This weekend’s offerings in New West can be summed up in one word: community.
Whether its supporting community groups through fundraisers, cleaning up the community, or connecting community members through common interests – like music, art, markets, and services for newcomers, it’s all happening in New Westminster this weekend.
Friday, June 7
Connaught Heights Carnival
Play carnival games, enjoy tasty treats, test your luck in a raffle and 50/50 draw, and more at the Connaught Heights Carnival – an annual fundraiser hosted by the school’s PAC.
- When: Friday, June 7, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Connaught Height Elementary School, 2201 London St.
- Details: Free. Cash only event.
Saturday, June 8
Fandom Bazaar
Check out all the action at the West Coast Science Fiction Association’s Fandom Bazaar, where you’ll find movies, books, anime, comics, toys, outfits, games and more. It also includes a live auction, where attendees will be able to bid on rare items donated by sponsors and table vendors.
- When: Saturday, June 8, noon to 6 p.m.
- Where: Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St.
- Details: $5 admission (free for children under seven and WCSFA members)
- More details at www.fandombazaar.ca
New West Craft Indigenous Market
Shop for unique handmade goods, artworks, and crafters created by Métis, First Nations and Inuit artisans at the third annual New West Craft Indigenous Market. Presented by Shop First Nations, Arts New West and Native Art Renaissance, it also includes performances and provides an opportunity to engage with the artists, learn about their cultural significance, and support their entrepreneurial ventures.
- When: Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
Diamondsides Baseball Day
Head to the ball park and take in the festivities at New West Diamonsides Baseball Day. The day’s fun includes carnival games (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and prizes, as well as balloon creations (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) – all to raise funds to help keep children’s baseball affordable in New West.
- When: Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Queen’s Park Stadium in Queen’s Park
- Details: Tickets are three for $5 or seven for $10.
Clean Up New West
Help pretty up the city at Westminster House’s annual Clean Up New West event, which includes a clean-up contest, a complementary lunch voucher, prizes, a pie-eating contest, and community connections.
- When: Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave.
- Details: 9 a.m. – registration opens; 9:15 a.m. – community clean-up begins; 10:30 a.m. – weigh-in of the garbage collected starts; 11 a.m. – lunch time; 12 p.m. – contest/prize announcements; and 12:15 p.m. – pie-eating contest. You can also sign up online.
New to New West 2024
Learn about the many free services available in the city at the New to New West 2024 Intercultural Festival and Information Fair, hosted by the City of New Westminster and the WINS Local Immigration Partnership Council. New to New West includes: a resource fair; health information; job search and career resources; information on financial programs and resources, settlement services, and volunteer connections; children’s activities; entertainment and music; food; and more.
- When: Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Where: Welcome Centre – 820 Sixth St (in New Westminster Secondary School)
- Details: Free. This will be an outdoor event.
New Media Gallery Exhibition Opening
Attend the opening of PneumoMachinic, the new exhibition at the New Media Gallery. Two award-winning artists from Peru and Spain will give artist talks in Anvil Theatre from 1 to 2 p.m., with doors to New Media Gallery opening at 2 p.m.
- When: Saturday, June 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Where: New Media Gallery, Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Free. No registration required
Sunday, June 9
PRIDE: A Celebration of Love and Diversity
Celebrate PRIDE and enjoy an evening of music when the Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster presents PRIDE – A Celebration of Love and Diversity. At this weekend’s concert, the choir celebrates anthems written, or performed, by artists from the queer community, including True Colours and Dancing Queen. Whoppsie Daisy return as both a performer and MC (Mistress of Ceremonies).
- When: Sunday, June 9, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Where Sanctuary on Sixth, 207 Sixth St.
- Details: Tickets available online
Walk of Ages
Support the Seniors Services Society of BC’s efforts to provide housing programs for seniors by taking part in Walk of Ages, a fundraising walk on New Westminster’s waterfront. The fundraiser includes two-kilometre or four-kilometre walks along New Westminster Quay, with rest stops along the way, a post-walk a continental breakfast, and kid’s activities.
- When: Sunday, June 9, 8:30 a.m. to noon
- Where: Westminster Quay
- Details: More information and registration online www.sssbc.ca/walkofages.
