Kids will be hitting the streets of New West in search of treats next Tuesday for Halloween – but the fun gets started this week with a variety of spooky (and not-so-scary) events.
Here are some of this year’s Halloween happenings in New Westminster.
Halloween poetry
Royal City Literary Arts Society’s In Their Words – Halloween edition includes two feature presenters – Lesley Hebert (reading Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart) and J.G. Chayko (reading Anne Rivers Siddons The House Next Door). The night’s fun also includes a special All Hallow’s Eve open mic, so folks are invited to bring a poem or a spooky story excerpt to share – if they dare, and to wear a costume – if they care.
- When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Where: #IheartNewWEst Community Art Space in Columbia Square plaza, #103- 78 10th St. (across from Cockney Kings)
Ghostly encounters
Coldspotters Paranormal is sharing haunting stories from New Westminster’s past during their nightly The Ghosts of New Westminster tours. The tours are led by local guides, who will stop by favourite haunts in the downtown and share evidence of the paranormal from last year’s tours. An overview of the tour reads: “This tour is perfect for both the novice and the aficionado seeking a hair-raising evening filled with otherworldly intrigue!”
- When: Tours are running Thursday, Oct. 26 to Sunday, Oct. 29 (6:45, 8 and 9:15 p.m.) and Monday, Oct. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 31 ( 8 and 9:15 p.m.)
- Details: For tickets, visit eventbrite.ca
Day of the Dead
St. Barnabas Anglican Church is holding an all-ages family dance party for the Day of the Dead. It features snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, door prizes, a silent auction, a dance and live music from The Syndicate.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4 to 10 p.m.
- Where: St. Barnabas Anglican Church hall, 1010 Fifth Ave.
- Details: Admission is a suggested donation of $20.
Pub fun
You’ll likely find folks in costume at pubs throughout New West this weekend.
Uptown, the Union Jack Public House is having what it says will be a thrill-filled night of live music by Wicked Fun, non-stop dancing, and spine-chilling Halloween fun. Attendees are invited to show off their creativity and enter the costume contest for a chance to win prizes
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28
- Where: Union Jack Public House, 525 Seventh St.
Charity pawty
Be Pawtique is hosting a Halloween pawty at its indoor dog park, with net profits going to the BC SPCA. Features a pawty game, a pet costume competition and a dog walk show.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Be Pawtique, 610 Columbia St.
- Details: The entrance fee is $10 per dog, which includes two drinks and one treat bag.
Halloween on the river
Fraser River Discovery Centre is adding a spooky twist to its regular programming this weekend at its Halloweekend on the River event. Activities including getting “microscopic” with mold as you dive into decomposition, taking a photo at the costume selfie stations and comparing costumes with George the Sturgeon.
- When Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre 788 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Included in admission to the FRDC galleries. Info at www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.
Scary movies
A number of scary movies are showing on the big screen at Landmark Cinemas New Westminster. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984); Exorcist: The Believer (2023); A Haunting in Venice (2023); Terrifier 2 (2022); Casper (1995); and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) are among the flicks being screened at the local cinema.
- Where: Landmark Cinemas New West is located in the Shops at New West, #390-800 Carnarvon St.
- Details: Show times and tickets on Landmark’s website.
Back to the 80s
The New Westminster Legion is having an 80’s themed Halloween Party featuring music by Cheek to Cheek, who will perform a variety of rock, dance and pop hits. Don your favourite 80’s attire for this bash.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.
- Where: New Westminster Legion, 631 Sixth St.
- Details: members and non-members welcome
