Live music and entertainment, swing dancing, and weather and nature-themed events are among the offerings in New West this weekend. Here are our top picks for some weekend fun in New Westminster:
Friday, Jan. 26
Wishing Tree – Wishing in the Park
Learn more about the Wishing Tree, win a prize and make a wish for nature at Wishing in the Park. BC Parks Foundation staff will be on-site with prizes. The Wishing Tree is in New West until Jan. 28.
For every wish made to protect nature, the lights on the tree will dance, and $10 will be donated to help preserve parks in BC. You can make a wish at the tree by speaking to the tree to see the lights react, hanging a written wish on a nearby sapling, or sharing your wish online.
- When: Friday, Jan. 26, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Moody Park, 600 Eighth St.
Saturday, Jan. 27
The Heterosexuals
Writer/performer Johnnie McNamara Walker brings his newest, most personal, and most provocative solo show to date to New Westminster. The Heterosexuals is described as being “a deep-dive into the shocking world of heterosexuality!” and featuring “elements of storytelling, satire, comedy, and deep personal humiliation.”
The party continues after intermission with the West Coast debut of HEY GIRL HEY with DJ Orange Pekoe (aka Walker) who will play a dance-friendly set of hip-hop, R&B and pop tunes. Each song at this inclusive and fun dance party (which has taken Toronto by storm) must feature a woman and/or non-binary artist.
- When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 8 to 11 p.m.
- Where: Where: Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces (in the Massey Theatre complex), 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets are $30.
Perogy dinner
Enjoy a delicious perogy dinner at the monthly Perogies for Peace dinner – or get your dinner to go.
- When: Saturday, Jan 27, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, 501 Fourth Ave.
Super Saturdays
Find out how the Fraser Canyon influences the Lower Mainland’s weather at Super Saturdays. Activities at Super Saturdays: It’s a Breeze include: modelling cold, winter winds through the Fraser Canyon with hands-on science demonstrations; learning to identify clouds and finding out what they can tell you about the weather; and designing the best fan to test the power of wind.
- When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Open to families with children of all ages. Tickets for Super Saturdays include paid admission to the Discovery Centre. (There’s no charge for FRDC members).
Jazz Cats Social
The Uptown Swing Collective, in partnership with Century House and the City of New Westminster, is hosting the Jazz Cats Social, a jazz jam featuring live music by Tim Sars and Friends. Folks 16 and older are invited to attend – whether they want to swing out, bring their instruments and join in on the band for a song or two, or just sit back and tap their toes while enjoying the show.
- When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., a beginner swing dance lesson starts at 6:45 p.m. and live music and social dancing begins at 7:30 pm.
- Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.
- Details: Tickets are $18 or $12 for Century House members and must be purchased online in advance – no tickets will be available at the door. (Musicians get in for free.) Tickets includes light refreshments and beginning swing dance lesson (partner not required)
- Sunday, Jan. 28
Rainbow Chorus
The Rainbow Chorus is featuring an evening of Canadian tunes at its Season 4 performance. Its theme is: Canadiana – not your average Canadian concert.
- When: Sunday, Jan. 28, p.m., 7 p.m.
- Where: The Sanctuary on Sixth, 207 Sixth Street (Queens Avenue and Sixth Street )
- Details: Online tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors, plus service charge. Tickets (cash only) will also be available at the door, $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors.
