With winter’s dreary darkness settling in it’s a perfect time to get out in the Tri-Cities to start getting in the holiday spirit, enjoy a hockey game or some great family-friendly events.
Friday, Nov. 18
WINTER MARKETS
Need some Christmas gift ideas? Two PoCo schools are hosting shopping events this weekend: Maple Creek middle’s Family Shopping Extravaganza boasts 50-plus vendors from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $5 (includes prize draws). Riverside secondary’s winter market, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., features 100+ tables of local crafters, artisans and prizes; proceeds support after-grad celebrations.
SKATE & SWIM
What better way to wind down after a long week than with a refreshing swim? Relax, float or get some laps in at a free swim from 9 to 10 p.m. at the City Centre Aquatic Complex. Tomorrow, the whole family can enjoy a free skate (and rentals) at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex from 12:45 to 2 p.m. or 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 19
FAMILY DAY
Explore the Evergreen Cultural Centre, family style, at the Westminster Savings Family Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Tour the new exhibit, Two Stories to Every Side, and roll up your sleeves for some fascinating hands-on art activities to create a two-sided piece of art. Visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
TREASURES OF CHRISTMAS
Get all dolled up for a great cause at the Crossroads Hospice Society’s Treasures of Christmas gala at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver and enjoy dinner, live entertainment, fundraising auctions and a chance to see some amazingly decorated Christmas trees. Tickets are $125, available at www.treasuresofchristmas.ca.
HOCKEY NIGHT
The Coquitlam Express team is hitting a losing streak hard and are facing down a face-off against the league-leading Penticton Vees tonight on home ice, so why not head to the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex to cheer the gang on and enjoy some great Jr. A hockey. The puck drops at 7 p.m.; visit www.coquitlamexpress.ca.
SWINGIN’ SALSA
Brush up on your dance moves at the salsa and Latin dance night at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Hot Salsa Dance Zone instructors Alberto and Teresa will coach you through the salsa steps in a lesson at 8 p.m., with a dance party following until 12:30 a.m. to the sounds of cha cha, cumbia, merengue and more. Admission is $10; visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more information.
Sunday, Nov. 20
TEEN DAY AT PDA
Place des Arts’ new youth council has planned a day of creative fun just for youth aged 13 to 17, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drop in and get inspired with mini tea-stain and pop-art drawing sessions, holiday wreath making with natural materials and lantern making. The event is free but you’re asked to save a spot by contacting 604-664-1636 or brownpapertickets.com.
TALENT SEARCH FINALS
Check out some amazing talent of tomorrow when the Youth Talent Search BC 2016 finals take place at 4:30 p.m. at the Port Moody Inlet Theatre. Young performers (aged 7 to 19) are competing for a chance to win prizes including a guest feature spot on Shaw TV Vancouver, a headshot session, a Shoreline Actors Academy gift certificate and more. Tickets are $20 at www.youthtalentsearchbc.com.
DIWALI FESTIVAL
Celebrate Diwali with dance, music, food and drink at an Evergreen Cultural Centre event from 6 to 9 p.m. After sold-out events in Vancouver and Surrey, Diwali Fest presents Chai House, a South Asian-themed cabaret style evening featuring classical, Bollywood and contemporary dance and music performances, as well as plenty of chai and samosas. Tickets are $25/$20/$16 at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-931-6555.
