New Westminster has become well known for its variety of fun filled, family-friendly events year-round. From mouth-watering food, thought-provoking art, and engaging live music, this summer is filled to the brink with festivals you will want to add to your calendar.
Weekly Events
1) Summer Farmers Market
The rebranded New West Farmers Market takes place every Thursday afternoon, 3-7 PM at Tipperary Park. Stop by to check out some of the best fresh and local food products, as well as many artisan shops. Don’t forget to grab a meal from one of your favourite food trucks set up as well.
2) Boardwalk Craft Market
During the summer, New West Craft moves to the Boardwalk! Take in the sunshine and riverfront views as you shop. You’ll be able to find locally made products from jewelers, knitters, and all-around crafters! Mark it down for every second Saturday from 11-4pm at the River Market on your calendar!
3) Music by the River
The Arts Council of New West is bringing back Music by the River this year, running each Thursday evening (5-8pm) in July. The music will range from live performances, DJs, and busking, with special guests ‘I M U R’ performing July 13th. There will also be local artisan vendors to shop through, live paintings, and more. They’ve even licensed all of Westminster Pier Park and will be serving New West’s own, Steel and Oak Brewing Co. beer and Pacific Breeze wine.
4) Friday’s on Front
Get excited for this all new summer festival! The redesigned Front St will be having a weekly event each Friday throughout the summer (starting July 7th). Each week from 5-8 PM, Front Street will feature artisan vendors, live music, and yes – beer from New West’s own, Steel & Oak! In fact, all of Front St has received a liquor license for the event, meaning you can grab your wine or beer and walk throughout the event. Best of all, the entry is free and being just steps from the New Westminster Skytrain station, there’s no reason to miss out on this exciting new event.
One-Off Events
5) Canada Day
It’s no surprise party, by now everyone has heard that it’s Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1st and just like any milestone birthday, New Westminster is going all out. This year, the main activities are taking place at Queen’s Park, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. There will be art and cultural workshops, community group presentations, and live performances. New West will also have fireworks at 10:00 PM down at the water between the River Market and the Inn at the Quay. Come out and help celebrate this iconic birthday!
6) New Westminster Grand Prix
BC Super Week, the most prestigious road cycle series in North America is coming to New Westminster for the first time. This free event is on July 11th and is sure to be action-packed fun for the whole family. The main event will feature teams from 13 countries around the world, as they complete 45-55 laps around the circuit. There will also be a kids race, which all youth can enter for free! The kid’s race opens the event and starts at 4:45 PM, with the overall event carrying into the night. Get excited to come out and cheer your favourite cyclists on!
7) Uptown Live!
On July 22nd from 12pm-9pm enjoy live concert performances, the Red Truck Beer Garden, delicious food trucks plus a host of interactive exhibits and art installations, all located in the heart of Uptown New Westminster. Set a reminder because you don’t want to miss out on the collection of local artists, including Daniel Wesley, Youngblood, Big Easy Funk Ensemble and the New Groovement.
8) Royal City Show and Shine
After a two-year hiatus, the people have spoken. One of the most asked about events for New Westminster is making its return following many requests from the community. On July 23rd, the Show and Shine car show is being held in the Justice Institute parking lot, with 200+ vintage and unique cars expected to be on display. Car lovers everywhere will want to make the trip and spend the afternoon in the shining sun. Don’t miss the food trucks in attendance as well!
9) Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Festival
This didn’t become one of New Westminster’s most popular festival by mistake. Join the crowd and discover for yourself why the Columbia StrEAT Food Truck Festival is so much fun on July 29th. Not only is it the largest one-day event of its kind in North America, but the range of delicious food creations will keep you busy for hours. With food truck choices ranging from waffles, japadog, dim sum, schnitzel, ice cream and more, the only problem you’ll have is choosing when to stop!
10) New Westminster Cultural Crawl
This August, on the second weekend of the month (12th & 13th) the best of New Westminster’s art and culture talent will be on display. This is your chance to get a closer look at why the city is revered for its cultural scene, with many of New West’s best opening their studios for free viewings, classes, and more. There will also be a launch event at the Anvil Centre on August 11th. Stay tuned for a complete list of participants.
11) New West Pride Week
One of the lower mainland’s biggest pride festivals, the week of August 12-19th is sure to be one you won’t want to miss! While there are events throughout, the ‘New West Pride Street Festival’, on August 19th is a big celebration capping off the week. It is a family friendly event with a focus on community. There will be multiple stages for live entertainment, a children’s area, various vendors, extended patios, a drag show, food trucks, and much more. The street party has been one of the most exciting days in New West in previous years so mark your calendars!
12) RiverFest
Celebrating BC and World River Day, the Fraser River Discovery Centre (FRDC) and Port of Vancouver put on RiverFest, September 19-23. This family-friendly event is filled with informative and enjoyable entertainment. While specific details have yet to be released, the FRDC has promised to build off the previous year’s successful events, which included live music, art, children’s activities, and more. Stay tuned for more details on one of New Westminster’s premier events for the whole family.
13) Feast on the Fraser
What better way to see off summer than to explore and enjoy the culinary scene of New Westminster. Feast on the Fraser (Sept 21-Oct 1) is a celebration of some of the best restaurants in the city and sees them being paired up with local businesses to create unique and can’t-miss events. With an abundance of high quality, locally-grown food from the Fraser Valley, ‘Feast’ focuses on creating dishes that include these ingredients. Stay tuned for an announcement of events later in the summer.