Happy Friday, Surrey!

We’re starting to see the first signs of spring around the city - and that includes some local markets beginning to pop up again. It’s always a good sign that the busier (and brighter) season is just around the corner.

Whether you’re keeping things low-key or heading out for a bit, we’ve got a few things to check out this weekend.

Grab your coffee, take a quick scroll, and let’s see what’s happening around Surrey.

Now, In today’s edition:

  • Man Arrested with Loaded Gun at Gateway SkyTrain Station

  • Peace Arch Hospital Faces Another Maternity Diversion

  • New All-Suite Hotel Opens Near Surrey Memorial Hospital

  • Party for the Planet Returns to Surrey Civic Plaza in April

  • Salmon Sessions Festival Returns to South Surrey This Summer

  • Many events Happening Around the City This Week

- Mark

News

Man Arrested with Loaded Gun at Gateway SkyTrain Station

Police say a man was arrested at Gateway Station after officers found a loaded firearm during a routine check. The incident happened on March 23 in Surrey.

Officers from Metro Vancouver Transit Police were checking fares when they saw a man enter through the gates without paying. When they stopped him, they discovered he had outstanding warrants.

During the interaction, police also found a loaded handgun and ammunition. The man was arrested and taken into custody.

He now faces charges related to possessing a prohibited or restricted firearm. Police say the quick action helped remove a dangerous weapon from the transit system.

🔑 Key Details:

• A man was arrested at Gateway Station on March 23
• Police found a loaded handgun and outstanding warrants
• He remains in custody and faces firearm-related charges

Peace Arch Hospital Faces Another Maternity Diversion

Expecting parents in the Surrey–White Rock area may need to make alternate plans for childbirth. Peace Arch Hospital is temporarily stopping accepting maternity patients from March 25 to March 31.

This is the ninth time since December that maternity services have been diverted at the hospital. Fraser Health says the issue is due to a shortage of specialized doctors who provide maternity care.

When diversions happen, patients are directed to other hospitals to give birth. Health officials say scheduling changes depend on staffing levels and may continue as they work to fill gaps.

Doctors in B.C. say there is a wider shortage of maternity care providers across the province, which is affecting hospitals like Peace Arch.

🔑 Key Details:

• Peace Arch Hospital will divert maternity patients from March 25–31
• This is the ninth diversion since December
• The issue is linked to a shortage of maternity care doctors

City Updates

New All-Suite Hotel Opens Near Surrey Memorial Hospital

Exterior view of the new Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel in the City Centre 4 tower of Surrey’s Health and Technology District, northeast of 96 Avenue and King George Boulevard.

A new hotel is opening in Surrey this month. The Homewood Suites by Hilton Surrey will welcome guests starting March 30 in the city’s Health & Technology District.

The hotel is located near Surrey Memorial Hospital and is designed for both short and long stays. It offers 189 suites, including studio and one-bedroom units with full kitchens.

The building also includes other businesses like a grocery store and college space. The hotel is expected to serve visiting families, professionals, and people coming to Surrey for medical or business needs.

Amenities include a rooftop space, fitness centre, free breakfast, and EV charging. Developers say the project reflects Surrey’s growing role as a centre for health care, education, and business.

🔑 Key Details:

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Surrey opens March 30
• The hotel has 189 suites designed for short and long stays
• It is located near Surrey Memorial Hospital in City Centre

Community Digest

Party for the Planet Returns to Surrey Civic Plaza in April

A popular Earth Day celebration is coming back to Surrey next month. The annual Party for the Planet festival will take place on April 25 at Surrey Civic Plaza.

The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is known as one of the largest Earth Day celebrations in B.C. It will feature live music, food trucks, games, and activities for all ages.

Families can enjoy multiple stages with music, dance, and science shows. There will also be a plant sale with trees, shrubs, and flowers, along with free tomato plants for early attendees.

Organizers say the event is a fun way to learn about the environment while bringing the community together.

