Fun, food, and fireworks – they’re all part of this year’s festival season in New West.
2024 has already featured a magic festival, the Hyack Festival in the Park, and Canada Day by the River, but there’s more festivities on the horizon. Here is a look at some of the upcoming festivals taking place in New Westminster this summer and early fall.
Uptown Live
Uptown Live features live music on multiple stages, interactive community exhibits, local artisan vendors, food trucks, and more.
- When: Saturday, July 27, 4 to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue
12th Street Fest
The 12th Street Fest is a family-friendly festival that includes two stages of music and entertainment, children’s activities, artisans and food from around the world.
- When: Sunday, July 28, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: 12th Street, between Sixth and Eighth avenues
- Details: Free
Brewhalla
Brewhalla is making its debut in New West, giving folks a chance to sample craft beer, wine, cider, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, while enjoying music, entertainment, food and games. It features more than 20 craft breweries/cideries/wineries/distilleries, as well as two stages with live music, lawn games, and food trucks.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 10, noon to 6 p.m.
- Where: Queen’s Park Arena
New West Pride
Live entertainment, street activations, food trucks and other vendors and much more – it’s all part of New West Pride’s annual street party. The festival is also an opportunity for queer people and allies to gather and celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of gender and sexual orientations.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 3 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Columbia Street, between Eighth and Fourth streets
Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival
The Hyack Festival Association’s annual Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival features vendors, live entertainment, and food – all capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 3 to 10 p.m.
- Where: Westminster Quay
Recovery Day BC
Recovery Day BC features live music, a kid’s zone, food trucks, an adventure zone, vendors, artisans, and health information booths. This year’s entertainment includes “cover band-o-rama”, R&B All Stars, Dreams (a Fleetwood Mac tribute), Syl and Ground Control (a David Bowie experience), Cake Walk, Dr. Strangelove, Beauty Beats and more.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 12 to 5 p.m.
- Where: Uptown New West, near Sixth and Sixth.
RiverFest
RiverFest – a celebration of the Mighty Fraser – includes two days of fun for folks of all ages. Live entertainment, exhibitors, and an artisan market will take place on the boardwalk on the Saturday and nature walks will take place on the Sunday. The weekend includes free admission to Fraser River Discovery Centre, which will be offering family activities.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Westminster Quay and Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
More fun
Several reoccurring events taking place in New West this summer feature a festive vibe. Here are a couple more events worth checking out:
Fridays on Front: The Fridays on Front block party features food, beer, live music, children’s activities and more. It’s taking place on six Fridays this summer (July 12,19 and 26 and Aug. 9, 16 and 23) from 5 to 9 p.m. in the 600 block of the Front Street Mews.
New West Farmers Market: Vendors, live entertainment, children’s activities, and much more – it’s all part of the weekly farmers market that takes place on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. in Tipperary Park.
