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What's happening? March 2025 events roundup for New Westminster

Magic and coffee festivals, live entertainment, and community consultation about housing options are among March's happenings in New West.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
mamma-mia-2
NWSS musical theatre program presents Mamma Mia! at Massey Theatre March 5 to 8.Contributed/Frances Monteleone

It’s getting a bit festive in New West in March with the return of the Magic Festival and the Coastal Dance Festival and the introduction of the Ethiopian Coffee Festival.

But there’s so much more. The Record has compiled some of this month’s offerings in New Westminster.

Saturday, March 1

Our City, Our Homes

The city is consulting with community members on housing initiatives being contemplated to help meet the diverse housing needs in the community. Today’s session is intended to: help everyone understand these changes and new programs related to housing — where they come from, how they work, and why they are being made; hear residents' questions, concerns, and hopes for the future of housing in New Westminster; and seek feedback on proposed locations, types, and regulations for the different housing types the city is working on. In addition to today’s open house, the city is offering an online survey until March 8.

  • When: Saturday, March 1, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St.
  • Details: Free. Drop in anytime.

Open Artist Studios

Braid St. Studios is inviting community members of all ages to wander through its 20 studios, meet its resident artists, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the world of the artists.

  • When: Saturday, March 1, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: 321 Sixth St, unit 301
  • Details: Free.

New West Craft

Arts New West presents designers, makers, crafters, artists, and small shop owners offering a selection of unique and diverse goods at today’s New West Craft, a handmade market.

  • When: Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free admission.

Paper Bag Princess Day

Today’s Be Your Own Hero/The Paper Bag Princess Day event includes a lively performance and an art workshop led by local artist Nicholas Brancati in celebration of this classic story to Robert Munsch. All ages are welcome.

  • When: Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. to noon
  • Where: Kinder Books in River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: $7 per child. This event is for kids of all ages; space is limited, so preregistration is required.

To March 2

A Nice Indian Boy

Vagabond Players Presents A Nice Indian Boy, a heartfelt and funny showcase about Naveen Gavaskar — “a nice Indian boy who wants a traditional Hindu marriage to... another nice Indian boy.”

  • When: Feb. 13 to March 2. It runs Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen's Park
  • Details: Tickets are $17 to $22 and are available online or by calling 604-521-0412.

Tuesday, March 4

Everyone Can Jazz Jam

Uptown Swing Collective’s weekly drop-in jazz jam emphasizes the skills required for building connections through jazz music, supporting and encouraging one another, playing music in a group, and participating in a jazz jam.

  • When: Tuesday, March 4, 7 to 8:20 p.m. (Drop-ins continue on Tuesday March 11, April 1, 8, 15 and 22; May 6, 13, 20 and 27; and June 3 and 10.)
  • Where: Century House, 820 Sixth St.
  • Details: Newcomers get one free drop-in visit; after that, there’s a $10 drop-in fee. More information is available online.

Wednesday, March 5

Our City, Our Homes

The city is consulting with community members on a range of housing initiatives being contemplated to help meet the diverse housing needs in New West. Today’s drop-in session is intended to: help everyone understand these changes and new programs related to housing — where they come from, how they work, and why they are being made; hear your questions, concerns, and hopes for the future of housing in New Westminster; and seek your feedback on proposed locations, types, and regulations for the different housing types the city is working on.

  • When: Wednesday, March 5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.

Reading Theatre Series

Allan Morgan hosts a reading of After the Orchard by Jason Sherman at the reading theatre series. Everyone is welcome to read and watch. PDF copies of After the Orchard are available online ahead of time. The reading begins at 2 p.m. so people should show up at 1:45 p.m. if they want to have a chance to read.

  • When: Wednesday, March 5, 1:45 p.m.; readings begin at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Plaskett Gallery, Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, 735 Eighth Ave.

Wednesday, March 5 to Saturday, March 8

Mamma Mia!

NWSS Musical Theatre presents Mamma Mia!, a hit jukebox musical using chart-topping tunes by ABBA to highlight the importance of friendships, understanding, and connections in creating a sense of belonging.

  • When: Wednesday, March 5 to Saturday, March 8. Evening performances at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

Thursday, March 6

Frauds and Scams

The New Westminster Public Library is hosting a session, in partnership with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, on frauds and scams. This workshop introduces ways you can protect yourself from phishing scams, identity theft, and banking scams as well as what to do if you have been scammed.

  • When: Thursday, March 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. The presentation can be attended in person at the library or online via Zoom.

