A Fun-Filled Summer in Coquitlam
A preview of Coquitlam’s packed summer calendar
No need to go far this summer in order to have fun. With everything going on this sunny season, be a tourist in your hometown! This summer will be packed full of festivals and events in Coquitlam. Some celebrations are new to our city, others have been around for decades but one thing is for sure – we are so glad to have events back this summer because we have missed celebrating with you.
Coquitlam Crunch Challenge
It’s back! On June 11th, get some exercise on the famous stairs of the “Crunch” and join the Annual Coquitlam Crunch Challenge for Diversity! 100% of the proceeds go to the Community Diversity Fund. Participate with friends and family or go solo in one of the three event categories:
(1) The Stair Master – A timed event up the west stairs
(2) Make It Or Break It – The 4-hour endurance challenge where the goal is to do as many loops of the Crunch as possible in the time given
(3) Recreational – Open to everyone of all skill levels to enjoy the Crunch.
Check out Coquitlam Crunch Challenge for more details.
Teddy Bear Picnic
If you go down in the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise… well that’s for sure! After two years away, the Teddy Bear Picnic is back and with a twist! On June 12 there will be a free concert at Lafarge Lake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with various performers. And what’s a picnic without food? Food trucks will be set up to complete your picnic in the park. Full details can be found here: Teddy Bear Picnic.
ScotFestBC – The BC Highland Games and Scottish Festival
The 90th BC Highland Games will be held June 17-18 at Town Centre Park. Juno nominated Celtic Folk Band Beὸlach from Nova Scotia will be performing, along with the SFU Pipe Band. Slàinte Mhath! Raise a glass of whisky paired with oysters at Whisky School. Kids can try drumming, dancing, learning Gaelic and even throwing a caber. There will also be a bouncy castle, face painting and even a curling rink set up. Enjoy Scottish and other food vendors while watching athletes throw big objects. Friday night is free and you can purchase tickets at ScotFest BC for Saturday’s activities. There’s a free bike valet, if you cycle to the park (which we encourage as parking can be tricky). 
Coquitlam Adanacs
Watch the Coquitlam Senior A Adanacs play a home game at the Poirier Sport Complex. Their season runs until August. Lacrosse is a great, action packed game the whole family will enjoy watching, especially kids who are playing the game themselves. Make a night out of it with dinner and a game. Check out their full schedule to find a local game: Adanacs Schedule.
Savour the Summer, a Celebration of Local Tastes and Global Flavours
You don’t have to go far to find cuisine from all over the world in Coquitlam and the Tri Cities. This summer celebrate local and follow along as the Tri Local Collective features a different cuisine weekly. Check out what’s next, support local and win great prizes.
Family Fishing Day
Celebrate Father’s Day fishing at Lafarge Lake. On June 19 from noon to 5 p.m. experts will be at the fully-stocked lake, teaching anglers new techniques for catching rainbow trout. There will also be fly tying, casting lessons and a salmon raffle. The free event coincides with B.C’s Family Fishing Weekend, where every year residents can fish in the province’s fresh and salt waters without a license. Find more info about the Coquitlam event here: Festival Coquitlam Family Fishing Day. And details on B.C.’s Family Fishing Weekend here: Go Fish BC Family Fishing Weekend.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21st is Natural Indigenous Peoples Day. A time to learn about the history, heritage, diversity and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Find an activity or learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of Indigenous people at Indigenous Peoples Day.
Celebrate Summer with the Coquitlam Heritage Society
The Coquitlam Heritage Society has programming all summer long including a series of outdoor concerts called “Music in Square” that kick off June 24 with the rock, funk & soul cover band Golly Gone Wild! On June 25, 26 be sure to check out the opening weekend of the Fraser Mills Train Station and the CP Rail 1970s Caboose for summer season tours! And don’t forget to visit Mackin House where you can visit the main floor featuring period artifacts and two current exhibits Working the Green Chain: Sikhs, Fraser Mills, and the Lumber Industry and Fraser Mills: Foundation of a Community.
