‘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 regularly.
UPCOMING EVENTS (see current and ongoing events further down):
May 28 to June 1, 2024 • People can see firsthand how artists create their work during a five-day live event at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Open Studio, an exhibition and demonstration by the Chilliwack Visual Artists Association runs Tuesday, May 28 to Saturday, June 1 from noon to 5 p.m. each day inside the O’Connor Group Art Gallery.
May 31, 2024 • The inaugural Chillith Fair, presented by Chillsounds, is set for Friday, May 31 at the Vineyard Centre at 7 p.m. The all-women fundraiser concert will feature performances by Aorangi (Ariana Smith), Desiree Walde, and trio Brittany Sovereign, Alexis Beer, and Katrina Barson. This is a 19+ show and tickets are $20 and available at eventcreate.com/e/chillith. This event will raise money for Wilma’s Transition Society.
May 31, 2024 • The Tayos band tour fundraiser concert is taking place at Bricklayer Brewing (101-46126 Yale Rd.) on Friday, May 31 from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. This concert will raise money to help the band take their show on the road. Tickets $17.31 and available online.
May 31, 2024 • Canadian charity Inasmuch presents an evening of inspiration called ‘Journey to Hope’ on Friday, May 31 at Chilliwack Alliance Church from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more info, or to reserve a free ticket, go to inasmuch.ca/journey-to-hope.
May 31 to June 2, 2024 • Yarrow Days returns for three days of entertainment and activities from May 31 to June 2. The weekend includes a farm market, parade, fun run, pancake breakfast, live music, a show and shine, brunch, church service and more. For more info, go to yarrowcommunity.com/yarrow-days-2.
June 1, 2024 • The 26th annual Gwynne Vaughan Park Plant Sale is on Saturday, June 1 at 46181 Hope River Rd. Head over to Gwynne Vaughan Park where there will be more than 30 vendors selling everything from plants and seeds to art and ornaments. There will also be food, a silent auction and live music. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more, go to gwynnevaughanpark.ca/plant-sale.
June 1, 2024 • The Chilliwack Spinners and Weavers Guild is having a 50th anniversary open house at their headquarters (9400 College St.) on Saturday, June 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This takes place at the same time as their exhibition Woven Together, which runs until June 8 at the Chilliwack Museum.
June 1, 2024 • Celebrate National Lawn Bowls Day during an open house at the Chilliwack Lawn Bowling Club on June 1. All ages are welcome to come for an introduction to this fun summer game. Free lessons and bowls are available for newcomers. The open house is at 9350 Edward St. and goes from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more, go to chilliwacklawnbowlingclub.com.
June 1, 2024 • Amethyst Books and Essence presents ‘Greetings from the Spirit Realm’ on Saturday, June 1 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 8989 Young Rd. Join empowerment medium Tara Diana as she invites participants’ loved ones, guides and helpers to come through and provide meaningful messages of encouragement, healing and enlightenment. Please note that this evening is considered a group demonstration and not everyone is guaranteed a message. Tickets $42 and must be purchased in advance. For more, call 604-792-3730.
June 4 to Aug. 27, 2024 • The Chilliwack Library presents ‘Babytime Read and Play’ for caregivers and babies on Tuesdays from June 4 to Aug. 27, running from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Enjoy a casual time of socializing, reading and playing. All participants receive an extra entry into the library’s Summer Reading Club draws. Geared for babies ages 0 to 18 months. Toys and books will be provided. This is a drop-in program.
June 4, 2024 • MLA Kelli Paddon is having a ‘Queens and Campaigns Bingo Night Fundraiser’ on Tuesday, June 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 101-45655 Tamihi Way. The campaign fundraiser will include drag queen performances, bingo, door prizes, and food. Tickets available at bcndp.ca/events.
June 6, 2024 • The Chilliwack Prostate Cancer Canada Network is hosting a group meeting for free over Zoom on Thursday, June 6 at 7 p.m. where there will be a presentation on an analysis surrounding the pelvic risk of secondary malignancies after radiation. Those wanting to attend can reach out to Dale Dale Erikson at dmerikson@shaw.ca.
