The May long weekend may be the kick-off to camping season, but with some great shows and the farmer's market lined up, kicking it in the back yard for a weekend stay-cation looks even better.
Friday, May 15
NEW CLASSIC
With solid musical chops, eclectic flair, a bit of humour and a top-notch operatic tenor, it's tough to beat an evening with Quartetto Gelato. The Canadian new classical quartet, featuring Peter DeSotto, Liza McLellan, Alexander Sevastian and Colin Maier, is at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) for a show with classical masterworks, opera, tango, gypsy and folk songs. Tickets are $35/$30/$15 at 604-927-6555 or www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
BIG GREEN GUY
He's big, he's green and he's at Gleneagle it's Shrek the Musical, on at the school (1195 Lansdowne Dr.) for its last show. Tickets are $15/$8 and free for kids under five. Call 604-464-5793 for more information.
Saturday, May 16
GET DIRTY
Love walking the DeBoville Slough trail? Do your part to keep the area free from invasive plants at a Friends of DeBoville Slough work party. Meet at the kiosk on the north side of the slough (corner of Cedar and Victoria drives). Email [email protected] for info.
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
If you've been itching to liven up your yard with some new plants or get some veggies growing in your garden, be sure to drop by the annual PoCo Garden Club plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trinity United Church (2211 Prairie Ave., PoCo). The sale offers a wide selection of plants at great prices and much more.
EXPLORE ABSTRACTS
Artists Karen Holland and Alice Rich take on the natural world in an abstract exhibit titled Striation & Segmentation at the Leigh Square Community Arts Village (2253 Leigh Square, PoCo). The artists each take a unique approach Holland's Striations explores positive and negative space as well as perspective while in Segmented Visions: Defining the Modern Landscape, Rich shows the viewer a changing landscape of urban spaces, farmland and waterways. An opening reception runs from 2 to 4 p.m.
HIT THE RINK
Take a spin on the ice at a Westminster Savings free skate at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 2 to 3:15 p.m. or 3:45 to 5 p.m. Skate and helmet rentals are free, and there's a maximum of 200 participants per session. Wristbands are available 30 minutes prior.
COMIC STRIPPERS
If you're looking for some gut-splitting laughter this weekend then look no further than the return of the Comic Strippers at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). The fictitious male stripper troupe bares all (above the waist) in this improv maelstrom starring Roman Danylo (Comedy Inc.), David Milchard (Convos With My 2-Year-Old), Ken Lawson, Chris Casillan, Pearce Visser and Michael Teigen. Tickets are $35/$30/$15 at 604-927-6555 or www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
Sunday, May 17
MAKE IT TO THE MARKET
There's no better way to dive into spring than perusing the stalls at the Coquitlam Farmers Market (624 Poirier St. at 9 a.m.) for tender green shoots, delicious strawberries, freshly baked bread and gooey cheeses. Be sure to bring an appetite for the food trucks (Cheese Street Grill, This Little Piggy and Rocky Point Ice Cream) and be ready to enjoy a weekend of creatively inspired cooking. This weekend's workshop is on making your own soil blocks, a fun way to grow seedlings indoors without pots or trays. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for more info and to register.
