Moonlight and Magic is a highly anticipated annual event that hits the streets of beautiful Downtown Courtenay this Nov 21-23! Businesses, arts organizations and charities will all join forces to get the Comox Valley into the “seasonal swing of things”. This official kick off to the holiday season welcomes residents and visitors to the heart of Courtenay for special weekend of music event, kid’s activities and more! Plus you can take advantage of unbelievable shopping specials that are here…and then magically….they’re gone! Moonlight and Magic is all about kicking off the holiday season with sizzle and sparkles. The event runs 5-9 pm Friday November 21st, and 9 am-5 pm Saturday November 22nd. The Comox Valley Christmas Parade follows on Sunday November 23rd at 2:00 pm
Fire Performance to Light Up the Streets Friday!
Downtown Courtenay lights up the night with a Moonlight and Magic Live Fire Show Friday at 6:30 pm on Duncan Ave with NOVA Fire Spun Arts! These local performers make magic with fire and deliver a magical and breathtaking performance that will delight and dazzle all ages! The Moonlight and Magic Fire show is becoming a real not-to-be-missed annual tradition in Downtown Courtenay. Visitors can also enjoy roving performers, live music, kids craft activities, a ‘pop up’ craft market, Magical Faces Face Painting, cozy campfires and more in a variety of downtown locations right through till 9 pm.
Friday Night the Comox Valley Art Gallery is also hosting their 40th birthday party from 4 to 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join them for snacks, warm beverages and birthday cake. While you’re there check out the 40th Annual CVAG Christmas Craft Fair featuring work by over 60 local artists. CVAG is open 10-9 on Friday, November 21 and 10-5 onSaturday, Nov. 22.
Live Music Part of the Fun
Valley favourite Todd Butler will offer up great music and big laughs on the CVAG Plaza at 5:30. Come pull up a chair by the fire and enjoy some awesome tunes! After the fire show stick around for choral music from Just in Time Jazz Choir! Later in the evening at 8 pm you can tuck away into the Old Dive Shop for a mesmerizing musical experience with The Moon Band. The Moon Band is a collaboration of Renée Forrester and Nicholas Tomlinson who create a mystical and magical sort of music, and play a mix of unique originals and covers. Their music can be described as dreamy, other worldly, playful, free spirited and holds a bit of good ol’ foot tapping folk. There are limited seats for this special FREE one hour concert!
Friday November 21st – Highlights!
4-9 Warm Fire, CVAG 40th anniversary celebration, Hot Cider and More on the CVAG Plaza
4-8 Crafts, Magical Faces Face Painting and hand on Crafty Fun at the Old Dive Shop on Duncan Ave
5:30 Todd Butler performs on the CVAG Plaza
6:30 NOVA Fire performance on Duncan Ave
7:15 Just in Time Jazz Choir on the CVAG Plaza
7-9 The Figments at Zocalo Cafe
8:00 The Moon Band at the Old Dive Shop on Duncan Ave
8-11 The Jilli Martini Band at Billy D’s
Saturday November 22nd
Saturday November 22nd is also a fantastic day to head downtown and take in the Comox Valley Farmers Market, complete with live music and tasty treats to get your day started right! Then wander up to the heritage heart of the City and enjoy live performances from 11-4 at the Sid Plaza and free face-painting for the kids! It’s a great day to make plans with friends or family, stop by a local craft fair, or visit a local cafes and restaurants for a delicious and fun filled visit to get you in the spirit of the season.
Saturday November 22nd Downtown! – Highlights
9-12 Comox Valley Farmers Market
10-4 2014 Fiesta World Craft Bazaar Florence at the Filberg Centre
11-4 Elasmosaurs Birthday at the Courtenay Museum
11:00 Captain Thunderpants Kids Show at the Sid Plaza
12 noon – All Ages Hula Hoop Jam! Come and give it a spin! – Sid Plaza
12-4 Acoustic Jam at the CVAG Plaza Campfire with special guests
1 pm Josie Aileen Patterson at the Sid Plaza
2:00 Shane Philip Live at the Sid Plaza
Don’t Miss Shane Philip
With influences drawn from every corner of the music world, Shane Philip is one-man show instilling audience members with awe and moving them to dance. His rich sonic palette is dynamic and compelling for listeners, and provides a thick backdrop for the vocals. Shane Philip follows his raw creative impulses to the core and his music reflects a stark individuality that is remarkable and constantly entertaining. Borrowing from folk, reggae, blues and beyond, he blurs the boundaries of expectation and music into an altogether unique soundscape. “We are influenced by everything we listen to, see and do,” Shane reminds. “I write music that results from everything that goes on in the life I live.”. Shane performs at 2 pm on the Sid Plaza
Elasmosaurs Party and Fiesta World Craft Bazaar!
It is the Elasmosaurs Eighty Million and Twenty Sixth Birthday/Christmas Party and you are all invited to the Museum from 11 -4! Join friends of the Courtenay Museum for birthday cake and Christmas goodies and punch, tons of door prizes, kids crafts, face painting, a reading of the Dinosaur’s Night Before Christmas. Lots of fun for the whole family. Admission is either by a new or gently used toy for Santa’s workshop, or food donation for our local food bank.
On November 22nd and 23rd from 10 till 4 both floors of the Filberg Center will be transformed into a Global Craft Bazaar with over 40 local and global organizations and businesses selling their fair trade products. These vendors work directly with the artisans in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America and there is something for everyone: from Christmas ornaments to Tibetan carpets, books, cards, posters, calendars, games, toys, clothing, housewares and jewelry. Enjoy delicious ethnic food including El Salvadorian pupusas and soup, Vietnamese salad rolls and spring rolls and mouthwatering desserts. $2 admission.
Don’t Miss the Comox Valley Christmas Parade!
Santa Claus is coming to town! The weekend culminates with the much anticipated Comox Valley Christmas Parade! The theme for 2014 is “A Christmas Carol’ and spectators can get ready for an incredible array of parade entries from local businesses and community organization. Kids can look forward to the visit of the season from Jolly Old St. Nick himself! Parade starts at 2 pm on Sunday November 23rd.
Comox Valley Trumpeter Swan Festival too!
Celebrate the return of the Trumpeter Swans and support Mountain Avian Rescue Society! The Trumpeter Swan festival takes places from 9 am till 2 pm on Sunday November 23rd at the Native Sons Hall. Comox Valley conservation displays include Project Watershed, CV Naturalists, Mack Laing Society, Tsolum River Restoration and the CV Conservation Strategy. Experience the popular free bus tours led by a CV Naturalist, speak with experts on swan habitat and foraging behaviour. Buses depart 10 am, 11 am, & 12 pm – First come first served. The event also features a MARS bake sale & silent auction, kids activities, face-painting, refreshments, origami swan making and much more! Festival entry fees are $10 adult, $15 families, $5 seniors. MARS members are free.
Post Your Pics from the Weekend!
Moonlight and Magic weekend is the kick off for the “Spirit of the Season” photography contest! Take a picture of your favourite Downtown Courtenay people, places or moments and tag them to facebook, twitter or instagram #downtowncourtenay or email them to info@downtowncourtenay.com. Winner will be selected Dec 20th for special prizes from downtown Courtenay businesses! For more details visit www.downtowncourtenay.com
Moonlight and Magic is a project of the Downtown Courtenay BIA with help from our dynamic business and arts community!