Coquitlam is a hub of culture and diversity that truly shines during its various festivals. The city celebrates everything from art and music to food and community. Coquitlam festivals offer something for everyone, with an array of options designed to be accessible and enjoyable Particularly for senior residents.
Why are Coquitlam festivals a must-visit for seniors?
Beyond the lights and laughter, festivals offer significant benefits for seniors. Attending festivals provides ample opportunities for social interaction while keeping the body active and spirits high. It’s just one of the many reasons why retirees living independently in Coquitlam love this city.
Coquitlam Festivals With Free Entry
Canada Day Celebration
Immerse yourself in a sea of red and white as the city comes alive with patriotic fervour for Canada Day in Coquitlam. The festival offers multi-cultural activities ranging from fireworks to live music, all encapsulating the spirit of Canada.
Seniors will love the family-friendly atmosphere and easily accessible venues. There are also special seating areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Canada Day festival not only celebrates but educates. Recognizing the nation’s complex colonial past, the festival promotes reflection. So the community can learn from historical events in order to foster positive change moving forward.
Caribbean Days Festival
A long-running celebration of Caribbean culture, held annually in the summer. The Caribbean Days Festival event is teeming with colourful parades, music, and a myriad of food stalls offering Caribbean cuisine. The festival aims to create an atmosphere akin to a Caribbean carnival, complete with dancing and art displays.
Seniors will appreciate the vibrant atmosphere, allowing them to enjoy the music from seated areas or even dance if they’re up for it. With its focus on community and culture, it’s a delightful experience that seniors can enjoy with family and friends.
Como Lake Family Fishing Derby
A cherished event in Coquitlam, Como Lake Family Fishing Derby offers a fun-filled day of fishing at the scenic Como Lake. Designed to be family-friendly, the festival features fishing contests, prizes, and educational sessions on responsible fishing.
For seniors, this is a great opportunity to bond with grandchildren and impart some fishing wisdom. The event’s relaxed pace and beautiful setting provide a peaceful yet engaging experience, making it a perfect outing for seniors looking for leisurely, outdoor enjoyment.
Coquitlam Farmers Market
With baked goods and farm-fresh produce, the Coquitlam Farmers Market is a weekend staple for many residents. But it’s not merely a market — live music, unique handcrafted items, and delicious meals make it a full-on event.
Seniors will enjoy an opportunity to support local artisans and small businesses.
Culture Days in Coquitlam
A Canada-wide celebration aimed at fostering public engagement with the arts, culture, and heritage. Culture Days in Coquitlam offers interactive activities, performances, and workshops that encourage community involvement in the cultural landscape.
This is an incredible opportunity for seniors to dive into various cultural experiences without the need for extensive travel. The festival’s inclusive atmosphere and diverse range of activities provide an enriching experience that’s both educational and entertaining, making it a perfect outing for older adults looking to stay active and engaged.
Coquitlam Heritage Society Summer Celebration
Family Fishing Day
Family Fishing Day is an annual event in Coquitlam that promotes the joys of fishing as a family activity. Hosted at Como Lake, the event provides an excellent platform for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, with fishing gear often provided for those who need it. Highlights include fishing lessons, contests, and even a few prizes for impressive catches.
Seniors will find this day particularly delightful, as it offers a perfect setting for multi-generational bonding. The tranquil surroundings of Como Lake add to the appeal, making it a senior-friendly outing that combines recreation with relaxation.
Kaleidoscope Arts Festival
Celebrating the arts in all its forms. Coquitlam’s Kaleidoscope Arts Festival is a feast for the senses. From live performances to installations and exhibitions.
With its variety of all-ages artistic displays and wheelchair-friendly venues, this festival makes art accessible and enjoyable for seniors.
Lights at Lafarge
Experience the magical atmosphere of winter at Lights at Lafarge. Every year Lafarge Lake transforms into a winter wonderland filled with dazzling light displays.
The festival features gentle walking paths and numerous rest areas, making it a comfortable outing for seniors to enjoy the season.
Neighbourhood Nights
Neighbourhood Nights is a series of community events held in various parks across Coquitlam during the summer months. Designed to bring neighbours together, the gatherings feature a range of fun activities like games, crafts, and live music.
Seniors will particularly enjoy the social aspect of these events, as they offer a relaxed setting to meet new people or catch up with familiar faces. With activities tailored for all ages, it’s an excellent opportunity for seniors to spend quality time with family and engage with their community, making it a must-attend for those looking to stay socially active.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
An annual event to honour the service and sacrifice of those in the armed forces. Remembrance Day is hosted by the Coquitlam Royal Canadian Legion Branch 263, the event welcomes anyone wishing to commemorate our veterans. The event begins with a parade and culminates with a ceremony at the Blue Mountain Park Cenotaph.
It’s a meaningful festival that provides an opportunity for seniors to pay their respects and partake in the community’s shared history.
