From sports to theatre and hockey to live music — not to mention a New Orleans-themed party — this weekend promises a good time for pretty much everyone in the family.
Friday, Oct. 16
FREE SWIM
Gear up for a free dip at the City Centre Aquatic Complex (1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam), hosted by Westminster Savings, from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/ccac for more information.
GET FOLKSY
Join musician Adam Hill for an evening of “new-timey” folk music at the Gathering Place at Leigh Square (2253 Leigh Square, behind PoCo city hall). Hill, who has rambled his way across Ohio, Tennessee, Wyoming, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, plays acoustic instruments and sings songs the way they were meant to be sung, firmly in the present while honouring their roots. The Crossroads Hospice Coffeehouse show runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5. Visit www.crossroadshospicesociety.com/coffee for more info.
HOCKEY NIGHT
The Coquitlam Express are at home tonight, taking on the Surrey Eagles at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam), at 7 p.m. Tomorrow night (Saturday), the Port Moody Panthers face off against the Aldergrove Kodiaks at the Port Moody Arena (300 Ioco Rd.) at 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17
PITCH IN
Looking for a way to contribute to your community? The Tri-Cities VolunteerFest (Coquitlam Centre, 2929 Barnet Hwy.) is a great way to meet with more than 25 organizations who would love to have your help. Find information and pick up a Passport to Volunteering for a chance to win a $500 Coquitlam Centre shopping spree; the event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit volunteerconnections.net for more information.
READ WITH THE MAYOR
Family Story Time at the Coquitlam Public Library (City Centre branch) features a special guest this week — Mayor Richard Stewart. He’ll be holding court with the kids from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. in Room 137, where there will be songs, puppets and rhymes along with the stories. Family Story Time is free but seating is limited; arrive a few minutes early to guarantee a spot. Visit www.coqlibrary.ca for more information. Looking to get involved at the library? The Friends of Coquitlam Public Library Society welcomes new members; their next meeting is today at 10:30 a.m. in the boardroom at the City Centre branch (1169 Pinetree Way). Call 604-937-4130 for more information.
MAGICAL JOURNEY
Bring the kids to She Began To Cross the Sky, a charming play about a young girl and her magical journey on a high wire across the heavens. As Josette explores the cosmos she transforms into a little bird who must use her wits and courage to change her destiny. The play, presented by Rebel Haunt Theatre, is at the Port Moody Arts Centre (2425 St. Johns St.) today and tomorrow at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5.25 (up to 14 years) and $12.60 (15+), available at 604-931-2008.
FREE SKATE
Grab the kids, dig up the mittens and pull on your skates for a Westminster Savings free skate, at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 2 to 3:15 p.m. A maximum of 200 participants are allowed; wristbands will be given out starting at 1:30 p.m. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/pslc for more info.
POCO HERITAGE
Explore Port Coquitlam’s history through the Carol Hubbard Memorial Natural History exhibit launching today at the museum (2248 McAllister Ave.) at 7 p.m. The annual show focuses on the city’s environmental history; this year’s theme “That Cold, Crushing Feeling” focuses on the last ice age and its impact on the geography and geology of the Lower Mainland. There will also be a display by the Burke Mountain Naturalists.
MEN ARE DOGS
Get ready to laugh about a touchy subject in Stage 43’s season opener, Men Are Dogs. The comedy, directed by Second Storey Improv Theatre’s Richard Weins, delves into the world of divorce with eight ladies who join a support group for divorced women (the show contains some adult subject matter). The show runs today at 8 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Tickets are $22/$18 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
Sunday, Oct. 18
FAMILY FUN
The whole family can come together for an afternoon of good times at Wellington Park (Wellington Street and Patricia Avenue) from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Hosted by the United Way Avenues of Change, the event is a chance to clean up the park and enjoy some great activities for kids, including a giant inflatable salmon, storytelling, costume parade, pumpkin patch and snacks. The event runs rain or shine.
