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From pumpkin dropping to popping – it’s all happening in New West in November.

This month in New Westminster: Events roundup for November 2024 includes markets, entertainment and festival fun - including a robot dance party.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
kid-koala_robot-dance-party_2017_05
Kid Koala's Robot Dance Party is among the events happening in New Westminster in November. Contributed/Massey Theatre

From pumpkin dropping to popping – it’s all happening in New West in November.

On the festival front, Massey Theatre is hosting the four-day Performing Arts & Technology Festival – which features a jam-packed calendar of events. The New Westminster Public Library is hosting several events as part of its Climate Action Week offerings.

The Record has rounded up some of the events you will want to check out this month in New Westminster. November kicks off with a Pumpkin Drop and wraps up with a meet and greet for parents of neurodiverse children – and that’s just the start of November’s offerings around town.

Saturday, Nov. 2

Pumpkin Drop

The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society is holding its first-ever Pumpkin Drop charity fundraiser. Everyone is invited to bring their pumpkins to the fire hall and watch them get dropped from the fire department’s tower truck.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Glenbrook Fire Hall, 1 East Sixth Ave. (Parking at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre)
  • Details: By donation to the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society.

Art exhibition opening reception

A Visual Dialogue on Death and Dying, Grief and Loss, an art exhibition in partnership with New West Hospice, New West Artists, and Century House. The opening reception includes an art talk and judges’ comments. The exhibition is on display at Century House until Nov. 30.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St. (in Moody Park)

Climate Solutions in a Day

This full-day session with facilitators is designed to get your climate action jump-started at home, in your community, and in advocating for system changes. It’s part of the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Action Week programming.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free but registration required. This event is for folks aged 14 and older.

Sunday, Nov. 3

Joy of Mending

Learn about reducing your environmental impact through smart clothing choices and simple mending techniques. All supplies are being provided. This event is part of the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Action Week programming.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 3, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. Register online. This event is for people aged 12 and older.

Sajjad Ali concert

Sajjad Ali, who is considered a living legend in the Pakistani music industry – and has often been referred to as the “King of Pop” in Pakistan, performs in New West.

Monday, Nov. 4

Hung-Wei Huang & Aslan Aslanov

Hung-Wei Huang, the new principal violist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, is making his debut on the Vancouver Chamber Music Society’s Anvil Centre stage. This intimate recital featuring Huang and pianist Aslan Aslanov.

  • When: Monday, Nov. 4, 1 to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are $28 plus service charges and are available online.

Tuesday, Nov. 5

Book Club - Fire Weather

Read John Vaillant’s Fire Weather and meet to discuss the book with other community members at the library. You can register ahead of time to receive a copy of the book. This event is part of the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Action Week programming.

  • When: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. Register online.

Preschool Story Time

Today’s New Westminster Public Library’s regular story time event is focusing on some climate- and environment-focused stories, suitable for two- to five-year-olds, as part of a its Climate Action Week programming.

  • When: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 10:30 to 11 a.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free.

Everyone Can Jazz Jam

Uptown Swing Collective hosts Everyone Can Jazz Jam, where attendees can learn about swing jazz music in a fun and supportive atmosphere with enthusiastic and experienced facilitators. Bring your own instrument or voice. Organizers say dancers, toe-tappers, jazz enthusiasts, and musicians of all abilities are welcome; no music experience is required. Participants under 15 years old are welcome to join with parent supervision.

  • When: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 to 8:20 p.m. (Also runs on Nov. 19 and 26 and Dec. 3)
  • Where New Westminster Secondary School band room, 820 Sixth St.
  • Details: Drop in for free for your first visit; after that, it’s a $10 drop-in fee per week. Cash or e-transfer to [email protected].

 Wednesday, Nov. 6

Downtown residents meeting with NWPD

New Westminster Downtown Residents Association is holding a public meeting featuring a Q&A with senior members of the New Westminster Police Department. Community members are invited to bring questions.

  • When: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Trinity Cathedral Hall, 514 Carnarvon St. Doors open for registration at 6:45 p.m.

Movie Night – 2040

Watch 2040, a visual letter from a filmmaker to his daughter about what her life as an adult may look like with the climate solutions that exist today. Popcorn provided, but you must bring your own bowl. This event is part of the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Action Week programming.

Thursday, Nov. 7

Baby Social Toy Swap

Bring toys your baby no longer enjoys to swap with others at the New Westminster Public Library’s baby social, for youngsters aged zero to two years of age. This event is part of the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Action Week programming.

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.

Climate Mis- and Dis-information

Learn some critical climate literacy skills by connecting the dots between anti-science talking points and their root sources. This event, open to people aged 14 and older, is part of the New Westminster Public Library’s Climate Action Week programming.

