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Events roundup: What's going on in New Westminster in March?

Comedy shows, International Women's Day events and a wide array of live entertainment offerings (and much more) are happening in New West in March.
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
coastal-dance-festival-laura-grizzlypaws-photo-courtesy-of-artist_provided-by-dancers-of-damelahamid_one-time-use
The Coastal Dance Festival, featuring performers including Laura Grizzlypaws, kicks off a busy month of entertainment and community events in New West.Photo courtesy of Laura Grizzlypaws/Provided by Dancers of Damelahamid

Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3

Coastal Dance Festival

The Coastal Dance Festival features national and international artists – all in a celebration of the stories, songs and dances of the Indigenous peoples. Produced by the Dancers of Damelahamid, in partnership with the Anvil Centre, the 17th annual festival includes a variety of matinee and evening performances, some ticketed and some by donation.

  • When: Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3
  • Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: The festival’s complete three-day schedule and ticket information are available online

Friday, March 1

Moxie Muse

Moxie Muse: A journey of art and empathy. More than an art show, Moxie Muse aims to be a “vibrant celebration of creativity, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of womanhood.” It includes refreshments and gourmet bites from 5 to 7 p.m., live performances and engaging conversations. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to Westminster House recovery program for women.

Thursday, March 7

22nd Street Station drop-in display

View a display of preliminary concepts for redevelopment of the 22nd Street Station neighbourhood. This is the next phase in the visioning process related to the city’s desire to create a “bold vision for the neighbourhood around the 22nd Street SkyTrain station.

  • When: Thursday, March 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Where New Westminster City hall, 511 Royal Ave.

Friday March 8

Celebration for International Women’s Day

Laughter Zone 101 is hosting an International Women’s Day Celebration. A Celebration of Woman features song, music, storytelling, comedy, poetry, rants, and big hugs and smiles. Janice Bannister is MCing this event, which features performers from different countries, with different stories, and different voices about identifying as a woman, including: Devon More; Marylee Stephenson; Tiara Cash; Simone Lovell; Eden Kaminski; Anh Ho; and more special guests. 

  • When: Friday, March 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: House of Comedy BC, 530 Columbia St.
  • Details: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 online and at the door

Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg - ZOOM Artist Talk - International Women's Day

Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, a multidisciplinary artist whose work The Substitute is featured in the New Media Gallery’s new ZOOVEILLANCE exhibition, is giving a keynote artist talk in honour of International Women's Day. Ginsberg will be speaking from London, England via Zoom. The Substitute, 2019 is based on research from AI lab DeepMind.

  • When: Friday, March 8, 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Where: New Media Gallery in Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia Street
  • Details: Free

Relive the Music

Relive the Music takes the audience through music history, trivia and memories of the 50s and 60s. This is the sixth version of this popular show and is billed as a “one-of-a-kind 50’s and 60’s jukebox musical concert with a Broadway feel with band, singers, dancing, tributes, video and trivia.” 

Women in Technology

Discuss important women in the world of technology, their amazing achievements, and participate in imaginative and hands-on activities celebrating their contributions at this Women in Technology event. Specialist instructors will be mentoring female-identifying students to explore cutting-edge technologies in a supportive environment. This event is for folks aged 18 and up.

  • When:  Friday, March 8, 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, arts and technology lab, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: $45 plus tax; registration ends at 9 p.m. on March 8 or when all spots in the class are filled.

Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9

Frog Bellly Rat Bone

Frog Belly Rat Bone, an Axis Theatre Company Production, incorporates beautifully handcrafted puppets and an original pop/rock musical score. It’s based on the book by Timothy Basil Ering. Both shows will be followed by a Q&A with the performers.

  • When: Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9, 1 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets range in price from $11.50 to $21.50 and are available online at www.ticketsnw.ca or by phone at 604-521-5050.

Wednesday, March 13

Spring tree sale

The City of New Westminster’s annual spring tree sale returns. Residents can buy up to two trees (several varieties are available) to help increase the city’s tree canopy. Note: The city makes 150 available for the sale and they sell out very fast; folks are advised to have their account set up and ready to go before the sale starts.)

  • When: Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m.
  • Where: Online
  • Details: Info about the sale is available on the city’s website

Thursday, March 14

In Their Words

The Royal City Literary Arts Society presents In Their Words with host Ruth Kozak. Everyone is invited to attend this free event, which has three featured presenters:  Judith Berlin presents Uvavnuk; Franci Louann presents Carmen Bernos de Gasztold; and Rhiannon Wallace presents Julio Cortázar.

