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This weekend in New West: What’s happening July 12 to 14

The return of Fridays on Friday, a totem pole blessing, and loads of great outdoor activities are all happening in New Westminster this weekend.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
fridays-on-front-2022-6
Fridays on Front fun returns to New West for six events in July and August - starting this weekend.Jennifer Gauthier/The Record

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.

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

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