Keep the whole family active this weekend with swimming, skating and a tree tour, and then relax with some great live music and a trip to the art gallery — or farmers’ market — for some creative inspiration.
Friday, April 15
FREE SWIM ‘N’ SKATE
If you’re looking for some free ways to have fun this weekend, check out the Westminster Savings free swim tonight at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from 7 to 9 p.m. Tomorrow there’s a free skate at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.) from 2 to 3:15 p.m. (skate and helmet rentals are also free). There’s a maximum of 200 participants for the free skate and wristbands are given out 30 minutes prior.
Saturday, April 16
SWAP IT
The shift from winter to spring has many parents wondering how their children managed to grow out of pretty much everything they used or wore last year. Don’t fret; load up on clothing, sports equipment, toys, books and more at the Kids Only swap meet at the PoMo recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
JUST CHILL
Kick back in the Sound Lounge at Port Coquitlam’s Gathering Place at Leigh Square (2253 Leigh Square) each Friday night, starting with the first in a month-long series tonight when Jack Garton and the Demon Squadron hit the stage. The band, named after Garton’s grandfather’s flight squadron in the Second World War, mixes the funk of rockabilly with old school country and cajun sounds. The show runs from 7 to 9 p.m.; tickets are $10/$8/$5 at 604-927-7529 or at www.experienceit.ca. The Sound Lounge series runs to May 27 with blues, folk and contemporary music in the mix.
JUST THE CLASSICS, PLEASE
Get swept up in the magic and romance of classical music in a Place des Arts (1210 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) faculty concert at 7:30 p.m. Watch instructors Roger Mangas, Monica Pfau, Aleksandra Dziobek, Sasha Poon and Peter Weinkam perform treasures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that will set your heat swooning to the sounds of Johannes Brahms and fluttering with the exhilarating Shostakovich. Tickets are $15/$13 at brownpapertickets.com or 604-664-1636. Visit www.placedesarts.ca for more information.
NOW FOR A LITTLE LATIN
Spice up your weekend with a Latin dance party at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). The weekly event features a dance lesson starting at 8 p.m., followed by a party full of salsa, merengue and bachata music that will have you cha cha cha-ing until 12:30 a.m. at the licensed event. This weekend’s special guest is CiTR 101.9 FM DJ Mixxx. Admission is $10; visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more information.
Sunday, April 17
FARMERS MARKET
Get some delicious cooking inspiration with a trip to the Port Moody Winter Farmers Market (which wraps up on April 24). Winter’s roots have given way to tender spring shoots, while fresh bread and gooey cheese is always a good option along with local meat and seafood, kids’ activities, live entertainment and more. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.). Visit www.makebakegrow.com for more information.
TREE TOUR
Watch the magic of spring unfold in a place famed for its arboreal splendour when members of the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society gives a guided tree tour of the Riverview Hospital grounds. The tour leaves at 1 p.m. from the Henry Esson Young building; be sure to wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Visit www.rhcs.org for more information and a map of the grounds.
