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What’s happening in New West in May?

Springtime fun in New Westminster: Festivals, yard sales, a parade and loads of entertainment in May 2024.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
mary-poppins-7
Royal City Musical Theatre is presenting Mary Poppins at Massey TheatreMoonrider Productions

Things are getting festive in New West in the merry month of May – with all kinds of festivals, live entertainment and community events happening around town.

Here’s a rundown of some of the events to check out in New Westminster in May 2024:

Until Sunday, May 12

Royal City Musical Theatre presents Mary Poppins, a magical tale of the beloved nanny who teaches the Banks family to value each other again – using a combination of magic and common sense. This production, adapted from the stories by PL Travers and the original film, features an irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.

Wednesday, May 1

The New Westminster Downtown Residents Association is hosting a presentation and Q&A with the Hyack Festival Association about the upcoming Hyack Festival.

  • When: Wednesday, May 1, 7 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Trinity Cathedral Hall, 514 Carnarvon St
  • Details: Info at  www.nwdra.ca

Friday, May 3

East of the Sun, a concert featuring a “musical fusion” that offers a blend of blend of Korean, Chinese, and Western jazz influences in a spectacular concert. Its performance is described as “a cultural exploration and a celebration of musical diversity” that will be filled with stunning harmonies and unforgettable musical that transcends cultural boundaries.

Saturday, May 4

New Westminster Horticultural Society’s annual plant sale features a wide variety of plants, including perennials and groundcovers, that have been potted up by the society’s members. Organizers expect about 2,000 plants to be available at this popular sale.

  • When: Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: St. Thomas More Collegiate, 7450 12th Ave. (Just across the border at the corner of Kingsway and 12th Avenue in Burnaby.)

Fun & Games Fest, hosted by the City of New Westminster, gives residents a chance to provide input on the city’s new parks and recreation master plan, while connecting with other community members and enjoying ping pong, mini sports, a photo booth, bubbles, snacks, and more.

  • When: Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Moody Park south field, located between the outdoor pool and the youth centre.

Massey Victory Heights 19th annual garage sale features new-to-you treasures from participating households in the neighbourhood. Runs rain or shine.

Raine Hamilton String Trio will be bringing its “chamber-folk” music to New West – it’s a hybrid of the traditional classical tradition of string quartet chamber music and singer-songwriter folks. Its performances have been described as “resonant, acoustic chamber folk with an otherworldly edge, and a lyric presence that cuts deep. Prism clear vocals and strings, reaching out beyond the earthly.”

Raise a Glass to Hope … and chocolate, a Royal City Gogos’ fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers Campaign, in support of African grandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS. The fundraiser includes three guided tastings of premium wines paired with a selection of chocolate from women’s cooperatives in Africa, a marketplace with handcrafted items from the Royal City Gogos, African music by Kurai Mubaiwa, a no-host bar, door prizes and more.

Sunday, May 5

Red Dress Day is a chance to honour the memory and lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people across Canada and the USA. Today’s event includes: a red dress display; free red dress pins; available while supplies last; free snacks and beverages available while supplies last; family-friendly activities; and a ceremony hosted by Spirit of the Children Society

  • When: Sunday, May 5, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Hyack Square on Columbia Street, at the bottom of Eighth Street.

New West Symphony’s season-ending concert, A Romantic Period, features music by composers who were part of the Romantic Period. As a special treat, the symphony will recognize the 65th anniversary of The Sanctuary at Queens Avenue’s Casavant organ with a performance of Charles-Marie Widor’s joyous Toccata. (The symphony noted the organ hasn’t been heard by the public for several years. Isaac Howie is the guest organist for the concert.)

  • When: Sunday, May 5, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: The Sanctuary at Queens Avenue, 529 Queens Ave. The entrance is on Sixth Street.
  • Details: Admission is by donation. Parking is available in the city hall parking lot. More details at newwestsymphony.net

Wednesday, May 8

Public Art Unveiling of Miyiwts – Water’s Edge by Coast Salish artist James Harry, part of the opening celebrations for təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.

  • When: Wednesday, May 8, 12 to 2 p.m.
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Most of the event will take place outdoors next to the artwork located near the facility’s south entrance. The blessing ceremony begins at noon, and soup and bannock will be served at 1 p.m.

