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10 things to do in New Westminster this weekend

This weekend in New West: A coffee festival, a craft swap, community gatherings, an eclectic lineup of entertainment — and more.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
coffee-cherries-in-ethiopia
An African woman collects coffee berries from a coffee plant in Ethiopia. An Ethiopian Coffee Festival is in New West this weekend. Bartosz Hadyniak/ECreative/Getty Images

Looking to sample coffee, connect with community members or to be entertained? You can do it all in New West this weekend.

A coffee festival, a family-focused environmental event, a craft swap, and all kinds of arts and cultural offerings (including not-to-be-missed throat singing and drag performances) are among this weekend’s offerings in New Westminster.

Here are the Record’s top picks for the March 14 to 16 weekend.

Friday, March 14

Anda Union

Sit back and enjoy an incredible performance by Anda Union. Direct from Mongolia, China, Anda Union performs haunting throat-singing and harmonies from the Mongolian grasslands.

Secret Balboa Social

Kick up your heels at the Secret Balboa Social, which features a fun evening of dancing and socializing with fellow balboa enthusiasts. (Balboa is a type of swing dancing.)

  • 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.
    (second 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

Games Day for the food bank

Support Shiloh-Fifth Avenue United Church’s on-site food project at Games Day. Attendees are invited to bring games to play or to donate for a silent auction. Folks can also bring snacks to share and enjoy a taco lunch at 1:30 p.m.

  • When: Saturday, March 15, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: St. Barnabas Church hall, 1010 Fifth Ave.
  • Details: Entry by donation of $5

Green Hearts, Helping Hands

Enjoy a variety of activities at Green Hearts, Helping Hands, a family-focused climate event. It includes storytelling with Rebekah Adams-Brush, children’s activities with Gardens4Kids, art projects with Doctor Recycle, and a musical performance by The Well Worn Trail. City councillor Tasha Henderson has organized this event, which is a fundraiser for New West Neighbourhood House. All ages are welcome but it’s best suited for families with kids aged eight and under.

  • When: Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to noon
  • Where: St. Barnabas Church hall, 1010 Fifth Ave.
  • Details: Cash donations of any amount are being accepted for New West Neighbourhood House. No registration needed.

Singing Can Be a Drag

Take in an evening of unforgettable entertainment when the Vancouver Men’s Chorus presents its 17th Singing Can Be a Drag show. A unique live singing drag extravaganza, Singing Can Be a Drag features show tunes, heartfelt ballads, high-energy pop anthems and more.

Don't miss Singing Can Be A Drag 2025 this Saturday, March 15, presented by Vancouver Men's Chorus Just a few tickets left: anviltheatre.ca/event/singin... An evening of bombastic show tunes, heartfelt ballads, high energy pop anthems, and everything in between! #newwest #yvrmusic

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— Anvil Theatre (@anviltheatrenw.bsky.social) March 11, 2025 at 4:15 PM

Ethiopian Coffee Festival

Sample coffee from different roasters, take part in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, enjoy live entertainment, and watch a short film about Ethiopian coffee history — you can do all that (and more) at the Ethiopian Coffee Festival. The Ethiopian Coffee Society is hosting the event, which is a celebration of Ethiopian culture and coffee.

  • When: Saturday, March 15. The main festival (featuring the aforementioned activities) is from 2 to 6 p.m. Pre-event paid activities (including workshops and sessions on Ethiopian coffee cupping) run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Where: Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.
  • Details: Details and tickets are available online.

New West Craft

Shop local when the New West Craft market returns to town. Hosted by Arts New West, this handmade market features 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 at the all-ages craft supply swap. It’s open to all ages, but a parent must accompany children under the age of eight. Donations of lightly used, good condition craft materials and tools (no open liquids or glitter) can be dropped off at the children’s information desk at the New Westminster Public Library until March 14.

  • 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.

Sunday, March 16

Book launch

Celebrate the launch of New West author W. Ruth Kozak’s book, Dragons in the Sky. Autographed copies of the book will be available for purchase at today's book launch; cash only.

  • When: Sunday, March 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. (downstairs auditorium)
  • Details: Free

Behind the Lens with Paul Newton

Attend an artist talk/Q&A with Paul Newton, when he shares the stories, techniques, and artistic choices behind his photography and gives an insight into his creative process. You’ll learn about the fascinating world of Southeastern Europe’s Spomeniks at today’s presentation.

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