Fireworks and Fridays on Front are among the fun and games happening in New West this weekend.
The Record has rounded up some of the offerings taking place in New Westminster from Friday, Aug. 23 to Sunday, Aug. 25.
Friday, Aug. 23
Fridays on Front 2024 Cosplay Showcase
Head downtown for the final Fridays on Front event of 2024 – a not-to-be-missed evening that includes local vendors, food trucks, live music, and activities for all ages. This week’s theme – video game – features a Cosplay Showcase stage show from 7 to 7:30 p.m., where cosplayers (who pre-registered by July 31) will do stage walks with host Kevin Free announcing.
- When: Friday, Aug. 23, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Where: 500 block Front Street Mews
- Details: Free
Fridays on Front – Puppet Playground
Make puppets at the Puppet Playground being hosted by the West Coast Science Fiction Association, another part of this week’s Fridays on Front finale. The association will provide all the supplies needed for kids and grownups alike to make stick puppets, paper bag puppets or sock puppets.
- When: Friday, Aug. 23, 5 to 9 p.m.
- Where: 500 block Front Street Mews
- Details: Free
Bridge City Sound Park Takeovers
Enjoy games and activities, win prizes and enjoy music from Bridge City Sound DJs at the Bridge City Sound Park Takeover. Youth aged 11 to 18 are invited to take part in the activities, but all ages are welcome to observe.
- When: Friday, Aug. 23, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Westminster Pier Park
- Details: Free
Saturday, Aug. 24
Farewell To Summer Fireworks Festival
Celebrate the season at the Hyack Festival Association’s Farewell to Summer Fireworks Festival. It features an artisan market with vendors and exhibitors, live entertainment, a kids zone, a photo booth, a beverage garden, food vendors and is capped off with a fireworks display at dusk (9 p.m.) on New Westminster’s waterfront.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 3 to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: New Westminster Quay, 810 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Free
Recycling Pop-Up
Take your recyclables to the City of New Westminster’s recycling pop-up – and learn about the city’s contamination reduction plan and get some tips on “recycling right” from the city’s solid waste and recycling team members. Textiles, Styrofoam, flexible plastics and scrap metal are being collected at today’s event.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Engineering works yard, 901 First St.
- Details: More information about recycling and contamination is available online.
Beach Bash Summer Skate
Soak up a summer vibe – on the ice. Families are invited to don their brightest, beach-inspired outfits and enjoy a wave of summer activities on the ice at the Beach Bash Summer Skate. Frozen treats will be available for purchase from the concession. Children seven years and under must have a guardian (16 or older) on the ice or in the building supervising. No hockey sticks or figure skating is permitted during this skate.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Moody Park Arena, 701 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Regular admission rates apply. Skate rentals available and a limited number of helmets are available at no cost.
From Editor to Author
Attend the Royal City Literary Arts Society’s writing workshop, where you’ll hear from Frances Peck, who has written her own books and worked as a ghostwriter. During the session – From Editor to Author: A Journey in Several Parts – Peck will recount her journey from hidden editor to published author, discuss the current landscape of Canadian publishing, comment on the delicate dance of creativity and editing, and field questions on writing, editing, publishing, and marketing.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. (in the downstairs auditorium)
- Details: Free. Pre-register at [email protected]
Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25
Super Weekend
Learn about sustainable Indigenous fishing practices and how the Fraser River makes growing food possible at Super Weekend, a series of public programs geared toward families. This weekend’s Food of the Fraser event includes activities that explore different features of the Fraser River, from its industry to its ecosystem. (This activity is based on information from the Our Bones are Made of Salmon exhibit, created in partnership with Musqueam Elder Larry Grant and Stó:lō Cultural Advisor Dr. Sonny McHalsie.)
- When: Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
- Details: The activities are included in admission to Discovery Centre: family ticket (two adults and up to four children) – $20; adult aged 19 and older – $8; senior aged 65 and older – $6; student (ID required) – $6; children aged three to 12 – $5; and children under two – free.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Summer Concert Series: The None of Us
Check out The None of Us, a rock pop band that got its start at the Youth Centre in Moody Park. The group will perform a mix of popular covers for people to enjoy at today’s outdoor concert. All ages welcome.
- When: Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Queen’s Park Bandshell
- Details: Free
Friendship Club Gaming
Join the Friendship Gaming Club for an afternoon of games, ranging from beginner to expert. The gaming club, hosted by Marc Stas, takes place every Sunday.
- When: Sunday, Aug. 25, 1 to 6 p.m. (Event takes place every Sunday)
- Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr. This event is being held on the second floor in the space reserved for community events.
- Details: Free
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