A Place Called Home - Opening Reception

Opening reception of A Place Called Home: Shifting Narratives About Housing Justice, an exhibition that includes a collection of analog and collage art, photographs, poetry broadsides and neon art. This exhibit is supported by the Changing the Conversation Project, Arts New West, the City of New Westminster and Canada Council for the Arts. Changing the Conversation (CTC) is a three-year project that examines how public spaces and public art can facilitate a healthier discourse about housing in the community.

  • When: Thursday, March 6, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The exhibition runs until May 2.
  • Where: Amelia Douglas Gallery, 700 Royal Ave., fourth floor north.

Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9

2025 Coastal Dance Festival

The 18th annual Coastal Dance Festival, honouring Indigenous stories, song, and dance from across Canada and around the world, features a series of daytime performances and one signature evening performance.

  • When: Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9
  • Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: The full program lineup, dates, and times are available online.

Saturday, March 8

Our City, Our Homes

The city is consulting community members on a range of housing initiatives being contemplated to help meet the diverse housing needs in the community. In addition to today’s open house, it is offering an online survey until March 8. Today’s drop-in session is intended to: help everyone understand these changes and new programs related to housing: where they come from, how they work, and why they are being made; hear your questions, concerns, and hopes for the future of housing in New Westminster; and seek your feedback on proposed locations, types, and regulations for the different housing types the city is working on.

  • When: Saturday, March 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: École Qayqayt Elementary School gym, 85 Merivale St.

Birdhouse building workshop

Fraser River Discovery Centre and the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society are co-hosting a birdhouse building workshop, where you can make your own birdhouse — just in time for spring, when birds begin nesting and actively look for safe spots to lay eggs and raise their young. Today’s session includes an introduction to woodworking techniques as you use basic power and hand tools during the workshop. All materials provided. This workshop is intended for participants 16 years of age and older.  

  • When: Saturday, March 8, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Sapperton Landing Park, 60 East Columbia St.
  • Details: Pre-registration is required. It’s $55 for adults and $50 for students (student ID required), seniors (65 and older), or FRDC members.

Urban Academy Carnival

Urban Academy’s carnival includes a day of classic carnival and sports game booths, food, entertainment, a dunk tank, a silent auction, and more.

  • When: Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Urban Academy, 466 Rousseau St.
  • Details: Admission is $5 and free for children two and under. Game and food tickets are purchased separately, and it is recommended they be purchased in advance with admission to avoid waiting in lineups at the event. Cash and credit payments will not be accepted at game and food booths.

Sunday, March 9

Art Sundays Artist Talk

Sundays are for Art features an inspiring salon-style artist talk with artist Dizz. (Urban Ruptures: Glitched Realities, an exhibition by Pj Murashige Patten and Dizz McGruber is on exhibition in the Community Art Gallery in Anvil Centre at the until March 26.)

  • When: Sunday, March 9, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, Studio room 411 on the fourth floor, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: No registration is required but space is limited. 

Monday, March 10 to Thursday, March 13

Synergy Dance Competition

Global Dance Services Inc. presents the Synergy Dance Competition, celebrating 18 years of youth dance in British Columbia. This four-day event showcases up and coming talent in a variety of dance disciplines. 

  • When: Monday, March 10 to Thursday, March 13. The Synergy Showdown finals are on Thursday, March 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: A four-day pass is $17 plus service charges

Wednesday, March 12

Climate Films: The Ants and the Grasshopper

New Westminster Public Library’s new Climate Films Series features a screening of The Ants and the Grasshopper (2021). A synopsis states: Anita Chitaya is a farmer in Malawi who has brought progress to her village by transforming the way they think and work together. The film will be followed by a brief discussion after the film led by members of Regenerate BC and the New Westminster Climate Action Hub. The screening is open to anyone 12 and older.

  • When: Wednesday, March 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Popcorn will be provided but you must bring your own bowl.

Thursday, March 13

A Magical Evening of Acoustic Music

Planet Nerve8 Music Productions presents A Magical Evening of Acoustic Music featuring Don Alder; it’s Alder’s only Canadian date before his European tour. The show’s special guest is Jocelyn Pettit Band.

Friday, March 14

Anda Union

Anda Union, direct from Mongolia, China, will perform haunting throat-singing and harmonies from the Mongolian grasslands.

Secret Balboa Social

The Secret Balboa Social features a fun evening of dancing and socializing with fellow balboa enthusiasts.

