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8 things to do in New Westminster this weekend

Live entertainment, Lunar New Year, and Literacy Week events are just a few of the ways to keep busy on the Jan. 24 to 26 weekend in New West.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
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Cassius Khan hosts the popular Global Tea Series in New Westminster. File photo/Cassius Khan

Free clothing, live entertainment, and a hackathon are among this weekend’s happenings in New West.

Young New Westies are sure to enjoy the Lunar New Year and Literacy Week activities taking place in New West this weekend. But this weekend features great events for folks of all ages and interests.

Here are the Record’s top picks for the Jan. 24 to 26 weekend in New Westminster.

Friday, Jan. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 26

Global Game Jam

Check out the Global Game Jam Vancouver, which is billed as “the world's largest game creation event, bringing together tens of thousands of game fanatics across 100 countries.” Douglas College’s computing science/game development students are ready to join in and flex their game design – and also welcome industry professionals, hobbyists, and students to this yearly hackathon. Everyone is welcome to participate – from seasoned game developers to newbies.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Perogies for Peace

Take in a tasty meal at Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral’s monthly Perogies for Peace event, which features a traditional Ukrainian dinner. You’ll be able to purchase perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht, and sausage and more. You can dine in or get it to go – fresh and frozen options are available.

  • When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Cathedral, 501 Fourth Ave.

Jazz Cats Social – Joe Abbott’s Swing Team

Hit the dance floor, join the jazz jam, or just kick back and enjoy the show – you can do it all at the Jazz Cats Social. This weekend’s social features live music by Joe Abbott’s Swing Team. Uptown Swing Collective hosts this fun event, in partnership with the City of New Westminster.

  • When Saturday, Jan. 25, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the beginner swing dance lesson is at 6:45 p.m., and live music and social dancing start at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Century House in Moody Park, 620 Eighth St.
  • Details: Tickets are $21 (16 and older) and must be purchased in advance. Fee includes light refreshments and beginner swing dance lesson (partner not required).

Lunar New Year art workshop

Join illustrator, muralist, and artist Paige Jung for a fun and interactive Lunar New Year art workshop. There are still spaces available in the session for nine- to 12-year-olds, although the earlier session for six- to eight-year-olds is filled. Jung recently collaborated with folk musician Ginalina for her latest book, Grandmother’s Chair: A Family Lunar New Year Story. 

  • When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library’s main branch auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Registration required.

Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26

Super Weekend

Explore the weather systems of the Fraser Canyon without leaving New West. Blustery Fraser Canyon is the theme of this month’s Super Weekend event, which features a variety of family-friendly activities that explore various aspects of the Fraser River. On Saturday, science demonstrations will run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and storytime and windsock crafts will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, “windy watercolour art” activities are featured from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and science demonstrations run from 1 to 4 p.m.

  • When: Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Super Weekend activities are included with admission to Fraser River Discovery Centre. Details are available online.

Sunday, Jan. 26

Family Literacy Week book giveaway and bingo

Celebrate the start of Family Literacy Week by dropping into the New Westminster Public Library for a free book giveaway and activity organized by Literacy New Westminster. While you are there, be sure to pickup up a literacy activity bingo sheet to work on at home; when you return it to the library with at least one ‘Bingo,’ you’ll be entered to win a prize. Family Literacy Week runs Jan. 26 to Feb. 2.

  • When: Sunday, Jan. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library main branch, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Register online.

Global Tea Series

Enjoy tea and great entertainment at the Global Tea Series, hosted by Cassius Khan. Today’s event features tabla, tea and dance with Angelique Muhorakeye and Edward Sembatya.

  • When: Sunday, Jan. 26, 3 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1C, Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, 735 Eighth Ave.

Clothing Swap

Get some new attire or drop off some clothing items you no longer need at a clothing swap being hosted by Arrieta Art Studio. Community members can donate clothing and pick up items for themselves; folks are encouraged to take only what they need and can use. Attendees do not need to donate clothes in order to take clothes.

  • When: Sunday, Jan. 26, 12 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: 712c 12th St.
  • Details: Clothing can be dropped off on the day of the swap or on Saturdays leading up to the event. DM @arrieta_art on Instagram to schedule an alternate time. (Clothing must be clean, in good condition, and free from excessive wear, stains, or damage. Items of all sizes and ages (including baby and children’s clothing) is accepted.