Port Coquitlam, BC – April 9, 2025…The City of Port Coquitlam is thrilled to announce the lineup for the 102nd May Days - Party in the Square celebration, taking place in the Terry Fox Hometown Square at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) on May 10, from 1:00 to 8:30 p.m.
This free spring festival features an exciting lineup of local and award-winning musical performances, the iconic Rotary May Day parade, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
“May Days is more than just a festival—it’s a cherished tradition that brings our community’s history and spirit to life. From the timeless Maypole dances to the energy of local musicians, this celebration captures the heart of Port Coquitlam,” said Mayor Brad West. “Join us and experience our community spirit, you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.”
2025 May Days Entertainment Lineup
- NEW! Kids Stage in Leigh Square: 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.- Enjoy a variety of performances, including choral music spanning multiple genres, youthful covers of popular hits, and captivating circus acts featuring juggling and acrobatics.
- Choral Connections - An adult choir from the Tri-Cities and Ridge Meadows areas, performing a wide range of genres including sacred, classical, pop/rock, jazz, folk, and show tunes.
- The Coyotes - A group of Tri-Cities young musicians covering pop and rock hits.
- West Coast Circus – Performing juggling, diabolos and other acrobatic feats.
- Baron Band - local band performing a variety of classic rock covers.
- Main stage at Terry Fox Hometown Square: 1:00 to 8:30 p.m. - featuring soulful singer-songwriter performances, upbeat indie-pop, generational hit music, a country-rock blend, and high-energy rock and roll.
- Shauna Singer - Expect soulful, original songs from this local singer-songwriter, perfect for a relaxed afternoon
- Nette Songs - indie-pop artist brings a modern, upbeat vibe, sure to get the crowd moving.
- Generations - This local band takes you on a musical journey through the decades, playing popular hits that span generations.
- Johnny Bootleg - A local favorite, this band mixes country twang with rock energy for a lively show.
- The Limit - A high-energy rock and roll band, The Limit delivers powerful performances with classic rock vibes and a dynamic stage presence.
In addition, Party in the Square will also host free children’s activities, including Little Sprocket bike course; food truck and beverage garden; May Days Market; Emergency Preparedness Fair; Family Quiet Zone; PoCo Heritage and Museum, PoCo Arts Council; and so much more.
The festival officially kicks off with the May Day Opening Ceremony on Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 p.m. at the Jon Baillie Arena - PCCC, featuring maypole dancing by local children, dance performances, and the presentation of the 2025 May Day Royal Party.
Event Highlights
Join us for a day of community celebration and excitement, featuring these key events:
- May Days Kids’ Race: 10:00 a.m.
This high-energy event sees approximately 500 young participants, promoting healthy living and family fun. - Rotary May Day Parade: 11:00 a.m.
The Rotary May Day Parade, a beloved tradition, will fill Shaughnessy Street with vibrant floats, lively music, and community spirit in downtown Port Coquitlam. - NEW! Kids Stage: 12:00 p.m.
The Kids Stage provides entertainment and activities geared towards younger attendees, creating a playful and engaging environment for families. - Party in the Square: 1:00 p.m.
Party in the Square transforms Terry Fox Hometown Square into a hub of celebration, offering live music, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Volunteer Callout
May Days is a community celebration made possible by the dedication of volunteers. The City is seeking enthusiastic individuals to assist with various roles, including:
- Providing information and directions to attendees
- Serving as parking attendants
- Kids’ Bike Race Support
- Children’s Activities
If you're passionate about community events and want to be part of this special day, please visit portcoquitlam.ca/volunteers to apply.
"May Days offers a unique opportunity to experience Port Coquitlam's rich heritage while celebrating our vibrant community spirit.” said Cllr. Paige Petriw, Council’s designate for community experience, celebrations, events, and inclusion. “It's a day where families, friends, and neighbours come together to create lasting memories in the heart of our beautiful city."
Sponsorship Opportunities
City corporate sponsors play a significant role in enhancing Port Coquitlam's cultural vibrancy and economic vitality.
Corporate sponsorship with the City is an excellent way to feature your brand to a targeted audience. The sponsorship team works with companies to align the best solution to meet a range of business objectives. View a list of the City’s feature event sponsorship opportunities at portcoquitlam.ca/sponsorship.
Sponsors for May Days include:
- OpenRoad Tri-Cities – Gold Sponsor
- IUEC Local 82 – Silver Sponsor
- Tri-City News – Media Sponsor
About May Days
May Day's roots go back centuries. In ancient times, May was a time of outdoor celebration, and May Day was celebrated by the Romans with flower-decked parades honoring Flora, their goddess of flowers. In England, villageyouth would collect flowering boughs to decorate hawthorn trees – the predecessors to the May Pole.
Port Coquitlam first celebrated May Day as a community in 1923, with Maypole dancing and the crowning of a May Queen. While the festival has evolved and grown over the years, it has maintained many of its original traditions, including Maypole dancing and the crowning of local children as May Day “royalty” – a May Queen and Ambassador along with a Royal Party.
For more information about May Days or more details about the event, visit portcoquitlam.ca/maydays.