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Register online.

New West Farmers Market

The New Westminster Farmers Market’s final market of the season features locally grown produce, handcrafted artisan finds, and products from baked goods to beer. Along with shopping, attendees can buy something to eat, sit in the rest area and enjoy live music. Today’s market includes a silent auction.

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 7, 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)
  • Details: Free.

Saturday, Nov. 9

Poppy Painting

Drop in to Century House to join in on a collaborative painting in honour of Remembrance Day. Attendees can add a poppy or two to the canvas as they paint together with community artist, Merril Hall.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon
  • Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.
  • Details: Free.

Tellers of Short Tales and Poetic Justice

The Royal City Literary Arts Society presents Tellers of Short Tales and Poetic Justice: In Honour of Remembrance Day. Today’s event features Jerena Tobiasen, Winona Kent, Shawn Gale, H.W. Bryce, Alan Girling, with host Alan Hill. Time-permitting, there will be an open mic.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2 to 4:15 p.m. Doors open at 1:4 5 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. (It is in a downstairs room which is accessible by elevator)
  • Details: Free admission.

Community Bottle Drive

The Royal City Rotary Club hosts a monthly community bottle drop to raise money to support community projects. Community members can drop off rinsed bottles, cans, and refundable containers.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to noon
  • Where: 166 Sixth St. (across from city hall)
  • Details: Free.

A Celebration of Classic Rock

The Michael Dunn Project will be performing its critically acclaimed album Bridge Across the Years, inspired by the great bands of the 70s and 80s. With the help of special guests – including members from Prism, Trooper, and Nick Gilder – folks are sure to enjoy an evening of classic rock.

Monday, Nov. 11

Remembrance Day ceremony

The City of New Westminster’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony honours the service of veterans past and present. You can attend in-person or watch the livestream coverage starting at 10:25 a.m. on Facebook or YouTube and TELUS Optik channel 345 (Community Connections) if you are a TELUS customer.

  • When: Monday, Nov. 11, 10:25 to 11:30 a.m.
  • Where: New Westminster City Hall Cenotaph, 511 Royal Ave.
  • Details: Free.

Wednesday, Nov. 13

In Their Words

Royal City Literary Arts Society presents In Their Words, with host Ruth Kozak and three featured presenters: Garry Ward, Warren Dean Fulton, and Shawn Gale.

  • When: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Free.

Thursday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 17

The Performing Arts & Technology Festival: A Celebration of Arts, Technology, and Community

The Performing Arts and Technology Festival is a four-day celebration of creativity, culture, and community, a place where organizers say “music, animation, dance, and film collide to create unforgettable experiences for all ages.” Includes live performances, workshops, and activities.

Thursday, Nov. 14

Music to Draw To

Kid Koala’s Music to Draw to is part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival. Kid Koala, a multimedia-performer and visual artist, will lead this workshop for people aged 14 and up. Music to Draw To gives folks a chance to work on their creative projects alongside a set of some of Kid Koala’s favourite quiet-time records.

Friday, Nov. 15

Group of Five fundraiser

The Group of Five is celebrating its 20th anniversary of raising funds for equipment at Royal Columbian Hospital. The charity’s 20th anniversary event includes tasty treats, a silent auction items, and a chance to mingle and chat with community members.

  • When: Friday, Nov. 15, 5 p.m.
  • Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Tickets are $40. To reserve tickets, call 604-839-2184 or email [email protected].

Full Moon Sound Bath

Fraser River Discovery Centre is hosting a full moon sound bath, being led by Laura O’Reilly from Yoga at the Quay. It includes a full moon meditation with a sound bath and intention-setting to support your goals. (Sound baths use vibration to induce a meditative state of deep relaxation. Quartz singing bowls produce tones that resonate deeply within the body, supporting chakra balancing and energy healing.)

  • When: Friday, Nov. 15, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: $40 per person. Pre-registration is required.

Trichy Sankaran

Time Will Tell Arts Society presents a performance by South Indian percussion master Tricky Sankaran. He will be joined by Carnatic flautist Raman Kalyan, vocalist Vidyasagar Vankayala, percussionist Curtis Andrews, guitarist Jared Burrows, and bassist Dave Soutar-Spidel. These world-class artists will present an evening of Indo-Jazz fusion.