Lafarge Park Fiesta
Dance to the beat of the rhythm on June 25. There will be a free outdoor fiesta at the TD Community Plaza outside the Evergreen Cultural Centre. No partner or dancing experience is needed, just be ready to dance to the Latin beats. Hot Salsa Dance Zone is hosting the event: Hot Salsa Dance Zone.
Canada Day
Come out to Town Centre Park for one of the area’s biggest Canada Day celebrations. There will be family-friendly entertainment and activities, live music, craft beer, food trucks and fireworks. Celebrations start at noon and run until 10:30 p.m. Parking will be limited so be sure to carpool, take transit, bike or walk, if possible.
Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert series is returning this July. There will be different genres featured on three summer nights at Town Centre Park. Grab take-out, pack a picnic or hit up one of the food trucks on site and enjoy the performances and family fun! More details to be released closer to the events: Coquitlam Summer Concert Series.
Music on the Grill
What better way to spend a summer night than overlooking Lafarge Lake, with a catered BBQ dinner while listening to emerging artists. On July 9 Tonye Aganaba will be performing their soul/neo-folk/R&B style. The Bandstormer Band featuring Canadian roots-pop songwriter Melanie Dekker is on July 23. Nick La Riviere and The Best Laid Plans are on August 13. Each evening, dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the concert at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for dinner and the show or the concert only at: Music on the Grill.
CanWest Games
Come out and cheer on athletes at the Percy Perry Stadium for the CanWest games running July 15-17. Attendees will get a chance to learn about tactic nutrition and Hard Work Pays Off (HWPO) training on the education stage. Check out gear from brands including Gorila Fitness and Strike Movement in the vendor village. A variety of food, smoothies and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. There will be extra seating this year for an even better view of competitors. For more information or to see if you qualify as an athlete, check out their website here: CanWest Games.
Caribbean Days Festival
For the first time, the long-running Caribbean Days Festival will be held here in Coquitlam at Town Centre Park! The festival is free and open to all ages, on July 23 and 24. It’s been running for 32 years and is one of the biggest cultural events in B.C. The site will be on the eastern side of Lafarge Lake, with a beer garden, educational tent for people to learn about Caribbean traditions like clothing and hair braiding. There will be a multicultural parade and a children’s carnival. Stage performers all weekend long include soca, reggae, calypso, Latin, African and other genres of music. Food vendors include flavours of the Caribbean with famous foods from Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and others. They’ll be a basketball tournament for kids 10-16 years old. There’s lots going on! Get more info here: Caribbean Days.
BC Dumpling Festival
This first-time multicultural fair will have folks feasting on a variety of dumplings. The festival will take place on August 13 at Town Centre Park, admission by donation. People will be able to try out all kinds of dumplings, including Chinese dumplings like xialongbao, Italian ravioli, Polish pierogis and others! There will be a dumpling competition, food trucks, a beer garden and live entertainment. Find more info here: BC Dumpling Festival.
Kaleidoscope Arts Festival
This free event is on August 19-21. It’ll be a full weekend of arts, culture and music programming. The festival kicks off on Friday night with a concert at Town Centre Park. The 7th annual event will have a full weekend of arts and cultural programming around Coquitlam including a big-name headliner we can’t wait to tell you about. More information will be available soon at Kaleidoscope Arts Festival.
Neighbourhood Nights
Neighbourhood Nights is a free family event, held at various parks over the summer. The events include games, family activities and light refreshments. Updates will be posted here, when they’re available: Neighbourhood-Nights.
Block Parties
Bring the party to your street through the City’s Block Party program. This is a great way to connect with your neighbours and create a sense of community. Approved block parties are eligible for a $150 grant and new this year you could receive and plant free ornamental trees as part of our Tree Spree initiative. Learn more and apply at Coquitlam Block Parties.
We have a jam-packed events schedule in Coquitlam all summer long! These festivals, events and sports tournaments will liven up the next few months, with the convenience of staying close to home.
Did we miss your favourite #CQ summer event? Tell us about it! And share your photos with @visitcoquitlam on social media tagging #explorecoquitlam.