Here it is, the mid-point of the summer holidays. For those who are staying in town there is no shortage of family-friendly events for all ages, so better dust off the picnic basket, fill up the cooler and be ready to chill out in a local park, sit back and enjoy the long weekend.
Friday, July 31
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Missed last week’s outdoor movie night because of the rain? Not to worry, the giant silver screen is rolling back to Sun Valley Park (3700 Hamilton St., PoCo) for a showing of Big Hero 6 (PG) at 9 p.m. All you need are family, friends, a picnic and a blanket for a magical evening under the stars.
Saturday, Aug. 1
MUSIC IN THE SQUARE
Sisters Robyn and Ryleigh Gillespie are hitting the Leigh Square stage for a country/pop afternoon concert, along with the acoustic post-folk Bridgeworks, featuring PoCo’s Michael Kragelj and Dylan Leonard. The performers are kicking off the city’s Music in the Square series, running Saturday’s through August from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Leigh Square band shell (behind city hall).
ART OPENING
The Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke St., PoMo) hosts an opening reception for a new exhibit featuring works by local artists who have been gathering regularly over the past six months for Creative People Talking, a forum for creative-minded people to share ideas, information and inspiration. The group exhibit is a collaboration of the talented members and includes paintings, photography, pottery and the written word in the form of readings. Everyone is welcome to the reception from 3 to 5 p.m.
CANADA’S GAME
Celebrate our national sport with a lacrosse game on the B.C. Day long weekend, when the Coquitlam Adanacs take on the Nanaimo Timbermen during a Western Lacrosse Association game at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam). The A’s, who are out of playoff contention, will be honouring longtime captain Bruce Murray, who is retiring after 16 seasons in the league. Opening face-off is at 7 p.m.
FIREWORKS FINALE
Hop on the West Coast Express at any of the three Tri-City stops tonight and head in to town to see the fireworks finale in the Celebration of Light. The train pulls in to the Port Coquitlam station at 7:39 p.m., Coquitlam Central at 7:45 p.m. and Port Moody at 7:50 p.m., and leaves Waterfront station after the fireworks at midnight. Call 604-488-8906 for more information.
Sunday, Aug. 2
KIDS MARKETPLACE
Not only will the Coquitlam Farmers Market be brimming with summer-ripened fruit and veggies, it will also feature the Kids Marketplace, where young local entrepreneurs will be selling products they have made, baked or grown themselves. Feeling hungry? Stop by the Cheese Street Grill and Rocky Point Ice Cream food trucks for a delicious lunch to keep you fuelled up for more market shopping.
GET CREATIVE
Spark your artistic mind at the Creative Cafe in Minnekhada Regional Park from 1 to 4 p.m. The Minnekhada Park Association hosts this event, featuring creative activities and a chance to discover the park’s fascinating history, at the lodge. Visit www.minnekhada.ca for more information.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
Bring the whole family to Lions Park (2300 Lions Way, PoCo) for an afternoon of outstanding world music by the Tambura Rasa Trio. This eclectic assembly of performers thrills audiences with music from the Middle East, Turkey, Spain, the Blakans and more. The free show runs from 2 to 4 p.m.
SUMMER SUNDAYS
Rocky Point Park in Port Moody comes alive from 2 to 4 p.m. with Coco Jafro. Be ready to get down to this soul-stirring mix of reggae, jazz and funk in this free concert; donations go to the Crossroads Hospice Society. Visit www.summersundays.ca for more information.
SWIM IN
Cool off with a dip at the Hyde Creek recreation centre (1379 Laurier Ave., PoCo) from 1 to 3 p.m. and, if you’re looking for even more pool time, head to the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 7 to 9 p.m. Both are Westminster Savings free swims. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/pslc for more info.
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