Attend the Nikkei Matsuri Festival on Saturday and Sunday. This family-friendly festival will have food, a game zone, bon-odori, a talent search, Hello Kitty and friends, omikoshi (a portable Shinto shrine for the gods and spirits), taiko (Japanese percussion instruments) and more. All the fun takes place at the Nikkei Centre, 6688 Southoaks Cres., between 11 a.m. and 7 a.m. both days.
Take the kids to the McGill library branch (4595 Albert St.) on Saturday, Sept. 2 for LEGO club. Children ages four and up are invited to stop by anything between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. to play with the library’s extensive LEGO collection. Moms and dads can join in, too. Caregivers are required to accompany kids under 10. No registration is required.
Try some free yoga at Brentwood Town Centre on Sunday, Sept 3. Yoga Spirit & Wellness hosts the class every Sunday from now until Dec. 31 from 10 to 11 a.m. If you attend 10 yoga classes, you’ll even receive a free gift. Participation is by donation. No experience needed. The mall is at 4567 Lougheed Hwy. Meet in the upper level, across from SoftMoc Shoes.
The forecast is calling for temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s, so take advantage and swim at one of the city’s many outdoor pools. It’s the last weekend to do so. On Monday, Sept. 4, admission is free at the Central Park and Kensington outdoor pools. For the full schedule, visit tinyurl.com/BBYSchedule.
Head to the Burnaby Art Gallery this weekend and catch the gallery’s 50th anniversary exhibition. The exhibit, which features contemporary works by Canadian artists such as Sonny Assu, Gathie Falk and more, ends on Sunday, Sept. 3. The gallery (6344 Deer Lake Ave.) is open Saturday and Sunday from noon till 5 p.m., and is closed on the holiday Monday.
Just a reminder that it is the long weekend. Join Burnaby Village Museum staff for Labour Day festivities on Monday, Sept. 4. It’s the last of the summer season, so don’t miss out. There will be games of chance, entertainment, demonstrations, a children’s craft and market vendors. Admission is free and so are carousel rides, thanks to Burnaby parks and rec and CUPE Local 23. Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The village is at 6501 Deer Lake Ave.
