COQUITLAM, B.C., July 26, 2023 – Coquitlam’s Kaleidoscope Arts Festival – the Tri-Cities’ ultimate celebration of arts and culture – returns with captivating performances and immersive arts activities at two fantastic locations August 18 and 19.
Now in its eighth year, Kaleidoscope offers residents and visitors an unforgettable arts and culture experience with free admission, award-winning musicians, dance performances, workshops, children’s activities, and opportunities to learn about local culture and Indigenous history.
Get into the groove in the weeks leading up to this exciting festival by listening to Coquitlam’s Kaleidoscope Spotify playlist, featuring some of the fabulous musical acts that visitors can enjoy during the event.
Friday Night—Town Centre Park Hosts Live Music and Food Trucks
Festivities kick off at the Town Centre Park Community Plaza Stage on Friday, August 18. First up at 6 p.m. is The Zolas, a JUNO-nominated band from Vancouver. At 8 p.m., Current Swell, a world-renowned band from Victoria, will take the stage. These two incredible local B.C. indie rock bands are joining us thanks to Beedie, this year’s Kaleidoscope Music Partner.
Visitors to Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way) can enjoy easy access by SkyTrain or free parking, and enjoy great onsite food trucks, including Fijian Fusion Catering, Gary’s Kettle Corn, Kampong, Rocky Point Ice Cream, Shameless Buns and Tornado Potato.
Immerse Yourself in the Arts
On Saturday, August 19 from 12 to 4 p.m., Blue Mountain Park (975 King Albert Ave.) will offer the perfect venue for local families to take in more performances and activities. Watch in awe and wonder as Aeriosa performs a breathtaking aerial routine from a grove of Douglas fir, enjoy a mesmerizing dance performance from Her Tribal Roots x Earthen Bodies, and lose yourself watching Audrey Gaussiran of CTRL:N flamenco dancing. Visitors can also groove to cover music from The Boytles, immersive storytelling with Stories on Wheels, roving performers and more, thanks to the support of Kaleidoscope’s Crafts Partner, Woodbridge Homes, and Visual Arts Partner, PARC Retirement Living .
As Coquitlam moves forward in its Reconciliation journey, we invite our community to embrace Indigenous and cultural experiences and learnings. Join Stl’atl’imx (Lillooet) performer Tzo’kam for a cultural music performance, Lorelei Lyons of ‘2 Métis Women’ and Knowledge Carrier from the North Fraser Métis Association for Métis Dot Painting on Grandfather Rocks, and Métis artist Pat Calihou for a wood carving workshop, as they share their traditions and art.
Endless Fun for the Whole Family
Enjoy an unforgettable day of family-friendly arts, crafts and performances with engaging activities from local community art organizations.
- Add your own colourful connection to the giant yarn loom with the Art Gallery at Evergreen Cultural Centre.
- Sew shapes from repurposed clothing, fabric scraps and silkscreened fabric and then fill with balloons in a PatternNation technique with Place Des Arts.
- Visit the Coquitlam Public Library interactive booth for a fun art activity making your own bee.
- Combine images with words to create your own visual poetry piece with Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House.
For a full schedule of events and details about all of the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival participants, check out coquitlam.ca/kaleidoscope.
Corporate Partners Enhance Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscope’s programming is supported by our Programming Partners—Music Partner Beedie, Crafts Partner Woodbridge Homes, Visual Arts Partner PARC Retirement Living and Event Survey Partner Coquitlam Centre.
Thanks also to Supporting Partners FortisBC, Intergulf, Nando’s and TransLink, and Media Partner Tri-City News.
Coquitlam's Corporate Partners program builds relationships with the business community and provides revenue to enhance City events, programs and services. For information, visit coquitlam.ca/CorporatePartners or email CorporatePartners@coquitlam.ca.
Stay Informed on Coquitlam Parks, Recreation and Culture
To stay up to date about Coquitlam Parks, Recreation, Culture and Facilities news and updates:
- Subscribe to the PRC E-News newsletter at coquitlam.ca/enews to receive bi-weekly parks, recreation and culture updates
- Check out the weekly City Page on page 6 of the Tri-City News or at coquitlam.ca/connect
- Follow @cityofcoquitlam on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
- Download the free CoquitlamConnect app from the App Store or Google Play, or through the links at coquitlam.ca/CoquitlamConnect
Media contact:
Wondy Chan
Cultural and Community Event Supervisor
604-927-3000
FestivalsAndEvents@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.