May 24, 2025

155th May Day

in New Westminster

The LonGest-RUNNING MAY DAY IS "LIVING CULTURE"

UNESCO, the largest education body on the planet, considers New Westminster's May Day an expression of "Living Culture." Living? Yes! May Day is a part of our DNA. It "lives" each year because the community wants it to. It's fun for kids and families and has many intangible benefits like new friends, community connections and a sense of belonging. When you participate in May Day you will understand the value of community connections and how great it is to call New Westminster home.

May Day in New Westminster began in 1870 ( which means May Day celebrations pre-date British Columbia's entry into Confederation in 1871 and even the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885) and this year it turns 155 years old. Many other cities across BC have followed our lead and created their own May Day: Port Coquitlam's "MayDays" turns 101 while Fort Langley's turns 102, to name but a few.

WHAT is May Day? A free celebration of spring and the joy of the season. It's a big stadium experience on Sat. May 24, a coming together for dance and music, pomp, ceremony, and fun. If you are a child in New Westminster, May Day was made for you!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS: Beachcomber Hot Tubs, Key West Ford, Gulf and Fraser, Nick Cheng Financial Advisor, Edward Jones and the grantor, the City of New Westminster.

HURRY! ENTER THE 155th MAY DAY DRAW- DEADLINE MAY 2nd at midnight:

For Grades 5-6 participate in a draw to be selected to play a historic role, wear a costume, learn special dances, experience the pomp and ceremony of a 155 year-old tradition, meet dignitaries plus find the courage to write and give a speech in front of peers, family, friends and even the Mayor!

May Day has 16 roles reserved for draw entrants ( kids in grades 5-6 can participate). WIN one of these roles and your name will be entered in the history books: May Queen, Royal Suite members, including Flower girls, Medal bearer etc. and Royal Knights.

ROYAL SUITE DRAW- MAY 3, 2025

The draw to select the 155th May Queen and Royal Suite will be held from 4 pm to 430pm, May 3rd on the stairs outside New Westminster City Hall. If you have entered the draw, make sure to be there. MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!. Be ready for photos! THE DRAW IS NOW CLOSED

Sign up for free Dance Classes

No celebration of May Day would be complete without the traditional May Pole and Folk Dances. We would love you to join us as a dancer to perform one of these heritage dances at the May Day celebration. Register today. Classes start 1st Week of April.

155th Royal Suite Draw- CLOSED

Parents of children in grades 4 to 6 ENTER THE DRAW for a chance for your child to win one of the coveted May Day roles. If you win a role, you become part of the May Day event, share a speech, learn the dances, meet the dignitaries, and BECOME A PART OF NEW WESTMINSTER HISTORY.

Sponsor the 155th May Day in New Westminster

Meet the May Queen Emilie Loi (red sweater) and her family: her sister Daisy also a May Suite participant, Mom, Dad and brother. Dad Michael participated in May Day over 40 years ago as a new immigrant to Canada.

FREE DANCE CLASSES FOR KIDS GRADES 2-6:

May Day begins with FREE dance classes that start the 1st week of April ( see below to register your son or daughter for free May Day dance classes today!)

All kids in grades 2-6 can join the FREE dance lessons and then perform these dances at May Day on May 24 th , in Queens Park Stadium - when the May Queen will receive her crown!

Volunteer at the 155th May Day in New Westminster

May Day is an excellent way to get your volunteer hours for graduation, meet new people and contribute to your community. Many roles are available from March to May and on event day.

Dance at the 155th May Day in New Westminster

Are you a dance group or cultural dancer? Showcase your culture and skills by dancing at this year's historic 155th May Day HOMECOMING REUNION

Donate to the 155th May Day in New Westminster

May Day is "living culture'. It returns year over year because the community wants it to. Since the schools and the City have reduced their commitment to May Day, we are even more keenly looking to donors for your support. Even $5 will aid our cause. Your generous contribution goes toward the costs of hosting New Westminster’s May Day event.