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The week ahead in New West: What's up July 31-Aug. 6

Feel like summer's barely gotten started? Don't worry — there's plenty of fun still ahead.
Julie MacLellan
Julie MacLellan
monday-music-in-the-park-new-west
Outdoor concerts: The Monday Music in the Park series continues this week with a performance by Beau Wheeler.contributed

This week brings us the start of August, marking the unofficial halfway point of the summer.

If you feel like your summer has barely gotten started, never fear — there's plenty more summer fun in store for New Westies as we say goodbye to July. Here are some highlights to get your week started:

For weather watchers: Sun and heat ahead

So far, the week ahead bodes well. New Westminster's Weatherhood local forecast (as of the writing of this post) calls for a pleasant start to the week, with a high of 25 C on Monday and partly cloudy skies. Sun and a bit of cloud cover are also expected on Tuesday and Wednesday as the temperatures get hotter, with a high of 27 C Tuesday and 25 C Wednesday.

As always, forecasts can change quickly. You can bookmark your New West Weatherhood forecast for the latest hyperlocal weather. 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

  • New West Farmers Market: Yes, there's still plenty of time to enjoy the farmers market this summer. The next market is on Thursday, Aug. 3 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: Turn out to the Queen's Park bandshell to enjoy the Royal City Literary Arts Society's summer reading series on Wednesday nights. On Aug. 2, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., you can hear from Wanda John-Kehewin and H.W. Bryce, with host Jonina Kirton.
  • Sketching by the River: Meet outside for a free drawing class led by a local artist and art teacher. It's on Tuesday, Aug. 1 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. The sketching drop-ins will continue every Tuesday in August, presented by Arts New West and River Market.

For performance lovers: Shakespeare and music outdoors

  • Shakespeare in the Park: Shadows and Dreams Theatre Co. returns to the Queen's Park bandshell with this year's production, As You Like It, at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 5 and 6).  It's free, so take your blankets or chairs and head on over to enjoy this 1950s-inspired production of Shakespeare's classic comedy.
  • 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 31), you can catch Beau Wheeler, a queer, non-binary composer described as "Vancouver's punchiest indie singer" and a cross between k.d. lang and a young Robert Plant.

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 from Aug. 2 to 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 feature exhibition Avifauna: Sight & Perception, featuring the work of artists Molly Gray and Nancy Whiteside. It's on starting July 31 and runs through the summer (until Sept. 20). 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. 

For city hall and school board watchers: Summer break

Just a reminder that it's summer break: 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.

Got a New Westminster happening you'd like to share? Email Julie MacLellan.

Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
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