New Westminster's parks are the place to be this summer.
Besides enjoying all the amenities they have to offer - the popular petting farm at Queen's Park, the spray parks at Ryall, Queen's and Hume, the outdoor polls at Hume and Moody, the amazing wooden climbing structures at Sapperton and the wading pool at Grimson, just to name a few - the city's parks are hosting a number of special events throughout the summer.
Here are a few of the highlights for you and your family to check out:
MUSIC BY THE RIVER
Have you been to Music by the River yet?
The popular performance series is back at Westminster Pier Park on Thursday nights, and only three performances are left. Tonight (July 26) it's folk fusion band Early Spirit. Next week (Aug. 2), it’s the neo-soul/R&B artists Sweetz, with singer-songwriter Francis Henson closing the series on Aug. 9.
The music runs from 6 to 8 p.m. nightly, and the entire Pier Park site is licensed for the occasion. You can grab offerings from Steel & Oak Brewing Co. and Pacific Breeze Winery from the Eats at the Pier concession stand, then enjoy them anywhere on the site.
Check out the details at www.artscouncilnewwest.org/music-by-the-river or search for Music by the River on Facebook.
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
Ryall Park (outside Queensborough Community Centre) is running its Summer Sizzle series, with entertainment every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., through to Aug. 29. Bring a picnic lunch (and your swimsuit to enjoy the splash park) and enjoy the family-friendly entertainers. It’s all free.
Plus, of course, there’s the Sunday afternoon fun in the bandshell at Queen’s Park, with entertainment every Sunday at 2 p.m. until Sept. 2. For the next two weekends (July 28 and 29, and Aug. 4 and 5), it’s a special treat for Shakespeare fans, as Shadows & Dreams Theatre Co. stages Romeo and Juliet.
All the bandshell entertainment is free; call 604-777-5121 for information.
POETRY IN THE PARK
Don't forget about the ongoing Poetry in the Park events at the Queen’s Park Bandshell on Wednesday nights.
The nights run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and include two featured poets, with a mix of established and emerging poets presenting. Plus, there’s also an open mic.
Check out all the details at the Facebook page (search Poetry in the Park – New Westminster) or see www.rclas.com for more.
MOVIE NIGHTS
And we'd be remiss not to mention city’s outdoor movie night series.
Your family can turn out for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle at Moody Park this Friday, July 27. Then you can enjoy Cars at Port Royal Park on Friday, Aug. 10, and take in Trolls at Sapperton Park on Friday, Aug. 24. Movies start at dusk, and it’s all free – just bring your own blanket and snacks and settle in for the evening.
Got another favourite park-based event? Let us know. Email Julie, [email protected].
