Sunday, Oct. 1
A “blessing of the animals” is part of the regular Sunday service at St. Barnabas Anglican Church on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. Community members are welcome to bring their pets (in carriers or on leashes) to be blessed. Includes stories, tales and a blessing, followed by a pancake breakfast at 11 a.m. in the church hall, 1010 Fifth Ave.
Oct. 4 to 29
Best of The Crawl – A Group Exhibit runs in The Gallery at Queen’s Park from Oct. 4 to 29. The exhibition, part of this year’s New West Cultural Crawl, features pieces from more than 20 local artists. The gallery, located in Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park, is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 7
Blocktoberfest at Hume Park is on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Another Beer Co., in partnership with the Odihi Foundation and On Your Block, is hosting the bash in lower Hume Park in Sapperton. It’s billed as having “traditional Oktoberfestivities” including live music, food, special beer releases from Another Beer Co. and artisanal craft vendors at an on-site market.
Oct. 7 to 14
Homelessness Action Week features a jam-packed week of events including a Thanksgiving dinner, free laundry services, a dental hygiene clinic, drop-ins, free haircuts, a clothing drive, a film night, an art exhibit, breakfasts and brunches, and art exhibits. You can find all the details on the New Westminster Homeless Coalition Society’s website.
Tuesday, Oct. 10
Public Talk: Making Connections to Counter Loneliness and Empower Community, featuring author and community activator Jim Diers, who will talk about countering loneliness in the community. Free, but registration is required. Two sessions are being held – 12 to 2 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St. Free parking and childminding is available.
Friday, Oct 13
Opening reception of Landscape Portraits, featuring works by renowned local artist, Leslie Poole. The Van Dop Gallery is presenting the exhibit in the Plaskett Gallery and the north wing of Massey Theatre. The opening reception is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Plaskett Gallery in the Massey Theatre complex, 735 Eighth Ave. The exhibit runs Oct. 1 to Nov. 29. The Plaskett Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., during all performances at the Massey, by appointment, and when the Massey Theatre and box office are open for a production.
Saturday, Oct. 14
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services’ is holding a free open house in recognition of Fire Prevention Day. The day’s fun includes equipment displays, community safety booths, demonstrations, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, a charity barbecue hosted by the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society, and more. It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Glenbrook fire hall, 1 East Sixth Ave. (Because of construction at the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, no on-site parking is available and attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or take transit.)
The Ubuntu Hope Giving Gala is raising funds for programs offered by the charity internationally (including providing access to food, clean water, health and education in communities in Ghana and Kenya) and locally (such as bursaries to nursing students at Douglas College and a bursary for a bursary for an inclusive education student at New Westminster Secondary.) The semi-formal fundraiser is on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the grand commons at New Westminster Secondary School, 820 Sixth St. Tickets are $75. The fundraiser includes appetizers and desserts, speakers, dancing, music, a silent auction, an African market and a cash bar.
Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday Oct. 15
The 20th annual New West Cultural Crawl will showcase the works of local artists, artisans, and cultural producers in gallery spaces and businesses with public displays of artwork in venues across the city. They’ll open the doors to their creative spaces on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will be able to engage with artists, see them at work, and purchase artwork. Details at www.newwestculturalcrawl.com.
Friday, Oct. 20 to Sunday, Oct. 23
The 12th annual New West Film Fest features independent films from place around the world. It’s taking place at New Westminster Landmark Cinema, 800 Carnarvon St. Details about all of this year’s events and film can be found on the New West Film Festival website.
Saturday, Oct. 28
Family Dance Party for The Day of the Dead, features snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, door prizes, a silent auction, a dance and live music from The Syndicate. Suggested donation $20. It’s on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4 to 10 p.m. at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1010 Fifth Ave.
Thursdays
The New West Farmers Market runs every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. in Tipperary Park (315 Queens Ave.), next to New Westminster City Hall. Fresh produce, prepared foods and alcohol are among the offerings at this family-friendly event that also includes live music and food trucks. Take note: the final market of 2023 is on Thursday, Nov. 2.
Oct. 3, 5, 17, 19, 23 and 24
Attend one of the City of New Westminster’s pop-up events at locations around the city about the “bold vision” being proposed for the neighbourhood around the 22nd Street SkyTrain station:
- Tuesday, Oct. 3: Connaught Heights Park, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 5: New Westminster Farmers Market, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 17: Grimston Park, 10 a.m. to noon
- Thursday, Oct. 19: 12th Street Parklet, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 23: Century House, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 24: New Westminster Public Library, 1 to 3 p.m.
