Friday, Aug. 21
OPEN MIC INSPIRATION
Coquitlam’s Inspiration Garden (Guildford Way at Pipeline Road) comes alive with more than just blooms this evening at an open mic night. The garden will transform into a live performance venue from 7 to 9 p.m. to allow musicians, singers, storytellers and comedians to step up to the mic and give it their best shot, so bring the whole family for an evening of eclectic outdoor entertainment.
LOCAL TALENT
Jazz greats from Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles and Michael Bublé to Bobby Darrin are on the table at the Gallery Bistro (2411 Clarke St., PoMo) in a concert starting at 7:30 p.m. when Clavinova Nights takes the stage. These talented young musicians, including pianist and vocalist Jamie de Guia, bass guitarist Anthony Maljevac, who won the 2015 Tri-Cities Got Talent contest, promise an energetic show of jazz favourites; admission is free.
STARRY NIGHT
Catch a movie under the great big star-filled sky at Gates Park (2575 Wilson Ave., PoCo). Showing on the 26-foot travelling screen is Guardians of the Galaxy (PG), starting at 8:45 p.m. All you need is a pack of snacks, a blanket and some friends or family for a great night out.
Saturday, Aug. 22
GET TO GOLF
The Vancouver Golf Club (771 Austin Ave., Coquitlam) is gussied up and ready to host the world for the LPGA Canadian Pacific Women’s Open this weekend. The top players in the world are hitting the course and up to 100,000 people will be there to watch; you can join the fun with a spectator ticket ($40 at the gate, play runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) at www.cpwomensopen.com or 1-866-571-5742.
KIDSPORT
The fall sports season is almost upon us and that means kids will soon be needing soccer cleats, hockey gear and more. Save big bucks by buying at the KidSport used equipment sale at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The best part is that your purchases will help kids from low-income families participate in sports. Admission to the sale is with a donation or item to the food bank.
FAMILY FUN FAIR
With a bouncy castle, face painting, games, crafts and more there are plenty of reasons to hit the Family Fun Fair — with the whole family, of course — at RCCG Trinity Chapel (2606 Kingsway Ave., PoCo). The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 604-474-3131 for more information.
WAVE FESTIVAL
Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park will be rocking this afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. for the Wave Festival. This talent showcase will feature young musicians in a variety of genres performing on the outdoor stage, including Clavinova Nights, The Bird and The Lion, Adob and more. Visit the Port Moody Wave Festival’s Facebook page for more information.
MUSIC IN THE SQUARE
Port Coquitlam’s Leigh Square will be hopping from 2 to 4 p.m. to the sounds of Chico and Tim, guitar players who can wow audiences with their skillful selection of tunes ranging from jazz to blues, pop, country and more. Also set to take the stage is singer/songwriter Greg Norlin, a regular performer on the Vancouver circuit.
FANCY FOOTWORK
Book yourself a fun night out and learn a few fun steps in the process at the weekly Latin dance party at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam). Tonight’s party comes with a free cha-cha-cha lesson for absolute beginners (with the $10 admission), starting at 8 p.m. followed by plenty of salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia and more until 12:30 a.m. No partner or experience needed. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more information.
Sunday, Aug. 23
COOKING CLASS
The Coquitlam Farmers Market (624 Poirier St.) is already a perfect summer Sunday activity, but this weekend offers a chance to learn how to take advantage of top summer produce. Karen Curtis from KICS Lemonade will demonstrate a delicious kale and lemon pasta dish in classes at 10 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Register for the class (the $10 fee gets you a $10 market credit) at www.eventbrite.ca. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit www.makebakegrow.com for more info.
BIKE ’N’ STRETCH
Pick up some new mountain bike skills on a ride leaving from the Glenayre community centre (492 Glencoe Dr., PoMo) for intermediate riders. After the ride, roll out your mat for a yoga class specially adapted for cyclists. Register at 604-469-4556 or at portmoody.ca ($25, weather permitting).
SCOOTFEST
Got scooter? Get to the Port Moody skatepark (3098 Murray St.) for the third annual scooter competition (registration 9 to 10 a.m., event at 11 a.m.). Come to watch or compete in four categories, and enjoy a great day with a DJ, prizes and more. Register in advance at the recreation complex or at 604-469-4556 or at portmoody.ca and quote barcode 57907.
TREE TOUR
Explore the stunning Riverview Hospital grounds and learn about its storied past at a heritage walk hosted by the Burke Mountain Naturalists and Riverview Horticultural Centre Society. The walk leaves from the Henry Esson Young building at 1 p.m. Visit www.rhcs.org or call 604-290-9910 for more information.
JUMP IN
It’s a Colour Me Crazy kind of day at the Westhill Pool (203 Westhill Pl., PoMo) from 2 to 5 p.m. But what colour will the pool be? You’ll have to get your swimsuit on and be ready to dive in and play some colour-related games to find out.
BRICKHOUSE
Looking to enjoy an outstanding live show this afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m.? The Summer Sunday concert series welcomes Brickhouse to the Rocky Point Park stage for a free show that will be guaranteed to have the crowd up on their feet, dancing the day away. Visit www.summersundays.ca for more info. Playing at PoCo’s Leigh Square, also from 2 to 4 p.m., is award-winning blues artist Norine Braun, who just released her new CD Conventus the Eye of the Heart.
