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What's happening? January 2025 events roundup in New Westminster

Community events, entertainment offerings, opportunities to learn new skills – it’s all happening in New Westminster in January 2025.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
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Knotted: Rapunzel’s Story is coming to the Massey Theatre stage on Jan. 3 and 4.Crystal Bunch/Contributed

January’s offerings in New West make it a great time to put your New Year’s goals into action.

Whether you have goals of learning some new skills, getting ready for spring, or checking out community offerings, it’s all happening in January 2025 in New West. Here’s a look at some of the events happening in New Westminster in January.

To Jan. 5

Winter Discovery Days 2024

Winter Warriors: How Humans Beat the Cold is the theme of this week’s Winter Discovery Days at Fraser River Discovery Centre. The family-friendly activities including taking on the Fraser River House Building Challenge, doing some hands-on experiments, making a snowman (even if there’s no snow!), creating a snow jar, and more.

  • When: Thursday, Jan 2 to Sunday, Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Facilitated activities run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
  • Details: Regular admission fees apply.

Friday, Jan. 3 to Sunday, Jan. 5

Knotted: Rapunzel’s Story

The Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents Knotted, a pantomime by Crystal Weltzin, with music by Argel Monte de Ramos.

  • When: Friday, Jan. 3 (7:30 p.m.), Saturday, Jan. 4 (2 and 6:30 p.m.) and Sunday, Jan. 5 (2 p.m.) Note: the 6:30 p.m. show on Jan. 4 is a relaxed performance; it is a sensory-friendly show for everyone to enjoy and has an ASL interpreter on the right side of the stage.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets available at ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050.

Wednesday, Jan. 8

Climate Films: Chasing Carbon Zero

The New Westminster Public Library is launching its new Climate Films Series with a screening of Nova: Chasing Carbon Zero, a 2023 film in which you’ll hear from scientists and engineers who are convinced we can achieve carbon zero in time to avoid the biggest impacts of climate change. The film screening will be followed by a brief discussion led by Karen Crosby from Regenerate BC and the New Westminster Climate Action Hub.

  • When: Wednesday, Jan. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library, main branch auditorium, 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. Open to ages 12 and up. Popcorn will be provided but you need to bring your own bowl.

Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12

Someone Like You

Someone Like You, an Arts Club Theatre on Tour production, is a millennial take on Cyrano De Bergerac. “This charming new comedy launches the mistaken identity of Cyrano de Bergerac into 21st -century Vancouver with millennial manifesto, dating apps, and the quest for self-love.”

  • When: Saturday, Jan. 11 (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, Jan. 12 (2 p.m.)
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets available online. Note: This production includes coarse language and mature subjects including psychological abuse. It may contain theatrical devices such as water-based fog and haze.

Tuesday, Jan. 14

Intro to Social Swing Dancing

The Uptown Swing Collective launches its five-week Intro to Social Swing Dancing classes, where you can dance in a fun and safe environment, learn out to connect with a partner and the music. This class is for folks with no experience or people wanting to solidify their understanding of six-count steps and techniques. Registration includes entry to the collective’s monthly social dance, Jazz Cats Social.

  • When: Tuesday, Jan. 14. Classes start at 7:05 p.m. and run until 8:15 p.m. (Arrive by 7 p.m. on the first evening to check in and sign your waiver.)
  • Where: New Westminster Secondary School (dance studio), 820 Sixth St.
  • Details: Classes are on Jan 14 and 21, and Feb 11, 18 and 25. (No classes on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4.)

Naloxone and overdose prevention training

New Westminster DPAC is hosting a naloxone and overdose prevention training session for any caregivers, parents, and students of SD40. Attendees will learn how to identify and prevent an overdose, and how to administer naloxone. The Purpose Society is running this engaging and informative training.

  • When: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Secondary School library, 820 Sixth St.
  • Details: Kits and training are free of charge.

Thursday, Jan. 16

Perfect

The New Westminster Secondary School dance department presents Perfect, a journey of self-discovery, empowerment and a whole lot of pink. “BarbeeLand appears perfect at first glance with glittering, flawless Barbees and Kenns living the dream in an endless loop of fabulous parties and perfect poses. But once they begin to malfunction, Perfect Barbee and her closest friends must travel to the real world to discover what is troubling the children that play with them.”

Saturday, Jan. 18

Bangali Food Festival

Poush Parbon Bengali Food Festival features winter food and cultural experiences. Vendors are welcome for stalls.

Monday, Jan. 20

Vancouver Chamber Music Society

The Vancouver Chamber Music Society in collaboration with Anvil Theatre presents an afternoon of chamber music, performed by a stellar ensemble: Stefan Jackiw (violin), Yoonah Kim (clarinet), Arnold Choi (cello), and Henry Kramer (piano). This concert features a program of works by Rabl and Smetana.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Tech Café

If you need help with your phone, tablet or laptop, you can bring your device to a drop-in Tech Café at the New Westminster Public Library. You’ll be able to get help learning how to troubleshoot and finding resources to answer your questions and get assistance with your questions or the problems you are experiencing. (Note: The library is unable to assist with hardware problems. It can’t guarantee it will be able to help with all software issues, but will do its best to help with your system settings, programs and apps. Be sure to bring your charger.)