Thursday, May 9

Pop-up event to provide input into People, Parks and Play: Connections for All – the City of New Westminster’s updated parks and recreation plan. This is the first round of engagement for the plan, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

  • When: Thursday, May 9, 2 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Ryall Park/Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.

Thursday, May 9 to Sunday, May 12

Bridges Literary Festival is a “festival of all things literary.” Presented by New Westminster Public Library in partnership with venues and organizations throughout the city, it includes a range of free events for folks of all ages, including: author talks; poetry readings; kids’ storytimes; book launches; a local author book club; literary crafts; a critics circle; writing and creation workshops; and social events.

  • When: May 9 to 12
  • Where: Various venues in New Westminster. Details available online
  • Details: Free. Some events are drop-in but most require registration so organizers can plan for numbers.

Friday, May 10

NWSS Music Jazz Night, a fundraiser for the music auxiliary. The high school’s Grand Commons will be turned into a cabaret for this event, which features music by students and special guest saxophone player Tom Keenlyside. Tickets include appetizers and two soft drinks.

  • When: Friday, May 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show gets underway at 7 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Secondary School, 835 Eighth St.
  • Details: Tickets are $35

Ghostly New West Tour features a “haunted walking tour” through the historic streets of New Westminster.

  • When: Friday, May 10, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: The group will meet in Hyack Square, located on Columbia Street at the foot of Eighth Street.
  • Details: Tickets are available online. Tour may not be suitable for children under age 12. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, May 11

The Queen’s Park 27th annual neighbourhood-wide garage sale returns to New West.

  • When: Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Various homes in the Queen’s Park neighbourhood

Art of the Garden, an annual exhibition at the Van Dop Gallery, features local glass artist Violet Finvers, painter Jodie Blaney, and talented artists from across the country. (You can celebrate spring, find perfect Mother's Day gifts, and immerse yourself in the beauty of sculptural garden works and captivating paintings throughout our unique home gallery and grounds.)

  • When: Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: 421 Richmond St.

Spring Fling, presented by Royal City Rotary, includes live music by Hitz , dancing and an auction. Fundraiser in support of PLANS, a free outdoor program for families with children aged two to five years.

  • When: Saturday, May 11, 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Pizza at 10 p.m.
  • Where: Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are $40 or a table of 10 is $350. Tickets at 778-227-2124 or 604-240-9520

Pop-up event to provide input into People, Parks and Play: Connections for All – the City of New Westminster’s updated parks and recreation plan. This is the first round of engagement for the plan, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

  • When: Saturday, May 11, noon to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Sapperton Plaza, 411 East Columbia St.

Sunday, May 12

Royal City Musical Theatre is hosting Sister Suffragette Mother’s Day Wine and Treats, a Mother’s Day event at Massey Theatre. (This is taking place before today’s matinee of Mary Poppins.) You can indulge in a sweets platter from Le Chalet Patisserie or savour a cheese platter from Les Amis du Fromage; either option is designed to serve four and is bundled with a bottle of wine of your choice.

  • When: Sunday, May 12. Reservation times are available at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets start at $65 (serves four). You can place orders up until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 5.

Monday, May 13

Juno Award-winning New Orford String Quartet performs a captivating afternoon of classical music. These four elite orchestral leaders – Andrew Wan, Jonathan Crow, Sharon Wei, and Brian Manker – will provide an unforgettable afternoon of musical brilliance. This concert is the Vancouver Chamber Music Society’s season finale in New Westminster.

Tuesday, May 14

Aquatic Centre Opening at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, part of the facility’s opening celebrations. Community members are invited to join “the first public jump, walk, slip, wheel or lift” into the pool, to mark the official opening of the aquatic centre portion of the facility. You can take the plunge – with special guest swimmers – as the city captures this memorable moment with a photo.

  • When: Tuesday, May 14, 4 p.m.
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Registration isn’t required, but space will be limited at the 4 p.m. shared moment of jumping into the community's new pools.

Mosaic’s 12th annual Job Fair features more than 60 employers looking to fill a variety business, finance, IT, hospitality, trades, healthcare, retail, customer service and more. This annual job fair attracts Canadians, immigrants, newcomers, youths, and recent graduates, helping them find entry to senior level job opportunities.

