Here’s a list of fun to do for May Day in Port Coquitlam

The City of Port Coquitlam wasted no time in posting news about its 100th Anniversary May Day celebrations during the week of May 5-13.

PoCo has planned an impressive lineup of local and award-winning music acts, family-oriented parties and, of course, the iconic Rotary May Day Parade.

In a press release this week, the city announced the main stage for this year’s Plaza Party at the Terry Fox Hometown Plaza (PCCC) on Saturday, May 13, featuring JoJo Mason.

JoJo Mason, Canadian country music singer-songwriter and 2022 BC Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year Award winner, is known for her entertaining, fun and energetic performances.


“We have a wide range of events for everyone to enjoy and party at the plaza,” Mayor Brad West said.

“Now is the most exciting time to be part of the May Day festival in Port Coquitlam, and I encourage everyone to join us.”


The square party at Terry Fox Hometown Square (PCCC) will include:

• Live Entertainment:

  • Dane Bateman – 4:50pm to 5:20pm
  • Mark Ledlin – 5:25pm to 5:55pm
  • Danielle Ryan – 6:05pm to 6:40pm
  • Don Amero – 6:50pm to 7:45pm
  • JoJo Mason – 8-9pm

• Interactive Art Zone, May Day Market and Community Displays – 1-6 p.m.
• Carnival Games and Rides on Kelly Avenue – 1pm-9pm
• Food Truck and Beverage Garden – 1pm to 10pm
• Children and Youth Zone – 1pm to 10pm
• Family Quiet Space – 1pm to 10pm

The festival will officially kick off with a May Day Opening Ceremony at the Port Coquitlam Community Center (PCCC) on May 5, featuring Maypole dances by local children and seniors, dance performances and the 2023 May Day royal party.


The Rotary May Day Parade begins May 13 at 11 a.m. in downtown Port Coquitlam; groups and individuals interested in participating in the parade can apply online by April 13 rotarymayday.ca.

Last year’s parade had nearly 100 participants and was watched by 12,000 spectators.


“May Day in Port Coquitlam has been a long-time favorite in our community,” Coun said. Paige Petriw, Committee Designator for Community Experience, Celebrations, Events, and Inclusion.

“The May Day Committee and city staff are preparing for this momentous event, and it will be one that no one wants to miss.”



Children’s and Youth Art Competition


Children and youth in Port Coquitlam are asked to submit artwork showing what Labor Day means to them to help bring downtown to life for 100^day The annual May Day event lights up their community.


The city is looking for artwork from residents under the age of 18 to display online and in public spaces throughout the neighborhood.


Teens who submit their work will also be selected to have their work featured on May Day T-shirts that the kids will wear throughout the event.


art submitted to portcoquitlam.ca/artwork May be selected for May Day t-shirts until April 5th.

All other submissions will be displayed on printed signs throughout the community. Young artists are encouraged to use bold and bright hues in keeping with May Day 2023’s color theme celebrating spring, community spirit and diversity.


Submissions must be horizontal letter-sized (11 x 8.5 inches) digital illustrations or photographs of sketches, paintings, crafts, handwritten notes, or other artwork that demonstrate what May Day means to the artist.



royal party alumni


The deadline to become 100 ex-Royals is approaching: 14 April.

Nearly 100 former Royal Party members took part in the iconic Port Coquitlam Centennial May Day Parade on Saturday, May 13, and the city encouraged those who had not yet applied soon.

Each of the Party Royale alumni will receive a sash bearing the year they participated in the May Day celebration and will take part in the city floats in the parade as part of this historic celebration.

For more information and to be a part of the celebration, visit portcoquitlam.ca/maydays.



opportunity to participate


Community members interested in participating in a May Day event can learn more and apply under Special Event Opportunities portcoquitlam.ca/volunteer.


The roots of May Day go back centuries. In ancient times, May was a time of outdoor celebrations, and the Romans celebrated May Day with a flower-dressed procession in honor of their flower god Flora.

While the festival has grown and grown over the years, it still retains many of its original traditions, including maypole dances and the coronation of local children as May Day “royalties” — the May Queen and Ambassadors and Royal Party.


May Day is organized in partnership with the May Day Committee, the Centennial Rotary Club of Port Coquitlam, and is funded by Canadian Heritage.


Sponsors include:

• Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association (PoCo BIA)
• Poco Heritage Museum and Archives
• tri-city news – Media sponsor
• quantum properties
• barclays fix

Full event details are available at portcoquitlam.ca/maydays.