Seek & Sketch on Tuesday Nights

Every Tuesday | 5-8PM | All Skill Levels | FREE

Visit our exhibitions with the opportunity to sketch the artwork. A perfect activity for any skill level and a chance to see the artwork from a different perspective. Grab drawing materials from the front desk before heading into the gallery space to try your hand at the tradition of sketching original artwork in a gallery! Materials are provided and admission to the gallery is by donation. Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian.

🟦 Skate for All – Free Speed Skating Event

Hosted by Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Association

Thanks to the support of Intact Insurance and the Community Sport for All Initiative, we are excited to bring Skate for All to Abbotsford! This FREE, community-based speed skating event is designed to introduce skating to youth, new Canadians, and underrepresented groups in our community.

Skate for All is part of a nation-wide initiative by Speed Skating Canada to provide inclusive, barrier-free access to skating. The program aims to ensure that everyone in Canada has the opportunity to experience the joy of skating and develop a lifelong love of sport.

As part of the event, we will also celebrate Speed Skating as an Olympic sport and plan to watch highlights from the 2026 Winter Olympians, inspiring participants with the excitement and achievements of Canadian athletes.

📍 Event Details

Location: Abbotsford Recreation Centre, 2499 McMillan Rd., Abbotsford
Date: February 4
Time: 4:30–6:30 PM
Ages: ALL AGES
Cost: FREE

⛸️ What to Expect

• Learn the basics of speed skating from certified coaches in a fun and inclusive environment
• Beginner-friendly on-ice activities suitable for all ages and skill levels
• Support from experienced volunteers and club members
• Hot chocolate and treats to enjoy after skating
• Watch highlights from the 2026 Winter Olympians to see speed skating in action
• Opportunities to connect with the local community and make new friends

No prior skating experience is required. Participants are welcome to use their own skates and helmet (hockey skates are welcome).

🌈 Who Should Attend?

This event is open to everyone, with a focus on welcoming:

• Youth and families
• New Canadians
• Anyone curious about trying a new sport

We encourage schools and community organizations to bring groups and help introduce more people to speed skating!

🔄 Continuing Your Skating Journey

Participants will receive information about ongoing programs and low-cost trial opportunities with the Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Association. This event is designed to remove barriers and encourage long-term participation in sport.

📝 Registration

Pre-registration is required.
👉 https://icereg.ca/#!/events/matsqui-blades-skate-for-all-free-speed-skating-event

Spaces are limited to ensure a safe, fun, and inclusive experience for all participants.

💬 About Skate for All

The Skate for All program is supported by Speed Skating Canada and presented by Intact Insurance, with funding from the federal government’s Community Sport for All Initiative. Grants are provided to clubs hosting events across Canada to introduce new participants to skating, partner with local schools and organizations, and create inclusive, welcoming experiences for all Canadians.

For more information about Speed Skating Canada and the Skate for All program, visit:
https://speedskating.ca/intact-insurance-expands-grassroots-sport-involvement-with-sponsorship-of-speed-skating-canadas-new-skate-for-all-program/

Thanks to the support of Intact Insurance and the Community Sport for All Initiative, we are excited to bring Skate for All to Abbotsford! This FREE, community-based speed skating event is designed to introduce skating to youth, new Canadians, and underrepresented groups in our community. Skate for All is part of a nation-wide initiative by Speed Skating Canada to provide inclusive, barrier-free access to skating. The program aims to ensure that everyone in Canada has the opportunity to experience the joy of skating and develop a lifelong love of sport. As part of the event, we will also celebrate Speed Skating as an Olympic sport and plan to watch highlights from the 2026 Winter Olympic Athletes training and competing this past year, inspiring participants with the excitement and achievements of Canadian athletes.

This year’s theme is Community & Legacy: Honoring Our Past While Building Our Future.

The Fraser Valley Heritage Elevation Society in collaboration with the City of Abbotsford and Abbotsford Libraries, FVRL is honored to host the 2026 Black History Month Celebration, a vibrant event dedicated to recognizing the resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black peoples in Canada. This year’s celebration will feature a dynamic presentation on Canadian Black history, traditional African dance performances, drumming, and storytelling that highlight the richness and diversity of African heritage.

The event aims to promote cultural awareness, preserve African heritage, and create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and connection. Through music, movement, history, and shared experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the historical contributions of Black peoples in Canada and the vital role they continue to play in shaping our communities.

Free to attend and open to all ages.

Seek & Sketch on Tuesday Nights

Every Tuesday | 5-8PM | All Skill Levels | FREE

Visit our exhibitions with the opportunity to sketch the artwork. A perfect activity for any skill level and a chance to see the artwork from a different perspective. Grab drawing materials from the front desk before heading into the gallery space to try your hand at the tradition of sketching original artwork in a gallery! Materials are provided and admission to the gallery is by donation. Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian.

Join us on February 12 at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium for a vibrant Black History Month celebration! The evening features a panel discussion, “Many Voices, One City: Stories of Contribution and Belonging”, with community leaders Ryan Leonard, Murad Ahmed, Kanta Naik, Melissa Ly, and Irene Nviiri. 