  • When: Tuesday, May 14, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is highly recommended, with three timeslots available: 9:30 a.m. – early entrance for people with disabilities; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – morning entrance for general admission; and 1:30 to 4 p.m. – afternoon entrance for general admission.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: www.jobfair.mosaicbc.org

Monday, May 15

Pop-up event to provide input into People, Parks and Play: Connections for All – the City of New Westminster’s updated parks and recreation plan. This is the first round of engagement for the plan, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

  • When: Monday, May 15, 2 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Simcoe Park, 124 McInnes St. (Eighth Street and Royal Avenue)

Artist Talk with Holly Schmidt and Janet Wang, who will discuss their recent Artist in Residence at the Irving House. Learn about their research, experimentations, interventions as well as their reflections on their time at the house – one of B.C.’s oldest post-contact historic homes.

  • When: Monday, May 15, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, first floor, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Free. All welcome; no registration is required

Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19

Fascinating Rhythm, the latest performance by the Maple Leaf Singers, will showcase some of the group’s classics – and a whole new repertoire of modern favourites. The Maple Leaf Singers’ dynamic shows feature a variety of music complemented by choreography in styles such as pop, swing, jazz, folk, rock, gospel, Broadway and more.

  • When: Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are $25 at www.ticketsnw.com

Asian Heritage Month fun at Fraser River Discovery Centre, where you’ll learn some of the many ways Asian Canadians have made the Fraser River Basin more enjoyable, delicious, well-researched, welcoming.

  • When: Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Admission is $8 (adult 19+); $6 (senior 65+); $6 (student w/ID); $5 (child three to 12); free (kids zero to two years); $20 (family two adults and four children). More info at www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/

Thursday, May 23

The New Westminster Senior A Salmonbellies take on the Burnaby Lakers in their 2024 season home opener. The Salmonbellies return to action after their exciting 2023 season, which saw them compete for the Mann Cup.

  • When: Thursday, May 23, 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Queen’s Park Arena

Saturday, May 25

Hyack Parade returns to New West, featuring floats, marching bands, community groups, mascots, performing artists and more.

  • When: Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.
  • Where: The parade begins on Sixth Street (at Eighth Avenue) and continues down the road to Queens Avenue, where it turns and heads towards Queen’s Park.

Hyack Festival in the Park 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 2024 features maypole and folk dances, speeches by members of the Royal Suite and the crowning of New Westminster’s 2024 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

Perogies for Peace, a traditional Ukrainian dinner, features tasty perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht, and sausage. Fresh and frozen options available.

  • When: Saturday, May 25, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 501 Fourth St.
  • Details: Credit cards accepted

Sunday, May 26

Heritage New West’s 42nd Homes Tour features an eclectic array of 11 venues, including private homes and civic venues like Bernie Legge Theatre and Irving House. Other buildings on this year’s tour include: a rented suite in a “fascinating” heritage apartment building; a beautiful church that’s pursuing a heritage revitalization agreement to help restore the building's unique design, while building rental housing and expanding its on-site daycare; and an arts and crafts home that incorporates green technology.

  • When: Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 5 pm.
  • Where: Assorted venues in the city
  • Details: Tickets are $45 and are available online. Folks can then bring their digital or print receipt to Royal Cit Colours at 700 12th St. to pick up their ticket guidebook, which contains the addresses and information about the 11 venues on this year’s tour and serves as a “passport” into all of the sites.

Roller Derby double header – two games in one afternoon. Watch as Vancouver teams smash into other humans on roller skates. Snacks, drinks, and merch are available to purchase, and there will be door prizes and a raffle. Organizers recommend bringing a camping chair if you have one, as a limited number of chairs will be available.

  • When: Sunday, May 26. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the first whistle is at 12:45 p.m.
  • Where: 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.

Thursday, May 30

Book Launch – Halfway Home, a special edition of the Royal City Literary Arts Society’s Tellers of Short Tales, is celebrating the release of author Christina Myers’ new book, Halfway Home: Thoughts from Midlife. Join Myers, host Lynn Easton, and special guest readers Carmen Farrell and Taslim Jaffer for an evening of fun, readings, Q&A and book signing – along with some punch, cookies and a lot of joy. 

  • When: Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.
  • Where: I Heart NW Space in Columbia Square Plaza, 103-78 10th St.
  • Details: RSVP so organizers have a sense of the turnout