Here’s a look at some of the community events happening in New Westminster in April 2023.
April 6 to 10
Easter in the City features a variety of free events for local families, including a colouring contest, a scavenger hunt in downtown New West (offered in conjunction with the New Westminster Downtown BIA), and an Easter egg hunt at Tipperary Park (on the same day as the New West Farmers Market.)
The city is also hosting some registered programs (with a small fee) including Easter treat workshops, trivia and egg decorating, an “eggstravaganza” at the youth centre, a family gymnastics event at the Queen’s Park Sportsplex, a family sports event and an indoor play land at the Queensborough Community Centre, a family storywalk adventure at Centennial Community Centre and more. Details at www.newwestcity.ca/easter-2023.
Saturday, April 8
Easter at the Library, an all-ages event, runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the main branch of the New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Search for the Easter eggs hidden amongst the children’s books to win a prize.
Saturday, April 8
Easter Carnival, an all-ages event, is taking place at Moody Park Arena from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cotton candy, popcorn, Easter-themed games and crafts are part of the fun. Photos can be taken with the Easter bunny. It costs $2, and registration is required at www.tinyurl.com/NWEasterCarnival
Thursday, April 6 to Saturday, April 29
Vagabond Players presents Laughter on the 23rd Floor, a play by Neil Simon. It runs Thursdays to Saturdays (8 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.) at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park. (Note: there’s no show on April 14, and the April 12 show is at 8 p.m. The show contains mature content and coarse language.) Tickets are $12 to $17 and available at www.vagabondplayers.ca/tickets or at 604-521-0412.
Thursday, April 6
New Westminster Farmers Market features vendors and Easter activities. The market takes place every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. in Tipperary Park, next to New Westminster City Hall.
Friday, April 7 to Sunday, April 9
Spring Salmon Eggstravaganza at Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, all ages can enjoy salmon-themed activities, games, and crafts and learn about salmon and the many challenges they face after hatching. Masks required for anyone over five years. Family ticket for two adults and up to four children ($15); adult ticket for 19 and older ($6); senior ticket for 65 and older ($5); student ticket – with student ID ($5); child ticket for kids aged three to 12 ($3); and children two and under register for free. Info: fraserriverdiscovery.org/eggs or call 604-521-8401.
Friday, April 14 and Saturday April 15
Hyack Ambassador gala weekend features talent and speech presentations on Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park. The Evening of Stars, including presentations of scholarships and installation of the Hyack Ambassador leadership team, is at the Laura Muir Theatre at Douglas College. Tickets are $25 per event, or $40 for both event or $39 for students under 12 and seniors 60 and older. Info and tickets at www.allevents.in (New Westminster)
Saturday, April 15
A Spring Swap Meet features more than 30 tables selling a variety of wares, including household items, collectables, clothing, toys and more. It’s at the Queensborough Community Centre, 920 Ewen Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, April 16
NWSS Dry Grad Bottle Drive is accepting donations of refundable beverage containers in support of the alcohol/drug free dry grad for 2023 graduates at New Westminster Secondary School. The bottle drive is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the front door to NWSS, 835 Eighth St.
Wednesday, April 19
Comedian, author and CBC personality Ali Hassan brings his new stand-up show, Does This Taste Funny?, to New West. The show is at 7:30 p.m. in the Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St. Tickets are $40 (plus service charges) and are available at www.anviltheatre.ca.
Saturday, April 22
New Media Gallery is hosting Biospheres + Soundscapes, an in-person or Zoom presentation featuring Leah Barclay, Ruth Simons and Mark Nazemi - three sound artists, researchers and biosphere champions from Australia and Vancouver, who will share exceptional projects, revealing how sound affects and connects our ocean biospheres. It’s from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Anvil Centre (room 417) or on Zoom. Details and Zoom link at www.newmediagallery.ca.
Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23
New Westminster Community Market, being held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 502 Columbia St. (the old Army & Navy department store), includes the sale of furniture, clothing, books, arts and more. Free admission.
Thursday, April 27 to Sunday, May 14
Royal City Musical Theatre returns to the Massey Theatre stage, 735 Eighth Ave., with this year’s production of Crazy for You, a classic romantic comedy with great tunes. Featuring actor and TV personality Todd Talbot (co-host of Love It or List It. Tickets (starting at $29) and showtime info at www.ticketsnw.ca.
Sunday, April 30
Plant a Row-Grow a Row kicks off its 2023 season with a drive-thru donation and gardening-giveaway event, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Thomas More Collegiate parking lot at 7450 12th Ave. Cash and non-perishable food donations accepted for Ryan’s Rainbow Emergency Food Outreach in Burnaby and the Union Gospel Mission in New West. While supplies last, volunteers will be giving out vegetable transplants and seeds and other gardening supplies.