  • When: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Where: Main branch of the New Westminster Public Library (in the lab on the second floor), 716 Sixth Ave.
  • Details: Free. Registration is not required.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Famous Last Words

Famous Last Words New Westminster is “a spoken word show like no other” featuring poets Babaloluwa “Lolu” Oyedele, Neko Smart, Marlo Browne, SJ Valiquette, Roger Blenman, and Uni the Unicorn. This poetry and prose event is hosted by Sara Bynoe.

  • When: Wednesday, Jan. 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Centennial Lodge in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Free

Thursday, Jan. 23

Gardening: Starting Seeds

The library is hosting a workshop where you’ll learn how to start seeds for your home garden. Expert home gardener Gail Felton demonstrates her seed-starting technique using vermiculite. Attendees in this hands-on session will get a chance to try the technique and get their garden going by starting seeds for lettuce, tomatoes, sweet peppers and basil. The library says this is an excellent session for beginner gardeners – but more experienced gardeners will learn some tips too.

  • When: Thursday, Jan. 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: New Westminster Public Library (main branch auditorium), 716 Sixth Ave. (A Zoom option will be offered, but in-person attendance is recommended)
  • Details: Free. Participants must bring some clean takeout sauce containers with lids (small plastic containers that ginger or dipping sauce come in), as these will be used to start your seeds.

Friday, Jan. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 26

Global Game Jam

The 2025 Vancouver Global Game Jam is a jam-packed weekend where you can meet fellow game enthusiasts, brainstorm ideas and create amazing games together. Everyone is welcome to participate – from seasoned game developers to newbies.

  • When: Friday, Jan. 24 to Sunday, Jan. 26
  • Where: Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave., New Westminster
  • Details: More information and tickets are available online.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Perogies for Peace

Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral is serving up its monthly Perogies for Peace meal – a traditional Ukrainian dinner. Perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht and sausage are among the items on the menu. Fresh and frozen options are available. Eat in or get it to go.

  • When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 4 to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Cathedral, 501 Fourth Ave.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Jazz Cats Social – Joe Abbott’s Swing Team

The Uptown Swing Collective’s Jazz Cats social features live music by Joe Abbott’s Swing Team. It’s open to folks interested in swing dancing, joining in on a jazz jam, or just sitting back and enjoying the show.

  • When Saturday, Jan. 25, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., the beginner swing dance lesson is at 6:45, live music and social dancing start at 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Century House in Moody Park, 620 Eighth St.
  • Details: Tickets are $21 (16 and older) and must be purchased in advance. Capacity is limited.

Sunday, Jan. 26

Global Tea Series

Global Tea Series, hosted by Cassius Khan. Today’s event features tabla, tea and dance with Angelique Muhorakeye and Edward Sembatya.

  • When: Sunday, Jan. 26, 3 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1C, Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, 735 Eighth Ave.

Clothing Swap

Arrieta Art Studio is hosting a clothing swap where folks can donate clothing and pick up items for themselves. Attendees are encouraged to take only what they need and can use. This event is about community sharing, textile waste reduction and free fashion (not profit) so swapping with the intention of reselling is discouraged. You do not need to donate clothes in order to take clothes. Leftover items will be donated to shelters or upcycled into new projects.

  • When: Sunday, Jan. 26, 12 to 5 p.m.
  • Where: 712c 12 th St.
  • Details: Clothing can be dropped off on the day of the swap or on Saturdays leading up to the event. DM @arrieta_art on Instagram to schedule an alternate time. (Clothing must be clean, in good condition, and free from excessive wear, stains, or damage. Items of all sizes and ages (including baby and children’s clothing) is accepted.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

The Brad Turner Quartet

The Brad Turner Quartet a mainstay on the Vancouver jazz scene, explores varied musical avenues, from free improvisation to structured compositions and groove-based themes. It features Brad Turner on piano; Darren Radtke on bass, Bernie Arai on drums and Jack Duncan on percussion.

Thursday, Jan. 30

Councillor Cafe - Downtown Edition

City councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas are hosting their next Councillor Cafe – the Downtown Edition. Everyone is welcome to attend to discuss issues of concern to you, your family or your small business. Pre-registration is not required, and light refreshments will be served.

  • When: Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Holy Trinity Church parish hall, 514 Carnarvon St.

Friday, Jan. 31

Fat Joke

Anvil Theatre presents a Neworld Theatre Production, Fat Joke. Says a synopsis: “A fusion of stand-up comedy, storytelling and unapologetic fact-blasting, Fat Joke thrusts fatphobia into the spotlight. Cheyenne Rouleau surgically dissects this seldom-discussed subject with a razor-sharp wit that leaves the audience confronting their assumptions.”

  • When: Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (and Saturday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 2)
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets are available online.