Events

Reading Buddies is a program that pairs high school or adult volunteers with kids in Grades 1 to 4 who need extra help. Sign up begins in September, and we will continue matching up buddies until Spring 2016.To learn more, call or visit the Chilliwack library.

Reading Buddies is a program that pairs high school or adult volunteers with kids in Grades 1 to 4 who need extra help. Sign up begins in September, and we will continue matching up buddies until Spring 2016. To learn more, call or visit the Chilliwack library.

Minds in Motion® is a fitness and social program for people experiencing early stage memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease or another dementia and a friend, family member or care partner.

To register call: 604 - 824 - 0231 or drop by the front desk at Cheam Leisure centre

This Free Yoga Class in Chilliwack, has a different teacher every week and is available to all levels. At Studio B Yoga we encourage a mindful and balanced lifestyle and believe yoga should be available to anyone. Gently flow through your practice while working on poses. This class accommodates a wide range of experience levels from beginner to students that have practiced for a long period of time. The class works on a balance between strength and flexibility while building endurance and improving your breathing and posture. You are welcome to join this free class every Saturday or experience a variety of other classes Studio B Yoga has to offer. We have all the mats and props you may need for the class and we ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes early to sign a waiver if it is your first class,  and get settled.  Please refer to our studio page for  other frequently asked questions and studio courtesy information you may have regarding this class and our facility.

Get the support to help you quit smoking for good! Run to Quit is an innovative 10-week smoking cessation program where participants learn to walk or run 5K while receiving practical support on quitting smoking.

The Canadian Cancer Society has partnered with the Running Room to bring our respective expertise to Run to Quit, an innovative program that teaches tobacco users how to use running as a way to effectively quit smoking. We piloted Run to Quit in Ontario and the results speak for themselves: Run to Quit participants were 7 times more likely to successfully quit smoking than those who tried to quit cold turkey. If a 10-week Learn to Run/Quit Program doesn’t sound like your thing but you like the ideas of quitting, you can Commit to Quit and still be eligible for the contest! Why should you Run to Quit!? 1. Participants are 7x more likely to quit smoking than those trying on their own. 2. Scared to gain weight while trying to quit? Staying active will help offset those pounds. 3. You will receive motivational support from our Quit Coaches. 4. Oh and ... you could win a 2016 Ford Focus or $1000! Register by April 23, 2016 at www.RuntoQuit.com or by calling 1-888-939-3333.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a national event that occurs at YMCAs all across the country on May 1st. Our event this year is being held on Sunday, May 1st from 10am-3pm at the Chilliwack Family YMCA on Hocking Avenue to promote healthy living, healthy activities and healthy choices to children and their families in our local community. There will be fun active and creative activities for families as well as face paint, healthy snack, and a bouncy castle!

Fund raiser for the Alzheimer Society of BC. Indoor walk 2 to 4 pm. Family event, raffle, prizes, etc.

Create a team. Help make an impact on the lives of the 747,000 Canadians affected by Alzheimer's disease & other dementias.

Mondays, May 2 – June 13, (excluding May 23), 10:30 - 11 am. Introduce kids to the love of books and language with storytime! Children and caregivers sill enjoy interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and more. Storytime prepares children to learn to read.

You have to be nuts to take counselor and stand-up comic David Granirer’s Stand Up For Mental Health program where he teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness, but the results can be life-changing! This hilarious show looks at the lighter side of taking meds, dealing with addictions, seeing counselors, getting diagnosed and surviving the mental health system. Tickets are $ 10.00 each. All proceeds benefit the Chilliwack Youth Health Centre.

Inked Copper Pendant & Earrings. Join Green Pear Designs own Janet and Donna in creating your very own copper pendant and earrings using alcohol and opaque inks. Learn new etching and creative techniques that you can use in your very own jewellery designs. Please bring a $25 material fee to be paid directly to the instructor. Ages: Adult Tuesday, May 3, 6:30-9pm, Cost: $30, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

Tuesdays, May 3 – 17, 10:30 am - 11:00 am. Introduce kids to the love of books and language with storytime! Children and caregivers sill enjoy interactive stories, songs, rhymes, and more. Storytime prepares children to learn to read.

Advanced Crochet. Learn even more crochet tips and tricks in this fun and interactive class designed with instructors Sidrah and Nasrin Ahmad. Perfect for students who know a thing or two or have taken our “Beginners Crochet” class in March! Ages: 13-Adult, Wed. May 4, 3pm – 5pm. Cost: $35, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

Conversation Circles, Wednesdays, 7 – 8:30 pm. Are you an adult trying to improve your spoken English? Would you like to meet new friends in the community? The Chilliwack and Sardis Libraries, in partnership with the Chilliwack Learning Society, host free, drop-in Conversation Circles.

