Great news!

Participate in May Day!

Our 153rd May Day is proceeding as planned. We're now accepting entries for New West kids to participate in May Day.

Read on!

Be the May Queen!

A call for entries!

Be part of May Day in a way that has been a tradition in New Westminster since 1870. Via a random draw, we're selecting our 152nd May Queen, as well as a Royal Consort, Royal Knights, and a Royal Suite. Up to 16 positions are available!

FREE Dance lessons begin April 11!

Children in grades 2 through 6 are eligible to participate in Folk or May Pole dances. Lessons will be taught at various schools and community centres around the city. Full details available.

May Day details.

Our 153rd May Day will be held, once again, at gorgeous Queen's Park and at the Stadium (directly across from the Arena).

May Day starts at 3:30 pm. Doors open at 3:00 pm.

As always, New Westminster's May Day is a Rain or Shine event and is always FREE of charge.

What's in store:

  • Welcome speeches from VIP guests and select Association members
  • Traditional Folk and May Pole dances performed by New West youth
  • The crowning of the 152nd May Queen

What we are still confirming:

  • additional entertainment and presenters (dancers, musicians, clubs, etc.)

Stay informed.

Alternatively, you can also stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter or following us on social media (links to all accounts in our menu).

Thank you to our 2023 sponsors.

Special thanks for funding and support provided by:

Ask a question.

Whether you have a question, want to volunteer, or to stay in touch, please reach out! We're happy to hear from you.

Newsletter sign-up.

Stay informed about important May Day information including May Queen and dancer registration updates.

May Day is unique and important to our city.

Come celebrate with us!

A FREE and festive community celebration held every May since 1870 in New Westminster. This event has been held around the city through its long standing history, however, Queen's Park has been its home for the majority of the celebrations.

Preserving the tradition.

No celebration of May Day would be complete without the traditional May Pole and Folk Dances. We would love to have you join us as a dancer to perform one of these heritage dances at the May Day celebration.

Creating a cycle of support

No tradition survives without it being practiced and observed. By sharing this experience with New West's youth through participation in May Day, they in turn can become mentors and leaders to the next generation.

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What makes New Westminster's May Day magical?

Aside from being the longest running May Day within the Commonwealth of Nations, here are some interesting facts you may not know.

  • May Day has been a community celebration that many residents of New Westminster have n ot only watched but taken part in
  • Past May Day celebrations have seen 10,000+ attendees
  • Special guests and dignitaries have attended New Westminster's May Day, such as Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

Volunteer. Join our team.

Reach out if you can help. We're looking for volunteers to help make May Day magical. Help us preserve May Day celebrations in New Westminster.