COQUITLAM, B.C., April 23, 2026 – From May 1–7, the City of Coquitlam is celebrating Youth Week with a lineup of free and low-cost events designed for teens to hang out, try something new and connect with others across the community.

Whether you’re into sports, arts, or just looking for something fun to do with friends, this year’s schedule has something for you – from movie nights and drop-in games to creative workshops and more.

More Events, More Fun

After last year’s huge success, Youth Week has expanded its event and workshop offerings for 2026. During the week, we’ll be offering over 15 activities at 13 different sites across the city geared towards stretching creative muscles and active minds, as well as promoting healthy movement.

To celebrate the start of Youth Week, there will be two kickoff events:

• Maillardville Community Centre (Friday, May 1, 4–6 p.m.)
  Drop by the Plaza and Youth Lounge for a BBQ, music and a chance to connect. You can register in advance (Course ID 227417) or just show up and hang out.
  
  
• Pinetree Community Centre (Friday, May 1, 5–9 p.m.)
  Head to the kickoff party for food, activities and a chance to meet local youth organizations (Course ID 229443). Try your hand at a collaborative chalk mural and learn about programs and opportunities available in your community. Or try your hand at preparing yourself a snack.

Returning Activities

Youth Week's popular weeklong Scavenger Hunt is back for another year. We're inviting all Coquitlam youth aged 11–18 to join in on the hunt. Throughout the week, participants will receive clues via email that will lead to a task at different spots around the city. Snap photos and uncover Coquitlam’s hidden gems.

Teens can take to the ice and make a splash after hours on May 1 at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex. For a toonie, teens ages 13–18 can enjoy skating with friends, followed by an after hours glow swim at the pool where glow sticks and glowing inflatables will be available. Register ahead of time or drop in. 

On May 2, the basketball competition returns to challenge youth ages 11-18 at Town Centre Park. Register a team for the 3-on-3 tournament, try your luck at the 3-point competition, or just stick around for yard games, prizes, treats and more.  

Poirier Centre’s ever-popular Escape Room is also back on May 5 – grab a group of friends to figure out puzzles and unlock clues to break out and win prizes.

For more information visit coquitlam.ca/YouthWeek.

A Full Calendar of Events

With plenty of activities happening throughout the week to celebrate Youth Week, there’s lots of fun for everyone. All activities are available at no charge, with the exception of the Toonie Skate & After Hours Swim. Many are available as drop-in activities but it is recommended to register ahead of time to ensure you get a space. 

Friday, May 1

• City-Wide Scavenger Hunt, May 1-7 | Course ID 227988
• Youth BBQ at Maillardville Community Centre, 4-6 p.m. | Course ID 227417
• Café Night and Karaoke  at Poirier Community Centre, 5-7 p.m. | Course ID 217001
• Kickoff Party  at Pinetree Community Centre, 5-9 p.m. | Course ID 229443 
• Movie and Games Night at Town Centre Park Community Centre, 6-8 p.m. | Course ID 227433
• Toonie Skate & After Hours Swim at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, 8:45-11 p.m. | Drop-In

Saturday, May 2

• Movie Afternoon - A Minecraft Movie at Glen Pine Pavilion, 1-2:45 p.m. | Course ID 223859
• Park Flag Painting at Town Centre Park Community Centre, 2:30-4 p.m. | Course ID 220236
• Basketball Competition at Town Centre Park Basketball Court, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Course ID 228051
• Youth Night-In (Ages: 11-13 years) at Pinetree Community Centre, 6-9 p.m. | Course ID 227422

Sunday, May 3

• Study Lounge at Pinetree Community Centre, 12-5 p.m. | Course ID 227414

Monday, May 4

• Youth Urban Garden Team Open House at Inspiration Garden, 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Course ID 220657
• Create an Art Journal  at Glen Pine Pavilion, 4-5:30 p.m. | Course ID 223673
• Trivia Night at Pinetree Community Centre, 6-8 p.m. | Course ID 229444

Tuesday, May 5 

• Escape Room at Poirier Youth Centre, 5-7 p.m. | Course ID 216991

Wednesday, May 6

• Tree Spree Tours: Forest Canopy Walk at Como Lake Park, 3:30-5 p.m. | Course ID 216882
• Acrylic Canvas Painting at Centennial Pavilion, 6-7 p.m. | Course ID 227500
• Impossible Puzzle Fun at Glen Pine Pavilion, 7:15-8:45 p.m. | Course ID 223858

Thursday, May 7

• Game Show Night at Centennial Pavilion, 5-7 p.m. | Course ID 216994

To register for any of our Youth Week programs, visit coquitlam.ca/register and use the Course ID to search for a specific activity. 

Supporting Coquitlam’s Youth

With three youth centres across the city and lots of drop-in and registered programming opportunities, Coquitlam is committed to the health, happiness and community building of its young residents. The Coquitlam Youth Council is open to residents in Grade 11 and 12, and actively participate in the community through volunteering and civic engagement. They offer feedback, ideas, and suggestions on programs, city-wide initiatives and issues facing youth today. Learn more at coquitlam.ca/youth.

Media contact:
Lesley Joyce
Recreation Facility Supervisor
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca
604-927-4386

We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.