Whether it’s watching hockey, watching a movie, listening to tunes or turning on the lights — all 60,000 of them — there are plenty of ways to keep the family going this weekend.
Friday, Nov. 20
MOVEMBER HOCKEY
Catch a full day of hockey for a good cause when 16 teams of firefighters from throughout the Lower Mainland battle it out in the 5th annual tournament at Planet Ice. The tourney, which raises funds for cancer and mental health research, runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is followed by an after-party at Orrange Kitchen + Bar (111-1125 Nicola Ave., PoCo) where there will be a raffle and 50/50 tickets. Visit facebook.com/portcoquitlamfirefighters for more info.
PRO-D FUN
The kids are off school today so if they’re looking for something to do, send them to the Coquitlam Public Library (City Centre and Poirier branches) to see the animated film Inside Out at 1 p.m. Port Moody offers a special skating time, from 1 to 3 p.m. ($2 each, helmets with face cage required for kids 12 and under) at the arena (300 Ioco Rd.).
MORE HOCKEY
The Coquitlam Express take on the Wenatchee Wild in a home game at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam). The Washington team is a new addition to the BC Junior A Hockey League and is currently ranked fourth while Coquitlam stands in 11th spot. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.; visit www.coquitlamexpress.ca for more info.
Saturday, Nov. 21
SPORTS DAY
Get the whole family up and at ‘em at Sports Day in Canada activities in the Tri-Cities. Port Moody hosts several free family events, including family sports day at the gym (drop in, 9 a.m. to noon) for ages five and up, a fitness challenge in the aerobics studio (drop in, 9 to 10:15 a.m. for 13 and up) and the Moody Mudder starting at the Inlet Centre fire hall (staggered starts from 10 a.m. to noon). Get full details at www.portmoody.ca. Port Coquitlam offers a free skate, with free admission and rentals for anyone who wears a jersey, from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at the PoCo rec complex (2150 Wilson Ave.).
MUSIC FEST
Discover the musical talent of local residents from around the world at the M2 (Multicultural Music) Festival at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way) from 4:30 to 10 p.m. The festival is part of Coquitlam’s preparations for its 125th birthday next year, and will showcase contemporary music in a variety of styles from Korea, China, Japan, Russia and Canada. Admission is $11.50/$16.50.
LIGHT THE HALL
Coquitlam city hall (3000 Guildford Way) gets all lit up for Christmas in a special, free family event from 2 to 5 p.m. The kids can get photos with Santa and do holiday crafts, and everyone can nibble on cookies and hot chocolate while listening to a Christmas carol concert. Graham Myers of Second Storey Theatre leads the countdown that will bring more than 60,000 lights to life at 5 p.m.; the lights will be on daily from dusk to midnight until the New Year. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/Light for more details.
TREASURES OF CHRISTMAS
Haven’t got your tickets for Treasures of Christmas? There’s still time to attend this great event in support of Crossroads Hospice. The event at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) features a Christmas buffet, entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions and much more. Tickets are $125 each at www.treasuresofchristmas.ca.
CAROUSEL
Join the North Shore Celtic Ensemble at their newest concert, Carousel, for a delightful ride through their eclectic repertoire, backed by a lively blend of strings, winds and percussion. The show runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate, PoCo). Tickets are $25/$15 at www.vtixonline.com or www.nsce.ca.
BACHATA THE NIGHT AWAY
Throw on something sparkly and get ready to learn the bachata at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) tonight. Join the lesson starting at 8 p.m. and stay for the licensed dance party until 12:30 a.m. Admission is $10/$8. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more info.
Sunday, Nov. 22
CLEAN UP TIME
Pitch in to keep the Coquitlam River neat and tidy at the Coquitlam River clean-up event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers can meet at Lions Park (2300 Lions Way, PoCo) to be divided into groups covering different sections of the river. Stick around for free food and raffle prizes back at Lions Park from noon to 12:30 p.m. Garbage bags and gloves will be provided.
