Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. In the Community

What’s happening in New West this weekend? Event roundup for Nov. 1 to 3

This Weekend in New West: A Pumpkin Drop, a Dia de los Muertos celebration, Climate Action Week programs – and more
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
day-of-the-dead
Community members are invited to attend a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at St. Barnabas Church on Friday, Nov. 1.DarioGaona/E+/Getty Images

Learning about climate action, celebrating Dia de los Muertos, and watching pumpkins smash to the ground from way up high are among the offerings this weekend in New West.

Whether you want to learn about climate action or just have fun, there’s something happening for folks of all ages in town this weekend. Here are the Record’s top picks for the Friday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Nov. 3 weekend in New Westminster.

Friday, Nov. 1

Dia de los Muertos celebration

Share, celebrate, remember and feast at the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at St. Barnabas Church, where the day’s activities include making Pan de Muerto (a traditional bread baked in Mexico for the Day of the Dead celebration) and creating the Ofrenda (an altar set up to celebrate the dead). Attendees are invited to bring photos of their loved ones, and share some food, beverages (hot chocolate, sweet bread and snacks) and joy together.

  • When: Friday, Nov. 1, 2 to 7 p.m. (Note: the event was previously scheduled to go later and include a dance, but it’s been changed due to an illness.)
  • Where: St. Barnabas Church hall, 1010 Fifth Ave.
  • Details: Donations will be accepted at the door

Saturday, Nov. 2

Pumpkin Drop

Have a smashing good time at the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society’s first-ever Pumpkin Drop. You can take your pumpkins to the fire hall and see how they go sploosh when they’re dropped from fire department’s tower truck.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Glenbrook Fire Hall, 1 East Sixth Ave. (Parking is available at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre)
  • Details: By donation to the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society.

Art exhibition opening reception

Attend the opening reception of the Visual Dialogue on Death and Dying, Grief and Loss, an art exhibition being hosted by New West Hospice, New West Artists, and Century House. The opening reception includes an art talk and judges’ comments. The exhibition is on display at Century House until Nov. 30.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St. (in Moody Park)

Climate Solutions in a Day

Jump start your climate action efforts at home and in the community at the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Solutions in a Day event – part of its Climate Action Week programming. Presenters from Regenerate BC will lead attendees on a deep dive into the climate science and solutions – with the goal of participants leaving with a solid grasp of the science and the solutions, and a sense of hope for the future. Participants (aged 14 and older) can attend in person or they can watch the first few hours via Zoom (before in-person attendees break up into small groups).

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. Register online.

Sunday, Nov. 3

Family Storytime with Arts and Crafts

Join local author and illustrator Mavis Lui as she reads from her book Meet Frank – and get your copy signed – at the Family Storytime with Arts and Crafts event hosted by Kinder Books and sponsored by Arts New West. Storytime will be followed by an art/craft project led by local artist Nicholas Brancati.

  • When: Sunday, Nov 3, 9.30 a.m.
  • Where: River Market, #101 – 810 Quayside Dr. (This event will be held in the community space in front of the Vancouver Circus School on the second floor.)
  • Details: Free but reservations are required. It’s suitable for kids aged three and older, but everyone is welcome.

Joy of Mending

Learn about smart clothing choices and simple mending techniques that can help you to reduce your environmental impact when it comes to clothing. All supplies are provided at this event, which is part of the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Action Week programming.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 3, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. Register onlline. This event is for people aged 12 and older.

Sajjad Ali concert

Enjoy an evening of live music when Sajjad Ali – who is considered a living legend in the Pakistani music industry and has often been referred to as the “King of Pop” in Pakistan – takes to the local stage.