This weekend might seem like a super-long party — end the week in downtown's Fridays on Front, go dancing at Uptown Live the next day, before settling in a winery for a lively drag show on Sunday.
Friday, July 14
Squamish Stories
Start your weekend with a family-friendly storytelling performance by professional storyteller, educator and published author Kung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy). Jaadee, who belongs to the Xaayda (Haida) xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations, will share her telling of Squamish stories popularized by the Indigenous activist and poet E Pauline Johnson’s book Legends of Vancouver. It’s a free drop-in event.
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: New Westminster Public Library Main Branch, 716 Sixth Ave.
Details: New West Public Library website
Fridays on Front
If you didn’t know already, Fridays on Front, the annual free summer block party series is back in New West for its fifth edition. If you didn’t make it to the event’s kickoff party last Friday, there are still five more Fridays to make up for it — and each with a different theme. The upcoming bash is all about East Asian celebration.
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Front Street Mews between Sixth and McKenzie streets,
Details: Downtown New West website
Saturday, July 15
Uptown Live 2023
With a striking line-up of musicians on three stages, as many as 100 artisan vendors and about 25 different food trucks on the venue … not to mention a host of interactive activities and an exclusive kids’ zone, the annual street party, TD Uptown Live is back this year promising a whole day of fun. Join in the annual fest and find out for yourself why it’s called the “ultimate street party” in New West.
When: Noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Sixth Street and Fifth Avenue
Details: Uptown Live website
Sunday, July 16
Queen’s Park Concert Series
Add a dose of music to those lazy summer afternoons by heading to the Queen’s Park, where Arts New West’s summer concert series is in full swing. The series features a new artist/artists group every Thursday and Sunday till the end of the month. This weekend will see the all-female vocal performance trio Dia on stage. The band composed of Rose, Sabrielle and Heather sings songs of “hope, female empowerment and justice for a changing world.”
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Queen’s Park
Details: Arts New West website
The Grapest Drag Show on Earth
Here’s an event that is a perfect blend of drag, wine and fundraising. The Grapest Drag Show on Earth (Grapest because it takes place at the award-winning Pacific Breeze Winery) is an annual drag show that raises money towards the non-profit Rainbow Refugee that supports people who are fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or HIV status. This year, the 19+ event, presented by 3Wave Fitness, will be hosted by Dust Cwaine, and will feature drag performers Thanks Jem, Beardney Spears, Homo Hardware, Belladona VonShade, Rainbow Glitz and Percy Pegg. Tickets are priced at $35 plus fees/tax.
When: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: 320 Stewardson Way
Details: All Events website
