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Explore New Westminster Parks with creative outdoor activities!

The Rest of New West provides free and unique opportunities in a variety of park spaces throughout the community. Explore our parks through movement, creativity and fun! 

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Activities

This list will be updated on the first of each month!

Register for Activities

 

  • Family Storytime in the Park

    All Ages
    Various Locations
    July - August
    Family Storytime in the Park (All Ages)

    Stories, rhymes, and songs in the great outdoors!
    Ryall Park Bandshell
    Tuesday, 1:00 - 1:30 pm
    July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16
    Moody Park
    Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:00 am
    July 6, August 3
    Sapperton Park
    Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:00 am
    July 13, August 10
    Connaught Heights Park
    Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:00 am
    July 20, August 17
    Westminster Pier Park
    Wednesday, 10:30 - 11:00 am
    July 27, August 24
    Free Event

  • Queen's Park Concert Series

    All Ages
    Queen's Park Bandshell
    June - September

    Enjoy a music in the park with live performances featuring local musicians a stunning, retreat-like forest setting to create a relaxed environment. The series is offered in partnership with the New Westminster Arts Council.

    Queen’s Park Bandshell 604.777.5100

    Thursday, 7:00 pm
    July 14 – August 18

    Sunday, 2:00 pm
    June 19 - September 4

    Free Event

    Upcoming Performers

     

    Sunday, June 26, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Spiritual Warriors
    Music inspired by the land and life in the coast mountains of the Lil’wat Nation. A unique blend of indigenous chants and contemporary roots, rock, reggae.
    https://thespiritualwarriors.net/bio

    Thursday, June 30, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
    Royal City Alumni Band Society 
    The Royal City Concert Band has existed for over 30 years. Performing popular and classic repertoire as well as contemporary music to delight all ages.
    http://royalcityconcertband.ca

    Sunday, July 3, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
    Zox of the Forest
    A children's performer since 1998 with a highly interactive show consisting of storytelling, puppetry, music and juggling.
    http://www.zoxoftheforest.com

    Sunday, July 10, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
    Jocelyn Pettit & Ellen Gira
    A dynamic fiddle and cello duo. They bring life and fire into original tunes and songs, alongside high-energy Celtic repertoire and lively step dancing.
    https://www.jocelynpettit.com/jocelyn-pettit-ellen-gira

    Thursday, July 14, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Graham Brown Band
    Vancouver-based roots and rock band. Enjoy their Spirit and Soul songs that carries a high energy, melodic sound capturing resilience through love.
    www.grahambrownsongs.com

    Sunday, July 17, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Tess Anderson
    Vancouver-based singer-songwriter who invites listeners into her most vulnerable moments through honest and authentic storytelling. She combines the gloss of pop with the grit of alternative rock.
    https://www.tessandersonmusic.com/bio

    Thursday, July 21, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Foxx and Swann
    A husband and wife team debuting their west-coast roots and rock music that has beautiful harmonies. Influenced by Johnny Cash and June Carter, Tom Petty and Green Day.
    https://www.facebook.com/foxxandswann/

    Thursday, July 28, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Akhil Jobanputra
    A student, performer, teacher, and curator of Indian classical music. His music encapsulates elements of self-introspection, personal narratives, metaphysical beliefs, and artistic expression.  
    https://www.akhiljoban.com/

     

  • Poetry in the Park

    All Ages
    Queen's Park Farm Space
    July 6 - August 31

    Features established writers along with an open mic for optional audience participation. All colours, shapes and sizes are encouraged to share their work on stage-poetry, spoken word, short stories, and music. In the event of rain, readings will move to the Arts Council Gallery.
    Presented by Royal City Literary Arts Society in partnership with the City and Arts Council of New Westminster.
    Queen’s Park Farm  604.777.5100
    Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
    July 6 - August 31
    Free Event

  • Queen's Park Arts Festival

    All Ages
    July 7 - 10

    Enjoy live outdoor music! Featuring hands-on arts activities and artisan vendors. Bring your own chair or blanket to enjoy the performances. Find out more at https://artscouncilnewwest.org/queensparkartsfestival/.

