For many of you this weekend might be a "Paradise" with U.K. band Coldplay coming to Vancouver.
But if you're one of those unlucky few who couldn’t score tickets, don't let the FOMO (fear of missing out) get to you.
There's still plenty happening in Burnaby to keep you happy (maybe stay off social media until this blows over?).
How about a coat drive to keep you occupied or learning about rivers? Here's the rundown of some of the events happening in our city this weekend:
Rotary Club Coat drive
Winter is coming. To help children in need of warm coats this winter, Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown is partnering with the Burnaby Neighbourhood House for its annual Coats for Kids project this weekend.
The goal is to match or exceed last year’s donation number — 1,700 — to meet the community's increasing need.
On Friday, Sept. 22, and Saturday, Sept. 23, volunteers from the club and Scotiabank will be on-site at Brentwood's food court from noon to 3 p.m. to collect the donations (both cash and coats).
Scotiabank will be matching all donations made on these two fundraising days — for up to $3,000. Charitable tax donations can also be made online through Burnaby Neighbourhood House.
- Where: The Amazing Brentwood (4567 Lougheed Hwy.)
- When: Friday, Sept. 22, and Saturday, Sept. 23 from noon to 3 p.m.
- Cost: Donations
BC Culture Days
Communities across the province will be hosting community events, shows, presentations and gatherings for three weeks in the hope that public can immerse themselves in the creativity and diversity right in their backyards.
In Burnaby, starting Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 events are planned over the three weeks — with the first one kicking off at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.
Relax in the gardens at the Shadbolt and enjoy the sounds of acoustic guitar with a "Musician in the Park" at the centre’s South Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or create your own unique print to take home as textile artist and instructor Eleanor Hannan demonstrates fabric printing using fruits and vegetables from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There’s many more to do and experience, check out this story where we’ve rounded up all things hosted in Burnaby for BC culture days.
- Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (6450 Deer Lake Ave.) and others
- When: Saturday, Sept. 23 onwards; full schedule here.
- Cost: Free
Stand Up For Mental Health Culture Days Show
You don’t need laughing gas for this stand-up comedy show. Mental Health is to be taken seriously, but this comedy show by Stand Up For Mental Health (SMH) alumni will explore the lighter side of mental health and will leave you in splits. Founded by award-winning counsellor and stand-up comic David Granirer, who himself suffers from bipolar, SMH teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental health issues.
On Saturday, Sept. 23 from 7 to 9 a.m., learn to build confidence and fight public stigma with a dose of laughter.
- Where: St Timothy's Church (4550 Kitchener St.)
- When: Saturday, Sept. 23
- Cost: Free; donations welcome
World Rivers Day
On Sunday, Sept. 24, learn how important rivers are to Burnaby, B.C. and the rest of the world with a bucket list of fun, free activities on World Rivers Day.
Burnaby’s Brunette River, Still Creek and Spring Brook — are all vital waterways and Burnaby Village Museum is hosting free interactive activities from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to educate local community members to protect these environments.
The Lower Mainland Green Team is also conducting a volunteer ecosystem restoration activity from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For the whole schedule and all activities, you can visit the museum's website.
- Where: Burnaby Village Museum
- When: Sunday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
The Rainforest Trail Run
The best part about living in the Pacific Northwest is the dense rainforests surrounding us. Experience the beauty of the PNW with a fun five-kilometre run amidst the tree this Sunday at 10 a.m..
The Rainforest Trail Run is a run through the interior rainforest trails of Central Park — starting and finishing at Swangard Stadium. The event, according to their website, was conceived by the founders of Vancouver Sun Run as a way to help stimulate physical activity among people in local Indigenous communities and for the love of fitness.
The registration is priced at $45 and will also feature an accompanying “public event” that will celebrate the heritage of Canada’s Indigenous culture.
- Where: Swangard Stadium (Imperial St.)
- When: Sunday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.
- Cost: $45; register here.
