Summer is definitely in full swing in New West – as demonstrated by the many events happening around town this weekend.
From street festivals to outdoor entertainment, there’s something for folks of all ages. Here are our top picks for the July 26 to 28 weekend in New Westminster:
Friday, July 26
Fridays on Front
Soak up the community vibe at this week’s Fridays on Front block party featuring food, beer, music (DJ O Show; Bradley Barkman and Ben Parker), children’s activities and more. This week’s theme is Carfree Takeover.
- When: Friday, July 12, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Front Street Mews, 600 block
- Details: Free
Bridge City Sound Park Takeovers
Tune into to music by Bridge City Sound DJs, enjoy games and activities and win prizes at Bridge City Sound Park Takeovers, an event for 11- to 18-year-olds. It’s part of the City of New Westminster’s Summer Showcase.
- When: Friday, July 26, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Westminster Pier Park
Saturday, July 27
Uptown Live
Check out an evening of live music on multiple stage, interactive community exhibits, local artisan vendors, food trucks, and more at Uptown Live. This year, alcohol may be consumed throughout the event site (not just in beer gardens).
- When: Saturday, July 27, 4 to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue
Save this post for July 27! From our headliner @thefunkhunters on the @douglascollege Main Stage, to DJ A-Slam spinning on the Starlight Casino DJ Stage, to performances & dance battles on the Plaza Stage, we can't wait to party with you!#JoinThePartyNW #StreetFestival #NewWest pic.twitter.com/SMBhWyyWSL
— Uptown Live Street Festival (@uptownlivenw) July 21, 2024
Pop-Up Library Day
Drop by Sapperton Plaza to experience the New Westminster Public Library’s pop-up library. Community members can ask questions, do children's activities, chat about books, and more.
- When: Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Sapperton Plaza
- Details: Free. Runs rain or shine
Let's Make Seed Balls!
Make seed balls to take home and plant in your gardens at the Let’s Make Seed Balls event, presented by New Westminster Public Library and Gardens4Kids. Kids aged eight and under must have an adult participate with them.
- When: Saturday, July 27, 2 to 3 p.m.
- Where: The Habitat, Queen’s Park
- Details: Free, but registration is required
New West Craft
Shop from local makers and artisans taking part in today’s New West Craft, a curated market presented by Arts New West.
- When: Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
Jazz Cats Social
Enjoy a night of live music and dancing at the Jazz Cats Social featuring the Casey Thomas-Burns Swing Band. Folks are welcome to hit the dance floor, take part in the jazz jam, or sit back and watch the show. The evening includes a dance lesson, a jazz jam (musicians are encouraged to bring their instrument and sit in with the band for a song or two), and a DJ during the band’s breaks.
- When: Saturday, July 27, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., beginning swing dance lesson is at 6:45 p.m., and live music and social dancing begins at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Century House in Moody Park, 620 Eighth St.
- Details: Tickets are $21 per person (16+ years) and must be purchased in advance, online. Fee includes light refreshments and beginner swing dance lesson (partner not required)
Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Shadows and Dreams
Take in a New West summer tradition when Shadows and Dreams takes to the outdoor stage at Queen’s Park. This year’s presentation is Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's hilarious tale of unrequited love and mistaken identity. A synopsis of this all-ages show states: “During a terrible storm Viola's ship is wrecked and she is washed ashore but her twin brother Sebastian is lost. Determined to survive on her own, she steps out to explore a new land alive with the sights and sounds of disco.”
- When: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 2 to 3 p.m.
- Where: Queen's Park Bandshell
- Details: All shows start at 2 p.m. rain or shine. Bring your own chair or blanket; the closer you sit, the better you'll hear.
Super Weekend
Learn how wildfires can start and move through the landscape, observe plant adaptations to surviving fire, mimic the effects of a prescribed burn and more at this month’s Super Weekend programming at Fraser River Discovery Centre: Fiery Friend and Foe. Super Weekend is a series of public programs geared toward families.
- When: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28m 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Admission includes admission to Discovery Centre exhibits. Details are available online.
Sunday, July 28
12th Street Fest
Head to the Moody Park/West End for the 12th Street Fest, a family-friendly festival that includes two stages of music and entertainment, children’s activities, artisans, and food from around the world.
- When: Sunday, July 28, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: 12th Street, between Sixth and Eighth avenues
