Coquitlam has reimagined this year’s summertime civic events and festivals to allow the community to have fun, connect and celebrate safely.
COQUITLAM, B.C., May 8, 2020 – Coquitlam has reimagined this year’s summertime civic events and festivals to allow the community to have fun, connect and celebrate safely.
Given the ongoing provincial ban on large gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, Coquitlam event staff have come up with online and physically distant alternatives for the signature City events that typically draw thousands of people, such as Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day, the Summer Concert Series and the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival.
A similar approach is anticipated for fall events, following Wednesday’s provincial government announcement about the ban on gatherings of 50 or more extending to at least year’s end.
Keeping the Party Going
The reformatted summertime events will retain many of the much-loved traditional activities, while providing opportunities for fun, social interaction and community connection. All events will also support local businesses, organizations and performers through paid participation, promotion and other opportunities, financed through the savings achieved through the alternative delivery.
The plans include:
- The 12th annual Coquitlam Celebrates Canada Day will be a full day of family fun, delivered through an online platform that will bring the festivities into living rooms, patios and backyards across the city. Activities will include an official opening and singing of O Canada, live family-friendly concerts, multicultural performances, drop-in online activities and try-it demos, magic shows, contests and more. Local businesses and organizations will be offered promotional spots and be paid to provide content. The event will go live at noon on July 1, with the full schedule posted in advance at www.coquitlam.ca/canadaday.
- The fourth annual Summer Concert Series will feature ten live online concerts from June to September showcasing local musicians, singers and songwriters, who will be paid to perform. Information will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/summerconcerts.
- The fifth annual Kaleidoscope Arts Festival, usually in August, will become a multi-day celebration taking place both online and outdoors as part of Culture Days Sept. 25 to 27. The move to fall was intended to increase the chances of being able to offer more physically distant, in-person opportunities to experience the arts in outdoor locations around the community. Support for Coquitlam businesses and organizations will include free promotions, serving as paid outdoor venues for temporary exhibits and performances, and provision of complementary services such as food and beverages. The plans may be revisited as conditions change. Information will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/kaleidoscope.
Changes to Community-led Events
Dozens of community-led events typically held at Coquitlam parks and facilities have also been affected by the ongoing ban on large gatherings. City staff have been working closely with event organizers to support their plans for this year, which have included cancellations, postponements or alternative delivery that meets public health requirements. In addition to waiving cancellation fees and offering full refunds, the City has set up monthly digital meetings for festival planners.
Residents are advised to contact the community event organizers directly for information about their 2020 plans.
Be Informed
For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:
Coquitlam residents are encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.
For more information on COVID-19, including updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and translated information, please consult the following resources: