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February full of fun things to do in New Westminster

Events roundup: Fabulous entertainment, Family Day fun among February’s offerings in New West.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
king-musu-cam-1-0848-credit-javier-r-sotres
King Musu comes to the New West stage in February — one of the many events taking place in town this month.Contributed/Javier R Sotres

Top-notch entertainers — including Juno Award winners and nominees — are among the acts gracing New West stages this month.

From Family Day fun to environmental and community programs, there is a lot going on in New Westminster in February 2024. Here’s a rundown of some of the events happening around town this month.

Saturday, Feb. 1

International Guitar Night

The 25th International Guitar Night concert features four acclaimed guitarists — Sonke Meinen (Germany), Lulo Reinhardt (Germany), Niwel Tsumbu (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Alexandra Whittingham (Britain).

Live band swing dance

Westside Swing Band is hosting its first live band social of the 2025 seasons. Swing out with friends or come alone — no partner or swing dance experience is necessary; beginners and toe-tappers are welcome.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Free swing dance lesson at 7:45 p.m.; band plays from 8:15 to 10:30 p.m.
  • Where: Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St.
  • Details: Tickets are $25, and are available online or at the door (cash only)

Year of the Snake

Starlight Casino invites community members to celebrate the Year of the Snake at its Lunar New Year event. It includes a traditional lion dance ceremony and performance by the Fortune God.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 2:50 p.m., with formal proceedings, including speeches and a lion dance ceremony, running from 3 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Starlight New Westminster, 350 Gifford St. (Queensborough)

Vintage Pop-Up Flea Market

Bully’s Studios is hosting a Vintage Pop-Up Flea Market featuring men’s and women’s items including clothing, records, oddities and more.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 1, noon to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Bully’s Studios, 67 Sixth St.
  • Details: Free admission

New West Craft

New West Craft, a handmade market hosted by the Arts New West, features a unique and diverse selection of goods from designers, makers, crafters, artists, and small shop owners.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free admission

Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2

Fat Joke

Anvil Theatre presents a Neworld Theatre Production, Fat Joke. Says a synopsis: “A fusion of stand-up comedy, storytelling and unapologetic fact-blasting, Fat Joke thrusts fatphobia into the spotlight. Cheyenne Rouleau surgically dissects this seldom-discussed subject with a razor-sharp wit that leaves the audience confronting their assumptions.”

  • When: Friday, Jan. 31, Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

Sunday, Feb. 2

From Pride Rock to Broadway: A Musical Adventure

The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster presents From Pride Rock to Broadway: A Musical Adventure, a show featuring beloved Disney songs and iconic Broadway hits. You can expect to hear favourites from The Lion King to Wicked.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 2, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Sanctuary on 6th, 207 Sixth St.
  • Details: Tickets are available online or at the door.

Monday, Feb. 3

Bring a Buddy: Intro to Lacrosse

New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association is hosting Bring a Buddy Intro to Lacrosse to give youngsters aged four to eight a chance to see what lacrosse is all about. Proper gym shoes are required; if you have a stick, bring it but spare sticks will be available. Helmet and gloves are not needed.

  • When: Monday, Feb. 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Queensborough Middle School, 833 Salter St.
  • Details: Free. No need to register in advance.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

Reading Theatre

Allan Morgan, Massey Theatre’s senior artist in residence, leads this week’s Reading Theatre, which features a reading of Caryl Churchill’s Cloud 9. It’s described as a “witty and provocative exploration of gender, identity, and colonialism, spanning generations and challenging social norms.” Everyone is invited to join as a reader (no experience necessary) or to just sit back and enjoy the reading.

  • When: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m. Reading will begin at 2 p.m. Readers will be cast on arrival, so they’re asked to arrive by 1:45 p.m.
  • Where: Plaskett Gallery at the Massey Theatre complex, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Free

Thursday, Feb. 6

Economic Forum

The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Downtown New West BIA, is hosting the Vision 2030 economic forum. It features experts and industry leaders who will explore the future of New Westminster. Attendees will engage in discussions on topics like housing, business and community development. The event includes networking, lunch, two breakout sessions, and more.

  • When: Thursday, Feb. 6, 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Register by Feb. 3)
  • Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets start at $99 for chamber members and $110 for non-members.

Exhibition opening

Reframed: Understanding New West Through Photographs, a new exhibition, opens today. Today’s event aims to begin the conversation about how photographs can help give the city a better understanding of its history. Light refreshments will be provided.

  • When: Thursday, Feb. 6, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Museum, Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Free. Although registration is not required, the museum appreciates RSVPs at [email protected].

Thursday, Feb. 6 to Saturday, Feb. 8

King Musu

The newly formed Akofena Afro-Theatre Society and Time Will Tell Arts Society present King Musu, an African theatre adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex. This production, which celebrates African heritage and culture, is told in a blend of African storytelling, music, dance and drama. Note: King Musu contains mature themes, including verbal and physical abuse.

  • When: Thursday, Feb. 6 to Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are available online. They’re $29 for adults, $19 for students and seniors, $15 for children under 12.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Ballet Jörgen’s Sleeping Beauty

Ballet Jörgen presents its own unique classical ballet rendition of Sleeping Beauty, with its World Premiere Tour during the 2015-2016 season. The new ballet tells the enchanting story of Aurora and her prince, complete with its inherently magical qualities and dazzling choreography.

Rotary bottle drop

Royal City Rotary’s monthly bottle drop accepts recyclable beverage containers in support of local community groups. If you cannot make it to one of Rotary’s bottle drops events, you still can contribute by going to any EXPRESS Return-it depot (Queensborough or Sapperton) and use account #6048034213.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to noon.
  • Where: 166 Sixth St. 

Joy of Mending

Local climate leaders Cheryl Lewis and Kristen Andrews are hosting the Joy of Mending session where you can get help sewing a seam, hemming your pants, or darning your socks. Attendees aged 12 and older are invited to bring their projects to this mending circle, where keen sewers will help with basic seam stitches, hemming techniques and an introduction to darning. Some supplies provided so you can bring your projects — or just come and learn.

Sunday, Feb. 9

Explore Wordbuilding and Storytelling with PJ Patten

Art Sunday’s free arts programming features an engaging artist talk and hands-on workshop exploring the art of wordbuilding and storytelling with artist PJ Patten. Whether you're an artist, a storyteller, or simply curious, everyone is welcome to attend this workshop to learn, create, and be inspired.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, community art gallery on the fourth floor, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Free. No registration required. Everyone welcome.

Tech Drop-in with Teens Teach Technology

Community members are invited to get help with their devices, get answer to questions about website, get help in setting up email, Google Docs and new phones, or get assistance in transferring photos — and more — at the Tech Drop-in. It is facilitated by volunteers from Teens Teach Technology, in collaboration with the New Westminster Public Library.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. (in the iConnect lab on the second floor)
  • Details: Free. (New West teens interested in volunteering can apply to join the team.)

Monday, Feb. 10

Couloir

The Vancouver Chamber Music Society, in collaboration with Anvil Theatre, presents Couloir, the extraordinary duo featuring Ariel Barnes, first solo cellist of the Nürnberg Symphony, and Heidi Krutzen, principal harp of the Philharmonia Orchestra, London.

  • When: Monday, Feb. 10, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are $28 plus services charges and are available online.

Bring a Buddy: Intro to Lacrosse

New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association is hosting Bring a Buddy Intro to Lacrosse to give youngsters aged four to eight a chance to see what lacrosse is all about. Proper gym shoes are required; if you have a stick, bring it but spare sticks will be available. Helmet and gloves are not needed.

  • When: Monday, Feb. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Queensborough Middle School, 833 Salter St.
  • Details: Free. No need to register in advance.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

Into to Social Swing

The Uptown Swing Collective presents Intro to Social Swing, where attendees can learn to dance in a fun and safe environment, and discover how to connect with a partner and the music with the collective’s community of dancers. This class is intended for people with absolutely no experience, or those wishing to solidify their understanding of six-count steps and technique in their quest for mastery. No partner is necessary.

  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 11 (and again on Feb. 18 and 25), 7 to 8:15 p.m. Classes begin at 7:05 and run until 8:15 p.m. Arrive by 7 p.m. on your first evening to check in and sign your waiver.
  • Where: New Westminster Secondary School, dance studio, 820 Sixth St.
  • Details: Register online. Registration includes entry to the collective’s monthly social dance, Jazz Cats Social.

Wednesday, Feb. 12

Climate Films: Feeding Tomorrow

The New Westminster Public Library’s new Climate Films Series features screenings of films about the climate crisis, focusing on existing, difference-making solutions. Today’s film is Feeding Tomorrow (2024). It will be followed by a brief discussion by members of Regenerate BC and the New Westminster Climate Action Hub. Popcorn will be provided, but you need to bring your own bowl.

  • When: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch, auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. For ages 12 and up

Thursday, Feb. 13

A Nice Indian Boy

Vagabond Players Presents A Nice Indian Boy, a heartfelt and funny showcase about Naveen Gavaskar — “a nice Indian boy who wants a traditional Hindu marriage to... another nice Indian boy.”

  • When: Feb. 13 to March 2 – Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen's Park
  • Details: Tickets are $17 to $22 and are available online or by calling 604-521-0412.

Friday, Feb. 14

Tin Soldier Time Capsule Opening

The City of New Westminster is holding an event to celebrate the opening of a time capsule placed in the World's Largest Tin Soldier in 2001, when the soldier was relocated to the riverfront. The time capsule will be opened at 5 p.m. but the event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Festivities include a children’s activity, a craft activity, a hot beverage station, readings of the book Tall Tale: The True Story of the World's Largest Tin Soldier, and more.

  • When: Friday, Feb. 14, 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: River Market and waterfront boardwalk, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free

Balentine’s Day Social

The Secrete Balboa Social features a Balentine’s Day Social, where you can enjoy a fun evening of dancing and socializing with your fellow balboa enthusiasts.

  • When: Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Beginner Balboa lesson is from 7:30 to 8 p.m.; social dance is from 8 to 9:45 p.m.
  • Where: təməsew̓txʷ Community Centre, Fitness 2C (second floor), 65 East Sixth Ave.
  • Details: $10 (cash or e-transfer) — or pay what you can; no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Saturday, Feb. 15

Kellylee Evans with Krystle Dos Santos

Juno Award winner and several-times-nominee Kellylee Evans will perform on the Massey Theatre stage. She has performed around the world, opening for stars such as John Legend, George Benson and Willie Nelson. Evans’ latest studio project, Show Love, blends elements of R&B, funk and a hint of jazz. Krystle Dos Santos, a two-time Western Canadian award-winning singer, songwriter and performer, opens for Evans.

Legends Show

Legends Show features tributes to Roy Orbison (Jesse Aron) and Elvis Presley (Pete Paquette), accompanied by the Rockin’ Royals Band.

New West Craft

New West Craft, a handmade market hosted by the Arts New West, features a unique and diverse selection of goods from designers, makers, crafters, artists, and small shop owners

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free admission

Saturday, Feb. 15 to Monday, Feb. 17

Family Day

The City of New Westminster is hosting a variety of events for the Family Day long weekend, including: an indoor playland; family pickleball; a Family Day fun swim; badminton and open sports; family fitness and Zumba; Indigenous hoop dancing; family skating lessons; and a family Indian dance with bells.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 15 to Monday, Feb. 17
  • Where: Various venues throughout the city
  • Details: Free or low cost. Many of the offerings are drop-in, but some require registration. Details are available on the City of New Westminster’s website.

Love is in the Air

Love is in the Air at Fraser River Discovery Centre, where visitors will learn about the fascinating courtship rituals of the animal kingdom. FRDC will be offering self-guided activities (listen to sounds and test your skills at identifying mating calls of different animals; write a love letter), as well as facilitated activities including an animal-themed storytime from 1 to 3 p.m. A “wildlife dating show” takes place each day from 10 a.m. to noon.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 15 to Monday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Regular admission rates apply Saturday and Sunday; free admission on Monday, Feb. 17 — Family Day. 

Sunday, Feb. 16

Art Sunday: Meet and Greet with Ron Straight

Meet and greet with artist Ron Straight, whose exhibition A Brush With Nature runs Feb. 5 to March 2 in The Gallery at Queen’s Park. Community members can join Straight today and get to know him and his artistic journey at today’s free Art Sunday program.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 16, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Gallery at Queens’ Park, Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Free

Tuesday, Feb. 18

Jazz at the Anvil

Piva Presents Jazz at the Anvil features Frazey Ford, a Vancouver-based Soul-Americana artist who released her critically acclaimed album U kin B the Sun in 2020 and is a founding member of The Be Good Tanyas. She was nominated for a Juno in 2015 in the best roots album category and her latest album has garnered great international reviews. Accompanied by her band, Ford showcases songs from her new album as well as fan favourites.

Roadhouse Comedy Tour: New Westminster

The Roadhouse Comedy Tour, a one-night only comedy experience, features Ben Bayfield, Etay Kuperman and Ali Maawy, who are considered rising stars on the Canadian comedy scene. During their West Coast tour, they’re stopping at Another Beer Co. to entertain with an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy

  • When: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Another Beer Co., 30 Capilano Way
  • Details: Tickets are $25

Wednesday, Feb. 19

Work BC employment services drop-in

Today’s Work BC employment services drop-in will provide assistance with resume questions, information about the best job search engines, assistance with interview strategies, and help with cover letters and more.

  • When: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library main branch – gallery room, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. More information is available by emailing [email protected] or calling 604-527-4665.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Razzle Dazzle Divas

Michael Van Den Bos presents Razzle Dazzle Divas, featuring legendary stars who lit up movie screens with their singing and dancing — from the golden era of Hollywood to contemporary cinema. This presentation features legendary stars to talents who are deserving of rediscovery. You can pre-order your refreshments for pre-show and intermission online in advance.

  • When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1B, Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, 7356 Eight Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are $21 for students, $24 for seniors, and $27 for adults (plus service charges).

Gardening: Common Garden Mistakes

Amanda Jarrett, garden educator and red-seal horticulturalist, leads a session where you can learn about common garden mistakes and how to avoid them. New and experienced gardeners alike will learn important tips at the in-person or on Zoom Common Garden Mistakes session.