June 6 and 20, 2024 • Looper show with T-Sean is June 6 and June 20 at Corky’s Irish Pub at 8 p.m.
June 7, 2024 • The inaugural Anonymous Art Show fundraiser for the Chilliwack Community Arts Council is on June 7 at three locations on Mill Street: Cornerstone Custom Picture Framing, Flashback Brewing and Harvest Café. More than 125 local artists have anonymously painted eight-inch-by-eight-inch canvases that will be on display that night and for sale as part of a three-hour silent auction from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, or online.
June 7, 2024 • The Steller’s Jay Lions Club is having a Spring Dinner and Dance fundraiser on Friday, June 7 at Mt. Cheam Hall (45580 Spadina Ave.). There will be a silent auction and a dessert raffle. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available by contacting Carol Gillette at 604-858-5716 or text/call 604-793-3209. All proceeds will benefit Heather’s Hope Chest.
June 8, 2024 • The Chilliwack Museum and Historical Society presents its annual Hops and Heritage Fundraiser on June 8. It runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chilliwack Museum. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door, with a $5 discount for Chilliwack Museum and Historical Society members. Admission includes one drink ticket, and more are available for purchase to help support the fundraiser. Minors can attend (for free) with a parent or legal guardian.
June 8, 2024 • The Carman United Church women’s group is having a Car Trunk Sale at the church (7258 Vedder Rd.) on June 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sellers rent a parking stall to sell items they are wanting to get rid of but keep their sale profits for themselves (or donate a portion to the church if they wish). Stall rental is $20 per vehicle. Sellers bring their own table or they may rent one from the church for $10. To reserve a spot, contact the church office at 604-858-3223 by June 5.
June 8, 2024 • Stan Giles returns to the Corky’s Irish Pub stage on June 8 at 9 p.m. Cover charge is $10.
June 9, 2024 • The Fraser Valley Classic Car Show is back in Chilliwack on Sunday, June 9 on the scenic grounds of the University of the Fraser Valley and Canada Education Park. There will also be food trucks and entertainment as well as craft displays. The event raises funds for the Chilliwack General Hospital. Admission is free and parking is by donation. For more information, go to FVCCS.ca.
June 14 to 16, 2024 • The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven is holding its first ever online silent auction, starting on Friday, June 14 at 9 a.m., June 14. It’s a 48 hour auction, ending at 9 a.m. on June 16. The Lower Mainland community has provided more than $20,000 worth of items to bid on. Check out the auction at: auctria.events/chilliwackanimalsafehaven. Bidders must register online in order to participate. All proceeds will go to ensuring the Safe Haven can continue looking after as many cats and kittens as possible by paying for vet bills (such as for spaying and neutering), and supplies like cat boxes, toys, dishes and food.
June 14, 2024 • Corky’s is going country on June 14. Put on your cowboy hat and slide your feet into those cowboy boots. DJ Jedi will be spinning country tunes at Corky’s Irish Pub starting at 9 p.m. No cover charge.
June 15, 2024 • The annual Ryder Lake Ramble is set for June 15. The ramble is a self-guided tour of farms and gardens in Ryder Lake, an historic farming community on the outskirts of Chilliwack nestled in the shadow of Elk Mountain. Check out ryderlakeramble.ca for more info closer to the date.
June 15, 2024 • The Compassionate Neighbourhood Health Partners Society is having is third annual fundraiser on Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Chilliwack Alliance Church (8700 Young Rd.). Money raised will go towards seniors’ programs offered by the society. The event includes a bake sale, barbecue lunch, plant sale, garage sale, bottle drive and kids’ creative corner. This is a cash-only event. Those wanting to volunteer can email cnhps.sdriannak@gmail.com or call Connie at 604-798-2023. To donate items for the garage sale (must be able to fit into a car trunk, and deadline is June 6 at noon) call John Hanson at 604-819-5846. For more info on this fundraiser, go to cnhpsociety.com.
