Things to do in New Westminster BC in June 2024

June is shaping up to be a jam-packed month of fun in New West.

It kicks off with the grand opening celebration of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre on June 1 and continues with a full slate of events all month long – everything from live entertainment to fundraisers to not-to-be missed community events.

Here’s a look at some of the offerings in New West in June:

Saturday, June 1

təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre grand opening celebration

The grand opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is a chance to enjoy a day of free activities, explore the facility and learn about its programs and services. The day’s fun includes indoor and outdoor activities, giveaways, interactive community booths, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, free recreation activities, as well as a formal program that includes an Indigenous welcoming. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration of the Sea Otter YMCA Childcare is at noon.

When: Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave.
Details: Free. Registration is required for the free public swims. Parking is very limited due to ongoing construction, so attendees are encouraged to consider carpooling or using alternative transportation such as cycling, walking, or transit.

Jazz Night with Will Clements' Compass and William Chernoff

Vagabond Players Presents: Jazz Night with Will Clements' Compass and William Chernoff. Vocalist Will Clements presents the music of his 2023 album, COMPASS, which explores the themes of love through a queer lens. Bassist William Chernoff, who released albums in 2020 and 2022, plays the opening set with his jazz trio. Both Clements and Chernoff grew up in New Westminster and were featured at the 2023 Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

When: Saturday, June 1, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen's Park
Details: Tickets are available online

Mamma Mia musical gala concert

The Vancouver Korean Choir presents its 17th annual concert – MAMMA MIA musical gala concert and Encore HERO musical gala concert.

When: Saturday, June 1, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
Details: Free

Sunday, June 2

Heartberry Soda launch party

Heartberry Soda, which will be Canada's first Indigenous soda brand, is launching in New West. The launch party includes samples, Indigenous food trucks and entertainment by DJ Kookum. On the same day, Another Beer Co. will also be celebrating its fifth anniversary with special beer releases (noon to 9 p.m.) and Industry Arcade will be open for drop-ins (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)

When: Sunday, June 2, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: #11-30 Capilano Way (it’s located in the Braid industrial area, next to Another Beer Co.)

Monday, June 3

Youth Resiliency Framework – Family Design Lab

Youth and their parents/caregivers are invited to engage in a conversation about safety and resiliency while growing up in New Westminster. At the Family Design Lab, community members can come together to design local solutions and actions for change. This workshop will be fully participatory, so attendees should be ready to contribute and engage.

When: Monday, June 3, 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and networking.
Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave. (in multipurpose Room 2)
Details: Food and snacks will be provided. Register to ensure your spot, as space is limited.

Tuesday, June 4

Youth Resiliency Framework – Family Design Lab

When: Tuesday, June 4, 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for refreshments and networking.
Where: Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.
Details: Food and snacks will be provided. Register to ensure your spot, as space is limited.

Seniors in the City with Mayor Johnstone

Seniors Week 2024: Join Mayor Patrick Johnstone for a presentation on seniors-related initiatives in the community and a Q&A. After the presentation, attendees can tour təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.

When: Tuesday, June 4, 11 a.m. to noon
Where: təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave.
Details: Free, but registration is required

Wednesday, June 5

Seniors Week walk and social

Seniors Week 2024: Queensborough Neighbourhood Walk and Social is a chance to explore the natural beauty in Queensborough with a walk in the neighbourhood. Meet at the Queensborough Community Centre. Stay for a coffee and social time after the walk.

When: Wednesday, June 5, 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave.
Details: Free, but registration required.

Thursday, June 6

Seniors Week – townhall on housing and a community meal

A resource fair, a free community meal and a townhall are part of this Seniors Week event in New West. New Westminster MLA Jennifer Whiteside and B.C.’s new seniors advocate Dan Levitt will speak at the townhall and take audience questions; other panelists will include representatives from both the municipal and provincial levels of government.

When: Thursday, June 6, 4:45 to 8 p.m. (Resource fair – 4:45 p.m.; meal – 5:30 p.m.; and townhall – 6 p.m.)

Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.
Details: Meal provided. Registration Required.

