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What’s happening in New West this weekend? Top picks for Oct. 6 to 8

Octoberfest fun, a folk festival, a storytelling walk and a Salsa Social are among the happenings in New West this Thanksgiving Day long weekend
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
dj-urbazon-e-getty-images
Two DJs will be spinning tunes at the Salsa Social in New West this weekend.Urbazon/E+/Getty Images

Friday Oct. 6

World Folk Festival 2023

The International Punjabi Fork Arts Society is hosting the World Folk Festival, featuring a folk dance and music competition. It includes bhangra, gidha, jhoomer, Malwai Tidha, Luddi and Sammi competitions, as well as folk song competitions.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Blocktoberfest/Octoberfest

Blocktoberfest includes live music, food, a kid’s zone and an artisan market. Hosted by Another Beer Co., in partnership with the Odihi Foundation and On Your Block, it also features special beer releases from Another Beer Co.

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: lower Hume Park, 660 East Columbia St., Sapperton
  • Details: Free

Homelessness Action Week

The second annual Storytelling Walk: Homelessness in New Westminster is one of the many events taking place in New Westminster during Homelessness Action Week. It’s being led by the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition and the New Westminster Museum and Archives.

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
  • Details: Free but pre-registration is required by calling 604-527-4640. Space is limited.

Salsa dance

New and seasoned dancers are invited to dance to the rhythm of Latin music at a Salsa Social in New West. It kicks off with a dance lesson and is followed by a social and dance, with two Latin DJs playing Cuban and traditional salsa, merengue, cumbia and bachata music.

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. to midnight
  • Where: Sapperton Community Hall, 318 Keary St. (The hall is a short walk from Sapperton SkyTrain station.)
  • Details: The lesson is at 8 p.m. and the social/dance begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $13 cash per person or $20 per couple. If you invite two friends, you pay $5; invite three friends and you get in for free. Soft drinks and water are for sale.

All weekend

Best of the Crawl – A Group Exhibit

The Best of the Crawl exhibition features the works of more than 20 local artists who are participating in this year’s New West Cultural Crawl. Check out their works and then plan your route on the 2023 tour,  which is taking place on Oct. 14 and 15.

  • When: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: The Gallery in Queen’s Park (in Centennial Lodge), across from the playground and the spray park.
  • Details: Best of the Crawl runs until Oct. 29. Details at artnewwest.ca.