June 15, 2024 • It’s Saturday night karaoke ’80s style at Corky’s Irish Pub on June 15. Back comb those bangs and bring a can of Final Net hairspray.
June 21, 2024 • Join others on International Day of Yoga and help support people in need on June 21 during ‘Yoga for the Food Bank,’ a family-friendly vinyasa yoga class at Central Community Park on June 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will be led by Lindsay Maple from Oxygen Yoga and Fitness. Admission is a donation for the Salvation Army Food Bank. The class will end with a sound bath savasana by The Offering.
June 22, 2024 • The Corky’s Irish Pub stage will see Sanctuary return on June 22 at 9 p.m. Cover charge is $10.
July 7, 2024 • Maryland’s Justin Lev, who performs as Eli Lev will be performing in Chilliwack on July 7 at Bricklayer Brewing starting at 4 p.m.
July 13, 2024 • Band Chase the Bear plays at Corky’s Irish Pub on July 13 at 8:30 p.m. Cover charge $15.
July 20, 2024 • It’s Saturday night karaoke at Corky’s Irish Pub on July 20 starting at 9 p.m.
Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2024 • The annual Chilliwack Mural Festival returns to the downtown core from Thursday, Aug. 15 to Saturday, Aug. 17. The event will include guided tours, live music, and vendors. For more, go to chilliwackmuralfestival.com.
Sept. 13, 2024 to June 2025 • The Chilliwack Rhythm Reelers, a non-profit modern social square dance group, are starting beginner classes on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at Atchelitz Hall. 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.
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.
CURRENT EVENTS:
Now to May 31, 2024 • Praxis Learning International is seeking hosts to welcome international students aged nine to 14 for two-week stays during their summer camps. The dates of the camps are: June 30 to July 13, July 16-29, and July 29 to Aug. 12. Hosts need to sign up by May 31. Contact Julia Brotherston, host family co-ordinator with Praxis Learning International, at 604-316-7225 or brotherstonjulia@gmail.com. For more, go to praxislearninginternational.com/homestay.
Now to May 2024 • The Chilliwack Rhythm Reelers is offering square dancing and round dancing classes until May 2024, and the first three classes are free. The classes will take place every Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Atchelitz Hall on Lickman Road. Classes are open to people of all ages from five years old and older. After the first three free classes, cost is $8 for adults and $6 for teens. For more info, email Michelle at bcbubbles68@gmail.com or call 604-997-8548. People can drop-in, or call/email ahead.
Now to June 5, 2024 • Chat-R (Reconciliation) is a series of online chats hosted by UFV and running from Jan. 3 to June 5. People are invited to chat online about reconciliation, decolonization, Indigenization, or anything associated with reconciliation. Sessions are scheduled via Zoom for the first Wednesday of the month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. with a different topic each week. Schedule: Jan. 3 – Ribbon Skirt Day – What does it mean and why should I know? Feb. 7 – Truths vs. Realities of Indigenous Peoples. March 6 – Systemic Racism: What can I do? April 3 – Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples/BC and Canada. May 1 – Murdered and Missing Indigenous Woman and Girls/Moosehide Campaign. June 5 – National Indigenous Peoples Day – How can I get involved? For more info and to register, go to events.ufv.ca/tlc/events/chat-r-reconciliation-5.
Now to June 8, 2024 • Woven Together, an exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of the Chilliwack Spinners and Weavers Guild runs Thursday, Feb. 29 to Saturday, June 8 at the Chilliwack Museum (45820 Spadina Ave.). The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, $3 for youth (age 13-17), and free for children age 12 and under. Admission is free for everyone on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Now to June 8, 2024 • Our Journey for Inclusion: 70 Years of Innovation, an exhibition highlighting the history of inclusion for people with developmental disabilities, is on display at the Chilliwack Museum from Jan. 25 to June 8. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors/students, $3 for youth (age 13-17), and free for children age 12 and under. Admission is free for everyone on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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.
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.
