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This weekend in New Westminster: Film festival fun and Halloween happenings

The New West Film Fest, a diverse lineup of live entertainment and plenty of Halloween fun are on the calendar this weekend in New West
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
elephant-warriors-elephant-photo
Elephant Warriors is one of the films featured at this weekend's New West Film Fest.Contributed/New West Film Festival

The 14th New West Film Fest, Halloween happenings, and a diverse lineup of live entertainment are among the offerings in New West this weekend.

Here are the Record’s top picks for the Oct. 25 to 27 weekend in New Westminster.

Friday, Oct. 25 to Sunday, Oct. 27

New West Film Fest

Explore new and diverse stories from around the world and right here at home at the New West Film Festival, which features 41 films and 10 screenings over three days. Now in its 14th year, the three-day international independent film festival includes short films, narrative and documentary features, screenings with panels of special guests, Question-and-Answer sessions, and more.

Friday, Oct. 25

New West Hyacks Football

Cheer the New Westminster Hyacks varsity football team on to victory when they go up against Seaquam in what’s considered a crucial game for the teams.

  • When: Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Mercer Stadium, 830 Sixth St.
  • Details: Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for students (free for kids),

Night of the Living Dead – interactive movie experience

Prepare to scream and laugh at this evening of Halloween horror and fun, where you’ll watch this classic film – Night of the Living Dead – as part of an interactive movie experience.

Ben&Ben Autumn Tour 2024

Enjoy an evening of live music when Ben&Ben, a nine-piece indie folk-pop band from the Philippines, brings its heartfelt lyrics, unique musicality, and electric vibe to the local stage.

A Night of Soul With Krystal Dos Santos and Marie Hui

Get ready to dance (or just enjoy the music) when Krystal Dos Santos and her three-piece band are joined by singer Marie Hui for an evening of classic soul, funk, R&B and more. Expect to hear songs from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.

Pumpkin Carving Party

Carve and decorate a pumpkin at a Pumpkin Carving Party event that includes snacks and activities for all ages. Hosted by Freedom Church, this event will provide each family with a pumpkin to carve and decorate.

  • When: Friday, Oct. 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Freedom Church, 320 Eighth St
  • Details: Free

Saturday, Oct. 26

Fangtastic Family Fun

Dress up for an afternoon of Halloween fun at this Fangtastic Family Fun event that features a variety of games, activities, and crafts for all ages to enjoy. This is for children and youth aged three to 16 years of age.

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Where: Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Avenue
  • Details: $8 per child (free for accompanying adults). Pre-registration is required

Rastak

Check out Rastak, a group renowned for its vibrant interpretation of Iranian contemporary folk music. It formed as an experimental music group in 1997 and is one of the most well-known bands in Iranian contemporary folk music. 

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are from $57 to $151 and are available online

Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27

Halloweekend: It’s a Stur-mergency!

Uncover clues and help find Sturgeon George’s family at Fraser River Discovery Centre’s Halloween program, It’s a Stur-mergency. Attendees will uncover clues and solve the mystery of George’s family’s whereabouts.

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Details online. Admission rates to Fraser River Discovery Centre apply

Sunday, Oct. 27

Spooktacular Concert

Tune into the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra’s Spooktacular Concert which features creepy organ toccata, murderous mummies, witches being marched to the scaffold, and scary strings in the shower. Attendees are invited to come in costume for this concert.

2024 Vancouver Fall Classic

Watch the Vancouver Fall Classic, which features multiple categories, including men’s bodybuilding, women’s physique, classic physique, figure, wellness, and bikini. The event also includes vendors and sponsors presenting a range of products and services for fitness enthusiasts and professionals.

  • When: Sunday, Oct. 27. The morning event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the evening event is from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets available online