This weekend offers tons of free things to do in the Tri-Cities including music, food, dance, art shows and walking tours.
Friday, July 15
FRIDAY FARMERS' Market
The Coquitlam Farmers Market hosts another Friday Market from 4 to 8 p.m. in Coquitlam's Spirit Square (3000 Burlington Dr., across from Coquitlam city hall). Enjoy local food, music and activities, including a storytime hosted by the Coquitlam Public Library. This Friday's music will feature jazz band the Bruce James Orchestra. For more information, visit makebakegrow.com.
Saturday, July 16
BLUE MOUNTAIN MUSIC
The Blue Mountain Music Festival runs Saturday and Sunday with a music-filled lineup and children's entertainment from 1 to 9:30 p.m. each day at Blue Mountain Park (975 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam). On the main stage today are the Big City Soul Band plus James Brown/Ray Charles tribute artist Mike Henry and many, many more. Tomorrow's lineup boasts rockers Midlife, plus country artists Whiskey Jane and Jay Dee Bixby. Children's entertainment includes face painting and balloon artists, as well as food vendors and refreshments. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy a day and evening in the park. Admission is by donation. For more information including the full weekend lineup, visit festivalcoquitlam.citysoup.ca.
VILLAGE VIBE
Live@ Leigh Square has been rechristened Village Vibe and it runs every Saturday at 2 p.m. on the outdoor stage at Leigh Square (2253 Leigh Sq., Port Coquitlam). Today, features hip-hip, jazz, tap and belly dancers. It's presented as part of the free Summer in the City series. For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca.
Sunday, July 17
ROCKIN' ON THE POINT
Port Moody's Summer Sunday Concert series continues today with touring R&B band INCOGNITO with Nadine States. This and all Summer Sunday shows starts at 2 p.m. and is free for all enjoy at Rocky Point Park.
EXHIBIT ARTS
From noon to 4 p.m., check out the Port Moody Arts Centre's newest exhibit opening this week (2425 St. Johns St., Port Moody). Featuring painter Rose Eysmond's exhibit Nature Morte et Vivante, sculptures by Debbie Tuepah, Zula jewelry and Olga Polshins' Enamels: From Ancient Icons to Modern Images, visiting the gallery is always free. For more information, visit pomoarts.ca or call 604-931-2008.
FOLK IN THE PARK
Vancouver Celtic group Blackthorn perform traditional Irish and Scottish music as well as folk music from English and French Canada beginning at 2 p.m. today in Lions Park (2300 Lions Way, Port Coquitlam). Part of Port Coquitlam's Music in the Park series, free concerts like this are happening every Sunday at 2 p.m. in July and August. For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca.
TOUR THE TREES
Take a free tour of the trees of Riverview Hospital today at 1 p.m. at the hospital grounds (2601 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam). Let the Riverview Horticultral Centre Society lead you on a walk from the Henry Esson Young Building around the grounds. Walks typically last about two hours and go rain or shine so dress appropriately. Dogs on leashes are also welcome. Donations to the society accepted. For more information, call 604-290-9910 or visit rhcs.org.
Please send Things-To-Do guide submissions to tcoyne@tricitynews.com.
