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11 things to do in New Westminster this weekend

Red Dress Day, Play Day New Westminster, and entertainment options abound in New Westminster this weekend.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
relive-the-music
Music of the 1950s and 1960s is featured in the Relive the Music Diner event at Massey Theatre this weekend. Contributed/ReliveTheMusic

It’s shaping up to be a time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm sunny weather this weekend.

And while you may want to take advantage of the springtime weather, this weekend also has a variety of great arts, entertainment and community events happening in New West worth checking out. Here are the Record’s top picks for the April 4 to 6 weekend:

Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5

Comedy with Chris Martin

Have some laughs when Chris Martin (a British stand-up comedian — not to be confused with the singer in Coldplay) performs in New West. Martin, whose TV credits include an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, has also been part of popular podcasts (The Carl Donnelly and Chris Martin Comedy Podcast and Babysitting Trevor) in the U.K.

  • When: Friday, April 4 (7:30 and 9:45 p.m.) and Saturday, April 5 (7 and 9:30 p.m.)
  • Where: Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy New Westminster, 530 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are available online. There’s a minimum purchase of two menu items (food or beverage) per person in the showroom. Early shows are open to 16 years and older; late shows are for 18 years and older.

Saturday, April 5

Another Photography Club

Meet some fun folks and take a “photo walk” at the Another Photography Club event. Everyone is welcome to attend this event, which happens on the first Saturday of each month.

  • When: Saturday, April 5, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Another Beer Co., 11-30 Capilano Way (Braid industrial area)

Smartphone Photography Workshop

Learn how to make the most of your smartphone camera's tools and capabilities, including controlling control exposure, focus, and composition and understanding photo editing. Fraser River Discovery Centre and the New Westminster Photography Club are hosting a workshop that includes a presentation and a photo walk with coaches. (It is meant for beginners in smartphone photography.)

  • When: Saturday, April 5, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details:  Pre-registration is required. It’s $25 or $20 for students (student ID required), seniors (65 and older), or FRDC members.

National Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month by joining Janet Kvammen, the City of New Westminster’s newest poet laureate, Alan Hill (former poet laureate) and Emily Molinari for readings of their recent poetry. Poetry readings will be followed by an open-mic session at this event, hosted by the Royal City Literary Arts Society and the New Westminster Public Library.

  • When: Saturday, April 5, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free

New West Craft

Browse through booths at the New West Craft handmade market. It features unique and diverse goods from designers, makers, crafters, artists, and small shop owners.

  • When: Saturday, April 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.

Open Art Studios at Braid Studios

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of artists, meet local artists, and discover a diverse range of artwork at the Open Art Studios event at Braid Studios. Today’s event is a chance to visit 20 working studios.

  • When: Saturday, April 5, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: 321 Sixth St.
  • Details: Free

Red Dress Day

Honour missing and murdered Indigenous women at the Spirit of the Children Society’s Red Dress Day ceremonial event. It includes a feature display, free Red Dress pins and beverages (while supplies last), and family-friendly activities.

  • When: Saturday, April 5, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Hyack Square, Columbia Street at Eighth Street
  • Details: Free

Spring Craft Market

Shop for seasonal crafts, homemade baking, and assorted crafts at the Spring Craft Market. A free photo booth will be set up at the event.

  • When: Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: 920 12th St. (inside Gastaldo Tailors)
  • Details: Cash only

Relive the Music Diner

Take a trip down memory lane at Relive the Music '50s and '60s Rock ‘N Roll, a juke box musical concert featuring a band and singers, dancing, costume changes, videos, trivia, and more.

Anand: A Soul’s Journey Home

Enjoy a night of performing arts — Anand: A Soul’s Journey Home — hosted by Sikh Heritage BC. It includes a variety of local artists, performers, and instruments, including spoken word, sarangis, violins, tablas, and dhaadi.

  • When: Saturday, April 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are $15 and are available online

Sunday, April 6

Play Day New Westminster

Try out a variety of fun activities including ball hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, basketball, ringette, circus skills, and more at Play Day New Westminster. Presented by Play New West (a collaboration between the City of New Westminster, Red Fox Society, Fraser Health, and New Westminster Schools), Play Day is also a chance to connect with minor sports organizations, ask questions and try out a variety of recreation activities.

  • When: Sunday, April 6, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Queen’s Park Arena and Queen’s Park Sportsplex
  • Details: Free, all-ages event. Information available by emailing [email protected]