  • When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch – 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free

Blood donation event

Canadian Blood Services hosts a New Westminster blood donation event, providing an opportunity to help others by donating blood.

  • When: Thursday, Feb. 20, 1 to 7:45 p.m.
  • Where: Where: Anvil Centre — East & West Ballroom, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: You can get more information about booking an appointment of donor eligibility online. 

Friday, Feb. 21

New West Ska Punk Fest Two

Pacific Sound System and Bully’s Studios present New West Ska Punk Fest Two, featuring a performances by: Class Action (who’ve been part of Calgary’s ska scene since 2006); Kownterpoint (who offer a fusion of reggae, punk rock, ska, and alternative sounds); Brehdren (who perform a mix of ska, reggae and rock); Brasser (a Queer fronted ska punk band from Vancouver); Space Chimp (a reggae-rock group from Vancouver); and Dead Fast (a punk rock band). 

Saturday, Feb. 22

Bevvies and Bites 2025

Rotary Club of New Westminster presents its fifth annual Bevies & Bites community fundraiser. This year’s event is in support of Don't Go Hungry food security program and Rotary programs. It features an evening of delicious bites and refreshing beverages from various beer and beverage vendors, a 50/50 draw and silent auction, and a chance to mingle with fellow community members. The ticket price includes beverage and bites tasting and a souvenir tasting glass.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 22, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
  • Where: Royal City Centre, 610 Sixth St.
  • Details: Tickets are $43.93 and are available online. (Event is for folks aged 19 and older.)

Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23

Ring of Fire

The Arts Club Theatre Company presents Ring of Fire, the music of Johnny Cash. Originally produced on Broadway, Ring of Fire brings Cash’s story to life through a talented collection of singers and musicians. The show features songs such as I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Country Boy, and A Boy Named Sue.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 22 (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, Feb. 23 (2 p.m.)
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are available online. Content advisory: Theatrical devices such as water-based fog and haze, flashing lights, and mature content may occur in this production.

Super Weekend

Blustery Fraser Canyon is the theme of this month’s Super Weekend programming at Fraser River Discovery Centre. This weekend’s activities will explore how the unique geography of the Fraser Canyon shapes the weather patterns of the Lower Mainland through engaging science demonstrations, storytime and hands-on crafts.

  • When: Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (On Saturday, storytime and windsock crafts take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and science demonstrations run from 1 to 4 p.m.; on Sunday, science demonstrations are offered from 10 am. to 12:30 p.m. and windy watercolour art will be done from 1 to 4 p.m.)
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Super Weekend is included in admission to FRDC. Admission details are available online.

Sunday, Feb. 23

Dine and Donate Local- A Community Dinner for a Cause

Dine and Donate, an event supporting local restaurants and causes, launches today. Today’s event, hosted by Coun. Ruby Campbell, features a buffet dinner at 4 Season’s Chaat House and raises money for the New Westminster Hospice Society.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: 4 Seasons Chaat House, 420 Sixth St.
  • Details: Tickets are $75 and available online.

Tech Drop-in with Teens Teach Technology

Community members are invited to get help with their devices, get answer to questions about website, get help in setting up email, Google Docs and new phones, or get assistance in transferring photos — and more — at the Tech Drop-in. It is facilitated by volunteers from Teens Teach Technology, in collaboration with the New Westminster Public Library.

  • When: Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. (in the iConnect lab on the second floor)
  • Details: Free. (New West teens interested in volunteering can apply to join the team.)

Monday, Feb. 24

Doug Hazelwood Memorial skills clinic

The New Westminster Minor Lacrosse Association is hosting the annual Doug Hazelwood Memorial Skills Clinic, giving all players eight years and younger and new players 10 years and younger a chance learn lacrosse in a supportive environment with our coaches and experienced youth players. Proper gym shoes and helmet are required. Kids who have sticks and gloves are asked to bring them, but organizers will have extra sticks on hand. This drop-in clinic is for players registered for the 2025 box lacrosse season; players who are not yet registered are welcome to attend but they will have to sign a waiver.

  • When: Monday, Feb. 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Players six years and under — 6 to 7 pm.; seven years and up — 7 to 8 p.m.
  • Where: Queensborough Middle School, 833 Salter St.
  • Details: Free.

Thursday, Feb. 27

Reframing New Westminster: curatorial talk and tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of New Westminster Museum's new featured exhibition with the city’s museum curator. Attendees will explore the exhibition space and discuss the original ideas and research questions that led to the display, Reframed: Understanding New West Through Photographs:

Friday, Feb. 28

Winter Showcase

Motion and Music Performing Arts presents A Winter Showcase 2025, featuring an inspiring evening of dance, athleticism, and creativity by children and youth involved in the dance company’s stage, acro and street style divisions and its musical theatre production program.