The City of New Westminster is hosting its grand opening celebration for of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre this weekend – but that’s just one of the events worth checking out this weekend.
Once again, we are starting our weekend on Thursday – with a book launch and comedy show. The weekend’s fun also includes live entertainment and the launch of a unique business.
Here are the Record's top picks for May 30 to June 2 in New Westminster.
Thursday, May 30
Halfway Home book launch
Kick off your weekend on Thursday at a special addition of the Royal City Literary Arts Society’s Teller of Short Tales featuring Christina Myers and Friends. Thursday’s event is celebrating the release of Myers’ new book, Halfway Home: Thoughts from Midlife. Join Myers, host Lynn Easton, and special guest readers Carmen Farrell and Taslim Jaffer for an evening of fun, readings, Q&A and book signing - along with some punch, cookies and a lot of laughs.
- When: Thursday, May 30. Doors open at 7 p.m.
- Where: I Heart New Westminster Community Space, Columbia Square Plaza.
#103 - 78 10th St.
Thursday, May 30 to Saturday, June 1
House of Comedy
Get ready to laugh when comedian, actor and author Jay Mohr takes the stage at the House of Comedy. The former Saturday Night Live cast member has appeared in more than 25 motion pictures (including Jerry Maguire with Tom Cruise) and made 50-plus TV appearances.
- When: Thursday, May 30 (7:30 p.m.), Friday, May 31 (7:30 and 9:45 p.m.) and Saturday, June 1 (7 and 9:30 p.m.),
- Where: Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, 530 Columbia St.
- Details: Tickets are $30 plus service fees and are available online. Note: there is a two-menu item minimum in the showroom per person
Saturday June 1
təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre grand opening celebration
Celebrate the grand opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre in a fun-filled day that 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.
- 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
Enjoy an evening of jazz when two hometown musicians – who were featured at the 2023 Vancouver International Jazz Festival – take to the stage at Bernie Legge Theatere. Vagabond Players Presents: Jazz Night with Will Clements' Compass and William Chernoff. Vocalist Will Clements presents the music of his 2023 album, COMPASS, while bassist William Chernoff, who released albums in 2020 and 2022, plays the opening set with his jazz trio.
- When: Saturday, June 1, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
- Where: Bernie Legge Theatre, Queen's Park
- Details: Tickets are available online
Community Curbside Sale
Shop for new-to-you treasures at a Community Curbside Sale at a Sapperton complex, where you’ll find vintage items, toys, craft supplies, sporting goods, household items and much more.
- When: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: 60 to 68 Richmond St.
(More sales? Social media posts suggest there may be neighbourhood-wide yard sales this weekend in Sapperton but the Record has not been able to confirm those reports. We will update as details become available.)
Mamma Mia musical gala concert
Take in an evening of live music when 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
Attend the launch of Heartberry Soda, which will be Canada's first Indigenous soda brand. The launch party includes samples, Indigenous food trucks and entertainment by DJ Kookum.
- 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.)
