Have a safe, and happy, B.C. Day long weekend, whether you're heading out of town or sticking around to enjoy the sunshine right here at home.
TODAY: Friday, Aug. 1
ART DAY
Looking to escape the blasting heat for a bit? Check out some of the great art exhibits on display at local galleries, including Vancouver artist Karin Bubas at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (to Aug. 2, www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca), "Incubating Stories" at Leigh Square (to Aug. 11, www.portcoquitlam.ca), "Passionate Outdoor Painters" at the PoMo Arts Centre (www.pomoarts.ca) and acrylic works by Peggy VanderWart Stel at Place des Arts (to Aug. 21, www.placedesarts.ca).
Saturday, Aug. 2
CREATIVE CAFÉ
Bring the whole family to the Minnekhada Park Association's Creative Café, featuring plenty of activities and a chance to discover the park's natural and cultural history, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Minnekhada Regional Park (Oliver Road, Coquitlam). Visit www.minnekhada.ca for more information.
VILLAGE VIBE
Port Coquitlam's Village Vibe series shifts gears from weekly dance performances to Music in the Square for the month of August. Leading the charge is Ranj Singh, an artist blending the exotic rhythms of India with Western folk rock on a 12-string guitar. Singh has been performing for more than 30 years, with heavy hitters like Jann Arden, Matthew Good and 54-40. Also playing at Leigh Square (2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam) will be Maddy Rodriguez, who counts James Taylor, Elton John, Billy Joel and various Latin artists among her influences. The free show runs from 2 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 3
SUMMER SUNDAY
Kick back at Rocky Point Park (2800-block Murray Street) in Port Moody, and catch Big City Soul at 2 p.m. This nine-member bad features a hopping rhythm section, plenty of horns and two vocalists, so dancing shoes are a must. Visit www.summersundays.ca for more info.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
Looking for music in PoCo's Lions Park (2300 Lions Way, Port Coquitlam)? Well you're in luck - today's show features the New Orleans Ale Stars, an award-winning, Vancouver-based traditional jazz band. And with this weather, it'll feel just like being in the Big Easy, right? The free show runs from 2 to 4 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 4
HAPPY B.C. DAY
Bust out the barbecue, folks, and celebrate B.C. Day with friends, family and plenty of sunscreen. And if you're heading out be sure to enjoy the day responsibly and, above all, don't drink and drive.
Please send Things-To-Do guide submissions to [email protected].