    Queen’s Park Bandshell 604.777.5100
    Thursday, July 7, 7:00 pm
    Friday, July 8, 7:00 pm
    Saturday, July 9, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm
    Sunday, July 10, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm
    Free Event

  • Royal City Sound Pier Nights

    All Ages
    Westminster Pier Park
    July 9, 23, August 6, 20

    Youth Services, Royal City Sound, DJ’s are back at the pier! Join us on Friday nights at Westminster Pier Park for some tunes. DJ’s will be mixing music and Youth Workers will be wandering the park with prizes and games.
    Westminster Pier Park
    Friday, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
    July 8, 22
    August 6, 19
    Free Event

  • Let's Try Ukulele

    All Ages
    Moody Park
    July 14
    Enjoy a day in the park with hands on instrument fun! Curious children and parents will explore and
    experiment with brightly coloured ukuleles. Friendly musicians, colourful tips, and guided activities are available to inspire everybody along the way!
    New Westminster Public Library 604.527.4677
    Moody Park
    Thursday, 1:00 - 1:45 pm
    July 14
    Free Event

  • Summer Sounds

    All Ages
    Ryall Park Outdoor Stage
    July 22, August 12, 26

    After a busy week, relax at this free concert series. Bring a picnic, some lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy great tunes with friends and family. Summer Sounds is an initiative in partnership with the City of New Westminster and the Queensborough Special Programs Committee.
    Queensborough Community Centre 604.525.7388
    Ryall Park Outdoor Stage
    Friday, July 22, 6:00 pm -  Higglestock 
    Friday, August 12, 7:00 pm - Quayside Voices 
    Friday, August 26, 6:00 pm - Sweet Pan 
    Free Event

  • Cymbeline

    All Ages
    Queen’s Park Bandshell
    July 23, 24, 30 & 31

    One of Shakespeare’s lesser known and least produced works. With a fairytale setting this comedic play is full of treachery, mistaken identities and the required happy ending. Family friendly and good for all ages. The closer you sit the better you’ll hear. Picnic blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged - bench seating available on a first come first serve basis. Presented by Shadows & Dreams Theatre Company.
    Queen’s Park Bandshell 604.777.5100
    Saturday & Sunday, 2:00 pm
    July 23, 24, 30 & 31
    Free Event

  • Nature Art

    Queen’s Park, Hume Park and Queensborough
    Ongoing

    Local artist, Nickie Lewis, has created a variety of unique eco-art sculptures throughout the community. Nickie specializes in the creation of art installations that focus on nature and sustainability. Sustainable materials from local parks, green waste and natural jute twine are used to make these mythical creatures and sculptures. As you explore our Park spaces keep your eye out for one of her creations.

    • Aster the Dragon at Queensborough Community Centre: A big beautiful beast has taken up residence on the lawn of the Queensbourgh Community Center! Come meet Aster, the 25ft dragon made completely from greenwaste materials and jute twine! 
    • Community Mural at Queen’s Park: Details coming soon!
    • Hopeful Hybrids at Hume Park: Explore the trails of Hume Park and look out for two sculptures. Hopeful Hybrids celebrates our communities hopeful merging of why they were before the pandemic and who they have come after.
    • Reasons for the Seasons in Queensborough: Three magical creatures are spreading joy in Queensborough. Two sculptures can be found outside the entrance of Queensborough Community Centre. Say hello to Lex the Love Monster and Gili the most generous Llama when you visit the centre. There is also another sculpture hidden in the trails that lead to the Q to Q Ferry. Look out for Ulysses the Penguin.

  • Community Canvas Project

    All Ages
    Various locations
    May - September

    Add your mark to a community canvas inspired by the location. Community members are invited to drop by the tent to add to the canvas that will then be displayed at Centennial and Queensborough Community Centre’s. Artist facilitator, Marko Elez will guide the process. All supplies are included. We look forward to seeing what the community creates!
    10:30 am - 2:30 pm
    Saturday, May 21: Queen's Park, near the spray park
    Friday, June 17: Westminster Pier Park Festival Lawn (5:00 - 7:00 pm)
    Saturday, July 23: Grimston Park, near the wading pool
    Saturday, August 20: Moody Park, near spray park
    Saturday, September 17: Tipperary Park
    Free Event

  • Letter Exchange

    All Ages
    Downtown New Westminster near River Market
    Ongoing

    An opportunity to write and exchange letters with your neighbours. Explore the Waterfront Esplande and spread a little kindness. Mailboxes can be found near the River Market along the Waterfront Esplande. Find out how the letter exchange works below:
    Letter Exchange Information (PDF)

  • Weed Pulls

    All Ages
    Glenbrook Ravine & Lower Hume Park
    May - October

    Volunteer to help us remove invasive species and enjoy the park. No experience is necessary and tools will be provided. Parent participation is required. Presented by City of New Westminster and the New Westminster Environmental Partners.