ScotFestBC
ScotFestBC is an annual celebration of Scottish culture. The festival showcases traditional Highland games, pipe band competitions, and Scottish dances. While a market filled with Scottish crafts and foods offers visitors a well-rounded cultural experience. ScotFest also welcomes to the stage the World Music Festival which includes a diverse array of music genres from around the globe.
The accessible venue and variety of events make it ideal for seniors, whether they are of Scottish descent or simply interested in the culture. It’s a great opportunity for socializing and offers fun for the whole family, making it a must-visit for seniors looking to engage in a vibrant community event.
Summer Concert Series
A seasonal music event held at Coquitlam’s Town Centre Park Plaza. The Summer Concert Series showcases a diverse array of musical genres, from classic rock to country to pop, offering something for everyone. With an emphasis on local talent, the festival aims to provide a vibrant, community-oriented experience. Seniors will love the laid-back atmosphere, comfortable seating options, and the chance to enjoy live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. It’s a fantastic opportunity for older adults to unwind, relish good music, and socialize, all while enjoying the summer air.
Teddy Bear Picnic
This family-focused Coquitlam festival centers around young children and their stuffed animal companions. For elderly residents, the Teddy Bear Picnic offers a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with their grandchildren, creating lasting memories together. From parades to picnics, the heart-warming festival provides numerous activities that kids—and grandparents—will love.
World of Love Multicultural Carnival
This festival serves as a cultural melting pot, celebrating Coquitlam’s diverse community through food, dance, and music. The World of Love Multicultural Carnival is conveniently located at Coquitlam Town Centre Park with an action-packed schedule as well as an evening lantern show.
It offers seniors a world of multicultural entertainment. Giving them a chance to explore different cultures without the need for expensive travel.
Ticketed Festivals in Coquitlam
BC Dumpling Festival
The BC Dumpling Festival is a culinary event that celebrates the art of dumpling making and showcases a wide variety of Asian dumplings. Held annually, the festival features ample opportunities to taste a plethora of delicious dumplings and see some of the finest Asian entertainment in the city.
Organized by the not-for-profit Asian Arts and Culture Society. The event doesn’t charge for admission, but they do encourage donations as you enter the event to help fund future festivals.
Seniors will love the festival’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, where they can indulge their taste buds. With seating areas and an easy-to-navigate venue, it’s an accessible and enjoyable outing for the elderly.
Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival
Showcasing an impressive array of local and regional craft beers, this festival is more than just a tasting event—it’s a social gathering. The cost of admission is an all-access pass to complimentary tastings and food samples.
It’s a golden opportunity for seniors to socialize, make new friends, and enjoy a leisurely day sampling new beers. Located in the Westwood Plateau Golf Club, older adults will be warm and comfortable inside the venue despite this event happening earlier in the year.
Cultural Summit
The Cultural Summit in Coquitlam is an annual event designed to celebrate and elevate the community’s rich cultural tapestry. This festival showcases various art forms, including music, dance, and visual arts, offering an impressive platform for local artists. One of the key highlights is the array of panel discussions aimed at enriching cultural understanding.
Seniors will particularly enjoy the intellectual stimulation that comes from engaging with different art forms and cultural dialogues. With accessible venues and a welcoming atmosphere, the Cultural Summit offers seniors a fantastic opportunity for an enriching day out, full of inspiration and community engagement.
Festival du Bois
An annual event that celebrates Francophone culture and heritage. Festival du Bois is known as the largest Francophone festival on Canada’s West Coast. The event features a rich lineup of music, traditional Québécois food, dance, and arts and crafts. Highlights include folk music performances, storytelling sessions, and workshops that allow you to delve deep into French Canadian culture.
Coquitlam’s elderly residents can journey through cultural traditions and relish authentic French cuisine. Its family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent outing for seniors to enjoy with their grandchildren, offering both entertainment and educational value.
West Coast Amusements
Spanning four generations and three travelling units, it’s the largest Canadian midway operation on the West Coast. Moving throughout 100 different locations each year, West Coast Amusements features a range of family-oriented games and rides.
With activities designed for all age groups, this festival allows seniors to interact and have fun with their entire family.
Getting to the Coquitlam Festivals
When it comes to transportation, Coquitlam offers various senior-friendly options to make your festival experience hassle-free and enjoyable. Getting to these annual festivals is a breeze, thanks to well-connected public transit in Coquitlam and convenient driving options.
TransLink provides an extensive bus network that connects to essential hubs and festival venues, offering priority seating and wheelchair accessibility for seniors. Those who prefer to drive will find ample parking spaces, often with designated areas for elderly and disabled visitors.
Whether you choose public transit or your own vehicle, reaching these festivals is straightforward and hassle-free, allowing seniors to focus on enjoying the festivities to the fullest.
Experience Culture, Arts, & Entertainment All Year Long
City festivals offer a smorgasbord of experiences tailor-made to be enjoyable and accessible for seniors. With such a wide range of senior-friendly activities in Coquitlam, there’s no reason not to get out and soak in the culture, camaraderie, and joy these festivals bring.
So, grab your calendars and mark the dates. The cultural richness of Coquitlam festivals awaits you, offering countless ways to make the most of your golden years.