Mental Health Awareness Fundraiser May 4th from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Vita Bella Bistro. Fine dining experience, live music, comedy acts, speakers and silent auction.

For ticket information contact Valerie Moschetti at 604-846-5001 or [email protected].

Chilliwack International Film Series – Spring 2016 Wednesdays 7:00 PM at Cottonwood 4 Cinemas May 4 – 45 Years UK - Drama, Romance [PG] 95 min, Director: Andrew Haigh. A married couple preparing to celebrate their wedding anniversary receive shattering news that promises to forever change the course of their lives. Cast: Charlotte Rampling, Tom Courtenay. Save with a Series Pass: $30 for all 6 films plus bonus ShortFest Pass. On sale at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd.), the Book Man (45939 Wellington Rd) & Cottonwood 4 Cinemas (45380 Luckakuck Way). *$6 individual admission at door Next in the 2016 Spring Series: Special ShortFest Night: May 11 Visit chilliwackartscouncil.com for more details.

Wednesdays, May 4-18, 10:30 - 11 am (registration required for this session). Making language fun! Start early with babytime. Help your baby develop speech and language skills – enjoy bouncing, singing and rhyming with stories. Babytime is a fun, social bonding activity for babies AND caregivers.

2 pm – 3 pm. Join the Friends of the Chilliwack Library on the first Wednesday of every month. This volunteer organization supports the library through advocacy, fundraising and assistance with various projects and programs. New friends are always welcome!

Wednesdays, May 4 – 18, 10:30 am – 11 am. Please note: while registration is not required for this free program, space is limited. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. Making language fun! Start early with babytime. Help your baby develop speech and language skills – enjoy bouncing, singing and rhyming with stories. Babytime is a fun, social bonding activity for babies AND caregivers.

7:00 pm - In this FREE one-hour humorous and highly informative presentation, Chilliwack Mental Health clinician, Lenore Smith, R.N., will answer questions on the subject of stress. Explore what happens to you physically, emotionally and psychologically when you don’t manage your stress. Enhance your coping skills and learn of the resources available in our community.

Spring into Colour. Students will learn painting techniques bringing spring to life on the canvas. We will use the inspiration of flowers and trees of the season. Ages: 7-12, Two Part Series, Thurs. May 5 & Thurs. May 12 3:30pm-5pm. Cost: $35, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

Adult Birch. It’s as easy as one, two, TREE! Learn to paint the majestic Birch Tree with instructor Steph Brubaker. You will be guided to create and take home an acrylic and mixed media painting made by you! All materials are provided. Ages: 13 to Adult, Saturday, May 7, 10am-12pm. Cost: $25, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

Adult Drawing Basics, 4 part series. Learn the basics of drawing with award winning artist Julie Epp! Students will learn to draw from a still life set, using graphite, ink, charcoal, and chalk. They will then continue to explore these materials in drawing from photographs, and then drawing a scene outside in nature. The class will teach them important aspects of drawing including line, negative/positive space, value, texture, and composition. Participants will take home their own starter kit to help them keep creating once the class is over. Ages: Adult, Sat. May 7, 2pm-4pm Sat. May 21, 2pm-4pm Sat. June 4, 10am-12pm Sat. June 25, 10am-12pm. Cost: $60, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

Let's take steps together towards good health. Get moving with local doctors and our Mayor! Walk with your Doc and your Mayor, celebrates daily movement for better health. Doctors, other health care professionals and our City representatives are walking side-by-side with their patients and the public. Receive a free pedometer when you sign up.

Mondays, excluding Stat Holidays, 7 pm – 8:30 pm. Are you an adult trying to improve your spoken English? Would you like to meet new friends in the community? The Chilliwack and Sardis Libraries, in partnership with the Chilliwack Learning Society, host free, drop-in Conversation Circles.

Clay Confections. Two Day Class. Come along and make your very own tiny dessert from polymer clay with instructor Steph Brubaker. Get messy making cakes, cookies and more with a cherry on top! Each child will take home one tiny (non-edible) dessert. Ages: 7 to 12, Tuesday, May 10, 3:30pm – 5pm, Tuesday, May 17, 3:30pm – 5pm. Cost: $35, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

3 pm – 5 pm. Love LEGO and board games? Come play, create, and experiment. We have the LEGO, you bring your imagination! LEGO and More is a fun drop in program for all ages.

3:30 – 4:30 pm. Love LEGO? Come play, create, and experiment. We have the LEGO, you bring your imagination! LEGO club is a fun time for kids ages 7 to 12 so come on in and join us. Upon arrival, please sign up for the day at the information desk. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Chilliwack International Film Series – Spring 2016 Wednesdays 7:00 PM at Cottonwood 4 Cinemas May 11 – ShortFest. Featuring an exclusive selection of thought-provoking short films from around the world! Please note seating is limited. A bonus to Series Pass holders! Series Passes are $30 for all 6 films plus bonus ShortFest Pass. On sale at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd.), the Book Man (45939 Wellington Rd) & Cottonwood 4 Cinemas (45380 Luckakuck Way). *$6 individual admission at door Visit chilliwackartscouncil.com for more details.

