The Senior A Salmonbellies kick off their 2024 season on Thursday (today), so we’re deeming that to be the start of our weekend.
And what a weekend it will be in New West.
The Hyack Parade and the Heritage Homes Tour return, the May Day tradition continues, and family fun is guaranteed at Hyack in the Park. These – and some other great events – are the Record’s top weekend picks for May 23 to 26.
Thursday, May 23
New Westminster Senior A Salmonbellies
Attend the New Westminster Senior A Salmonbellies’s 2024 season opener, when they take on the Burnaby Lakers. It’s the Bellies’s first game since their exciting Mann Cup run last September.
- When: Thursday, May 23, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Queen’s Park Arena
- Info: Tickets are available at the arena’s box office or online
Saturday, May 25
Hyack Parade
Enjoy floats, marching bands, mascots, community groups, performing artists and more when the Hyack Parade returns to the streets of New West.
- When: Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.
- Where: The parade begins on Sixth Street (at Eighth Avenue) and continues down to Queens Avenue, where it turns and heads towards Queen’s Park.
- Details: Free
Hyack Festival in the Park
Enjoy an afternoon of fun at Hyack Festival in the Park. It features some post-parade fun for folks of all ages, including food trucks, market vendors and live entertainment.
- When: Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)
May Day
Take in a New Westminster tradition at May Day 2024. It features maypole and folk dances, speeches by members of the Royal Suite, cultural dance performances and the crowning of New Westminster’s 154th May Queen.
- When: Saturday, May 25. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the event starts at 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Queen’s Park Stadium
- Details: Free
Perogies for Peace
Take a break from cooking dinner and get tonight’s meal at Perogies for Peace, which features a traditional Ukrainian dinner. You can take a seat and dine in for delicious perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht, sausage and other menu selections or you can get fresh or frozen options to take home.
- When: Saturday, May 25, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 501 Fourth St.
- Details: Credit cards accepted
Super Saturday
Learn about the bird species that rely on the Fraser watershed as a source of food and shelter at Super Saturday – Investigation: Migration. Many migratory birds will be stopping in the Fraser watershed at this time of year for a rest or for a summer stay.
- When: Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Fraser River Discovery centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Super Saturday is included in admission to FRDC. Details are online
Sunday, May 26
Heritage homes tour
Visit the 11 eclectic venues that are part of Heritage New West’s 42nd Homes Tour. This year’s tour features private homes (including a Queen’s Park gem that incorporates green technology), a church, a rental unit in a heritage apartment building, and civic venues like Bernie Legge Theatre and Irving House.
- When: Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 5 pm.
- Where: Assorted venues in the city
- Details: Tickets are $45 and are available online
Roller derby
Check out an entertaining afternoon of roller derby, featuring a double-header of this fast-paced sport on roller skates. If you can, bring a camping chair; a limited number of chairs will be available. Snacks, drinks, and merch are available to purchase, and there will be door prizes and a raffle.
- When: Sunday, May 26. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the first whistle is at 12:45 p.m.
- Where: Royal City Curling Club, 75 East Sixth Ave.
- Details: Tickets not needed – you can just show up. Entry is by donation (always optional and no one is turned away for lack of funds), with donations supporting the volunteer-run league’s training and games.
