There’s plenty of fall fun to be had in New Westminster this month – including the return of the Cultural Crawl.
The Record has rounded up some of the events happening in New West in October – including farmers markets, live music, entertainment, to an open house at the fire hall. Here’s a look at some of October’s offerings around town:
To Sunday, Oct. 6
Mauritius
The Vagabond Players present Mauritius, a dark comedy centred around a 22-year-old woman who has lived a sheltered life caring for her abusive mother who just passed away after a long illness. Warning: Contains mature content and coarse language.
- When: To Sunday, Oct. 6
- Where: Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park
- Details: Tickets available online or 604-521-0412
Tuesday, Oct. 1 (and subsequent Tuesdays until Dec. 3)
Everyone Can Jazz Jam
Uptown Swing Collective is hosting a weekly drop-in workshop that will emphasize the skills required for building connections through jazz music, supporting and encouraging one another, playing music in a group (small and large ensemble), and participating in a jazz jam. All abilities welcome. Participants must bring their own instrument or voice. Participants under 15 years old are welcome to join with parental supervision.
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 1, 7 to 8:20 p.m. (Drop-ins continue on Tuesdays Oct. 8, 15 and 22, Nov. 5, 19 and 26 and Dec. 3.)
- Where: Century House, 820 Sixth St.
- Details: Newcomers to the Everyone Can Jazz Jam get a free drop-in visit. After that, there’s a $10 drop-in fee. More information is available online.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Downtown Residents Association Public Meeting – Crisis Response Team
The Downtown Residents Association invites community members to attend a meeting about the City of New Westminster’s pilot project and strategy to address the three crises of homelessness, mental health, and substance use. The meeting features an update about the progress of the project and a Q&A with John Stark, manager of community planning, Brad Davie, deputy fire chief, and Nicole O’Connor, manager of homelessness services.
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7 to 8 :30 p.m. Registration begins at 6:40 p.m. People are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early so organizers can verify membership and register new attendees.
- Where: Upper Hall, Holy Trinity Cathedral, 514 Carnarvon St.
- Details: Free for Downtown residents, voluntary $5 donation for everyone else.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
A Decade: An Art and A Capella Show
The 21st New Westminster Cultural Crawl kicks off in a joint celebration with Braid Street Studios and vocal band Quayside Voices – which both turn 10 this year. Presented by Arts New West, the concert celebrates performing and visual arts collaboratively by connecting artist works with the show set list. New Westminster singer/songwriter Cheska Henson opens the show. It features visual artists, including Braid Street Studios founder Susan Greig, Fiona Tang and more.
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
- Details: Tickets (free) are available online.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Opening reception: Heart of the Crawl
Kickoff even for the 21st annual New West Cultural Crawl, featuring many of the crawl participants. It’s a great place to discover some of New West’s artists and to plan your crawl route.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Where: The Gallery in Queen’s Park
- Details: Free. No registration required.
New West Farmers Market
The New West Farmers Market features vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s activities and more.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 3, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)
- Details: Free
Friday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 6
New West Cultural Crawl
The 21st New West Cultural Crawl includes a wide range of events and activities highlighting local artists and the arts scene. It includes a chance for community members to visit more than 30 home studio, galleries and community spaces to explore the works of over 15 artists. Interactive workshops, live events, evening events, art exhibitions, and open studios are all part of this year’s event. This year’s New West Cultural Crawl also features Indigenous artists and exhibitions at various locations across the city.
- When: Friday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 6
- Where: Venues across New Westminster
- Details: The full New West Cultural Crawl lineup is available online
Saturday, Oct. 5
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services open house
Equipment displays, fire and community safety information booths, live demonstrations, a visit from Sparky the Fire Dog, and a fundraising barbecue hosted by the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society are just some of the offerings at the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service’s annual open house. This family-friendly event is being held during Fire Prevention Week.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Glenbrook Fire Hall, 1 East Sixth Ave.
- Details: Free
New West Craft
New West Craft, presented by Arts New West, is a curated market showcasing the works of local makers and artists.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Free
Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6
All Hallows’ Eve craft market
The All Hallows’ Eve 2024 Halloween Market features more than 60 Halloween-loving vendors offering spooky, gothic, mysterious, strange and unusual wares. Costumes, oddities, tarot cards, jewelry and accessories are just some of the items you’ll find here.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 5 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 6 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Where: Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St.
- Details: Admission is $3 or free for kids 12 and under. Partial Proceeds go to Royal Columbian Hospital
Sunday, Oct. 6
Indigenous Art in Cultural Spaces: A round table ation discussion
Join artists, curators, and supporters of the exhibition, Downstream Where the Waters Mix. Discuss the featured works and reflect on historic and working relationships between Indigenous artists and museums, galleries, and cultural centres. Light refreshments provided.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Free
Menopause The Musical
Menopause The Musical, an off-Broadway hit, comes to New West for one show only. It’s billed as being “The hilarious celebration of Women and The Change” – and a show that men will enjoy as well.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
New Westminster Public Art Tour
Walking tour of the public art in downtown New Westminster, led by local resident Jas Lally. Attendees will learn about key public art works in and around the Anvil Centre, downtown and along the riverfront. Everyone is welcome but the tour is aimed at an adult audience. It will take place outdoors, rain or shine.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to noon
- Where: Meet at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Free. Capacity is limited. Email [email protected] to register.
Tuesday, Oct. 8
New Westminster Horticultural Society
The New Westminster Horticultural Society’s October meeting features guest speaker Dante Baies, who will discuss gardens and art. Baies' talk is A Painter's Garden - the story of Monet's garden in Giverny, a behind-the-greens look at its transformation from cider orchard into art icon. He spent four summers at Monet's garden - weeding, watering, digging, deadheading and taking lots of photos. More details about the gardening’s society’s activities, including meetings, tours, speakers, competitions, and social opportunities, can be found at newwesthortsociety.org.
