What do you get when five volunteer moms, a growing school community, and a whole lot of heart come together? You get the Tweedsmuir Spring Carnival—a cheerful, community-focused event that punches far above its weight.

Returning bigger and better post-pandemic, this year's carnival promises a jam-packed evening of fun, food, and local flair, right in the heart of New Westminster.

Something for Everyone—Even If You Don’t Buy a Wristband

Set for Friday, June 7, from 5 to 8 PM, the Spring Carnival is open to everyone. Admission is free, and you don’t need a wristband to enjoy the atmosphere, entertainment, food trucks, or artisan vendor market. Whether you're a local parent, a curious neighbour, or just someone in the mood for tacos and live music, this is your invite.

“We’ve really focused on staying local this year,” says one of the organizing moms. “Our vendors are from the community, and so are our sponsors.”

Local favourites Little Miss Coffee and Tacofino will be serving up treats, while Key West Ford powers the DJ booth using a fully electric truck. Bonus points for clean energy and good tunes.

But What About the Kids?

If you’ve got young ones, wristbands are where the real magic happens. For $15 in advance (or $20 at the door), kids can enjoy:

• Unlimited access to bouncy castles and carnival games

• Face painting and a temporary tattoo parlour

• Balloon animals and a volunteer caricature artist

• A photo booth and roaming entertainers from Vancouver Circus School

• And yes, even a “pre-loved” stuffed animal adoption booth

Wristbands are available through the school’s social media pages (search for @tweedsPAC on Instagram or Facebook), and every ticket sold supports educational programming at Tweedsmuir Elementary.

What It Supports and Why It Matters

Behind the balloons and games is a dedicated parent advisory committee working hard to enrich the student experience. Funds raised from the carnival go toward school field trips, cultural enrichment activities, and hands-on learning opportunities.

One standout initiative? A school garden that doubles as an outdoor classroom, where kids learn to grow, nurture, and harvest real food. “My girls planted peppers,” a committee member shared with a smile. “They’re watching them grow every day.”

Proceeds also help fund classroom tech upgrades, visiting artists and musicians, and maintenance of things like the school’s sound system—essentials often outside the district’s core budget.

Raffles, Prizes, and Reasons to Come Early

If you needed one more reason to attend, the 50/50 raffle and prize draw might do the trick. Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the goodies:

• A multi-function toaster oven and air fryer combo from Coast Appliances (valued at $375)

• A “Shop New West” bundle with gift cards to Kinder Books, Rocky Point Ice Cream, and Steel & Oak as well as products from local businesses.

• A sports pack with prizes from the Vancouver Canadians, Whitecaps FC, and more

Tickets for the draw will be available on site, and all prizes have been donated by generous local sponsors. It's community supporting community, with the chance to go home with something exciting.

A Carnival That’s Truly About Connection

With space for 700+ attendees and a layout that takes full advantage of Tweedsmuir’s expansive field, indoor gym, and shady play areas, the carnival is as much about gathering as it is about games.

“We’re just five moms trying to give something fun back to our school,” one organizer said. “It’s a great way for people to see what Tweedsmuir is all about—and for families to make some memories together.”

Whether you’re showing up for the music, the cotton candy, or the sense of community, the Tweedsmuir Spring Carnival is worth adding to your Friday night plans.

Don’t wait for the wristbands to sell out—get yours early via this link and save a few dollars while you’re at it.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 1714 8th Avenue New Westminster

🍁 Shop Local 🍁