The weekend will be here before you know it. Now might be the perfect time to decide if you would spend it learning about birds, watching a parade or browsing some of the oldest homes in New West?
Choose what vibes with you the most from this short listicle.
Saturday, May 27
Hyack International Parade
The Hyack International Parade is back with a procession of over 120 floats, marching bands, community groups, mascots and performance artists. Show up for the event and find out why it's regarded as the province’s “largest family-oriented parade” — standing the test of time for half a century. After the parade, continue the party at Tipperary Park, which, on the day, will be transformed into a hub for free entertainment, food trucks, crafts and games, local vendors and artisans.
When: The parade is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; the festival goes on till 4 p.m.
Where: The parade starts at the intersection of Eighth Avenue and Eighth Street
Details: https://www.hyackfestival.com/
Investigation: Migration!
Why do animals migrate? What’s the flight path of local migratory birds? Find out the answers to these questions at Fraser River Discovery Centre’s “Super Saturday” event. This session is for anyone who has wondered how the gulls, sandpipers, eagles and plovers co-exist along the mighty Fraser River, especially during this time of the year. Let your curiosity take flight as you understand the river’s role in giving these diverse birds food, shelter or a temporary place to rest for summer. A family ticket (for two adults and up to four children) is priced at $15; otherwise, it's $6 for an adult, $3 for a child aged between three and 12, and $5 for students and 65+.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fraser River Discovery Centre, 788 Quayside Dr.
Details: https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/
Sunday, May 28
Heritage Homes Tour
Here’s an open house unlike any other. Heritage New West (aka New Westminster Heritage Preservation Society) is bringing its annual Heritage Homes Tour back after a three-year pause due to COVID. For a $45 ticket, you can check out a grand Moody Park Edwardian residence, a stately Victorian era Queen Anne-style mansion in Queen’s Park, a 1902 home in uptown, and nine more. Once you buy the ticket online, you can collect your ticket guidebook, which includes the map and passport to all the homes on tour, from Royal City Colours (700 12th St.).
When: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: https://newwestheritage.org/
Karaoke and Drag Night
Arrieta Art Studio will transform into a drag show stage for one day. Whether you want to watch the performances by “drag king” Androgynass or drag queen Miss.Juiceeee, or grab the mic and croon your favourite song before a crowd, you can do it all at this event. The open mic segment of the event welcomes anyone who's been waiting for a chance to showcase their talent — be it in juggling, playing a harmonica, doing a magic trick, or anything else. If you are above 19 years of age, you can buy a ticket for the event at bit.ly/karadrag_arrieta for a sliding price between $10 and $35.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Arrieta Art Studio, 707 Front St.
Details: https://www.instagram.com/arrieta_art/
Make Cystic Fibrosis History
This Sunday, walk side by side with families and friends from the cystic fibrosis (CF) community. As per the Cystic Fibrosis Canada website, CF is “the most fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.” With no cure, the disease has claimed several lives — and more than 4,300 children, adolescents and adults currently attend specialized CF clinics. At the 2023 Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, you get a chance to remember and honour those who have lost their lives to CF and to help make a change for those living with it.
When: Check in at 8:30 a.m., end indulge in fun activities before the walk that begins at 10 a.m.
Where: Ryall Park on Salter Street
Details: https://walk-cysticfibrosiscanada.crowdchange.ca/27424