  • When: Thursday, March 14, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where: #IheartNewWest Community Art Space, unit 103 – 78 10th St. in Columbia Square Plaza.

Archives in Film

Join the City of New Westminster’s archivist as she screens and discusses the influence of archives in film. At this event (for folks aged 16 and older), you can watch and discuss The French Dispatch (2021). The film contains adult themes and imagery. A cash bar is provided for those of legal drinking age.

  • When: Thursday, March 14, 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets available online or by calling 604-527-4640 

Friday, March 15

Walk Right Back – The Everly Brothers Story

Walk Right Back returns to stages in 2024 – by popular demand. This concert-based musical tells the story of The Everly Brothers and features hits such as Bye Bye Love, All I Have To Do Is Dream and Cathy’s Clown (as well as songs from a couple of the Everly Brothers’ good friends – Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison.)

Saturday, March 16

Singing Can Be a Drag 2024

Members of the Vancouver Men’s Chorus are donning their finest frocks and heels for the group’s 16th Singing Can Be Drag show. This live singing drag extravaganza features show tunes, ballads, pop anthems and more.

Sunday, March 17

Global Tea Series

Musician Cassiius Khan and accomplished artists come together for an afternoon of creativity, connection and refreshments in the Global Tea Series. This installment features Amika Kushwaha, a Kathak artist, choreographer and instructor, who combines tradition with innovation.

  • When: Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m.
  • Where: Studio 1B, Eighth and Eight Creative Spaces, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Free

Monday, March 18 to Friday, March 22

Book Sale

EVENT Magazine's annual used book sale offers fiction, non-fiction, poetry, textbooks, graphic novels, kids' lit, and much more – all at affordable prices. This is  fundraiser in support of EVENT Magazine, one of Canada's oldest literary journals.

  • When: Monday, March 18 to Friday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.
  • Details: This is a cashless event – debit or credit card only

Thursday March 21 to Sunday, March 24

Cheaters

Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents Cheaters, a story of a couple meeting their parents for advice about whether or not they should marry. It’s described as being “an oddball story of love and reconnection where no one can hide from the truth.” The theatre company’s spring production features a hilarious and energetic cast with many raunchy jokes, innuendos and hope for these lovable characters.

  • When: Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24. (Evening shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.)
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Information and tickets are available online

Saturday, March 23

2024 Leigh Brandt Muscle Classic

Showcasing top Canadian athletes' dedication and sculpted physiques, this show features multiple categories, including men’s bodybuilding, women’s physique, classic physique, figure, wellness and bikini. Industry vendors and sponsors will be set up in the lobby, offering a wide range of products and services for fitness enthusiasts and professionals.

Tuesday, March 26

Jazz at the Anvil: R&B Allstars

The R&B Allstars will perform at this month’s Jazz at the Anvil, presented by Piva Modern Italian. A dynamic, 10-piece rhythm and blue band, the R&B Allstars are celebrating their 41st year on the Vancouver music scene.

  • When: Tuesday, March 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Where Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets available online

Thursday, March 28

New West Farmers Market

The New West Farmers Market kicks off its 2024 season with a free Easter-themed block party. The day’s fun includes: a themed giveaway; an afternoon Easter egg hunt around Tipperary Park; a visit from the Easter Bunny; live music by Sue Breton; free treats for the first 100 visitors; a piñata; a photo booth; and children’s activities with balloon animals and face painting from 4 to 6 p.m. Today’s festivities include a silent auction featuring gift baskets and prizes. Today’s event marks the return of vendors for the popular weekly markets.

  • When: Thursday, March 28, 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Where: Tipperary Park, 315 Queens Ave. (next to New Westminster City Hall)

Friday, March 29

DakhaBrakha

DakhaBrakha, a world-music quartet from Kyiv, Ukraine, returns to B.C. with a mesmerizing musical and visual performance. “Accompanied by Indian, Arabic, African, and Ukrainian traditional instrumentation, the quartet’s astonishingly powerful and uncompromising vocal range creates a trans-national sound rooted in Ukrainian culture,” said a description of the event.

  • When: Friday, March 29, 8 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets and information online. (Dakhabrakha is currently on tour to raise funds and solidarity for Ukraine.)

Saturday, March 30

Jo Bolta Hai Wahi Hota Hai

Harsh Gujral will perform for the first time in Vancouver, showcasing his brand new show – Jo Bolta Hai Wahi Hota Hai. This stand-up comedy show will be performed in Hindi language.