The scorching week brings a lineup of cool events including a grand end to the 10-day Pride Fest. Pick up your colourful highlighters and jot down these must-to-do events in the city this weekend.
Friday, Aug. 18
Fridays on Front
The annual street festival series has been juicing up everyone’s summer by bringing themed parties to the city’s downtown area since the beginning of July. This week, it’s back with a Pride-themed gala that will feature performances by drag queens, and a host of food trucks and vendors. Dress in your colourful best and show up for the weekend bash.
Where: At the Front Street Mews between Sixth and McKenzie streets
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 18 and Saturday, Aug. 19
David Nihill Comedy
If the name David Nihill doesn’t have you in splits already, know that we are talking about the stand-up comedian who was the winner of the prestigious annual San Francisco Comedy Competition. The fest is a big deal, as its previous finalists have included comedy superstars such as Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and Dana Carvey. Nihill will be in town to make New Westies laugh out loud with his hilarious observations on life. Find more details on the House of Comedy website.
Where: Rock Bronson’s House of Comedy, 530 Columbia St.
When: 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Aug. 18; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 19
Saturday, Aug. 19
Pride Festival Street Party
Columbia Street will turn into a party spot this weekend with pole dancing, craft market, kids dance party; roving performances by Caps Bikes, Hidden Wonders, Uptown Swing Collective and more. At the community stage, a lineup of performances are planned starting 3 p.m. — featuring artists including Rainbow Chorus, Nimrat the Drag, DJ Hollyaholly, Blue Chu and others. Check out the full list on the New West Pride Instagram page.
Where: Columbia Street
When: Starts at 3 p.m.
Beerlympics
This weekend, down tall glasses of chilled beer for a good cause. The fifth annual Beerlympics will see 10 teams pit against each other in a series of drinking games — while raising money for the New West Hospice Society. The event is sponsored by Steel & Oak Brewing and Steamworks Brewing, and the entry fee is $180 for a team of four players. Find all the details on Eventbrite.
Where: Royal City Curling Club, 75 Sixth Ave.
When: 6 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 20
Community Bike Ride
Here’s your chance to discover some of the official bike routes in and around New Westminster. Join a 17-kilometre community bike ride, organized by HUB Cycling (a non-profit that advocates for active transportation in B.C.) and led by a trained HUB-New West volunteer this weekend. Ride from Century House to Brunette River portion of the Central Valley Greenway and Hume Park before heading back to Century House. Entry is free for all. Find all details here.
Where: Meet at Century House, 620 Eighth St.
When: 10 a.m.
