with Fraser River Discovery Centre

Learn about the many communities, both human and non-human, the Fraser River is shaped by and supports as you stroll down the New West Boardwalk.

Notes:

• Meeting location: Fraser River Discovery Centre
• Suitable for all ages but intended for older children to adults.
• This walk takes place outdoors, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

Registration opening soon.

with Julia Alards-Tomalin

Learn to see the city in a new way! Join Julia Alards-Tomalin for a walk along the New West Boardwalk. We’ll explore the native and ornamental plants that shape our urban ecosystem, uncovering the unique features of common plants and learning practical tips for identifying them on your own.

Julia Alards-Tomalin is an instructor and Program Head for the Forest and Natural Areas Management program at BCIT. She studied Forestry and Ecological Restoration at BCIT and completed a Master of Education at SFU. Her background is diverse, including horticulture, arboriculture, invasive species management and ecological restoration, but is united by a common theme of plants. Starting in 2019, Julia began to work with her students to create an Open Education textbook focusing on the winter identification of plants entitled Buds, Branches and Bark: A Guide to Winter ID in the Pacific Northwest. This book is free to download, and the 3rd edition is currently available on the BCIT Open Education Repository website.

Notes:

• Meeting location: Fraser River Discovery Centre
• Suitable for all ages but intended for older children to adults.
• This walk takes place outdoors, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

Registration opening soon.

with New Westminster Photography Club

Learn how to make the most of your smartphone camera’s tools and capabilities. You’ll practice “seeing” light and explore basic composition tools. Develop new skills and confidence to create photographs you’ll enjoy with the best “camera” you have – the one that is always with you. This smartphone photography workshop will involve a presentation and a photo walk with coaches.

This workshop is hosted in collaboration with the New Westminster Photography Club.

Notes:

• Meeting location: Fraser River Discovery Centre
• Suitable for all ages but intended for older children to adults.
• This walk takes place outdoors, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

Registration opening soon.

Shan E Punjab Arts Club @ 11am 

Shan-E-Punjab Arts Club was established in 2008 by a dedicated group of individuals with a deep passion for Bhangra and Giddha, each bringing years of extensive training and expertise. Over the years, the club has had the honor of performing at prestigious venues such as Parliament Hill and the Olympics, and continues to be an active participant in over 100 competitions across North America. The primary goal of Shan-E-Punjab is to preserve and promote the rich tradition of Punjabi folk dances in North America, achieved through captivating performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. The organization is deeply committed to fostering a genuine love and appreciation for these dances, aiming to inspire and nurture every child’s connection to this vibrant cultural heritage.

Haleluya Hailu @ 12pm 

Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) @ 1pm

Returning to the Sturgeon Stage for their fourth year, Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack) celebrates their ancestral lands and Coast Salish communities through traditional song and dance. Composed of near and extended family, Coastal Wolf Pack has members ranging from as young as 6 months old to over 50 years of age.  

Dean Thiessen & the Good Apples @ 3pm

Dean Thiessen is a staple of the local Vancouver jazz scene — from swing dances to jazz venues and nightclubs. He is an accomplished composer and pianist, having released three albums under his creative pseudonym, Stranger Friends. His swing dance band, Dean Thiessen & The Good Apples, performs at local dances, private events, and festivals, playing music from the 1930s–40s swing era — celebrating the sounds of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and many more.
For the show at River Fest 2025, The Good Apples are: Francis Henson, Bella Fedrigo, Tyler Murray, and Adam Kyle.

The Lucille Johnstone Workboat Parade takes place on the New West waterfront! Find a good place to watch vessels from a variety of companies and organizations cruise by. This is a great opportunity to learn about just a few of the 42,000 jobs that the Fraser River supports! The FRDC would like to thank Ledcor for sponsoring the workboat parade

Soak up the sights as you stroll along the New Westminster Quay where exhibitors will share their expertise and makers will showcase their skills and wares.  

The museum will be open from 12-4pm for visitors to interact with maritime community members aboard the vessel! 

The Vancouver Wooden Boat Society will have an open house and wooden boat display at Sapperton Landing Park. There will be interactive kids’ activities. 

The museum will be open from 12-4pm for visitors to interact with maritime community members aboard the vessel!

The Vancouver Wooden Boat Society will have an open house and wooden boat display at Sapperton Landing Park. There will be interactive kids’ activities.