🔑 Key Details:

• Party for the Planet takes place April 25 at Surrey Civic Plaza
• The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Activities include live music, plant sales, and family entertainment

Salmon Sessions Festival Returns to South Surrey This Summer

Jesse and Noelle Burch, of Vancouver and Calgary-based Canadian roots-rockabilly band The Promised, perform at the 2025 Salmon Sessions Music Festival at South Surrey’s Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club.

A popular community event is coming back to Surrey this summer. The Salmon Sessions Music Festival will take place on August 22 along the Little Campbell River in South Surrey.

The one-day festival will feature live music, food trucks, local vendors, and family activities. It is held at the Semiahmoo Fish and Game Club and supports the Little Campbell River Hatchery.

Organizers say the event helps raise money to support the hatchery, which releases over 100,000 salmon each year. The facility was damaged by floods in 2021 and still needs upgrades to stay running.

The festival also aims to bring the community together while raising awareness about conservation and protecting local salmon.

🔑 Key Details:

• Salmon Sessions Music Festival takes place August 22 in South Surrey
• The event supports the Little Campbell River Hatchery
• The festival includes live music, food, vendors, and family activities

Visit penmar.ca to learn more or get involved

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Exciting Events: March 27th - 30th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Sports🏒

  • Coquitlam Express vs Surrey Eagles | 7PM, Mar. 29 ($)

    • Location: South Surrey Arena

    • Description: Express train stops in South Surrey for the last time this regular season

Community Fun🎆

  • Spring Break: Emergency Services | 10AM-1PM Mar. 17-27 (FREE)

    • Location: Museum of Surrey

    • Description: Get up close with Surrey’s first responders! Explore police vehicles, try an obstacle course, and enjoy hands-on activities this spring break.

  • Bad Bunny Scavenger Hunt | 12PM-4PM Mar. 17-27 (FREE)

    • Location: Historic Stewart Farm

    • Description: Track down our naughty bunnies and win a prize this Spring Break!

  • Animals, Nature & Community - Family Workshop | 9:15AM-12PM Mar. 27 ($)

    • Location: Surrey BC SPCA

    • Description: A fun, hands-on Spring Break workshop where families explore local wildlife, learn about animal care, and build a deeper connection to nature together.

  • Bear Creek Easter Train | Mar. 21-Apr. 6 ($)

    • Location: Bear Creek Park

    • Description: Hold onto your Easter bonnets, kids! Surrey's Bear Creek Park Train is back this Spring and the Easter Bunny is along for the ride!

  • Ruex Run Club | 9AM-10:30AM Mar. 28 (FREE)

    • Location: Ruex Cafe & Bar

    • Description: This 5km run is designed for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started. With regular regrouping stops at every kilometre and moving through the wide, quiet pathways, you’ll have a chance to experience Surrey’s spring flowers and greenery with new friends.

  • Tynehead Regional Park Walk | 9AM Mar. 28 (FREE)

    • Location: Tynehead Regional Park

    • Description: Walk the trails of this popular park with its great variety of trees, birds, mammals and shrubs in the watershed where the prolific salmon-bearing Serpentine River rises. Walking distance is approximately 3.5km on undulating trails so please wear appropriate footwear.

  • Construction Expo 2026 | 10AM-5PM Mar. 28 & 29 (FREE)

    • Location: Cloverdale Agriplex

    • Description: The Construction Expo 2026 is the leading global event that connects buyers, suppliers, planners, contractors, companies, and designers –all in the construction industry. The event will focus on innovation, trends, quality materials, contemporary architecture, green technologies, and solutions. The 2 days of the fair represent an opportunity to exchange ideas for all those interested in supplying quality products and services.

  • Mason Bees 101 | 11AM-12PM Mar. 28 (FREE)

    • Location: West Coast Gardens

    • Description: Learn how to attract, keep, and build for mason bees in your garden!

