Start your engines for a weekend of fun in the Tri-Cities. There are plenty of outdoor activities planned, from summer concerts and a car show to movies under the stars. And best of all, nearly all of this weekend's entertainment is free!
TODAY: Friday, July 8
SPIRIT MARKET
Come on out to the Coquitlam Farmers Market Society's first ever Spirit Square Farmers Market from 4 to 8 p.m. across from city hall (3000 Burlington Dr.). These Spirit Square markets will run every Friday at this time until Sept. 16 with performances from local musicians and entertainers and plenty of activities for kids. From 4 to 5 p.m., the library will host a storytelling tent and a kids craft tent will also be set up. As always, a wide array of local produce, baked goods, crafts and artwork will also be available. For more information, visit makebakegrow.com.
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Port Coquitlam's Cinema Under the Stars series begins tonight with a free showing of Avatar at 9 p.m. at Sun Valley Park (corner of Hamilton St. and Lincoln Ave., Port Coquitlam). The event is part of the ongoing Summer in the City series. All three Tri-Cities are offering outdoor movie screenings throughout July and August. For more information, call 604-927-8400 or visit portcoquitlam.ca/arts.
Saturday, July 9
HERITAGE FAIR
Join Maillardville's Mackin House for their Heritage Summer Fair today from noon to 4 p.m. (1116 Brunette Ave., Coquitlam). Festivities include kids' crafts, storytelling, museum and rail station tours, heritage hat making, refreshments, baking, antique car show and music by Doug Rolling. Admission is by donation. For more information, contact the museum at 604-516-6151 or visit coquitlamheritage.ca.
LICKS BY THE GRILL
Join the Evergreen Cultural Centre for its signature Music on the Grill barbecue dinner and concert tonight at 7 p.m. (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). On the patio overlooking Lafarge Lake, guests will enjoy grilled salmon, teriyaki chicken, roasted vegetables, wild rice, fresh fruit and assorted salads. On the musical menu is North Vancouver jazz bassist, Brandi Disterheft with the Jesse Peters Trio. Tickets for the show are $50 including the barbecue or $30 for the concert only and are available at the Evergreen box office by calling 604-927-6555 or online at evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
FILM AL FRESCO
FreshAirCinema presents a free movie under the stars at 9 p.m. at Blue Mountain Park (975 King Albert Ave., Coquitlam). The animated comedy Gnomeo & Juliet is playing tonight. To RSVP a spot for the show, call 604-936-1111 or email info@teamleo.com. The film is free but donations will be accepted for the BC Children's Hospital.
Sunday, July 10
SUMMER CONCERT KICKOFF
The first of the Pacific Coast Terminals' free Summer Concert Series is today at 2 p.m. in Port Moody's Rocky Point Park. The nine-piece band is sure to satisfy under the open sky of Rocky Point. The series continues every Sunday in Rocky Point through July and August. For more information, visit summersundays.ca.
MOVIE IN THE PARK
FreshAirCinema returns to the Tri-Cities with a free screening of Back to the Future at around 8:30 p.m. in Rocky Point Park. The film is co-presented by Vancity credit union as part of their 65th anniversary. For more information, visit freshaircinema.ca or facebook.com/outdoormoviesBC.
MUST-SEE MUSTANGS
Attention gearheads: The Sounds of Summer Ford Mustang Show and Shine is on today beginning at 10 a.m. and running all afternoon at the Kingsway Corporate Centre (2071 Kingsway Ave., Port Coquitlam). The free event is a fundraiser for the Children's Wish Foundation and will feature classic and modern Mustangs, food concessions, a silent auction, 50/50 draw, door prizes and music by local band Fosterchild. For more information, visit soundsofsummer.tel.
FARM MARKET
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Coquitlam Farmers Market is on in the parking lot of the Dogwood Pavilion (624 Poirier St., Coquitlam).
Please send Things-To-Do guide submissions to tcoyne@tricitynews.com.
