Sticking around town for a family stay-cation? Not to worry, this weekend offers more than enough ways to explore the Tri-Cities and enjoy the outdoors.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
ALL NATIONS FESTIVAL
Celebrate Coast Salish culture this weekend at the All Nations Festival at Lafarge Lake, with a series of free events running from noon to 9 p.m. today including performances by The Funk Hunters, Lee Maracle and more, as well as a salmon barbecue. Saturday's line-up includes 20 musical performers ranging from rock to roots, hip hop, Coast Salish and more, along with more salmon on the grill, a green energy fair, kids' art stations and artisan market, as well as a Coast Salish lacrosse showcase from 5 to 9 p.m. at Cunning Field in Town Centre Park. Be sure to check out the Ideas Stage (1 to 7 p.m.) with topics including reconciliation and residential schools, pipelines, citizen engagement and first nations legal rights. And be sure to catch the exhibit Dominion, by award-winning graphic novelist Seth, at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way). Get full details on the event and performance line-up at www.allnationsfest.com.
CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
The giant silver screen rolls in to Sun Valley Park (3700 Hamilton St., PoCo) for an outdoor showing of the flick Big Hero 6 (PG). Bring a blanket or some chairs, pack a picnic and grab your family and friends for the show, from 8 to 11 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
SOCCER SKILLS
Brush up on your fancy footwork at the Alba Soccer Academy's skills challenge, benefiting the Charlene Reaveley Children's Charity Society. Coach Craig Ogilvie will lead participants in dribbling, shooting and distance kick drills to win prizes while the whole family can enjoy face painting and hot dogs for sale at Eagle Ridge Park (1168 Eagleridge Dr., Coquitlam) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. First 50 kids get a free t-shirt.
WINTER IS COMING
Seems impossible, right? But if you want your garden to keep growing through the fall and winter the Inspiration Garden's information session will teach you which crops to plant and how to protect them through the cold season. The session runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the garden (Guildford Way and Pipeline Road) and costs $10; register at signmeup.coquitlam.ca and quote bar code 526823.
MARY POPPINS
Theatrix Youtheatre Society brings the beloved classic Mary Poppins to the stage at Riverside secondary (2215 Reeve St., PoCo) at 1 and 7 p.m., complete with a cast of 45 ranging in age from five to 19. Tickets are $16/$12 at www.theatrixyoutheatre.com or at the door.
FOR THE KIDS
Get a burger and a beer — and listen to live tunes by none other than Nearly Neil — for a great cause at the Friday Backpacks event at the Cat & Fiddle Pub (1979 Brown St., PoCo). Money raised helps local elementary students by providing them with a backpack filled with food every Friday, which helps feed them over the weekend. The whole family is welcome; doors open at 3 p.m. and the event runs to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 at coquitlam.snapd.com, 604-779-6137 or at the door.
DINNER & A SHOW
Have a bite, have a beer, have a seat at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) for a night of outstanding music by Don Stewart with the Miles Black Quartet and Kiérah with Andy Hillhouse, part of the ongoing Music on the Grill series. Prepare for a music mix ranging from seductive jazz to pop, Celtic, folk and more. Tickets are $55/$25 (concert only) at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca or 604-927-6555.
SUMMER FESTIVAL
Cruise down to Rocky Point Park in Port Moody for an evening concert featuring Steve Maddock and Shannon Renning with the Bruce James Orchestra. The music kicks off at 6 p.m. at the PCT Performance Stage. Visit triodepot.com/summertime2015 for info.
JUST DANCE
Get ready to move at the weekly salsa and Latin dance night at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, starting with a cha cha lesson at 8 p.m. and followed by a spicy dance party featuring salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia and more from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. No partner or experience required, just arrive prepared to have fun. Admission is $10/$8. Visit www.hotsalsadancezone.com for more info.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
BIKES AGAINST BULLIES
Check out this motorcycle ride in support of anti-bullying initiatives through the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, starting from Trev Deeley Motorcycles (1875 Boundary Rd., Vancouver) at 10 a.m. and ending at the Ruby Creek Art Gallery (58611 Lougheed Hwy., Agassiz) for a salmon barbecue ($20 minimum donation). Search Facebook for Bikes Against Bullies for more information.
NEWPORT FESTIVAL
Port Moody's Newport Village comes alive for a summer festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out classic cars in the Show & Shine, enjoy live music by the YVR Band, tribute artist Shania Twin and more, and the kids will enjoy a craft station, stilt artist, balloon games and giggle booth. Activities are by donation and support the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.
SUMMER SUNDAY
This week's free afternoon concert at Rocky Point Park features Groove 'n' Tonic, a funky cover band that will keep the crowd hopping with favourites by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and new tunes by the likes of Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, all from 2 to 4 p.m.
