The sun is shining, the weekend is beckoning, and we’re going to just ignore that rain in the forecast. Whether the promised showers come to pass or not, there’s plenty of fun on offer in the city this weekend, so be sure to get out and take advantage of it all.
Here are five places to start:
Uptown Live returns to New West
It’s back, baby. Yes, Uptown Live —billed as New Westminster’s ultimate street party — is once again offering a jam-packed day of live music on four stages around Sixth and Sixth. Experience great acts at the TD Main Stage, the Next-Gen Stage, the Electronic Music Garden and the Acoustic Lounge.
Plus, there will be artisans, food trucks and licensed beverage service.
- When: Saturday, July 16, noon to 9 p.m.
- Where: Uptown New West, around Sixth Avenue and Sixth Street (and surrounding streets)
- Tickets: Free. Just show up.
Vancouver Men's Chorus: Singing Can Be a Drag
The Vancouver Men’s Chorus returns to the Anvil Centre Theatre with its annual drag fundraiser, and you can bet the queens will be throwing their hearts and souls into the show to end all shows after a COVID-induced hiatus for the past couple of seasons. Expect high-energy show tunes, powerful pop and some heart-tugging ballads as chorus members share their love of performing for a live audience.
- When: Saturday, July 16 at 8 p.m.
- Where: Anvil Theatre (777 Columbia St., third floor).
- Tickets: General admission $40; patron seats $70; buy online
Queen's Park Concert Series takes music outside
There’s no better place to enjoy music than outside in the park.
Turn out to the Queen’s Park bandshell on Thursdays and Sundays over the summer to enjoy the Arts Council of New Westminster’s music series. Shows are Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July and August.
On Thursday, July 14 at 7 p.m., catch the Graham Brown Band, whose rock’n’roll-country-roots sounds earn them comparisons to Tom Petty and Neil Young. On Sunday, July 17, it’s Vancouver singer-songwriter Tess Anderson.
- When: Thursdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through July and August
- Where: Queen’s Park bandshell
- Tickets: Free. Just show up.
House of Comedy New Westminster serves up laughs
If you’re in need of some laughter, Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy has your back. The downtown comedy club offers up a busy calendar featuring an array of both touring and local talent. This week, you can catch Bret Ernst with five shows between July 14 and 16, plus the Stand Up for Mental Health grad showcase on July 17.
- When: Ongoing most nights – check out the full calendar online.
- Where: House of Comedy B.C., 530 Columbia St., New West
- Tickets: Buy through House of Comedy online.
Fridays on Front returns
Music, food and a beverage or two await at the city’s favourite summer street party series, which has returned to downtown New Westminster this summer.
Catch it on Fridays through the summer (except July 29, when it’s cancelled for the long weekend), with the last edition on Aug. 19.
Enjoy live entertainment, kids’ activities, local food vendors and food trucks, a mini artisan market and, of course, locally produced beverages in the form of Steel & Oak beer and Pacific Breeze wine.
- When: Fridays until Aug. 19 (except July 29), 5 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Front Street Mews, between Sixth and McKenzie streets
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected]
