The sky is blue, the air is fresh and the parks are filling up with things to do this summer. Here are a few events at three of New West’s best parks to get you outdoors and on the grass.
Dance the midsummer night away
William Shakespeare’s numerous works are making appearances on all sorts of stages this summer, but the organizers of A Midsummer Night’s Dance are taking some cues from Bill’s 1590s comedy for an event that will have you on your feet.
Local author and arts entrepreneur Diane Haynes, graphic artist Johanna Bartels and Royal City Farmers’ Market operations manager Melissa Maltais are behind the free July 24 dance event at Tipperary Park. DJ Gab will spin music throughout the fun-filled night.
“We’re setting up Eventbrite registration so we have an idea of numbers,” said Haynes in a release, “and thanks to the generosity of New West businesses, we’ll be giving away Swag Bags to the first 100 registrants.”
Attendees are encouraged to come in costume to the “magical woodland” themed dance, though anything goes for costumes! There will be a kids costume parade early in the evening, with the event starting at 7 p.m. and running until 10 p.m.
For more information or to volunteer to help out, check facebook.com/amidsummernightsdance. To pre-register, visit eventbrite.ca.
Ryall Park gets artsy
Pianos aren’t the only thing popping up at the Ryall Park Bandshell – Family Art in the Park, an all-ages art adventure, is taking over the site on Friday, July 25.
The one-night-only event encourages all members of your family to get their creative juices flowing through an introductory art session that includes experimenting with colour and texture while drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of New West.
The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with an $8 registration fee for adults and $6 for children.
Poetry out in nature
Care for a sonnet on the lawn? How about a few stanzas in the forest?
Poet laureate Candice James has brought back her free Poetry in the Park series, running at the Queen’s Park Bandshell every Wednesday until Aug. 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Scheduled readings will be arranged each week, as well as open mike sessions.
And don’t think the evening is cancelled if it rains. Should it start pouring outside, the festivities will be held indoors at the arts council gallery space of Queen’s Park Gallery.
