Welcome to the long weekend, the one that’s all about pulling out the rake for those early fall leaves, enjoying a brew or two and working off all that turkey and stuffing with an epic nap.
Friday, Oct. 7
OKTOBERFEST
Nothing says fall like a great big tent full of lederhosen-wearing beer drinkers. Join the fun at the second weekend of Oktoberfest celebrations, satring today at 3:30 p.m., Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. (closing at 10:30 p.m. each night). Enter the main gates by donation and enjoy wine or beer, authentic Bavarian-style food and vendors, games like life-size Jenga and hockey puck shooting and much more. Tickets for the 19+ tent are $20. Visit oktoberfest2016.ca for details. Proceeds benefit the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and the PoMo Curling Club. Prost!
JAZZ NIGHT
Here’s your chance to see the acclaimed jazz musician Chelsea McBride in an intimate setting when she travels from Toronto to play at PoMo’s Gallery Bistro. A B.C. native, McBride has been working with a range of musicians in Toronto’s bustling scene for six years now and is putting working on a big band record. Dinner is at 7 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30; call 604-937-0998.
COQUITLAM ART
See Coquitlam through the eyes of more than two dozen artists in a new exhibit at Place des Arts to celebrate Coquitlam’s 125th anniversary. Capture Coquitlam called on artists to showcase the city in whatever medium they preferred and the result is a mix of photos, fabric, paintings and more by a wide range of talents. Stop by the opening reception tonight at 7 p.m.; visit www.placedesarts.ca or call 604-664-1636 for more details.
HOME OPENER
Cheer on the Coquitlam Express in their home opener game at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. The Express will be honouring the Jr A Adanacs, Minto Cup champions, before they take on the Langley Rivermen at 7 p.m. Bring the kids to enjoy the bouncy castle, face painting and more. For tickets call 604-936-4625. Visit www.coquitlamexpress.ca for more info.
Saturday, Oct. 8
SLITHERY SEARCH
Kids who are keen to learn about nature will get a kick out of Metro Vancouver’s event Salamander Searchers at Belcarra Regional Park. Suitable for ages six to nine years old, youngsters will learn about the curious amphibians that hide by day and hunt by night. The event runs 10 a.m. to noon and costs $4.25/child. Registration required by calling 604-432-6359 with barcode #6689.
SALSA NIGHT
Spice up your weekend of turkey and mashed potatoes with an evening of invigorating Latin music and dancing. Join the bachata lesson at 8 p.m. and stay for guest DJ JoJo, who will be spinning salsa, merengue, cha cha cha, cumbia and more from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Admission is $10 to the licensed event, and you can enter to win tickets to Vancouver Dance Congress. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for info.
HOCKEY NIGHT
The Port Moody Panthers suit up to face off against the Aldergrove Kodiaks in a grizzly match at the Port Moody arena tonight. Puck drop is at 7:45 p.m. Visit www.portmoodypanthers.com for more information.
Sunday, Oct. 9
GIVE THANKS
There’s a lot of crazy stuff happening in the world today, from the civil war in Syria to the hurricane in Haiti, the shortage of food and medical supplies in Venezuela and the U.S. presidential election. Canadians have a lot to be thankful for, so whether you’re gathering with family or friends at a table laden with turkey and all the trimmings or opting to keep things simple, be sure to count your blessings and consider helping those less fortunate.