Thursday, June 6

Seniors Week – Music in the Lounge

Live performance by Norine Braun, a singer-songwriter and recording artist. Her music explores her journey as an adoptee and her recent connection with her Metis heritage with a groove-based soul vibe along with some bluesy and rootsy twists. Norine's partner Alice Fraser ARCT joins as accompanist on keys and harmony vocals.

When: Thursday, June 6, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Where: Century House, 620 Eighth St.
Details: Registration required

Sinatra for Connoisseurs

A Frank Sinatra appreciation event, presented by classic film scholar Michael Van Den Bos, a big fan of “Old Blue Eyes.” Sinatra for Connoisseurs features clips of the Academy Award-winning actor performing in classic films and vintage television shows.

When: Thursday, June 6, 7 p.m. (150 minutes – includes a 15-minute intermission)
Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
Details: Tickets are available online

New Westminster Salmonbellies

The New Westminster Senior A Salmonbellies take on the Coquitlam Adanacs in Western Lacrosse Association action.

When: Thursday, June 6, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Queen’s Park Arena, Queen’s Park
Details: Tickets available online or at the door

Friday, June 7

Seniors Week – Creative Technology Workshop

Seniors Week – Creative Technology Workshop is designed for seniors of all abilities. Led by a Creative Tech instructor, it combines art supplies and technology so folks can create their own artwork that visually communicates their ideas, interpretations, and meaning.

When: Friday, June 7, 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Art + Technology LAB, Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
Details: Registration required

Connaught Heights Carnival

Connaught Height Elementary School’s annual carnival includes carnival games, a dunk tank, a balloon twister and a face painter, a raffle and 50/50 draw food and treats to buy, and more. Hosted by the school’s PAC, the event also this fundraiser includes a visit from the New Westminster Fire Department.

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

The West Coast Science Fiction Association welcomes geeks and nerds, collectors and hoarders, and bargain hunters of all kinds to the Fandom Bazaar, where they’ll be able to find treasures like movies, books, anime, comics, toys, outfits and games. There will also be a live auction, hosted by Kevin Free, running during the event, 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: Attendance is $5 per person (free for children under seven and WCSFA members) More details at www.fandombazaar.ca

Saturday, June 8

New West Craft Indigenous Market

The third annual New West Craft Indigenous Market is presented by Shop First Nations, Arts New West and Native Art Renaissance. It features unique handmade goods, artworks, and crafts created by talented Métis, First Nations, and Inuit artisans, as well as performances. It’s 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.

Clean Up New West

Clean Up New West is Westminster House Society’s annual event featuring a clean-up contest, complimentary lunch voucher, prizes, pie-eating contest, and community connection.

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.

New to New West 2024

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, aims to provide a welcoming, fun and informative event where folks can learn about free services. The event will include: a resource fair; health information; job search and career resources; information on financial programs and resources; settlement services; 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

Opening of PneumoMachinic, the new exhibition at the New Media Gallery in which three internation artists explore how the breath can be interpreted through objects, through the body and through complex technologies. 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

The Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster presents PRIDE – A Celebration of Love and Diversity. 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.

Walk of Ages

The Seniors Services Society of BC is holding Walk of Ages, a fundraising walk featuring a two-kilometre or four-kilometre walk along New Westminster Quay. Walk of Ages includes rest stops along the route, a continental breakfast after the walk, and activities for young walkers. Proceeds will benefit the Seniors Services Society of BC, supporting essential programs such as housing navigation, housing outreach, and temporary housing.

When: Sunday, June 9, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Westminster Quay
Details: More information and registration online www.sssbc.ca/walkofages.

Help Save Heritage in New Westminster

Heritage New West invites community members to share their thoughts on preserving the city’s rich architectural heritage and the many benefits it brings to New West, at a time when new provincial housing legislation creates uncertainty about potential impacts on New Westminster. Community feedback received at this facilitated event will be compiled into a report and submitted to the city and province.

