondays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This five-week program is led by a certified infant massage instructor. Benefits for babies may include stimulation, interaction, relaxation and relief. Participants are asked to bring a blanket and waterproof changing mat. People will be given a bottle of massage oil to keep and use to practice with their baby at home.
Jan. 14, 2025 • Toastmasters: From Resolution to Results is at the Chilliwack Library on Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn effective public speaking tips, improve communication skills, and enjoy a live demo meeting to see the Toastmaster’s club techniques in action. Refreshments will be provided. Online registration required. Ages 18+.
Jan. 15, 2025 • The Taoist Tai Chi Open House is on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Landing Sports Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the loft (45530 Spadina Ave.). Everyone is welcome to try an introductory session. For more, email fraservalley@taoist.org.
Jan. 17, 2025 • The Friday Every Day Café for Seniors is at the Chilliwack Library on Jan. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Seniors are welcome to join others for activities, light refreshments and occasionally special guests. Drop in.
Jan. 17 to 19, 2025 • The 2025 Chilliwack Home, Leisure and Outdoor Living Expo runs Jan. 17 to 19 at Chilliwack Heritage Park. The event includes various vendors, and interior and exterior products including: swimming pools, solar items, custom closets, sun rooms and much more. Speakers include gardening guru Brian Minter, and Dennis Trill with the Chilliwack Fire Department who will offer home safety information. Hours are: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
Jan. 18, 2025 • The Chilliwack Players Guild presents radio play French Poison by Austin Stone on Saturday, Jan. 18 for two shows in the Rotary Hall Studio Theatre at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Show times are 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The play was written in 1954 for the BBC but never aired. This will be the first time it has ever been heard or seen since it was written. Tickets are $15 and available at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW.
Jan. 24, 2025 • Brandon Isaak performs with Jack Garton on Friday, Jan. 24 at Bozzini's Upstairs Lounge for two concerts. Early show at 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.); late show at 9 p.m. (doors open at 8 p.m.). Tickets available at Bozzini’s or call 604-792-0744 to reserve by phone.
Jan. 24, 2024 • Children can sign up for the Kids Spelling Bee which takes place at the Chilliwack Library on Friday, Jan. 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kids in Grades 2 to 4 can test their spelling skills, have fun, and compete for exciting prizes. This is a great way to boost confidence and show off word power. Sign up by yourself, or in a team of four, to compete against other teams for the grand prize. This is for students in Grades 2 to 4. Registration is required. Call or drop by to sign up.
Jan. 25, 2025 • The Fraser Valley Thrift Market is at Chilliwack Heritage Park on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It'll be a day of thrifting, vintage finds, and unique collectibles. Admission is $2, and kids under the age of 10 get in for free.
Jan. 27, 2025 • Head to the Sardis Library for Family Literacy Day Storytime on Monday, Jan. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. This very special storytime features a library staff member rapping two books and using other unique story-telling techniques. This will be followed by Family Literacy Day activities to take home. Drop in.
Jan. 27, 2025 • The Chilliwack Library has its Seed Cups event on Monday, Jan. 27 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It's all part of Family Literacy Day where folks will learn to be green, together. People can join this fun family program any time to plant seeds in a compostable cup to take home and plant. This is a hands-on, creative activity for all ages to enjoy. Drop in.
Jan. 28, 2025 • Monthly Poetry Night is at the Sardis Library on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring your favourite work to read aloud in a safe, inclusive and comfortable setting. Read your own poems or choose something from the library. Writing activities and discussions as time allows. Hosted by Chilliwack Progress editor Jessica Peters. Coffee and tea will be provided. For ages 19+, drop in. Email jessicamurdy@yahoo.ca for more information. This month features special guest local singer/songwriter Andrew Christopher.
Jan. 28, 2025 • Catherine MacLellan, accompanied by Tim Leacock, performs on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Bozzini's Upstairs Lounge at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Tickets available at Bozzini’s or call 604-792-0744 to reserve by phone.