  • Paint & Sip Workshop | 2PM-4PM Mar. 28 ($)

    • Location: Everything Wine - 15735 Croydon Dr

    • Description: In this guided acrylic workshop, you’ll paint cherry blossoms in full bloom set against serene mountain backdrops while enjoying a curated wine tasting. Whether you’re an experienced painter or picking up a brush for the first time, this workshop is designed to be welcoming, social, and creatively inspiring.

  • Ghanaian Independence Day 2026 | 5:30PM-11:30PM Mar. 28 ($)

    • Location: Fleetwood Community Centre

    • Description: The evening will feature live Afrobeats, cultural cuisine, dance performances, and drumming that showcase Ghana’s traditions. Special performances by Ghanaian Association Cultural Group, Abusakese & Ghanaian Cultural Group Canada Dagbon-Gbewwa Tradition and Culture Foundation.

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

  • Kick off to spring market | 12PM, Mar. 28 (FREE)

    • Location: Baird Cattle Co. - 17256 8 ave

    • Description: 14 local vendors, 2 food trucks, veggie + floral starters along with bagged manure! Free entry!

  • Spring Kick-Off & Garage Sale | 12PM-4PM, Mar. 28 (FREE)

    • Location: Overland Outfitters - 18436 96 Ave

    • Description: Annual Spring Kick-Off & Garage Sale, featuring huge deals on off-road gear, a community gear swap, and the chance to meet top industry brands and experts. Enjoy giveaways worth thousands of dollars, check out custom rigs, and grab some authentic Southern BBQ on-site. It’s a laid-back, truck-filled day with great people, good food, and plenty of gear.

Performances🎭

  • The Clayton Coffee House | 6PM-7:30PM Mar. 27 (FREE)

    • Location: Performing Arts Studio at Clayton Community Centre

    • Description: The Clayton Coffee House is a monthly performance opportunity for both aspiring and established poets, spoken-word artists, novelists, musicians, improvisers or comedians to share their work with the community.

  • Delhi 2 Dublin | 7:30PM-10PM Mar. 28 ($)

    • Location: Main Stage At Surrey Arts Centre

    • Description: For twenty years Delhi 2 Dublin has been at the forefront of South Asian fusion music, pioneering a global bass sound they call “Subcontinental Pop”—a high-energy blend of Bhangra, electronic, hip-hop, reggae, and Celtic influences that defies genre and unites dance floors worldwide.

Comedy❗

  • Ryan Williams | Mar. 27 & 28 ($)

    • Location: Yuk Yuks Comedy Club

    • Description: Former unimpressive Canadian collegiate athlete turned comedian Ryan Williams is one of western Canada’s most exciting comics. His energetic performances and sharp material make him a performer not to be missed.

Live Music, Dancing & Pub Events/

Friday, March 27

  • Max Eleven | Whalley Legion | 7PM: More info

  • Jennifer Diamond Band | Donegal's Irish House | 8PM: More info

  • The Patsy Thompson Band | Cloverdale Legion | 7PM: More info

Saturday, March 28

  • Neil Harnett | The Morrison Cafe & Bar | 6PM: More info

  • Karaoke | Green Timbers Pub | 7:30PM: More info

  • Brian Zalo | Whalley Legion | 6:30PM: More info

  • Pop Junkies | Donegal's Irish House | 8PM: More info

  • Bryan Adams+ John Mellencamp Tributes | Crescent Beach Legion | 8PM: More info

  • Karaoke | Baselines Pub South Surrey | 9PM: More info

Sunday, March 29

  • White Rock Jazz | Crescent Beach Legion | 1:30PM: More info

  • Sweet Max Jam | Whalley Legion | 4PM: More info

  • Sunday Blues Jam | Donegal's Irish House | 5PM: More info

  • Karaoke | Green Timbers Pub | 7:30PM: More info

Monday, March 30

  • Open Mic Comedy Night | The Clayton Public House | 7PM: More info

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