This long weekend, take some time to learn about African heritage, attend a show featuring artwork by musicians and, more importantly, stop and smell the roses.
Sept. 1 to 3
African Heritage Music and Dance Festival
The AHFOMAD festival (African Heritage Festival of Music and Dance) is coming to New West for the first time and will feature two-time Juno-nominated artist Ndidi O and Vancouver-based Afrobeats DJ Oga Rossco among 30 others.
The festival is a way to bring Black African heritage into the mainstream and to share more knowledge about their culture. Tickets are priced at $24 per person for each day.
- When: 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1; Noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2; Noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3
- Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
- Details: Massey Theatre website
Outlaw Art Show
Attend an art show that features works by musicians who belong to New Westminster's underground rockabilly and punk music scene.
The third edition of the Outlaw Art Show is a reminder that musicians can also be talented visual artists — much like the rock and roll legend Frank Zappa and the Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
- When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: The Gallery at Queen’s Park
- Details: City of New Westminster website
Sept. 1 and 2
Wellness in the Garden
One Green Square, a nature-based wellness service, is offering a three-part event on wellness inspired by community gardens.
The first session will have attendees smell roses and explore simple sensory awareness techniques for brain and heart health.
The second will throw light on the therapeutic elements at the Ryall Park community garden.
And the third, on Sept. 9, will be a pollinator protection party at the Ryall Park Garden.
- When: Between 1 and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 and Saturday, Sept. 2
- Where: Queen’s Park Rose Garden on Sept. 1; Ryall Park Therapeutic Community Garden on Sept. 2
- Details: City of New Westminster website
Sept. 2 and 3
Colour the Current
Ever wondered why salmon change colour or why the Fraser River appears brown?
As part of Fraser River Discovery Centre's Summer Discovery Days, get answers to those questions while also exploring how to build a stratigraphy model and use printmaking techniques, this weekend.
An adult ticket is priced at $6, seniors and students can register at $5.
- When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
- Details: Fraser River Discovery Centre website
Sept. 3
Queen's Park Concert Series
Enjoy the warm summer evenings in the park with a performance by Stumpy the Puppet and Angela Brown Ta Daa Lady as part of the annual Queen's Park Concert Series.
Expect a show filled with songs, jokes and interactive storytelling where the audience gets to decide the narrative.
- When: 2 to 3 p.m.
- Where: Queen's Park Bandshell
- Details: City of New Westminster website
