TODAY

Hip Hop music

What. Hilltop Hoods.

Where. Element, 919 Douglas St.

When. Monday, Feb. 8, 9:00 p.m.

Why. From the land of hop-hop ’roos comes this talented Aussie hip-hop trio. Miss them at your peril, warns TC rock critic Mike Devlin.

Classical Music

What. Victoria Symphony Legacy series, Les Preludes.

Where. Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.

When. Monday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m.

Why. A concert of Litz, Sibelius and a new concerto for English horn by the symphony’s composer-in-residence, Rodney Sharman

TUESDAY

Ballet

What. Moulin Rouge, The Ballet.

Where. Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St.

When. Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 9- 11, 7:30 p.m.

Why. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings the most famous cabaret in history alive on stage in a ballet about love and destiny. Information and tickets available at 250-386-6121 or 1-888-717-6121

WEDNESDAY

Dinner

What. Hunger Dinner — How the world really eats.

Where. Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave.

When. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Why: The Victoria International Development Education Association’s Breakthrough for Africa-Victoria hosts a dinner portraying what it’s like to eat in the developed, developing and underdeveloped worlds. Information and tickets ($10), call 250-385-2333.

THURSDAY

Hockey

What. Victoria Salmon Kings home to the Alaska Aces.

Where. Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena.

When. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Feb. 11-13, 7:05 p.m.

Why. Victoria’s hometown pro hockey team takes on the bunch from Sarah Palin’s home state.

FRIDAY

Olympic Opening

What. Livingcolours 2010 Spirit Spectacular.

Where. Spirit Square, next to Victoria City Hall.

When. Friday, Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m.

Why. The best way to enjoy the Olympic opening ceremonies — and still stay in town — will be the live broadcast on the giant screen TV outside city hall. It kicks off a weekend of fun and entertainment in the square.

Rock Music

What. WILCO.

Where. Royal Theatre.

When. Friday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m.

Why: Grammy-winner WILCO is an influential and alternative rock band that the London Sunday Telegraph once dubbed “the world’s most exciting rock band.”

SATURDAY

Tea Festival

What. 4th Annual Victoria Tea Festival.

Where. Crystal Garden event centre, 713 Douglas St.

When. Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb.14

Why. The festival features tea tastings, tea-food selections, free “tea-themed” speakers and opportunities to purchase hundreds of teas, tea-related products and tea wares. Ticket and event updates at 250-370-4880 or www.victoriateafestival.com

Rock concert

What. Colin James.

Where. Royal Theatre.

When. Saturday and Sunday, Feb.13-14, 8 p.m.

Why. Singer and songwriter Colin James spans genres from blues and rock to pop and swing and back again. As a performer, he’s oblivious to fads or trends. Tickets at 250-386-6121 or 1-888-717-6121.