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10 fun (and thrilling?) things to do in New West this weekend

Mamma Mia! There's a lot happening in New Westminster this weekend.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
mamma-mia-6
More than 75 NWSS students are involved in the staging of Mamma Mia! — some on stage and others behind the scenes.Contributed/Frances Monteleone

Eclectic is one way to describe this weekend’s offerings in New West.

Whether you are a thrill seeker, a fan of music and live entertainment, want to contribute to the city's future plans, or are looking for some hands-on fun, it’s all happening in New Westminster this weekend. Here are the Record’s top picks for the March 7 to 9 weekend:

To Saturday, March 8

Mamma Mia!

Enjoy the music of ABBA when students in New Westminster Secondary School’s musical theatre program presents Mamma Mia!, a hit jukebox musical using chart-topping tunes by ABBA. Mamma Mia! highlights 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.

Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9

2025 Coastal Dance Festival

Enjoy some amazing performances when the 18th annual Coastal Dance Festival returns to New Westminster. The festival, which honours Indigenous stories, song, and dance from across Canada and around the world, includes 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 line-up, dates, and times are available online.

Saturday, March 8

Babe Brew Launch

Head to Steel & Oak Brewing Co. for the launch of its Babe Brew Plum Gose. To celebrate International Women’s Day, S&O is hosting a launch party for its latest brew, a collaboration with Beer Babes Family; $1 from every pint sold at today’s launch will go towards the Beers Babes Family, an international non-profit that gives business grants to women in the beer industry.

  • When: Saturday, March 8. The tasting room is open from noon to 10 p.m.
  • Where: Steel & Oak Brewing Co., 1319 Third Ave.

Neil E. Dee’s Danger Thrill Show

Prepare to be mesmerized (terrified?) when Neil E. Dee, renowned as Canada’s wildest sword swallower and sideshow stuntman, performs in New West. He’s known for performing stunts such as sword swallowing, laying on machetes while having bricks broke on him, and acting as a human dartboard. Neil E. Dee’s Danger Thrill Show will be accompanied by music from Waste Coast and Hab!t. The show is open to folks aged 19 and older.

  • When: Saturday, March 8. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
  • Where: Bully’s Studios Inc., 67 Sixth St.
  • Details: Tickets are $20 online or at the door.

Our City, Our Homes

Learn about the City of New Westminster’s plans to provide a range of housing initiatives in future years in order to meet the community’s diverse housing needs. At today’s drop-in session, the city will provide information, answer questions, and seek feedback on the locations, types, and regulations for the different types of housing being planned in the city.

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

People, Parks, and Play: Connections for All

Share your feedback about the City of New Westminster’s parks and recreation plan at today's drop-in. The city is seeking input on the plan that is expected to be completed this summer or fall.  It’s intended to guide the future of parks, facilities, services, and programs for the next 25 years and ensure that New Westminster’s parks and recreation spaces continue to support a growing and diverse community. 

  • When: Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave.

Birdhouse building workshop

Make a birdhouse at a birdhouse building workshop being co-hosted by Fraser River Discovery Centre and the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society. This session, open to participants aged 16 and up, includes an introduction to woodworking techniques and use of basic power and hand tools. All materials are included in the cost.  

  • 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

Check out Urban Academy’s carnival, which includes 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

New Westminster Symphony Orchestra

Enjoy an afternoon of music at the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra concert featuring Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. The orchestra will be joined by the Willan Choir.

  • When: Sunday, March 9, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Sanctuary on 6th (formerly Queens Avenue United Church), corner of Sixth Street and Queens Avenue.
  • Details: Admission is by donation (suggested $20)

Art Sundays Artist Talk

Attend an inspiring salon-style artist talk with artist Dizz McGruber as part of Sundays are for Art programming. (Urban Ruptures: Glitched Realities, an exhibition by Pj Murashige Patten and McGruber, is on exhibition in the Community Art Gallery in Anvil Centre 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.