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m.
- Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
- Details: Drop-in fee is $5, or an annual membership is $20.
Thursday, Oct. 10
New West Farmers Market
The New West Farmers Market features vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s activities and more.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 10, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)
- Details: Free
Friday, Oct. 11
365 Pro Wrestling
365 Pro Wrestling brings live pro wrestling to New West.
- When: Friday, Oct. 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and bell time is at 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St.
- Details: Tickets available online
Beau Wheeler
Beau Wheeler, a queer non-binary singer and songwriter, performs in New West. Their music touches on topics including gender, surviving cancer, and love. Beau, who performed at the Vancouver Juno Awards in 2018, recently released a new album, Flying Colours and has another one on the way.
- When: Friday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Eighth and Eight Creative Spaces, Studio 1C, Massey Theatre complex, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
Saturday, Oct. 12
Homelessness Action Week community walk
New Westminster Museum staff and the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition Society will lead a walk to discuss housing issues in the community from a historical perspective. During this event, part of the kickoff to the annual Homelessness Action Week in New Westminster, participants will hear from people with lived experience.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 am. to noon
- Where: Meet at Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Free. Registration required (used course ID 21544) online or by calling 604-527-4640.
Community Bottle Drive – Royal City Rotary
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, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon
- Where: 166 Sixth St. (across from city hall)
- Details: Free
Sunday, Oct. 13
Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute gives audiences a chance to experience the music of Fleetwood Mac, when this talented tribute band performs classic hits like Go Your Own Way and Dreams.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 13, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
Monday, Oct. 14
Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra
Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra, is an Indian Marathi-language comedy show airing on Sony Marathi TV, features Marathi actors and professional comedians performing skits on stage.
- When: Monday, Oct. 14, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
Thursday, Oct. 17
Laughter Zone 101 Stand-Up Comedy Showcase
Janice Bannister will MC the Laughter Zone 101 Stand-Up Comedy Showcase, which features a group of talented new comics debuting their unique comedic voices.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; showtime is 8:30 p.m.
- Where: House of Comedy BC, 530 Columbia St.
- Details Tickets available online. Full food and beverage service available.
New West Farmers Market
The New West Farmers Market features vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s activities and more.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 17, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)
- Details: Free
Saturday, Oct. 19
Music of the Night: The Concert Tour
This concert celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber, which last appeared in New Westminster in 2022, returns with a live band and many singers. Members of the audience will experience a concert of Webber’s most iconic theatrical music, including selections from Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Blvd., and more.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details Tickets available online.
Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20
Art + Craft Supplies De-Stashing
The Royal City Gogos are selling off more than 60 boxes of quality new and nearly new craft supplies at their Art and Craft Supplies De-Stashing event. Most items range from $1 to $5. The Royal City Gogos raise funds for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, which supports African grandmothers who are caring for a generation of children who have been orphaned by AIDS.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 19 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 20 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
- Where: Unifor Hall, 326 12th St.
- Details: 10 per cent off orders of over $50
Monday, Oct. 21
Vancouver Academy of Music
The Academy Chamber Players, featuring faculty members from the Vancouver Academy of Music, present “Schubertiade”—a tribute to Franz Schubert. Part of the New Westminster Series at the Anvil Theatre, this concert features a selection of Schubert’s most beloved works. Performers are: Jason Ho (violin); Jacob van der Sloot (viola); Joseph Elworthy (cello); Dylan Palmer (bass); and Ian Parker (piano).
- When: Monday, Oct. 21, 1 to 2 p.m.
- Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Tickets available online
Thursday, Oct. 24
New West Farmers Market
The New West Farmers Market features vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s activities and more.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)
- Details: Free
Friday, Oct. 25
Ben&Ben Autumn Tour 2024
Ben&Ben, a nine-piece indie folk-pop band from the Philippines, brings its heartfelt lyrics, unique musicality, and electric vibe to the local stage.
- When: Friday, Oct. 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
A Night of Soul With Krystal Dos Santos and Marie Hui
Krystal Dos Santos and her three-piece band will be joined by singer Marie Hui for an evening of classic soul, funk, R&B and more. Attendees are welcome to put on their dancing shoes for this fun event, where they will hear tunes from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.
- When: Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
Saturday, Oct. 26
Rastak
Rastak, a group renowned for its vibrant interpretation of Iranian contemporary folk music, comes to the local stage. Rastak, which formed as an experimental music group in 1997, is one of the most well-known bands in Iranian contemporary folk music.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets are from $57 to $151 and are available online
Sunday, Oct. 27
Spooktacular Concert
New Westminster Symphony Orchestra is presenting a concert program featuring creepy organ toccata, murderous mummies, witches being marched to the scaffold, and scary strings in the shower. Attendees are invited to come in costume for this spooktacular concert
- When: Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.
- Where: Sanctuary on 6th, 529 Queens Ave. (corner of Sixth Stret and Queens Avenue).
- Details: More info available online
2024 Vancouver Fall Classic
The Vancouver Fall Classic will feature multiple categories, including men’s bodybuilding, women’s physique, classic physique, figure, wellness and bikini. In addition to the competition, the event includes vendors and sponsors presenting a range of products and services for fitness enthusiasts and professionals.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 27 – morning event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; evening event is from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
Thursday, Oct. 31
New West Farmers Market
The New West Farmers Market features vendors, food trucks, live music, children’s activities and more.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 31, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)
- Details: Free
