This weekend offers up ballet, barbecue, a Blue Dot and a bounty of farm-fresh goodness all you have to do is dive in (starting with that free swim, of course).
Friday, April 17
SWIM TIME
Kick off the weekend with a splash at the Westminster Savings free swim at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Bring the kids to bob in the wave pool or hunker down for some serious laps from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/ccac.
GO FORWARD
Marvel at the grace, artistry and athleticism of Ballet Kelowna's dancers as they perform Forward: A Mixed Repertory Program at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) at 8 p.m. The show features three premieres by some of Canada's leading contemporary ballet choreographers, as well as the introduction of Lee Dances, excerpts from award-winning works created for the Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award. Tickets are $35 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
Saturday, April 18
FREE BBQ
Wait, did somebody say free barbecue? The Port Moody fire fighters will be manning the grill at Seaview elementary (1215 Cecile Dr., PoMo) to benefit the Share food bank. Along with great food the family-friendly event will also have live music by local band Braidwood, as well as kids' events organized by the Douglas College men's and women's basketball teams. The New Westminster & District Labour Council is hosting the barbecue with the Protein for the People Project to help families using the food bank. Visit www.proteinproject.ca for more information.
LEARN SOME SALSA
Don't know how to dance? No problem. The folks at Hot Salsa Dance Zone have it covered with a beginner's salsa lesson to kick off their weekly Saturday night dance party at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the dancing continues until midnight. Admission is $10 at the door. Visit hotsalsadancezone.com.
JUST SING
The Coquitlam Chorale presents the aptly named concert Sing at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The chorale will offer up a tribute to the pop songs of today and yesterday and a portion of every ticket sold will be donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. Tickets are $20/$10 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
Sunday, April 19
GOODIES GALORE
What does early spring have to offer in the way of fresh produce? Find out at one of the last Port Moody winter farmers markets, at the PoMo recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for info.
BLUE DOT
Join Port Coquitlam's Blue Dot Day of Action at Leigh Square (2253 Leigh Square) from 1 to 5 p.m. and do your part to help create a healthy environment. There will be speakers from local government, David Suzuki Blue Dot campaign, environmental groups and more, as well as workshops on food choices and sustainable landscaping, live music and children's activities. Visit facebook.com/portcoquitlambluedot.
FAMILY DAY
Make it a creative family day at Place des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam) with drop-in art workshops (1:30 to 3 p.m.) and a free student ensembles concert (3 to 4 p.m.). Check out current art exhibits by Ann Willsie and Amy Thompson, pick up a brush to paint your own aquatic watercolour, build a simple harmonica with music teacher Sarah Kinsman and contribute to the community banner project Tag, You're It! (personalized luggage tags). Admission to PdA's Family Day is free, but reservations are recommended by calling 604-664-1636 or at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/772377. Visit wwwplacedesarts.ca for details.
