We have a long weekend before us and tons of arts events in the city, as well as a Victoria Day celebration at the Burnaby Village Museum. The weather forecast calls for rain on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, unfortunately, so we’ve given you some indoor options. Here is our Top 5 list of things to do for the weekend, ending May 19.
1. It’s farmers’ market season. Support local growers and artisans at the Burnaby Farmers’ Market, on from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burnaby City Hall parking lot, at 4949 Canada Way. You can find conventional and organic produce, prepared foods and crafts every Saturday until Oct. 25. The market also features live music, an used book exchange, a children’s play tent, games table and sitting area with local newspapers. Organizers ask that patrons bring their own shopping bags.
2. Check out Saskia Jetten’s work on display at the Burnaby Art Gallery. This contemporary award-winning Dutch printmaker’s work touches on themes relating to theatre, identity and inter-personal relationships. The gallery is at 6344 Deer Lake Ave. and is open from noon to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Check out Jetten’s work at www.saskiajetten.com for a sneak preview. While you’re at the gallery, don’t miss the annual showcase of student art from our very own school district. We have a lot of young talent in this city, and you can see work from 10 schools across Burnaby.
3. The Shadbolt is celebrating Asian Heritage Month (on until June 2) with two works on display by another award-winning artist – Linda Ohama. Ohama is a director, producer and visual artist who was born and raised on an Alberta potato farm. She’s a third-generation Japanese-Canadian, whose work focuses on themes of cultural heritage and family. The Shadbolt is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. but is closed for Victoria Day. The Shadbolt is at 6450 Deer Lake Ave., just a stone’s throw from the Burnaby Art Gallery.
4. Bring your wee ones to the McGill library branch on Saturday, May 17, for the final storytelling session for four- to six-year-olds. Siblings are welcome, but caregivers must be present. The session features stories, rhymes and songs and runs from 11 to 11:30 a.m. The children’s librarian will read books to the kids. Registration is not required, but space is limited, so show up early to get a good seat. McGill library branch is at 4595 Albert St.
5. Last but not least is the Victoria Day celebration at the Burnaby Village Museum. Organizers have a jam-packed schedule of fun activities, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a children’s craft corner, a market, carousel rides, Tiddley Cove Morris Dancers, a piper, a stilt-walker, a queen’s procession and cake, of course. The museum is at 6501 Deer Lake Ave. Admission is free, but you have to pay $2.50 for carousel rides. For a full schedule, go www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca.