    Glenbrook Ravine
    10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    May 28, June 25, September 24, October 29

    Lower Hume Park
    10:00 am - 12:30 pm
    May 29, October 30

    Register to volunteer at https://iscmv.ca/events/

  • Self-Guided Walking Tours

    • Heritage Walk

      All Ages
      Sapperton
      July 23

      Rediscover your community alongside local storytellers. Walk alongside local Teacher-Librarian, Janis, as she shares her journey to research and uncover her Japanese Canadian identity and heritage in New Westminster.
      Sapperton 604.527.4640
      Saturday, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
      July 23
      Registration Fee: Free
      Register Online: Course ID 146941

    • Park Trails Challenge

      Various Locations
      Ongoing

      Explore the outdoors using the Parks Trails Challenge Booklet to visit four of our city's park trails. Presented by: New West Family Place
      Download the Parks Trails Challenge Booklet: Park Trails Challenge Booklet

      Various Locations
      Ongoing

    • Downtown Public Art Walking Tour

      Downtown New Westminster
      Ongoing

      Explore downtown New Westminster on a self-guided walking tour of public art. A virtual map will reveal pictures, information, activities and games related to each piece of public art. 

      Presented by: The New Media Gallery, Heritage and Art Services.
      Find the map at: Downtown Public Art Walking Tour Map

      Downtown New Westminster

      Ongoing

    • Adventures on Twelfth Street

      Adventures on Twelfth Street

      Twelfth Street
      Ongoing

      Over the last 3 months the museum's summer students Daphne and Jacob have been visiting the community and businesses in and around Twelfth Street. Through quality time spent with the community and historic research, they have compiled photos, stories, and experiences – now shared in an interactive story map format!

      Start your adventure

       


    • Self Guided Q to Q Ferry Tour

      Q to Q Ferry Tour

      Ongoing

      The museum has created an exciting self-guided audio tour! 

      From Quayside to Queensborough, uncover local histories as you enjoy your Q to Q trip along the Fraser. The tour can be done while riding the ferry or while walking along the waterfront esplanade. 

      Open the tour


  • Past Projects

    • Westminster Pier Park 10th Anniversary Celebration

      All Ages
      Westminster Pier Park
      June 17

      Rest and relax by the river as we celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary of Westminster Pier Park. Sit down with friends, family, and neighbors for a picnic on the lawn, crafts, activities, and treats from the concession. Enter giveaways as you wait for the outdoor movie to begin.
      Westminster Pier Park
      Friday, June 17
      5:30 - 11:00 pm
      Free Event

    • Jane's Walk

      All Ages
      Various locations
      May 6 - 8

      Explore the community while participating in Jane’s Walk. Every year on the first weekend in May, people in cities all over the world celebrate the birthday of Jane Jacobs by going for a walk.  The walks are meant to connect people with their neighbours and the community.

      For a list of suggested walks and to find out more go to:  https://www.walkerscaucus.ca/janeswalk

      Presented by:  New Westminster and Burnaby Walkers' Caucus

    • Rhodo Photo Contest

      Queen’s Park
      April 1 - May 31

      Enter a photo that celebrates The Gallery at Queen’s Park’s unique natural environment. The subject is the beautiful and bountiful rhododendron bushes outside of the Centennial Lodge and inside Queen's Park. Simply take a picture and post on Instagram or Facebook using the tags listed below. All styles of photographs and editing are welcome (black & white, macro, portraits, landscapes, manipulated, selfies etc.) The purpose of the contest is creative expression and appreciation of nature! Want to capture and share a Rhodo outside of Queen's Park? Feel free to explore all of the great parks in New West.

      To be eligible to win, photographers are required to:

      1. Photograph rhododendrons

      2. Post your photograph on Instagram.

      3. Include the tags: @thegalleryqp #thegalleryatqueenspark #rhodophoto_acnw#artsNW #NWphotoclub

      Presented by: Arts Council of New Westminster and New Westminster Photography Club

      Queen’s Park
      April 1 - May 31

    • Easter in the City

      Various Locations
      April 14 - 18

      Hop into Easter weekend and join the fun throughout the City! The Easter Bunny will be hippity-hopping around the City leaving behind fun activities and surprises. The full schedule of activities will be posted on April 1. There is something for everyone from an egg hunt, to photos with the Easter Bunny to scavenger hunts.

      Find out more at: newwestcity.ca/easter

      Various Locations
      April 14 - 18