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12+ things to do in New West on the Family Day long weekend

There's lots going on in New West this Family Day long weekend — a tin soldier celebration, great live entertainment, local markets, and Family Day and Valentine’s Day fun galore.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
kellylee-evans-by-godzspeed
Juno Award-winner Kellylee Evans appears on the Anvil Theatre stage on Feb. 15. Krystal Dos Santos will open for Evans.Contributed/Godzspeed

The Family Day long weekend is filled with fun for families and folks of all ages and interests.

Whether you’re looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day, wanting to check out the treasures in the World’s Largest Tin Soldiers’ time capsule, or looking for live entertainment or community events — it’s all happening this weekend in New West.

The Record has rounded up some events worth checking out on the Family Day long weekend. Here’s what’s going on from Friday, Feb. 14 to Monday, Feb. 17.

To March 2

A Nice Indian Boy

Get ready to enjoy a heartfelt and funny theatrical production when Vagabond Players presents A Nice Indian Boy. A synopsis describes it as being about “a nice Indian boy who wants a traditional Hindu marriage to... another nice Indian boy.”

  • When: Feb. 13 to March 2 – Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen's Park
  • Details: Tickets are $17 to $22 and are available online or by calling 604-521-0412.

Friday, Feb. 14

Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening

Check out the contents of a time capsule that have been contained inside the World’s Largest Tin Solider. The evening’s festivities include the opening of the time capsule that’s been sealed since 2000, a children’s activity, a craft activity, a hot beverage station, readings of the book Tall Tale: The True Story of the World's Largest Tin Soldier. As the sun sets, Kwantlen artist Brandon Gabriel will project a Coast Salish welcome figure that he’s created onto the tin soldier. 

  • When: Friday, Feb. 14, 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: River Market and waterfront boardwalk, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free.

Balentine’s Day Social

Put on your dancing shoes and head to the Secrete Balboa Social’s Balentine’s Day Social, where you can enjoy a fun evening of dancing and socializing with your fellow balboa enthusiasts.

  • When: Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Beginner Balboa lesson is from 7:30 to 8 p.m.; social dance is from 8 to 9:45 p.m.
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Community Centre, Fitness 2C (second floor), 65 East Sixth Ave.
  • Details: $10 (cash or e-transfer) – or pay what you can; no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Joy of Sax

Enjoy an evening of food, drinks and live music, when musician Rae Paul brings his “joy of sax” to a local restaurant on Valentine’s Day.

  • When: Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
  • Where: Italia Kitchen, 810 Quayside Dr. (River Market)
  • Details: Reservations can be made online or by calling 604-777-0401.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Kellylee Evans with Krystle Dos Santos

Listen to some fabulous music when Juno Award-winner Kellylee Evans brings her brand of R&B, funk and a hint of jazz (including songs from her latest studio project, Show Love, to New West. Even better? Krystle Dos Santos, a two-time Western Canadian award-winning singer, songwriter and performer, opens for Evans.

Legends Show

Take a trip down Memory Lane with the Legends Show, which features tributes to Roy Orbison (Jesse Aron) and Elvis Presley (Pete Paquette). They’ll be accompanied by the Rockin’ Royals Band.

New West Craft

Shop local at New West Craft, which features a unique and diverse selection of goods from designers, makers, crafters, artists, and small shop owners. Arts New West hosts this handmade market.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free admission. 

Native Market Extravaganza

Support Indigenous artists at the Native Market Extravaganza where you’ll find items like medicine, jam, arts, fashion, and other “cool stuff” created by 10 Indigenous artists.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: 720 Carnarvon St.

Saturday, Feb. 15 to Monday, Feb. 17

Family Day

Celebrate Family Day by taking in some of the events being hosted by the City of New Westminster. The long weekend’s fun includes activities such as: an indoor playland; a Family Day fun swim; family pickleball; badminton and open sports; family fitness and Zumba; family skating lessons; and a family Indian dance with bells.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 15 to Monday, Feb. 17
  • Where: Various venues throughout the city
  • Details: Free or low cost. Many of the offerings are drop-in, but some require registration. Details are available on the City of New Westminster’s website.

Love is in the Air

Learn about the fascinating courtship rituals of the animal kingdom at Fraser River Discovery Centre’s Love is in the Air programming for the Family Day long weekend. FRDC will be offering self-guided activities (listen to sounds and test your skills at identifying mating calls of different animals; write a love letter),

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 15 to Monday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Animal-themed storytime is from 1 to 3 p.m. and a “wildlife dating show” takes place each day from 10 a.m. to noon.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Regular admission rates apply Saturday and Sunday; free admission on Monday, Feb. 17 – Family Day. More details available online.

Sunday, Feb. 16

Art Sunday: Meet and Greet with Ron Straight

Meet artist Ron Straight and learn about his artistic journey at today’s meet and greet. Straight’s exhibition, A Brush With Nature, runs until March 2 in The Gallery at Queen’s Park.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 16, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Gallery at Queens’ Park, Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Free.

Bully’s Studios Gear Swap

Gather up all the musical equipment you’re not using and take it to Bully's Studios Gear Swap, where you can trade, barter, buy and sell with other local musicians.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 16, noon to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Bully’s Studios, 67 Sixth St.
  • Details: Admission is $2 (to help out the studio).