Embroidery for Beginners. Learn the classic art form of embroidery with Sidrah and Nasrin Ahmad. Get a handle on tips, tricks and techniques and take home your very own embroidered artwork! Perfect for beginners or those looking for a refresher course. Ages: Adult, Wed. May 11, 5pm-7pm. Cost: $35, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

School fundraiser hosted by PAC BBQ - concessions, live music, carnival games, silent auction, raffle and door prizes!

Look up Strathcona elementary spring carnival on Facebook event page

Inspired by true events, this free, community-directed theatre production addresses the realities faced by youth, both Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal. It touches on many poignant topics, such as gender identity, bullying, substance abuse, mental health, depression and suicide as well as Canadian History, and Reconciliation.

Celebrate Canadian artists with an evening of music made famous by Anne Murray, Celine Dion, Bryan Adams and many more. Let us stir up some memories as you revisit such favorites as My Heart Will Go On, Snowbird, Summer of 69 and All For Love. Tickets at Eventbrite.ca

Come join us at our 2nd annual fun and informative event for kids of all ages and an event for the whole family! There's programs, services and products for families all under one roof! We'll also have a bouncy castle, face painting, special guests walking around and many interactive booths for the kids to enjoy! Admission is $3. Children 5 and under are FREE. Sunday May 14th and Sunday May 15th from 10-4pm.

New this year is our youth entrepreneurs. Students from our community are trying there hand owning and operating a business. Many of the business in Chilliwack are helping this to happen.

Over 100 recovered bikes will be up for auction on Saturday May 14, 2016 at Bernard Elementary School. Come out and preview the bikes at 9 am on May 14th and the auction will begin at 10 am and end when all bikes are gone. Some bikes are gently used but some just need a bit of tlc. All proceeds from the auction will support all programs offered by Chilliwack Restorative Justice & Youth Advocacy Association. During the Bike Auction on Saturday May 14, 2016 we will be accepting donations of bottles and cans. Drop off all your bottles and cans at Bernard School between 9 am and noon. We will recycle and use the proceeds to support our programs in the local schools helping at risk youth. It is a win win for everyone! We will also have a display of original artwork which was produced by local art students in School District 33. For every donation made, the donor receives a beautifully crafted 5"x 8" piece of art of your choice. Chilliwack Restorative Justice has just launched two new prevention programs in partnership with School District 33 and all funds received will help grow and develop these programs: R.E.A.C.H.- an alternative to suspension; focused on repairing harm, restoring relationships and reintegrating into the school in a positive, effective manner. Talking Circles- dialogue and activities around underlying issues relating to crime and conflict.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Love LEGO? Come play, create, and experiment. We have the LEGO, you bring your imagination! LEGO club is a fun time for kids ages 7 to 12 so come on in and join us. Upon arrival, please sign up for the day at the information desk. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Corks & Canvas. Looking for a unique way to uncork your creativity? Come join us in an evening full of artsy fun with friends as we create and sample wine. Local artist, Pat Gerlach, will lead you step by step through the process of unleashing your inner Van Gogh. Paint, canvas, brushes and wine are provided. Every skill level welcome. Cost: $35, *members save 10%. Thursday, May 19, Time: 7:00-9:00pm. Ages: Adult. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

6 pm – 7 pm. All teenagers in Chilliwack are invited to join the Chilliwack Libraries TAG. Help organize, run and promote teen library programs. Act as library ambassadors. Discuss and review music, books, movies and websites. Eat snacks and have fun. Volunteer hours are granted for all TAG activities and often qualify for graduation portfolios.

May 18 – June 23, 2016 at the Art Room. Gallery Artist Meet & Greet on Friday, May 20 from 6 – 8 p.m. The Chilliwack Community Arts Council is excited to present its newest gallery exhibition, Black and White with a Splash of Colour, featuring Hope’s Artist at Work members, Sharon Blythe and Jackie Coughlin. Showcasing the duo’s whimsical acrylic and watercolour paintings, this exhibition will have the Art Room Gallery awash in vibrant hues from May 18 to June 23. Visit chilliwackartscouncil.com for more about the artists.