  • When: Friday, Nov. 15, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia St. 
  • Details: Tickets available online. More information at www.timewilltellarts.ca 

Animation workshop

Animation workshop with Jeff Chiba Stearns, for seven to 12 year olds. It’s part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall

This production is a live multi-disciplinary stage adaptation of Kid Koala’s graphic novel Nufonia Must Fall. A team of 15 puppeteers, musicians, cinematographers, and technicians bring the story to life at each performance. Each scene is performed, filmed, and projected in real time onto a large screen above the stage. It’s part of the Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16

Royal City Gogos Artisan Craft Sale

The Royal City Gogos’ popular Artisan Craft Sale returns – featuring local, handmade quality products, lots of new crafts, vintage collectibles, thrift accessories, and more. All proceeds go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, which supports African grandmothers who are caring for children orphaned by AIDS.

  • When Friday, Nov. 15 (3 to 7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 16 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
  • Where: Unifor Hall, 326 12th St.

Saturday, Nov. 16

Dan’s Legacy 11th annual Chefs’ Charity Dinner

Dan’s Legacy is holding its one and only fundraiser of the year – a delicious meal (appetizers, main course, desserts) prepared by guest chefs using recovered food. It’s also a chance to hear about the achievements of the youth clients involved with the non-profit.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Freemasons Hall, 508 Agnes St.
  • Details: Tickets are $100 and are available online.

Saturday, Nov. 16

Animation workshop

Animation workshop with Jeff Chiba Stearns, for seven to 12 year olds. It’s part of the Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

Kid Koala’s Creatures of the Late Afternoon board game event

Kid Koala invites anyone aged seven and up to play his new Creatures of the Late Afternoon interactive vinyl board game with their family and friends. Multiple board game table stations will be set up, with each equipped with the board game and a turntable that will be used to cue up and “score” certain moments of the game with specific “board game tracks” included on the Creatures of the Late Afternoon Album. Game play lasts about one hour. Two to four players at each table. It’s part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Plaskett Gallery in the Massey Theatre complex, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets available online.

Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall

This production is a live multi-disciplinary stage adaptation of Kid Koala’s graphic novel Nufonia Must Fall. A team of 15 puppeteers, musicians, cinematographers, and technicians bring the story to life at each performance. Each scene is performed, filmed, and projected in real time onto a large screen above the stage. It’s part of the Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 16. Two shows today: 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.

Writing Music for Film with Cameron Catalano

Composer Cameron Catalano, who has composed scores for more than 30 films and produced descriptive audio for more than 200 films since 2014, leads the Writing Music for Film session. It’s part of the Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

PechaKucha Night After Dark

PechaKucha New West Volume 34 is part of the Performing Arts and Technology Festival – and this “after dark” offering begins after the festival’s performance by Kid Koala. Attendees will learn about their neighbours and meet new friends at this event; 10 speakers will present 20 slides for 20 seconds each for a six-minute-and-40-second presentation.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 16. Doors open at 8 p.m. and speakers will start at 9 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1C at the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces (Massey Theatre Arts Complex), 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets are $11.98 and are available online.

Wings Vocal Collective

Wings Vocal Collective presents Alumina, a 10-year anniversary concert – an evening of contemporary and choral music. 

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets available through Anvil Theatre or 604-521-5050.

Thornbridge Crafters Christmas craft sale

The Thornbridge Crafters Christmas craft sale includes a wide variety of knitted, crocheted, sewn, painted, cross stitched, and more items for children, adults, and pets. There is also a raffle with an heirloom quilt, ladies wrap, gold pearl brooch and earring and fleece lined baby quilt as prizes. All proceeds to the food bank and any remaining hats, scarves, socks, etc. will go to those in the community who are in need.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Thornbridge Gardens, 649 Eighth Ave. (corner of Sixth Street and Eighth Avenue)
  • Details: Free admission. Free underground parking.

Sunday, Nov. 17

Stinging Nettles: Food and Medicine

Workshop with Musqueam educator Kymberlee Stogan – Stinging Nettles: Food and Medicine. During this workshop for folks aged 16 and older, Stogan will share information about nettles’ wide range of uses and discuss when and how to plant seeds, make nettle and mint tea, and use nettle as a salve. Participants will sample nettle tea and take home a nettle salve.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Pre-registration required. The workshop is $20 or $15 for FRDC members, students (student ID required) and seniors (65 and older).

Pinoy Krismas Tiangge

Inarte Society and Macrisa Caragn are hosting the Pinoy Krismas Tiangge event where folks can celebrate Christmas and the holiday season at the Lights and Lantern Festival in New Westminster. It includes various activities like lantern-making, Christmas décor and candle-making workshops and a Christmas bazaar.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.