Jan. 29, 2025 • Love to read and talk about books? Youth can join the monthly BeTween Book Club at the Chilliwack Library as they read books, have lively discussions, eat snacks and meet other book lovers. Recommended for kids aged nine to 12. Registration required. Drop by to sign up and pick up a copy of this month’s book. It's on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1, 2025 • Two tribute artists will be gracing the stage at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Saturday, Feb. 1. Totally Twain (Shania Twain) and Classic Ronstadt (Linda Ronstadt) perform at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $55.25 and available at the Centre Box Office, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).
Feb. 3, 2025 • A modern dance performance by a cutting-edge Canadian choreographer is coming to Chilliwack. Marie Chouinard – Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Rite of Spring is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Feb. 3 at 7:30. This show includes adult situations and partial nudity. Tickets are $49, 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).
Feb. 5, 2025 • Stó:lō Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training (SASET) is having a career fair on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chilliwack Landing Sports Centre (45530 Spadina Ave.). Everyone is welcome and there will be door prizes.
Feb. 6, 2025 • Whispers of Persia, a concert by the Amir Amiri Ensemble, is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32, 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).
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. Hours are: Friday, Feb. 7 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5. For more, go to allaboutexpos.com.
Feb. 8, 2025 • The Chilliwack Hiring and Post-Secondary Education Expo by Black Press Media is Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel (45920 First Ave.). The event features 38 exhibitors. Admission is free.
Feb. 15, 2025 • Chilliwack punk band Joanie Loves Chachi performs with fellow punk group The Bobby's at Corky's Irish Pub on Saturday, Feb. 15. They will be performing their multi-award winning songs. Music starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets $10 and available at the door only (cash or card).
Feb. 18, 2025 • Hubby Jenkins performs at Bozzini's Upstairs Lounge on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.). Tickets available at Bozzini’s or call 604-792-0744 to reserve by phone.
Feb. 28 to March 2, 2025 • The Fraser Valley Women's Expo runs Feb. 28 to March 1 at Chilliwack Heritage Park. There will be more than 200 booths featuring beauty, fashion, art, food and giveaways. There's also a fashion show and various speakers. Hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
March 21, 2025 • The Multicultural Banquet Without Borders fundraiser by Love Without Borders is Friday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. It will be an evening of multicultural food and entertainment to celebrate Nowruz, and raise money for the Building Bridges Initiative to build off-the-ground tiny homes for people in need. Tickets are $55 and include dinner and nonalcoholic beverages. Includes silent auction and more. Doors opens at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m.
July 5, 2025 • The all-ages Controlled Chaos Music Festival is Saturday, July 5 at the Chilliwack Coliseum starting at 2 p.m. Bands include: Big Duke Sorrow, The Bobby's, Cows Go Moo, Whitey, Tayos, The Unbranded, Strawberry Blondes and The Darkest of the Hillside Thickets. The event also includes: on-site tattooing, food and drinks, a local artist/vendor market, skateboarding ramps and demos, and a kids' zone with games, face painting and more. Tickets available at showpass.com/controlled-chaos-music-festival-5.
CURRENT EVENTS:
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 Jan. 25, 2025 • Kids aged 12 to 18 can sign up for a novel-writing workshop that runs for four Saturdays at the Chilliwack Library. 'Unleash Your Imagination' is Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Led by the young-adult author of the Hazel's Shadow series, Nicole MacCarron will guide youth through the creative process, from brainstorming ideas to crafting compelling characters and plotting a story. Kids will learn: story structure, character creation and dialogue, tips for overcoming writer's block, and publishing options. Online registration required, please plan to commit to all four sessions when signing up online at fvrl.bc.ca under 'events.'
NOW to Feb. 1, 2025 • 'Iterations: Explorations in Cloth and Clay' featuring sculptures by Ted Driediger and textiles by Lois Klassen is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre from Jan. 2 to Feb. 1. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Admission is free.
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.
