‘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):
Nov. 27 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.
Nov. 30, 2024 • The annual Chilliwack Rotary Christmas Parade returns to the streets of downtown on Saturday, Nov. 30 starting at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers with the Chilliwack Salvation Army will be collecting monetary donations; they will accept cash and will have Square available so people can donate by tapping their credit/debit cards. The parade will be live-streamed by G.W. Graham Secondary School.
Nov. 30, 2024 • The annual Tea and Bake Sale, hosted by the Camp River Ladies Circle, is Saturday, Nov. 30 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp River Hall (50246 Camp River Rd.). Admission is a minimum donation of $5 at the door, and that includes refreshments and baked goods at the tables. The afternoon will include raffles, local vendors, a craft market, community social, donation box and a wrapped mystery Christmas present table. Money raised will go towards resurfacing the floors and replacing/updating the fire alarm system.
Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2024 • The Maybelles bring fall show Oh, What A Night to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. This all-women group from Chilliwack will perform hits from the '60s and '70s. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 and 3 p.m. on Dec. 1. Tickets $35 for general admission and $20 for kids aged 12 and under, and available at the cultural centre, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW (7469).
Nov. 30, 2024 • There will be a bake sale and more at Carman United Church on Saturday, Nov. 30. In addition to home baking, there will be puzzles for sale, plus gently used Christmas decor and linens. The event is inside the church hall at 7258 Webb Ave., and it runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Coffee will be served.
Nov. 30, 2024 • The annual Ryder Lake Christmas Craft Fair is Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ryder Lake Hall. Free admission, door prizes and refreshments, plus local, unique vendors.
Nov. 30, 2024 • Valley Toyota is holding a garage sale fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 9 a.m. at 8750 Young Rd. For sale that day will be: automotive parts, toys, items donated by staff, household goods, and more. Every dollar supports the Chilliwack Salvation Army's March to $1 Million campaign which goes towards programs, purchasing food, facility maintenance, and expanding family services.
Nov. 30, 2024 • Greendale Pottery by Holly McKeen is having its annual Christmas sale on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The studio and shop are located at 110-45473 Ariel Pl. For more, call Holly McKeen at 604-846-6440 or go to hollymckeenpottery.com
Dec. 1, 2024 • Westbow presents Christmas at Cedarbrook on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 45434 Willowstream Rd. Enjoy a cosy market in the Discovery Centre, live music by Etienne Siew and coffee/food trucks. Don't miss the visit from Santa between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. People can also enter to win a fire pit. This is a free event.
Dec. 3, 2024 • Buddy's Holly Jolly Christmas, presented by the Original Legends of Rock'n'Roll, is at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Tickets $62 and available at the cultural centre, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW (7469).
Dec. 3 to 7, 2024 • Sardis Secondary School presents The Comedy of Errors, a Shakespeare adaptation, from Tuesday, Dec. 3 to Saturday, Dec. 7. Show times: 7 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7; and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Dec. 7. Tickets are $15 for the evening shows and $10 for the matinee. Tickets available at the school office at 45460 Stevenson Rd. For more, call the school at 604-858-9424.
Dec. 5, 2024 • The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation hosts 'It's a Wonderful Breakfast' on Dec. 5 at Chartwell Lynnwood Retirement Residences (9168 Corbould St.) from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. This sit-down buffet breakfast will raise money to help buy equipment, pay for programming and more at Chilliwack General Hospital and other hospitals in the Fraser Valley. They will also be collecting toys (no donations of stuffed animals) and toiletries to benefit children and youth in the hospital. Tickets are $30. For more: fvhcf.ca/breakfast.
Dec. 6 to 8, 2024 • All About Expos presents the annual Christmas Gifts Expo at Chilliwack Heritage Park Dec. 6 to 8. Hours are 1 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. There will be hourly door prizes for people who bring non-perishable food items for the food bank. Admission is $5 for the entire weekend, and it's free admission for kids aged five and under. For more, go to allaboutexpos.com.
Dec. 6 to 8, 2024 • The Art from the Heart Student Art Sale is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 7, 2024 • The annual Shred-A-Thon and Food Drive event from City of Chilliwack is on Dec. 7 in the parking lot of the Chilliwack Coliseum starting at 10:30 a.m. Donations to the Chilliwack Salvation Army Food Bank will be accepted. Residents of Chilliwack can bring up to a maximum of 10 boxes per household, all no larger than banker box size.
Dec. 7, 2024 • The Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary is holding a bake sale and knitting sale on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lions Community Hall at 9233 Main St. The raffle baskets will be drawn as well. They have more than $3,300 in prizes to give away. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Purchase tickets at the Thrift Shoppe at 9236 Main St, or email info@chilliwackhospitalauxiliary.ca.
Dec. 7, 2024 • The 31st annual Remax Nyda Realty drive-thru Toy House runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1-7300 Vedder Rd. They are collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for kids. There is an extra need for gifts for teenagers. Those who can't attend the event on Dec. 7 can drop off in advance at the same location from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash donations are also being accepted.
Dec. 7, 2024 • The annual Drive-Thru Toy Drive, hosted by Elements Casino and Art of Driving School, is Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the casino (8180 Young Rd.). They are accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys, gift cards for teens, financial donations and more. There will be a complimentary breakfast for donors. All toys and financial contributions will go to Chilliwack Community Services for its Christmas Sharing Program which supplies toy hampers for children in need.