Handmade Samosas. Sweet and savory pastries are an Indian tradition at celebrations and samosas are much loved treats all over! Sold by street vendors in many parts of South Asia to chic cocktail hors d'oeuvres here, these pastries are fantastic. You will be guided by instructors Sidrah and Nasrin Ahmad to make your very own veggie samosas. Please bring a knife you are comfortable handling. Ages: 13-Adult, Sat. May 21, 10am-12pm. Cost: $35, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

2 pm - 4 pm. Bring your latest works and be ready to provide feedback, encouragement and ideas to other teen writers. Snacks will be provided.

Pioneer Village (Atchelitz Threshermen’s Assoc.) 44146 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack BC (beside Heritage Park) is holding a Small Engine Show, Yard Sale/Flea Market and Garden Tractor Pull Sat. May 21 & Sun. May 22, from 8 am to 4 pm. Granma’s Grill onsite will be open with great food for sale.

On May 21 at 7:30 p.m., The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra & Chorus present PIANO EXTRAVAGANZA at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. A number of young Fraser Valley piano students each went through an audition process held earlier this year for the rare opportunity to perform on stage with a symphony orchestra, and sixteen of these talented candidates were successful. They in turn, will be joined by featured guest pianists Clinton and Erica Denoni, an accomplished musical couple, who are familiar to audiences in Chilliwack and well beyond. This concert, an event that showcases young pianists demonstrating their skills at the keyboard, is a remarkable musical highlight that will mark the end of the CSO&C 2015-16 season. Tickets: 604-391-SHOW(7469); [email protected]; in person at the Cultural Centre. Special rate available for families.

Ticket prices: general-$25/student-$15/family-$60 Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at GWG Middle Secondary School Theatre Two performances: – 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Tickets $5 each – Visit chilliwackartscouncil.com for details. Presented by GWG Middle Secondary School & Chilliwack Community Arts Council. This performance exposes children to a musical cultural tapestry, combining instruments such as Indian sitar, Japanese shakuhachi and Australian didgeridoo, with the home-made, recycled “Moroccan hockey stick” and “Persian tennis racquet”. Alcvin demonstrates didgeridoo through mimicking animals and Andrew converts a wooden spoon into a bass! Volunteers experience jamming with the band, beatboxing, tribal dance and digital looping. Performers describe their musical journeys, inspiring the children to follow their musical dreams and believe in themselves!

Mental Illness, Substance Use, and Crime: Treatment and Prevention

Best practices and what this means for Chilliwack

May 26, 2016

Registration 6:30 pm

Presentation 7:00 pm

Rotary Hall, Chilliwack Cultural Centre

This event is free, refreshments will be provided.

Please join us as we hear about, and discuss, the links between public health and public safety with Dr. Julian Somers. Dr. Somers is the lead for the "At Home" study in Vancouver, a research demonstration project on mental health and homelessness which investigated the effectiveness of the "HOUSING FIRST" approach, where people are provided with a place to live and then offered recovery-oriented services and supports that best meet their individual needs.

Dr. Somers will describe the results of the At Home study, and will present additional research connecting public safety with mental health.

Chilliwack Healthier Community is a network of 42 local partners focused on affordable/accessible housing, mental health, public safety and healthy lifestyles. Partners include government, community agencies, law enforcement and business.

This event is sponsored in part by the City of Chilliwack

Funny Faces. Turn portraiture drawing on its head! This class takes the work out of drawing faces and adds a fun twist that will help students hone their skills. Ages: 7-12, Three Part Series: Thurs. May 26, Thurs. June 2 & Thurs. June 16, 3:30pm-5pm. Cost: $45, *members save 10%. Online registration available at chilliwackartscouncil.com, by calling 604-769-ARTS (2787) or in person at the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC).

Fabulous Canadian Music with Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic Flavors. Tickets available from church office from Mon-Fri 9:00am – 1:00 pm or from church members, as well as at Sunday Service. Also for Tickets or Info please call; 604.792.4634 or 604.792.2449.

Raku in the Valley – Pottery Workshop May 28, 2016 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Event and Pop-Up Artisan Market opens (glazing time may be scheduled earlier) Thompson Regional Park (Chilliwack Lake Rd.) Join us for the second edition of Raku in the Valley! Learn how to glaze your very own piece of pottery and experience the lively Raku firing process, all set against the stunning backdrop of Thompson Park. There will be an on-site Pop-Up Artisan Market as well as a BBQ hosted by the Chilliwack River Valley Fire Department, by donation. ***Please note that Thompson Park is an “off the grid” park so market purchases are cash only! Reserve your Raku pot(s) today! $10 per pot (max. 2 pots per person). Registration and payment for each pot is required prior to the event to ensure availability. To register, reserve your glazing time and purchase your pot(s) visit the Art Room (20-5725 Vedder Rd.) or call 604-769-2787. For more details and a listing of Pop-Up Market Artisans visit chilliwackartscouncil.com

Come out and cheer for local law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes as they run together with the Flame of Hope to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics BC.