British columbia events

Among the event highlights in British Columbia this fall:

• Vancouver Fringe Festival, Thursday-Sept. 19, Vancouver. With a mandate of providing “theatre for everyone,” it’s no wonder the Vancouver Fringe Festival has gained such popularity over its 20 years, featuring everything from the dark and the zany, to the hilarious and the mysterious. ( www.vancouverfringe.com)

• Classic Car Show and Shine, Sept. 17-18, Radium Hot Springs. Come and see classic automobiles in all their splendor, and don’t forget your poodle skirt — the 1950s and ‘60s dance is a highlight. (250-342-3559)

• Vancouver International Film Festival, Sept. 23-Oct. 8, Vancouver. The 23rd annual festival features screenings of more than 300 films from 50 countries around the globe. (604-683-FILM, www.viff.org)

• Fall Okanagan Wine Festival, Oct. 1-10, various locations. Known as one of the leading festivals in North America, attracting wine tourists from throughout the world, this 24th annual event features more than 100 events throughout the Okanagan Valley. ( www.thewinefestivals.com)

• Salt Spring Apple Festival, Oct. 3, Salt Spring Island. With at least 14 farms open to the public on the island that grows some 360 varieties of apples (mostly organic), plus apple displays, apple identification experts, orchard bee experts and Women’s Institute Pie Ladies. ( www.saltspringmarket.com/apples)

• Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships, Oct. 7-11, Kamloops. With 30 balloon pilots expected to compete, plus 10 just flying for fun and some commercial balloons as well. ( www.aces-kamloops.ca)

• Bandfest 2004, Oct. 14-17, Victoria. A unique four-day festival featuring military bands from across Canada and guest bands from other countries, with free performances and ticketed events. (250-704-2656, www.bandfestvictoria.ca)

• West Coast Chocolate Festival, Oct. 19-24, Coquitlam. Chocolate demonstrations and tastings, performances, factory tours, movie night, chocolate dessert buffet, library programs, poetry slam, photography and more at eight locations around the Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody areas of Greater Vancouver. (604-939-8068, www.chocolatefestival.ca)

• Cornucopia Food and Wine Festival, Nov. 11-14, Whistler. With wine tastings, food sampling and gourmet dinners featuring the Northwest’s top chefs and more than 50 wineries. ( www.mywhistler.com/cornucopia)

• Clayoquot Oyster Festival, Nov. 20, Tofino. Boat tours to oyster farms in Clayoquot Sound, food and wine, music, slurping contest, chef’s cook-off and Mermaid’s Underwater Costume Ball. (250-725-3414)

• Bizarre Bazaar, Dec. 3-4, Whistler. Handcrafted items by artisans from throughout British Columbia, including jewelry, bath and body products, ceramics, clothing, preserves, fine art, wood and glass products, candles, Christmas decorations and food, plus performances by local musicians and choirs. (whistlerartscouncil.com)

• North American Native Arts and Crafts Festival, Dec. 4-5, Vancouver. At the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, featuring Northwest Coast artwork, gold and silver carved rings, bracelets, pendants, cedar wood carvings, prints, and Cowichan Indian sweaters, plus traditional performances and food. (604-253-1020, www.geocities.com/Kakilani2000/

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Source: Tourism British Columbia, (800) HELLO-BC, www.hellobc.com