  • When: Friday, March 14 (beginner Balboa lesson — 7:30 to 8 p.m.; social dance — 8 to 9:45 p.m.)
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Community Centre, Fitness 2C on the second floor, 65 East Sixth Ave.
    (2nd floor - turn left at the top of the stairs)
  • Details: Admission is $10 (cash or e-transfer) — or pay what you can; no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Saturday, March 15

Singing Can Be a Drag

The Vancouver Men’s Chorus presents its 17th Singing Can Be a Drag show; a unique live singing drag extravaganza. It features show tunes, heartfelt ballads, high-energy pop anthems and more.

PechaKucha Night New West

PechaKucha New West Voume 35 features 10 speakers, each presenting 20 slides for 20 seconds for a six-minute-and-40-second presentation about their passions.

  • When: Saturday, March 15. Doors open at 7 p.m. and presentations start at 8 p.m.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen’s Park.
  • Details: Tickets are $11.98 and are available online.

Ethiopian Coffee Festival

The Ethiopian Coffee Society is hosting the Ethiopian Coffee Festival, a celebration of Ethiopian culture and coffee. The main festival activities (2 to 6 p.m.) include: an opening ceremony; coffee sampling stations from different roasters; an Ethiopian coffee ceremony; the screening of a short film about Ethiopian coffee history, culture and the people involved in coffee production; a cultural dance show; and the 2025 Finest Cup Competition; and more. Pre-event activities running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. feature paid workshops and sessions on Ethiopian coffee cupping.

  • When: Saturday, March 15, 2 to 6 p.m. Pre-event paid activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Where: Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

New West Craft

New West Craft is a handmade market hosted by the Arts New West. New West Craft is open to designers, makers, crafters, artists, and small shop owners who offer a selection of unique and diverse goods.

  • When: Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.

Craft Supply Swap

Swap supplies with fellow crafters and get crafty this spring break. Community members can drop off lightly used, good condition materials and tools (no open liquids or glitter please) at the children’s information desk from March 1 to 14. The March 15 swap is open to all ages, but a parent must accompany children under the age of eight.

  • When: Saturday, March 15, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free; no requirement to bring anything to participate.

100 Years of Broadway

Lights Up musical theatre schools presents 100 Years of Broadway, with students aged six to 16 performing musical medleys from the 1920s to the 2020s at the school’s annual showcase.

  • When: Saturday, March 15. Show #1 is from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and show #2 is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

Sunday, March 16

Behind the Lens with Paul Newton

Learn about the fascinating world of Southeastern Europe’s Spomeniks with Paul Newton, when he shares the stories, techniques, and artistic choices behind his photography. You’ll get insights into his creative process and hear about the historical and cultural significance of these haunting monuments from his travels. The event includes an open Q&A session.

  • When: Sunday, March 16, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: The Gallery at Queen’s Park
  • Details: Registration is not required but space is limited.

Thursday, March 20

The Flair of Fred Astaire

Classic film scholar Michael Van Den Bos shines the spotlight on Fred Astaire, considered to be the greatest of all movie dancers. Using film clips, he’ll explore the diversity and inventiveness of Astaire’s considerable dance work in classic Hollywood movies, and he will also highlight Astaire as a vocalist.

  • When: Thursday, March 20, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1B at the Massey Theatre complex, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Ticket are available online. They’re $21 for students, $24 for seniors, $27 for adults (plus service charges).

Gardening: Companion Planting

Suzanne Fielden leads a session where you’ll learn which plants work well together so you can get better results from your garden.

  • When: Thursday, March 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. The presentation is presented live in-person and on Zoom.

New Westminster blood donation event

Canadian Blood Services is hosting a blood donation event in New Westminster.

JIBC career fair

Explore career opportunities in law enforcement at the Justice Institute of BC law enforcement career fair, where you can connect with recruiters from top agencies, including the RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency, Vancouver Police, BC Sheriff Service, E-Comm 911, and more. Learn about careers in policing, corrections, probation, security, and emergency response.

  • When: Thursday, March 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: JIBC New Westminster campus (main atrium), 715 McBride Blvd.
  • Details: Free

Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23

We Don’t Talk About Book Club

The Royal Canadian Theatre Company’s spring production features the world premiere of We Don’t Talk About Book Club, described as “a heartfelt and hilarious journey through friendship, forgiveness and melty cheese.” It follows four friends from college at their monthly book club.

  • When: Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23. Shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are available online for the New West shows, as well as the March 14 to 16 shows at the Surrey Arts Centre. 

