July 9

Jammin’ in Jubilee: Grab your lawn chair and groove to the ADBA’s 5th annual summer concerts in Jubilee Park showcasing a diverse and highly talented pool of local performers. Roger Potter will open the series on July 9. Admission is free. http://www.downtownabbotsford.com

July 9 to Aug. 2

The Grotto of the Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford will play host to an exhibition of perfume bottles by artist Lindsay Craig. These cast glass and bronze sculptures are interpretations of female archetypes past and present. An artist’s reception is set of July 9 at 7 p.m. For information visit www.thereach.ca

July 9 to Sept. 6

The Reach’s South Gallery will be displaying works by the University of the Fraser Valley’s Indigenous Arts Certificate graduates. the show features works by Ron Austin Jr., Ali Buffalo, Crystal Chapman, Isadore Charters, Bernadette James, Vaughn Jones, Vern Millward, Lee Prevost, Harvey Robinson, Augie Williams and Tony Williams. An artist’s reception is set of July 9 at 7 p.m. For information visit www.thereach.ca

July 9

The 31st Harrison Festival of the Arts runs from the evening of July 10 to July 19 and features a wide range of art forms including music, visual and literary arts. For tickets or more information, please call the Festival Society office at 604-796-3664 or see the website at www.harrisonfestival.com.

July 11

The third annual Arts in Mill Lake runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is a great way to spend a summer Saturday with art, music and live performances. It takes place on the grounds around Kariton Gallery. This event is free. www.abbotsfordartscouncil.org

July 11, 25, 26 & Aug. 8, 22

Campbells Gold – Art in the Garden: Come and join us for Art in the Garden as local artisans working on art projects, as well there will be art for sale. The event takes place at 2595 Lefeuvre Road, Abbotsford. Call 604-856-2125 or e-mail to mikecampbell@bchoney.com

July 13

The Literary Café on Monday, July 13, will present the rich cultural heritage of the large Mennonite community in the Fraser Valley. Readings will be performed by writer and editor of numerous anthologies and Mennonite periodicals Elsie K. Neufeld, poet and historian Leonard Neufeldt and well-known writer and “crookologist” Andreas Schroeder. Jazz music will be performed between readings by the Nelson Boschman Trio. For tickets or more information, please call the Festival Society office at 604-796-3664 or see the website at www.harrisonfestival.com.

July 14

Two hit productions from this year’s UFV Theatre department’s Directors’ Theatre Festival will take to the stage at the Harrison Festival of The Arts on July 14. Life is a Cafeteria Old Chum and Almost Maine are the two plays being presented.This fun evening of entertainment will begin at 8.30 p.m in the Harrison Memorial Hall. For more information about the shows and ticket reservations call: 604-796 -3664.

July 16

Jammin’ in Jubilee: Friends of the Duke, an all-time favorite band that plays regularly at the Duke of Dublin Olde Irish Pub, will be featured at the ADBA’s 5th annual summer concerts in Jubilee Park. Admission is free. http://www.downtownabbotsford.com

July 23

Jammin’ in Jubilee: Soundscape, a classic rock band, consists of Jon Van Egmond and Nick Reeves of Abbotsford and Jake Van Egmond of Chilliwack, who collectively pride themselves in full sound and impressive harmony. They will be featured at the ADBA’s 5th annual summer concerts in Jubilee Park. Admission to the concert is free. For information visit http://www.downtownabbotsford.com

July 24-26

The world is coming to Mission’s Fraser River Heritage Park as the 22nd annual Mission Folk Music Festival takes place. This three-day celebration of music attracts about 7,000 people each year. Three outdoor day stages and one main stage will be filled with non-stop music. Leading the way is Tom Paxton, the 2009 Grammy Lifetime Achievement winner. This is one show not to miss. For more on the festival, visit www.missionfolkmusicfestival.ca

July 25

The MSA Museum Society celebrates its 40th birthday at Trethewey House Heritage Site, 2313 Ware St., from noon to 3 p.m. The public is encouraged to come out and join in the fun. Entertainment and birthday cake are included but organizers ask that you pre-register. 604-853-0313.

July 25

The third annual Arts in Mill Lake runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is a great way to spend a summer Saturday with art, music and live performances. It takes place on the grounds around Kariton Gallery. This event is free. www.abbotsfordartscouncil.org

July 26

Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman perform at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. Christian music super hit-makers Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman are together for the first time on The United Tour. With both artists being tour and festival headliners for years, seeing both on the same stage is truly a landmark occasion. For tickets and information visit www.abbotsfordcentre.com

July 30 to Aug. 3

You can do the fair with family flare as the annual Abbotsford Agrifair takes place on the Abbotsford Exhibition grounds. Enjoy the free entertainment, professional rodeo, amusement rides, games food, agriculture exhibitions and more. Agrifair has something for the whole family. For more information visit the website at http://www.agrifair.ca

July 30

Jammin’ in Jubilee: Recording group Dixon Road will liven up the park on July 30. This five member Christian country rock band of Frank and July Ratzlaff, Dave Rader, Sean Hassall and Rod Penner, will garner applause with their upbeat original retro rock and new country style music. The concert takes place in Jubilee Park. Admission is free. http://www.downtownabbotsford.com

July 31

The Duke of Dublin Pub present the live music of Cease and Desist. Come in and enjoy a beverage and watch this great group entertain the crown all night long. The Duke has performers on every night. For more details visit the website at www.dukeofdublinoldeirishpub.com.

Aug. 1-2

The Western and Wildlife Art Show comes to the Abbotsford Curling Centre, 2555 McMillan Rd. Featured artist is wildlife painter Terry Isaac. Show times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free and donations are welcome.

Aug. 7-9

You can celebrate 100 years of powered flight in Canada at the Abbotsford International Airshow. An annual celebration of all things related to flight, the airshow features the CAF Snowbirds, CAF Skyhawks, CF-18 Hornet and so much more. For a complete list of performers, or for ticket information, visit the website at www.abbotsfordairshow.com

Aug. 8

The Tragically Hip will rock the night away at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre at 7:30 p.m. The Tragically Hip’s recently released CD, We Are the Same, features Gord Downie’s lyrics, backed by a band ripe with confidence and skill. The Hip are one of Canada’s most popular touring bands and the show is expected to sell out quickly. For tickets or more information on this and other concerts, visit the official website at www.abbotsfordcentre.com

Aug. 14

Jammin’ in Jubilee: Valley Voices Competition Showcase Finalists, who competed at the Canada Day celebration and Abbotsford Berrybeat Festival, with the finalist being chosen at Agrifair, will wow young and young-at heart at Jammin’ in Jubilee. The concert takes place in Jubilee Park. Admission is free. http://www.downtownabbotsford.com

Aug. 28

The Cult is coming to Abbotsford. The popular group will be performing at the Ag-Rec Building in Abbotsford on Aug. 28 and tickets are on sale now for $47.50 at all Ticketmaster outlets. The Cult was formed in England in 1983, becoming perhaps the definitive rock band of the eighties; the band that kept the rock flag flying in an era of synth-pop, glam and creative hair, opening the door for groups like Guns ‘n Roses and Metallica. Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show at 8 p.m.

Sept. 19

Come to Historic Downtown Abbotsford for the always popular car show. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can rev up your engines and enjoy a blast from the past. More than 350 classics and hot rods on display. Or enjoy some fabulous entertainers including the Blues Too Brothers, Buddy Holly tribute star and Bob Marlowe, founder of Teen Angel. Memorabilia and collector cars related product vendors will also be on hand. For more information visit www.downtownabbotsford.com.

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