Whether you are interested in art, poetry or music, the week brings a lineup of activities that has something for everyone.
For weather watchers: Hot weekend ahead
The first half of the week will see temperatures stay below 25 C with Wednesday being the coolest. As we inch closer to the end of the week, you might want to get rid of the extra layers, as the temperature is expected to hit the 30 C mark on Saturday and Sunday. Forecasts tend to change quickly, but you can always bookmark your New West Weatherhood forecast for the latest hyperlocal weather.
For everyone: Community events
Farewell to summer fireworks and festival: Say goodbye to summer with a whole day of fun that ends with a fireworks show. The Farewell to Summer Fireworks and Festival, presented by the Hyack Festival Association, is back this year at the New Westminster Quay on Saturday, Aug. 26. Find out more at the Hyack Festival website.
Mornings by the river: Start your day with a high-energy drumming workshop by Rhythm Resource. Organized as part of the ongoing Waterfront Fun series, the free workshop will give attendees an introduction to the Afro-Peruvian percussion instrument and with it, an opportunity to celebrate diversity, unity and community. Find more at the City of New Westminster website.
New West Farmers Market: Take in the sun, grab some food and enjoy the freshest local produce at New West's popular market. The next market is on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Tipperary Park, next to New Westminster City Hall. Explore food trucks, vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. For a full vendor list, see the market website.
Sketching by the river: Capture the beauty and movement of the Fraser River through a free outdoor drawing class led by a local artist and art teacher. It's on Thursday, Aug. 24 at the waterfront esplanade, with a drop-in session from 2 to 4 p.m. for youth and teens, and an adult session from 6 to 8 p.m.
Fridays on Front: The final Fridays on Front party is this week on Aug. 25. Aptly themed The Last Act, the party runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Front Street Mews with a host of entertainment, kids' activities, a mini artisan market, local food vendors, food trucks, Steel & Oak beer and Pacific Breeze wine.
For performance lovers: Outdoor music and classic rock
Poetry in the Park: You don’t always have to wait till the weekend to unwind. Head to the Queen's Park Bandshell this Wednesday, Aug. 23, and listen to poets Evelyn Lau and Jenny Boychuk perform live on stage under the open sky. And if listening to others’ verses has you penning one, the event also offers a platform to share.
Music by the river: Listen to the Seabillys band play traditional celtic music inspired by original tunes with classic Canadian/American folk/pop/bluegrass added in — as part of Music by the River series at the Westminster Pier Park, on Wednesday, Aug. 23. While the music performances start at 5 p.m., head to the park earlier to check out a variety of food trucks, play lawn games and attend a free yoga session. Find more details on the City of New Westminster website.
Queen’s Park concert series: Enjoy the warm summer evenings in the park with soothing music at Queen’s Park bandshell from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27. This week’s performance features Rhythm Resource.
Hindustani music: Queensborough Community Centre will host Akhil Jobanputra, an Indian Classical musician and vocalist, at the bandshell, 920 Ewen Ave., on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. He will be performing two ragas along with a shabad (a hymn or a sacred song) with Mohan Bhide on harmonium and Hriday Buddhdev on tabla.
For arts lovers: Shows around town
Gallery at Queen's Park: The Arts New West gallery is featuring the new group exhibit Tafoni: Coastal Influence, featuring the work of four artists inspired by tafoni, the natural sculptural rock formations of B.C.'s Gulf Islands. It's underway until Aug. 27. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and admission is free (though donations are always welcome).
Anvil Centre Community Art Gallery: The Anvil Centre (777 Columbia St.) presents the new exhibition Avifauna: Sight & Perception, featuring the work of artists Molly Gray and Nancy Whiteside. The show runs through the summer (until Sept. 20).
New West Artists: Check out the show Transformations: Creativity Reimagined, featuring works by members of the New West Artists group, at Clubhouse Coworking (upstairs at the River Market), 810 Quayside Dr., until Wednesday, Sept. 27. The art space is open Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 5 p.m.
For city hall and school board watchers: Summer break
Summer break continues for political watchers. There are no scheduled city council meetings until Aug. 28 and no school board meetings until Sept. 26. Watch for more news later in the summer.
