‘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):
Jan. 2 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. The opening reception is Saturday, Jan. 4 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday. Admission is free.
Jan. 3 and 9, 2025 • Fraser Valley Junk Solutions will be collecting real Christmas trees from residences in Chilliwack and Abbotsford as part of its 'Ten Buck Pick Up' program with all money going to the food bank. Pickup dates are Jan. 3 and 9. People have to sign up online to arrange pickup. Go to fraservalleyjunksolutions.ca.
Jan. 4, 2025 • Chilliwack's two Scouts Canada groups, 1st Fairfield and 6th Chilliwack, are having a bottle drive on Saturday, Jan. 4. People can drop off donations at the Scouts Hall (47130 Hope River Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at Carman United Church (7258 Vedder Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both groups will also be going door-to-door to collect. This helps fund camping trips, events, gear and other activities.
Jan. 4 to 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.'
Jan. 6, 2025 • 'Introduction to Snowshoeing' with the Chilliwack Outdoor Club is at the Sardis Library on Monday, Jan. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Topics include: selecting the best snowshoes for the local mountain conditions, footwear choices, clothing choices (layering), essential equipment to carry, safe winter group travel, places to snowshoe, other sources of information on snowshoeing and wilderness safety. The club will have their complete snowshoe 'kit' for display, and participants will be able to handle and inspect the equipment.
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. 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. 28, 2025 • Monthly Poetry Night at the Sardis Library. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