Connect with local black owned businesses and enjoy live performances as well as refreshments! All are welcome to celebrate culture, community, and connection.  

For only $65 youth 11-15 can take the Red Cross Babysitter’s course at the Abbotsford Youth Commission!

The course is offered in a fun, youth friendly, and inclusive environment, helping youth build confidence, learn practical
childcare skills, and learn how to stay calm and capable when things don’t go as planned.

Our babysitter’s courses often fill quickly, so now is the time to secure your spot for January’s course! More information and
registration at www.abbyyouth.com/babysitters

Date: February 13, 2026, 9AM-5PM

Cost: $80

Ages: 14-18

Be better prepared for employment by becoming a qualified Food Safe Server! The Level 1 course is for food service front-line workers such as bus persons, servers, dishwashers, and cooks. Take the course in a fun, youth friendly, and supportive environment. Learn more at www.abyyouth.com/foodsafe

Join us for a cozy, laugh-filled Family Movie Night featuring Disney & Pixar’s Elio. A heartwarming, hilarious space adventure about finding where you belong. Elio is packed with colorful characters, big imagination, and meaningful moments the whole family will love. Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun, friendship, and intergalactic adventure!

What’s included: Freshly popped popcorn and a drink.

Chairs provided (but feel free to bring a blanket or your own lawn chair!)

Registration is required — limited spots available! 

Must register everyone who is attending kids and adults.

Join us for Family Movie Night featuring Paddington in Peru, the newest heartwarming chapter with everyone’s favorite bear. Follow Paddington as he journeys to Peru on a colorful, laugh-out-loud adventure filled with family, friendship, and plenty of Paddington’s signature charm. With gentle humor, beautiful scenery, and a story that celebrates kindness and belonging, this is the perfect movie for audiences of all ages. Snuggle up, enjoy the laughs, and celebrate Family Day weekend with a bear who reminds us that home is wherever family is.

What’s included: Freshly popped popcorn and a drink.

Chairs provided (but feel free to bring a blanket or your own lawn chair!)

Registration is required — limited spots available! 

Must register everyone who is attending kids and adults.

Seek & Sketch on Tuesday Nights

Every Tuesday | 5-8PM | All Skill Levels | FREE

Visit our exhibitions with the opportunity to sketch the artwork. A perfect activity for any skill level and a chance to see the artwork from a different perspective. Grab drawing materials from the front desk before heading into the gallery space to try your hand at the tradition of sketching original artwork in a gallery! Materials are provided and admission to the gallery is by donation. Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian.

Stop by Open Space on February 21st from 10-2pm to visit this month’s talented vendors bringing handcrafted and artisan goods to you!

This month we are excited to host:

Hazels Bracelet @hazelsbracelet

Oak and Earth @oakandearthdesign

Flavor Bomb Freeze Dried @flavorbombfreezedried

Hello hello friends, it’s me Rupi from downtown Abbotsford.

That’s right, Cup of Cheer 2026 is just around the corner! 

Cup of Cheer has always been a sold-out February tradition, and yes, we’re bringing back the mugs! After trying a few different formats last year, we’re excited to return to one signature annual event.

🎫 Grab your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cup-of-cheer-tickets-1982393690894?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank you for always supporting events that bring our community together through connection, curiosity, and celebration. Cup of Cheer
is all about:
💛 Community — connecting individuals and local businesses.
💛 Connection — meeting old friends and making new ones.
💛 Curiosity — discovering Abbotsford’s hidden gems and maybe finding your next favorite spot! 

🎟️ Tickets: Only $15
☕ Mugs: Limited to 200
📍 Locations: 6 local favorites (with a few dairy-free options)
📅 Date: Saturday, February 21st
⏰ Mug Pickup: 9:30–11:00 AM at Open Space (last call at 11:00 AM)
🥤 Beverage Sampling: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

Participating Locations:
✨ BRGR BRGR — Peppermint hot chocolate
33758 Essendene Ave

✨ The Polly Fox (dairy-free options) — A variety of specials
33780 Essendene Ave, Unit 130

✨ Lepp’s Bakhouse (dairy-free options) — Chai Latte
2518 W Railway St

✨ Ann Marie’s Cafe — Coffee
33771 George Ferguson Way

✨ Forage & Faire (dairy-free options) — Variety of teas
33735 Essendene Ave

✨ The Pastry Portal — TBA
2553 Montrose Ave, Unit 120

Thank you to our sponsors Skydive Vancouver and the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association for their support.

See you Saturday, February 21st! Bring your cheer, bring your curiosity and don’t forget your mug.

Remember to say hello to me at our event!

Seek & Sketch on Tuesday Nights

Every Tuesday | 5-8PM | All Skill Levels | FREE

Visit our exhibitions with the opportunity to sketch the artwork. A perfect activity for any skill level and a chance to see the artwork from a different perspective. Grab drawing materials from the front desk before heading into the gallery space to try your hand at the tradition of sketching original artwork in a gallery! Materials are provided and admission to the gallery is by donation. Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian.