It is indeed shaping up to be a merry month of May – with parades, festivals, garage sales and entertainment galore on the calendar in New West. Here’s a look at some of this month’s offerings in New Westminster.
To May 14
Enjoy Royal City Musical Theatre’s production of Crazy for You, running until May 14 at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. For showtimes and tickets, go to www.ticketsnw.ca.
Friday, May 5
Honour the memory and lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people at a free event taking place in Hyack Square on Friday, May 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Spirit of the Children Society and the City of New Westminster, the event includes a red dress display, a ceremony at 4 p.m., and family-friendly activities. Free red dress pins and refreshments will be available while supplies last. Attendees are encouraged to wear red to show their support.
Eat, drink and dance at the Cinco De Maya Mexican Party featuring a tacos bar, music, dancing and beverages. It’s happening at the Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St. on Friday, May 5 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The $25 ticket includes a plate of tacos and one beverage but additional tacos and drinks are available for purchase. You must be 19 or older to attend this event.
Saturday, May 6
Find some deals at the 18th annual Massey Victory Heights garage sale on Saturday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A list of participating addresses is found on the Massey Victory Heights residents’ association’s website.
Sunday, May 7
Attend the Vancouver Hong Kong Fair, which features booths by Hong Konger artisans and small businesses, cultural exhibitions, performances, and a variety of cultural events. Taking place at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St., from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the fair’s events include: cultural workshops (including ones featuring the fading Hong Kong art of sugar crafting); Cantonese storytelling sessions; a display from the Chinatown Storytelling Centre; Adrift: multidisciplinary performances featuring local and newcomer Hong Konger artists; and more.
Saturday, May 13
Dig into some gardening deals at the New Westminster Horticultural Society’s spring sale on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until sold out) at St. Thomas More Collegiate, 7450 12th Ave. Info: www.newwesthortsociety.org.
Hunt for treasures at the return of the Queen’s Park Garage Sale on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Houses throughout the Queen’s Park neighbourhood will be participating in this event.
Get digging at the native planting event at Thompson’s Landing Park on South Dyke Road in Queensborough on Saturday, May 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Hosted by the Queensborough Special Programs Committee, volunteers will be adding wood/logs and mulch and planting more than 300 native plants to create an ideal habitat and sustainable environment. It runs rain or shine, and refreshments and a kid’s craft table will be provided. If you have a shovel, bring that along. Details on the Queensborough Special Programs Committee’s Facebook page.
Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14
Travel through the decades (musically speaking) when the Maple Leaf Singers (founded 55 years ago) bring their show – 55 Years of #1 Hits – to the Anvil Theatre stage. You’ll hear songs from the 1960s to 2020s, including the Beatles, Bon Jovi, Simon & Garfunkel, Garth Brooks and Katy Perry. Saturday’s show is at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $27.
Tuesday, May 16
Connect face-to-face with hiring companies, government, employment services, colleges and universities at the Vancouver Career Fair, taking place on Tuesday, May 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
Wednesday, May 24
Hear what city council has planned for New Westminster at the Mayor’s Annual State of the City Address, taking place at Starlight Casino in Queensborough on Wednesday, May 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mayor Patrick Johnstone, joined by members of council, will share details about council’s new strategic plan and explain what it means for the city and the community in the term ahead. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Tickets are $40 and available at Eventbrite.ca (search for New Westminster state of the city). Advance registration is required.
Friday, May 26
Enjoy a night of entertainment you won’t soon forget when Tamikrest hits the stage at Massey Theatre on Friday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring musicians from Mali, Niger, Algeria and France, Tamikrest incorporates heavy American rock, reggae, world music and folk to create a sound all its own. Tickets are $50. Massey Theatre is at 735 Eighth Ave.
Saturday, May 27
Enjoy a local tradition when the Hyack International Parade returns to the streets of New West on Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m. It will features more than 100 entries from the city and across the Pacific Northwest, including floats, marching bands, community groups, performers and more. It travels down Sixth Street (starting at Eighth Avenue) before turning on Queen’s Avenue and heading towards Queen’s Park.
Gather for an afternoon of fun at Hyack’s Festival in the Park, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Tipperary Park. It includes free entertainment, live music, activities for folks of all ages, vendors, food trucks and artisan creators.
Head to Queen’s Park Stadium for the city’s 153rd May Day, which includes the crowning of the May Queen and introductions of children in the Royal Suite, folk and maypole dances, entertainment. It’s on Saturday, May 27 at 3:30 p.m. The stadium’s doors open at 3 p.m. It’s free and happens rain or shine.
Sunday, May 28
Get some décor inspiration at the return of Heritage New West’s popular Heritage Homes Tour. During the 41st event, attendees will be able to tour 12 New Westminster heritage homes, including classic Victorians, Arts and Crafts, Early Cottage and Edwardian styles (including seven heritage venues that have never been on the tour in the past). It’s on Sunday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets ($45) and info at newwestheritage.org