When: Sunday, June 9, 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Royal City Curling Club, 75 East Sixth Ave.
Details: more information is available online

Plant a Row – Grow a Row

Plant a Row – Grow a Row launches its 2024 collection events today – an event that will continue every Sunday morning until Oct. 6. Donations of fresh garden-grown or store-bought food can be dropped off and will be delivered to the Union Gospel Mission in New West or Ryan’s Rainbow Emergency Food Outreach in Burnaby and will then be distributed to folks in need of food. Cash donations are always appreciated.

When: Sunday mornings from June 9 to Oct. 6, 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.
Where: St. Thomas More Collegiate (front entrance), 7450 12th Ave. (just across the border in Burnaby)

Tuesday, June 11

June Revue and Awards ceremony

New Westminster Secondary School Music Department’s biggest event of the year, June Revue, features concert bands, jazz bands, choir and strings. Alumni are invited to the stage for the finale.

When: Tuesday, June 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
Details: Tickets are $15 and are available online

Horticultural Society

New Westminster Horticultural Society’s June meeting features Jason Croutch on “debunking garden myths.” Check out newwesthortsociety.org for all the details on the society’s activities, including meetings, tours, speakers, competitions, and social opportunities.

When: Tuesday, June 11, 7 p.m.
Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
Details: Drop-in fee is $5, or an annual membership is $20.

Thursday, June 13

Mean Girls and Popstar Extravaganza

The New Westminster Secondary School Dance Department presents Mean Girls and Popstar Extravaganza. NWSS Senior Dance presents Mean Girls and NWSS Junior Dance presents Popstar Extravaganza.

When: Thursday, June 13, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
Details: Tickets and information are available online

Rainbow Fish Musical

The Motion & Music Youth Production Program invites audiences of all ages to its musical stage adaptation of the award-winning book The Rainbow Fish.

When: Thursday, June 13, 5 and 7 p.m.
Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
Details: Tickets available online. Children two and under attend for free.

Sunday, June 16

Father's Day Concert 2024

New Westminster and District Concert and Jazz bands perform their annual Father’s Day concert in New West.

When: Sunday, June 16, 2 p.m.
Where: Queen’s Park bandshell

Saturday, June 22

Firefighters’ Shred-a-thon

The New Westminster Firefighters' Charitable Society is hosting its annual community shred-a-thon, where residents and businesses can drop off their papers and have them shredded onsite. The drive-thru shred event raises funds that help support a variety of community programs.

When: Saturday, June 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Ave. Enter off Fourt Street for the drive-thru shred event.
Details: By donation. More information about the society is available online

Saturday, June 22

Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo 2024

Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo’s biggest show ever includes: vendor hall and artist alley; free-play gaming; musical performances; guest panels and performances; and gaming tournaments.

When: Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
Details: Details about the day’s events and tickets are available online

Sunday, June 23

SO10 Anniversary Party

Streel & Oak Brewing Co. is celebrating its 10th anniversary with its biggest party yet. The annual bash includes: beer (of course); a wine lounge area courtesy of Pacific Breeze; food trucks and ice cream; DJs and a roving magic show; a pop-up vinyl record market; and a kids play and craft area.

When: Sunday, June 23, 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Steel & Oak (1319 Stewardson Ave.) – in the back lot near Levi Street

Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30

Curatorial talks

As part of the new PneumoMachinic exhibition, running June 9 to Aug. 11, curatorial talks are taking place this weekend. They’ll be led by the curators (with a focus on plain language) and will give community members an opportunity to discover New Westminster’s contemporary art gallery.

When: Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: New Media Gallery, Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.

Saturday, June 29

Welcome to My Renaissance

Welcome to My Renaissance gives folks a chance to enjoy a series of live performances from Indigenous artists, participate in Indigenous crafts, discover a collection of handmade goods from local Indigenous artists and indulge in food from Tradish, an Indigenous food truck.

When: Saturday, June 29, 2 to 5 p.m.
Where: Queen's Park bandshell

New West Craft Summer Market

New West Craft Summer Market features handmade items by more than 40 vendors (outside on the boardwalk and inside River Market), live music, and more.

When: Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.

Sunday, June 30

Summer Concerts in the Park

Enjoy live, family-friendly musical performances featuring local musicians showcasing the city’s cultural diversity.