How is it that we're halfway through July already?
Yes, we're at the peak of summer, and New Westminster is rising to the occasion with summer fun at every turn. We've rounded up a few ideas for the week ahead so you can make the most of summer in the city.
For weather watchers: Showers and sunshine
Rain? For real? It looks like tomorrow may bring us showers, if the Weather Network's current forecast (as of the writing of this post) proves to be correct. Monday is expected to kick off the week with a small amount (1 to 3 mm) of rain and a high of 22 C that feels like 24 C. Expect a mainly sunny Tuesday with a high of 23 C that feels like 25 C — and then we're back to hot summer weather again, as Wednesday's high is a projected 26 C (feels like 29 C), and Thursday's is 27 C (feels like 31 C).
As always, forecasts can change quickly. But be sure to keep the sunscreen handy, and keep this list of ways to stay cool in New West handy.
For everyone: Community events
- Summer night market: The New West Craft Summer Night Market returns Friday, July 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. at River Market, featuring more than 60 artisan vendors on the boardwalk and inside, plus live music, food and beverages. Entry is free.
- 12th Street Festival: Head on over to 12th Street for the popular street festival, set for Sunday, July 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy three stages with live music, plus artisan vendors, food, kids' activities and the chance to take a photo with a vintage transit bus.
- New West Farmers Market: Yes, there's still plenty of time to enjoy the farmers market this summer. The next market is on Thursday, July 20 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Tipperary Park, next to New Westminster City Hall. Take in food trucks, vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. Dogs are welcome. For a full vendor list, see the market website.
- Poetry in the Park: Don't miss the return of the Royal City Literary Arts Society's summer reading series on Wednesday nights at the Queen's Park bandshell. On July 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., you can hear from this year's Write On contest winners, Tolu Oloruntoba and Hannah Siden, with host Jessica Lee McMillan.
- Fridays on Front: The popular downtown block party series continues with this week's themed Bollywood Bash, Friday, July 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Front Street Mews. Enjoy live entertainment, kids' activities, food vendors, a mini artisan market and offerings from Steel & Oak brewery and Pacific Breeze winery.
For performance lovers: Outdoor music and classic rock
- Queen's Park concert series: The bandshell once again plays host to a summer concert series, so you can enjoy live music in a serene treed setting. Arts New West (formerly the Arts Council of New Westminster) presents live musical performances on Thursdays and Sundays. This week, catch the pop sounds of Ricardo on Thursday, July 20 at 7 p.m., and the folk-pop trio Girl A Girl B (with twins Elizabeth and Anita Eccleston and cellist Doug Gorkoff) on Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m.
- Monday Music in the Park: This summer marks the third year for this outdoor music series, with top musicians performing next to Centennial Lodge in Queen's Park on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. This week (July 17), you can catch the fresh young rockabilly sounds of Dogwood and the Shakers.
- Take it to the Limit: Fans of the Eagles can enjoy all their favourite hits in this tribute show at Massey Theatre, set for Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and information online.
For arts lovers: Shows around town
- Gallery at Queen's Park: The Arts New West gallery is showing the work of Indigenous artist James Groening, or Blue Sky, in Welcome to My Renaissance, an exploration of the artist's identity through the Woodland Art style. 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: Don't miss the exhibition of work by the Cedar Sage & Sweetgrass Indigenous artist collective. Through Our Eyes is on at the Anvil Centre's fourth-floor gallery (777 Columbia St.) until July 26. You can drop in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- New Media Gallery: You can check out the latest exhibition at the New Westminster New Media Gallery (Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.), ongoing until Aug. 13. DUST features installations by international artists providing immersive and experiential ways to think about dust and landscape.
- New West Artists: The New West Artists group returns to the I Heart New West community space at Columbia Square again until July 30. It's open Fridays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Plaskett Gallery: Explore the work of artist Melissa H. Clark in Where Planted, underway at the Plaskett Gallery at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.) until July 25. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., during performances at the theatre and by appointment at 604-517-5900.
For city hall and school board watchers: Summer break
Yes, the political scene is getting quiet (theoretically) for the summer, with no scheduled city council meetings until Aug. 28 and no school board meetings until Sept. 26. Watch for more news later in the summer.
Got a New Westminster happening you'd like to share? Email Julie MacLellan.
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