New West is bursting with a diverse lineup of activities to keep you busy all weekend long.
From live entertainment and street parties to cultural, craft and environmental events to opportunities to support community groups, it’s all happening in New West this weekend. Here are our top picks for the July 12 to 14 weekend in New West
Friday, July 12
Totem pole blessing
Witness the blessing of the restored and renewed Centennial Totem Pole, which was originally carved in 1967 by Kwakwaka’wakw artists, Lloyd Wadhams Sr. and Bob Whonnock. In 2023, Lloyd Wadhams Jr. undertook a restoration of his late father’s work.
- When: Friday, July 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Centennial Lodge, Queen's Park. The blessing takes place outdoors, next to the totem pole
Fridays on Front
Kick off the weekend by attending the return of one of New Westies’ favourite summer events – Fridays on Front. This block party features food, beer, live music, children’s activities and more.
- When: Friday, July 12, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Front Street Mews, 600 block
Welcome to The Habitat
Check out the newly restored grounds of the former petting farm in Queen’s Park – an area now called The Habitat. A variety of programs are planned for this space, but at today’s event you’ll be able to meet with staff involved in the project and learn about the design features that support native flora and fauna, while honouring Indigenous cultures.
- When: Friday, July 12, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: The Habitat (former petting farm) in Queen’s Park
- Details: Free. Register online
Saturday, July 13
Meet the Bee Club
Find out what the buzz is about when the New Westminster Beekeeping Association shares its knowledge of all things bee-related – from bee management plans to honey and bee products to nest removals. Did you know the association has had a “bee yard” in Queen’s Park for several years?
- When: Saturday, July 13, 12 to 1 p.m.
- Where: The Habitat in Queen’s Park (formerly the Queen’s Park petting farm)
- Details: Free, but registration required
Introduction to Crochet
Join the Metrognomes Makerspace at its Introduction to Crochet class. In this beginner-level workshop, you'll be introduced to the building blocks of crochet (such as choosing the right hook and yarn, and holding your hook). You'll also have a chance to ask questions and get hands-on help. The group is focused on school-aged participants in Grade 3 and up, but folks of all ages and skill levels are welcome.
- When: Saturday, July 13, noon to 3 p.m.
- Where: Bully’s Studios, 67 Sixth St.
- Details: $10. Register online. A limited number of spots are available
Swingin' in the Park
Swing on by Moody Park to enjoy live jazz music and dancing at Swingin' in the Park with the Uptown Swing Collective. Dance experience or partners are not needed to join in on the fun.
- When: Saturday, July 13, 4 to 6 p.m. (A beginner swing dance lesson takes place during the band’s break – around 4:45 p.m.)
- Where: Moody Park, behind Century House
- Details: Free.
Community Bottle Drive
Support local charities and sports clubs by dropping off your recyclable beverage containers at the Royal City Rotary Club’s community bottle drive.
- When: Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. to noon
- Where: 166 Sixth St. (across from New Westminster City Hall)
Pop-Up Library Day
Check out the action at the New Westminter Public Library pop-up library in Sapperton, where you can ask questions, do children's activities, chat about books, and engage with the community.
- When: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Sapperton Plaza, 411 East Columbia St.
- Details: Free. Runs rain or shine
Sunday, July 14
Bike & Walk-a-Thon
Help the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen raise money so it can serve free hot meals to folks in need seven days a week. The Love All Feed All annual bike-a-thon and walk-a-thon starts and ends in Queensborough. It includes 5- or 10-kilometre walk-a-thons or 60- or 100-kilometre bike-a-thons.
- When: Sunday, July 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: 347 Wood St. in Queensborough
- Details: More information and registration are online
Pop-up in The Plaza
Head Uptown to enjoy the return of Pop-up in The Plaza, featuring a balloon twister, giant games and a photo booth.
- When: Sunday, July 14, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: Uptown Plaza, at Belmont and Sixth streets
- Details: Free. Activities will be taking place under a tent, not in the hot sun
We will be back this Sunday with Pop-up in The Plaza! This time, a balloon twister, giant games and a photo booth. We will be under a tent so it's not in the blazing sun. Follow the flags to find us!
— Uptown New West (@MyUptownNewWest) July 11, 2024
Sunday, July 14, 1-3pm
Uptown Plaza (Belmont & 6th)#uptownnewwest #newwest pic.twitter.com/HrSzYI1toR
Outdoor Art Gallery
Visit an outdoor gallery featuring the works of local artists. This family-friendly event, hosted by Arts New West, features a wide range of artistic styles and mediums.
- When: Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: The Habitat, Queen's Park (formerly the Queen's Park Farm)
- Details: Free
Queen's Park Summer Concert Series: Cassius Khan
Treat yourself to an afternoon of great entertainment when Cassius Khan, a globally renowned Indian classical musician, performs at the Queen’s Park Summer Concert Series.
- When: Sunday, July 14, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Queen’s Park Bandshell