Games Night Was a High Score for the Books!
A special thanks to our incredible photographer for the wonderful pics: Griffin Hayter
GAME OVER? Oh honey... not even close.
Last Friday (July 17), Front Street Mews transformed into the ultimate real-life arcade as thousands of festival-goers gathered for one of our most playful themed nights of the seasonโGames Night! From the very first beat to the final dance move, Downtown New Westminster became a place where gamers, families, foodies, and music lovers all hit "PLAY" together.
A Stage Worth Unlocking
No Games Night would be complete without an all-star cast. Our fabulous host, Justin Abit, once again brought unmatched charisma, humour, and main-character performances to the stage, keeping the crowd smiling from beginning to end. The incredible Jewel Maiden had everyone dancing to gaming-inspired remixes that blended nostalgia with modern beats, while DannyBStyle delivered high-energy live performances that had the whole crowd singing along and dancing late into the evening.
Surprise! Sonic Was Here!
One of the biggest highlights of the night?
Our mystery character was finally revealed... Sonic!
Throughout the evening, Sonic raced through the Mews, posing for photos, waving to families, and surprising festival-goers around every corner. Seeing everyone light up when they spotted their favourite speedy blue hedgehog quickly became one of our favourite memories of the night.
Fueling Every Side Quest
Every great adventure needs great food, and our festival-goers powered up with an incredible lineup of local food trucks: ๐ฉ Little oOtie's Mini Donuts ๐ฎ Dos Amigos ๐ Stackers ๐ข S for Skewer ๐ฅข Vietnamese Spring Rolls Meanwhile, the beverage garden kept everyone refreshed with local favourites from Steel & Oak Brewing Co., alongside refreshing Heartberry Soda.
A big thank you to:
๐ฎ Dos Amigos
๐ Stackers
๐ข S for Skewer
Meanwhile, the beverage garden kept everyone refreshed with local favourites from Steel & Oak Brewing Co., alongside refreshing Heartberry Soda. ๐บ๐ซ
๐๏ธ Community at Every Turn
Games Night was about so much more than music and food. Our local vendors filled Front Street with creativity and talent, including Gamedeals Video Games, Peoples Music Therapy, The Hyve Tattoo Studio, Serpent Skin Tattoo Collective, and Grapevine Tattoo, whose booths drew curious crowds throughout the evening.
Families also found plenty of opportunities to play thanks to New West Family Place, who hosted engaging activities that brought smiles to children and parents alike.
Moments like these are what Fridays On Front is all about: creating spaces where neighbours connect, local businesses shine, and everyone feels welcome.
๐ Thank You for Playing
Every successful festival is powered by an incredible team behind the scenes.
Thank you to our dedicated Downtown New West BIA staff, our enthusiastic volunteers, and the City of New Westminster for helping bring Games Night to life.
A special thank you also goes to our presenting partner Douglas College, and our valued sponsors Translink, Tourism New Westminter, Port of Vancouver, and Key West Ford for making this summer possible. Most importantly... Thank YOU.
Whether you came dressed as your favourite character, danced in front of the stage, enjoyed delicious food, shopped local, snapped a selfie with Sonic, or simply spent the evening with family and friendsโyou made Games Night a level worth replaying.
๐ถ Ready for the Next Level?
The adventure isn't over yet.
This Wednesday, we'll reveal on our Instagram everything you need to know about our next themed night: Retro Night on Friday, July 24.
Dust off your denim jackets, lace up those high-tops, and get ready to rewind the clock.
Until then...
Your Fridays On Front street queen will be patiently waiting to hit PLAY all over again. ๐