Animation workshop

Animation workshop with Jeff Chiba Stearns, for seven to 12 year olds. It’s part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

Kid Koala’s Robot Dance Party

This event gives families with children seven and under a chance to attend with their own pre-made robot costume or build one on-site with the supplies provided. Kid Koala will play fun background music during the construction portion of the event and will then host an electro dance party where participants can show off their coolest robot dance moves. It’s part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

Hip Hop workshop

Battlezone Canada is hosting a hip hop workshop for seven to 12 year old. It’s part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

Popping workshop

Battlezone Canada is hosting a popping workshop for 13 to 18 year olds. It’s part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

Ouro Collective Dance Performance

OURO Collective will present a short program of trios, duets, and solos from their fully produced work 7y98D. It’s part of the four-day Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 6:15 to 6:45 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1B at the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces (Massey Theatre Arts Complex), 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Free tickets available online.

Battlezone Canada Street Dance Battle

Some of the Lower Mainland’s best street dancers will battle it out at the Battlezone Dance battle for a $100 cash prize. It’s part of the Performing Arts and Technology Festival.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 17, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1C at the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces (Massey Theatre Arts Complex), 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets to watch the battles are free but you must claim them online or in-person via the TicketsNW Box Office.

Saturday, Nov. 23

Winter Market

The Queensborough Winter Market will feature a variety of vendors selling crafts – just in time for the holidays.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.
  • Details: Free admission. You can book a table for $20 by calling the Queensborough Community centre at 604-525-7388 by noon on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Herbert Spencer Christmas Craft Fair

This annual sale features more than 60 professional artisans and vendors, a bake sale and bistro serving food, drinks, and sweets. At the Candy Cane Lane, local Herbert Spencer students will hand craft and sell their own items.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Where: École Herbert Spencer Elementary School, 605 Second St.
  • Details: Free admission.

Vicky Chow at the Anvil Centre

Hong Kong/Canadian pianist Vicky Chow, who has performed on stages around the world, performs in New West. She has been described as “brilliant” by the New York Times.

  • When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are $46.50 for adults and $36.50 for students or seniors, plus service charges.

Sunday, Nov. 24

RCLAS free online workshop

Royal City Literary Arts Society is holding a free online workshop: Jump-Starting your Creative Writing Life. Hosted by Sarah Wethered, the event features authors Eileen Cook and kc dyer, who will share how they have reinvigorated their writing lives, from finding new inspiration, to developing a different process, or even changing genres.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Where: Online on Zoom
  • Details: Free. RSVP to [email protected].

The Grandmothers Canoe Journey: Film Screening and Discussion (16+ years)

The Grandmothers Canoe Journey – a film screening and discussion. Follow a special cedar chest on an interconnected journey of wild salmon and Indigenous peoples and then enjoy a discussion with the filmmakers of Love Intersections Society, Nadine Spence who curated the Downstream Where the Waters Mix exhibition artists, and local supporters.

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 24, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Free, but RSVP to [email protected].

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Jazz at the Anvil

Marcus Mosley – an inductee in the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame – performs at this month’s Piva Modern Italian Presents: Jazz at the Anvil concert. The Marcus Mosley Gospel Choir’s sound is described as African American Gospel, fused with soul and jazz, featuring original compositions and arrangements.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

RCLAS free workshop with Jonina Kirton

Royal City Literary Arts Society presents An Invitation to Soften Your Gaze and Invite Grace, a free workshop with Jónína Kirton, who will help attendees engage with their writing and bring authenticity to their writing. The evening will include a guided meditation and a writing prompt. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing and bring a journal or clip board to write with on their lap. 

  • When: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
  • Details: RSVP to [email protected].

Thursday, Nov. 28

Tick, Tick … BOOM!

Vagabond Players presents Tick, Tick... BOOM! Opening Night, a semi-autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, who also wrote the award-winning Broadway musical, Rent.

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 28 to Dec. 15. It’s on Thursday to Sunday, with evening shows at 8 p.m. and matinees at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Tickets are available online or at 604-521-0412.

New Westminster Acorn

New Westminster ACORN invites community members to attend its November meeting to discuss the problems in their buildings and on their blocks, and plan direct actions to fight for the changes we want to see.

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: BC Acorn office, #201-304 Columbia St.

Friday, Nov. 29

You Are Not Alone: Meet and Greet for Parents of Neurodiverse children

You Are Not Alone is a meet and greet for parents or caregivers of neurodiverse children, who may be feeling uncertain about the journey ahead or looking for support and connections within your community. Hosted by New Westminster Family Place, this event is intended to create an opportunity to connect with other caregivers, share experiences, and gain insights from community support organizations. Hina Mahmood, a registered occupational therapist, will lead a discussion on how to manage the stressful holiday season and will provide a brief introduction to sensory processing, outline the challenges that may arise during the holidays and offer practical strategies that can help prepare your loved ones to enjoy the season. Light refreshments will be provided.

  • When: Friday, Nov. 29, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Family Place, #112-960 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Free. Limited space for this adults-only event – registration required.