156th May Day + Down Syndrome Film Festival

Issue #599

Author

Carla McNeil
May 17, 2026

Inside the New West Spotlight

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 😜 Rain Joke - Why does it rain at outdoor concerts? 🎶🎸 

 🗓️ New West Events - Your Week in New West, Sorted

 🗞️ New West Local News - 156th May Day + Down Syndrome Film Festival

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Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 27.8 1956 - Record low 2.2 1903

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

Sunday May 17, 2026

🖌️ Order and Chaos, Art Workshop – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🎨 Linocut Print Making – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🎙️ Lounge Duet at The Flapper Lounge – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Sunday Night Open Mic! – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Sunday Funday Bingo at RCCC - – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Monday May 18, 2026

🔍️ New West Museum Quest – 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM

🧘 Peace, Be Still Monday Meditation – 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

🧩 Steel & Oak Puzzle Mondays – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎨 Downtown’s Living Room at Anvil Centre – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Begbie's Open Mic – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Tuesday May 19, 2026

🔍️ New West Museum Quest – 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles at the Welcome Centre – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

📖 Storytime (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🌶️ SPICE Club! – 12:30 AM to 2:00 PM

🎤 Ukulele Level 1 at Mechanics of Music Studio – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🚴 Tuesday Night Rides – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🍺 Steel & Oak Beer and Board Games – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hot B*tch Rock & Roll Bingo – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Notorious Grey Fox Trivia Tuesdays – 7:00 PM

One of New Westminster’s most cherished traditions is returning this spring as the city celebrates the 156th May Day at Queen’s Park Stadium on May 23.

The annual event brings generations together for an afternoon filled with community spirit, music, dance, and celebration. Guests can enjoy colourful Maypole dances, live performances, and the crowning of the May Queen — a tradition that has been part of New Westminster’s history for more than a century.

For many families, May Day is more than an event. It is a celebration of community connection, local heritage, and the traditions that continue to bring people together year after year.

The celebration runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with doors opening at 1:00 p.m. at Queen’s Park Stadium.

Whether you grew up attending May Day or are experiencing it for the first time, this long standing New West tradition continues to create memories for all ages.

A powerful celebration of storytelling, creativity, and inclusion is coming to New Westminster this month as the Down Syndrome Film Festival returns for its fourth year.

Taking place May 23 at the Douglas College Theatre, the festival will feature films created by and starring members of BC’s Down syndrome community, highlighting real stories, talent, and lived experiences through film.

This year’s lineup includes the feature documentary King Arthur’s Night alongside short films Unified Voices, Tim, and Work in Progress: Employment for People with Down Syndrome.

Audiences will also have the chance to hear directly from filmmakers and performers during Q&A sessions following the screenings.

Hosted during National Accessibility Week, the event shines a spotlight on inclusion, representation, and the importance of creating space for diverse voices in arts and media.

The festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Douglas College Theatre, 700 Royal Avenue. Tickets are available for half day or full day access.

Sunday scroll idea

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Each correct answer gives you another entry for this week’s prize.

🎁 This week’s prize (May 14-May 20):
$50 Gift Certificate from Sichuan Yummy Food.

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⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ Why does it rain at outdoor concerts? 🎶🎸 

🪩 Live special effects. 📣

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