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The Hot Chocolate Festival kicks off this week with 21 local spots creating signature drinks that support BC SPCA animals. It's a good month-long excuse to try every cocoa creation in town.
Between $5 movie Tuesdays at Cineplex, slightly sexy (their words) singing lumberjacks at McPherson Playhouse, and an augmented-reality orca exhibit at the Royal BC Museum, there's a lot competing for your attention this week. Add in Indigenous-led walks at Beaver Lake and opportunities to quiz oceanographers, and you've got a full calendar.
Sunday also marks the start of Black History Month, with events across the region celebrating community and culture.
📚 Book Giveaway Winners!
Congratulations to our 10 winners! Names are listed below. Stay subscribed for future giveaways.
Want the full list of what’s happening this week? [Subscribe for free] and never miss the good stuff in your own neighbourhood.
📚 Book Giveaway Winners!
Congratulations to our 10 online winners:
Peg Ainsley • Louise P. • Sandra D. • Pat M. • Cyndi M. • Richard K. •James S. • Jen C. • Christine B. • Mary Kelly
Plus the 2 raffle winners at Dr. Mazzeo's public talk!
Family Fun: Our Top 3 Picks
Three unique family experiences we're excited about:
This Tuesday (Jan 27) or any of the 4 Tuesdays in February @Cineplex Victoria & Langford
Family movie night for $5 tickets AND $5 popcorn? Yes please! This Tuesday or any Tuesday through February, wrangle the family together and head to Cineplex in Victoria or Langford for an affordable and fun family outing of the week. Five chances total. Bonus: upgrade to premium screens for a little extra fun!
Jan 31 (Sat), 1:30-3pm @Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park
Bundle up the family for an 800-metre walk through thousands of years of history! Join CRD's Indigenous cultural programmer to discover how First Peoples connect with plants, animals, and seasons. Kids and adults will love learning about the land's stories together. All ages welcome, accessible washrooms available. Take BC Transit or drive—meet at Beaver Lake Picnic Shelter.
Feb 1-28 @21 Local Businesses
Turn February into a hot chocolate adventure! Twenty-one Victoria businesses are creating special cocoa creations, with $1 from each cup supporting BC SPCA animals. Make it a family challenge: how many locations can you visit together? Delicious drinks, happy animals, quality time. Everyone wins!
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Active & Outdoors
Saanich: Exploring Indigenous Perspectives (Guided Walk) – All Ages Jan 31 (Sat) @Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park (meet at Beaver Lake Picnic Shelter)
View Royal: Magnificent Mosses (Guided Walk) – 8 years+ Jan 31 (Sat) @Thetis Lake Regional Park (meet at Main Beach info kiosk)
Greater Victoria: Victoria Pathfinders Walking Club (click the link to see group walks taking place at various spots this week, from Elk Lake to Colwood to downtown Victoria)
Arts & Entertainment
Langford: Pub Trivia Night Jan 27 (Tue) @Emporia, 737 Goldstream Ave 6:30-8:30pm
Colwood: Open Mic & Music Jan 28 (Wed) @Arts and Culture Society, 170 Goldfinch Rd 6:30-8:30pm
Victoria: Tongues of Fire: Victoria Poetry Project, Open Mic and Slam Event Jan 29 (Thur) @ Caffe Fantastico, 965 Kings Rd 6:30-9pm
+ SPICE Wannabe (Spice Girls Tribute) Jan 30 (Fri) @McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square 7pm
+ CANADIAN STEAM (Music & Comedy show with Mildly Sexy Lumberjacks) Jan 31 (Sat) @McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square 7pm
+ I love you, you’re perfect, now change (Musical celebration of the mating game) Until Feb 8 @Langham Court Theatre, 805 Langham Court (multiple shows)
Sooke: Little Shop of Horrors Jan 30-31 (Fri-Sat) @Sooke Community Theatre, 6218 Sooke Rd
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News Bites
🐳 Royal BC Museum's New Exhibit Lets You "Swim" With Orcas
Royal BC Museum opened a new augmented-reality exhibit Friday that immerses visitors in the underwater world of J Pod orcas. Meet Kiki, a 10-year-old southern resident orca, and experience firsthand how boat noise disrupts her family's echolocation. The 10-minute experience includes tactile feedback when you reach out to touch the whales. Afterward, visitors can submit conservation questions to marine experts. The exhibit runs until July 6 and aims to turn emotional impact into action for orca protection.
[Full story - Times Colonist]
🔬 Ask an Oceanographer: Sidney Library's New Scientist Series
Sidney/North Saanich Library launched a Scientist-in-Residence program featuring oceanographer Dr. Sophia Johannessen from the Institute of Ocean Sciences. Two upcoming talks: February 17 explores how BC's coastal ocean is responding to climate change and local pressures, while March 10 offers an informal Q&A where you can ask about life on a research ship, underwater weather, or how to become an oceanographer. No science background needed, just curiosity.
[Full story - North Saanich Post]
Community & Creative
Central Saanich: Wassail Day Fair Feb 1 (Sun) @Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, 2487 Mt St Michael Rd 11am-3pm
+ Black History at the Shady Creek Church Feb 1 (Sun) @Central Saanich United Church, 7180 E Saanich Rd (Saanichton) 10:15am-1:15pm
Victoria: Black History Month 2026 Launch Feb 1 (Sun) @Open Space Arts Society, 510 Fort St 7-9pm
+ Hot Chocolate Festival Feb 1-28 (21 businesses participating)
+ Victoria’s Annual Dine Around and Stay in Town Until Feb 8 (60 restaurants participating) Check them out!
Saanich: Victoria Model Railway Club Until Feb 28 @3170 Tillicum Rd
Sidney: Black Pioneers on the Saanich Peninsula – Celebration of Black History Month Feb 1-28 @Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave
+ 20th Annual LEGO Brick Exhibit Until April 26 @Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Ave * Want to build, create, and display your creation at the exhibit? If yes, click here.
🌅 On the Horizon
Planning ahead? Here are a few events worth noting:
Langford: Family Day Weekend in Langford Feb 13-15 (close to 20 events, many of them free!)
Saanich: Goddess Run and International Women’s Day Mar 8 @Elk and Beaver Lake (Register Here)
Victoria: Three Days Grace (Special Guest: Finger Eleven) April 19 @Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena
Have a great week Greater Victoria! 💙
