A New Westminster tradition caps off a Victoria Day long weekend filled with fun in New West – including live entertainment, playoff hockey and a block party.
Here are the Record’s top picks for the May 16 to 20 long weekend.
Thursday, May 16
Comedy showcase
Kick off the long weekend with a night of laughs at the Laughter Zone 101 Stand-Up Showcase. Organizers say the night’s lineup includes talented new comics and a special featured guest.
- When: Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m.
- Where: Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy BC, 530 Columbia St.
- Details: Tickets available online or at the door
Tellers of Short Tales
Attend the Royal City Literary Arts Society’s Tellers of Short Tales’ reading, panel discuss and social, which will celebrate the release of the Kathy Harms’ book Resilience in the Rubble: A True Tale of Aid and Survival in Kashmir. Its Harms’ memoir of her time as a medical aid worker in Kashmir, Pakistan after a devastating earthquake in 2005. Some of the responders who worked alongside Harms and appear in the book will be in attendance.
- When: Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m.
- Where: I Heart New Westminster Community Space, #103-78 10th St. in Columbia Square Plaza
Saturday, May 18
New West Craft
Shop from local makers and artisans, whose works are featured at New West Craft, a curated market presented by Arts New West.
- When: Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: River Market, 810 Quayside Dr.
Shahin Najafi
Indulge in an evening of musical artistry with performer, Shahin Najafi, who sings in Farsi, Gilaki, Kurdish, German and Arabic. He draws on poetry, literature and philosophy in his music to engage with issues in politics and society today.
- When: Saturday, May 18, 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Tickets available online
Saturday, May 18 to Monday, May 20
Asian Heritage Month
Discover some of the many ways Asian Canadians have made the Fraser River Basin more enjoyable, delicious, well-researched and welcoming at Asian Heritage Month celebrations at Fraser River Discovery Centre.
- When: Saturday, May 18 to Sunday, May 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Fraser Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Activities are included in the cost of admission to the centre. Details are online.
Stanley Cup Playoffs
Cheer on the Vancouver Canucks to Victory in Game 6 of their Stanley Cup playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers. The City of New Westminster is opening the doors to Anvil Centre for a family-friendly indoor viewing opportunity that includes a concession and a kids’ zone.
- When: Saturday, May 18, 6 p.m.
- Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Other viewing opportunities in the city can be found online, including local businesses. Tonight’s game will also be shown on screens in the lobby of the Moody Park Arena, Queensborough Community Centre, and the Youth Centre (11 to 18 years only)
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19
Maple Leaf Singers
Enjoy a dynamic show featuring music complemented by choreography in styles such as pop, swing, jazz, folk, rock, gospel, Broadway and more – when the Maple Leaf Singers return to New West. Fascinating Rhythms will showcase some of the show-chorus’s classics and some new modern favourites.
- When: Saturday. May 18 (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, May 19 (2 p.m.)
- Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Tickets are $30.50 (including service charges) and are available online
Sunday, May 19
Brow of the Hill block party
Hang out, eat, and have fun at the third annual Brow of the Hill Spring Gathering, featuring live music, food, face-painting, vendor tables where you can buy creations from local kids, and a seed and cutting exchange table. This is the Brow of the Hill’s block party, but it’s open to all New West residents.
- When: Sunday, May 19, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Where: Cornwall Park (1009 Cornwall St., just below 10th Street.)
Monday, May 20
Hyack Anvil Battery Salute
Have a blast when the Ancient and Honourable Hyack Anvil Battery offers its annual salute on Victoria Day. This New West tradition has been taking place for more than 150 years.
- When: Monday, May 20. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the salute begins at noon
- Where: Queen’s Park Stadium
- Details: Free. (It’s loud so you may want to bring earplugs)
Stanley Cup Playoffs (if needed)
Meet up with other community members to watch some nail-biting hockey action when the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers play Game 7 of their second-round NHL playoff series. If the series goes to Game 7, the city will once again provide a family-friendly indoor viewing event that includes a concession and a kids’ zone.
- When: Monday, May 20, 6 p.m.
- Where: Anvil Centre, 777 Columbia St.
- Details: Other viewing opportunities in the city can be found online