Dec. 7, 2024 • The Salvation Army Santa Shuffle fundraiser is Saturday, Dec. 7 at Vedder Park. There's a five-kilometre fun run and a one-kilometre elf walk along the Rotary Trail. Register online at raceroster.com/events/2024/89671/santa-shuffle-fun-run-and-elf-walk-2024-chilliwack or on the day of. The run is at 9 a.m. with a race briefing at 8:45 a.m.
Dec. 7, 2024 • It’ll be an evening of Sxwō:xwiyám origin stories presented by Ch’íyáqtel First Nation during ‘A Stó:lō New Year Celebration’ on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Vineyard Centre (45892 Wellington Ave.) at 7 p.m. Carrielynn Victor will speak about the history of the Xwchíyò:m (Cheam) people and the importance of understanding that all of us have a relationship to nurture with the mountain goat of Mt. Cheam. There will also be local Indigenous artistic performances. This is an all-ages event. Tickets: checkout.eventcreate.com/stolonewyear/select-buy.
Dec. 7, 2024 • The Yarrow Volunteer Society is inviting people to have breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7. It runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Yarrow Community Centre (4670 Community St.). There will be pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries, plus coffee and juice. There will also be a cookie-decorating station and craft table. Cost: $5 for adults and $2 for kids under the age of 12. Free for tots under the age of 5.
Dec. 8, 2024 • It's A Traditional Christmas with the Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets $45/adults and $40/seniors and students. Tickets available at the cultural centre, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW (7469).
Dec. 8, 2024 • The Feral Bee Market presents A Fun Family Holiday Drum Circle on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hand drums will be provided for this festive drum circle. Facilitator Rhonda Bruce will guide people through easy-to-follow rhythms, interactive games and lively sing-alongs. No previous experience necessary. This is for ages six and up. Tickets $20 per person. It’s at 4121 Columbia Valley Rd., across from the water slides. Free parking. Text Rhonda to register at 604-578-1992.
Dec. 9, 2024 • Come in your ugliest sweater to the Christmas Puzzle Contest at the Sardis Library on Monday, Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register as a team of up to four, or sign up individually and library staff will do their best to add you to a team. Prizes will be awarded to the team that completes the puzzle fastest. The 500-piece puzzle is best suited for adults, however, children 10 and up can register if they are accompanied by an adult. Registration required, call or drop by the Sardis library to sign up.
Dec. 10, 2024 • Winter Harp returns to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $49 with discounts for those in the Patron Program and available at the cultural centre, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW (7469).
Dec.10, 2024 • A Chilliwack Christmas Celebration, featuring the Chilliwack Community Band and Fraser Valley Community Winds, is Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for seniors and youth. There are also family discounts. Tickets available online at https://www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca/ccc-event/a-chilliwack-christmas-celebration/.
Dec. 11, 2024 • Head to the library for Christmas Cheer with the Chilliwack Harmony Chorus on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Members of the Chilliwack Harmony Chorus will be at the Sardis Library from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. celebrating the season – barbershop style. Everyone is welcome to join for holiday refreshments and Christmas music. This is a drop-in event.
Dec. 12, 2024 • Get creative with Makedo and collaboratively help construct a giant cardboard gingerbread house and Christmas tree. This event is at the Sardis Library on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cardboard and crafting supplies are provided. Makedo fosters imaginative play, all through STEAM learning. This activity is suitable for children ages six and up with their families. Registration required. Please call or stop by the Sardis Library to register.
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 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. 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 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. 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. 1, 2024 • The Chilliwack Players Guild brings Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre stage Nov. 21 to Dec. 1. Show times: Nov. 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m., and matinees on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets $30/adults and $27.50/seniors and students. Tickets available at the cultural centre, online at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or by calling 604-391-SHOW (7469).
NOW to Dec. 6, 2024 • A mobile mammography service is coming to Chilliwack from Nov. 25 to Dec. 6 at two locations. BC Cancer's mammography vehicle will be at Evergreen Hall (9291 Corbould St.) Nov. 25-27, and Chilliwack City Hall (8550 Young Rd.) Dec. 2-6. To book an appointment, 1-800-663-9203 is the best way, since the online booking service is temporarily unavailable.
NOW to Dec. 8, 2024 • Raymond Maher will have a book signing for his new book Trapped at Birth with Only One Way Out on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Chilliwack Curling Club (9291 Corbould St) from. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It's a suspense, thriller and mystery about a man on the run from two deadly enemies. He will also be at other events/locations in Chilliwack: Saturday, Nov. 9 and Saturday, Nov. 16 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (8871 School St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day; Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Chilliwack Opportunity Society's Christmas Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10135 Williams Rd.; Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Christmas Gifts Expo at Chilliwack Heritage Park (7590 Lickman Rd.). For more info, including links to buy his book, go to raymondmaher.com.
NOW to Dec. 10, 2024 • The Chilliwack Library hosts STEAM Tween Tuesdays once a month for kids in Grades 4 to 7. Sessions run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 22, Nov. 19, and Dec. 10. Oct 22: Climate action week – build a model of your own sustainable, climate-friendly town. Nov. 19: Binary coding – learn the language of computers. We will show you how to add in binary numbers and how to spell your name in binary form using beads. Dec 10: Zipline reindeer – examine the effects of friction, gravity and air resistance on a reindeer as they are raced against each other.
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. 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.