Friday, March 21

Krystle Dos Santos: A Night of Soul with Bradley Barkman

Krystle Dos Santos and her three-piece band will be joined by guest artist Bradley Barkman for an evening of classic soul, funk, and R&B hits. Attendees are encouraged to dance the night away.

Saturday, March 22

Family storytime

The New Westminster Public Library hosts a family storytime with special guest, BC author Stephanie Watterson, in recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration week (March 17 to 23). The event includes a short storytime with an NWPL librarian, a reading of Watterson’s new picture book Septopus, an opportunity to get colouring pages and to take part in an informal Q&A with Watterson.

  • When: Saturday, March 22, 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free

Jazz Cats Social

Uptown Swing Collective is hosting the Jazz Cats Social with live music by live music by Bonnie Northgraves and the Empress Jazz Band. This event is a jazz jam, so musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and sit in with the band for a song or two. It includes light refreshments, beginner swing dance lesson (partner not needed) and social dancing.

  • When: Saturday, March 22, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., a beginner swing dance lesson is at 6:45 p.m., and live music and social dancing start at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St. (in Moody Park)
  • Details: Tickets ($21) must be purchased in advance. The event is for people aged 16 years and up.

Sunday, March 23

Global Tea Series

Cassius Khan, a globally renowned performer of combining the classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla, hosts the Global Tea Series which features an afternoon of music and refreshments. Today’s event features guitar music with Dave Martone, a performer, touring musician, recording engineer, music producer and educator.

Monday, March 24,

Vancouver Chamber Music Society

The Vancouver Chamber Music Society, in collaboration with Anvil Theatre, presents an afternoon of chamber music with the Kallaci String Trio, featuring Yoojin Jang (violin), Hanna Lee (viola), and JoonHo Shim (cello).

Monday, March 24 to Friday, March 28

Decade Public Skates

Skate through the decades at public skates — part of this week’s celebration of Moody Park Arena’s 50th anniversary.

  • When: Monday, March 24 — '70s public skate; Tuesday, March 25 — '80s public skate; Wednesday, March 26 — 90s public skate; Thursday, March 27 — '00s public skate; and Friday, March 28 — '10s public skate. All skates are from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Moody Park Arena, 701 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Regular admission rates apply.

Monday, March 24 to Sunday, March 30

The Magic Festival

The Magic Festival, returning to New Westminster for its second year, features a jampacked lineup of events, including: 52 & You; Cabaret of Wonders; Crafty Kids Magic Class; the Vancouver Magic Circle’s Mystery Magic and Dinner; An Evening of Magic; Kids Magic Show with Magic Max; Magic at the Metro; and the Children’s Magician of the Year competition.

Tuesday, March 25

Brasileira with Jennifer Scott

This month’s Jazz at the Anvil features Brasileira with Jennifer Scott, a jazz pianist specializing in jazz, blues and world music. She has appeared at jazz festivals all across Canada and the United States. 

Thursday, March 27

Led Zepagain

Led Zepagain’s authentic tribute to Led Zeppelin will include performances of classic songs like Stairway to Heaven, Immigrant Song, Whole Lotta Love, Rock ‘n Roll and Black Dog. The Sony recording artists are regarded as the most authentic representation of Led Zeppelin in the world today.

Friday, March 28

Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

The Wildflowers, an internationally touring band considered North America’s #1 Tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, bring their tour to New West.

Saturday, March 29

Perogies for Peace

The monthly Perogies for Peace traditional Ukrainian fundraising dinner features perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht, and sausage. Fresh and frozen options are available.

  • When: Saturday, March 29, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Church, 501 Fourth Ave.

Moody Park Arena 50th anniversary celebration

Moody Park Arena is inviting community members to take a take a trip down memory lane to celebrate its 50th anniversary. At today’s celebration you can walk on the ice between 3:30 and 5 p.m. (no skating during this time) to write your Moody Park Arena memories on the ice. Mayor Patrick Johnstone will then say a few words, followed by cake in the lobby. The event includes a photo booth, a prize draw, and more. A family skate takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

  • When: Saturday, March 29, 3:30 to 5 p.m. — anniversary celebration/no skating; and 6:30 to 8 p.m. — skate on the written memories at the family skate.
  • Where: Moody Park Arena, 701 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: It’s free from 3:30 to 5 p.m. but regular admission fees apply to the public skate from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Sphero Free Play

Experiment with a Sphero coding robot in a relaxed, just-for-fun environment. This is an all-ages environment, but a parent must accompany children under the age of eight.

  • When: Saturday, March 29, 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free