Coquitlam’s Summer Concert Series Returns to Town Centre
The summer we’ve been waiting for is finally here. Now that we’re seeing some sunshine, we’re set to enjoy three great nights of music as part of the Summer Concert Series. All the shows are presented by Coquitlam Centre and will be held outside at the TD Community Plaza in Town Centre Park.
With a new City bylaw in place allowing alcohol in parks, our Summer Concert Series is the perfect opportunity to hit up the food trucks and crack a cold one from one of the local breweries while listening to local musicians.
Rock Night – July 15, 6 – 9 p.m.
The Summer Concert Series kicks off on Friday, July 15 with Rock Night.
If you get there early, make sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks. Munchu Picchu will be on site serving up delicious Peruvian and Chinese cuisine inspired by their homelands. Enjoy their jalea mixta, a deep fried seafood platter, or their signature salchipollo—crispy fries, deep fried sausages and crispy Hong Kong-style chicken nuggets.
Find a seat in the TD Community Plaza or spread out a blanket on the grass and enjoy the shows while eating dinner.
First up is Redeye Empire, taking the stage at 6 p.m. The band is born and bred on the West Coast and has rocked almost every House of Blues venue in North America over the last 13 years. Their musical influences include Sublime, Jack Johnson and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
During intermission, grab a bag of Little oOtie’s Mini Donuts for dessert. Little oOtie’s opened their first donut cart in 2019 on White Rock Beach—they wanted to bring back our coveted childhood memories with their hot, fresh mini donuts. Fun fact, the name oOtie comes from their Chihuahua!
Get ready for the headlining performance of the night by Beau Wheeler. Wheeler is a queer, non-binary composer and singer based in Vancouver. Beau has performed at the Juno Awards, recorded and toured with several of their own bands, as well as performed contributing vocals to other bands.
Jazz Night – Aug. 5, 6 – 9 p.m.
Jazz Night is next on Friday, Aug. 5.
Pick up a bite to eat from one of the food trucks. Among the many delicious options from The Mad Greek, you could choose a Gyro Platter or a Mad Green Poutine (fries, feta, gyro meat and tzatziki… yum!). Or give one of their Zeus Dogs a try—savory Loukaniko (Greek sausage) served on a hoagie bun, topped with tzatziki, sautéed onions, tomatoes, and feta, plus a side of fries.
Settle in with your dinner and enjoy Diane Lines’ performance from 6 – 7 p.m. She was the pianist/accompanist for Michael Bublé and spent 13 years as the principal pianist and vocalist with the Dal Richards Orchestra. Over the last decade, Lines has been touring her signature show JUMP! with performances in Europe, the US and throughout western Canada.
Then it’s time for a bag (or two) of Hugs Mini Donuts. Hugs has been around for 14 years, serving customers all over Metro Vancouver. They call their mini donuts “hugs,” because everyone needs a hug once in a while.
Share your mini donuts with friends so everyone can get a good sugar rush in before Vancouver swing scene fixture Sweetpea Swing Band starts up at 7:45 p.m. You won’t be able to stay seated for long as that toe tapping turns into a full on dance!
Pop Night – Sept. 2, 6 – 9 p.m.
The concert series ends with Pop Night on Friday, Sept. 2.
Come hungry so you can enjoy Shameless Buns, a Filipino food truck that is an old school bus turned Jeepney (a common mode of transportation in the Philippines). Make sure to grab one of their sandwiches (made on a bun that’s a little sweet and a little savoury) and an order of their crispy sinigang fries.
Bring a comfy camping chair, eat and enjoy being serenaded by Pop singer/songwriter Ashley Pater’s soulful voice. Pater, an award-winning songwriter, starts performing at 6 p.m.
The BeaverTails food truck will be on-site – stop by for a sweet Canadian pastry for dessert.
Queer as Funk takes the stage at 7:45 p.m. They’re a high-energy dance band known for their tight rhythm section, hot horns and soulful vocals. Unique in the history of Vancouver’s LGBTQ2S+ community, Queer as Funk brings together the city’s hottest musicians. Featuring Motown classics, soul and of course, funk.
Fun at the Summer Concert Series
With such a great musical lineup and so many food truck options, the Summer Concert Series has something for everyone. The City of Coquitlam is so excited to see this free, outdoor event return to Town Centre Park.
After each concert, submit your feedback for a chance to win one of three $25 Coquitlam Centre gift cards! The survey can be found here.
Know of another #CQ summer event going on? Tell us about it! And share your photos with @visitcoquitlam on social media tagging #explorecoquitlam.