This weekend's going to be a cooker, so be sure to slap on plenty of sunscreen while enjoying a weekend packed with live entertainment.

FRIDAY, JULY 3

SUPER SPIKE

It's the 33rd annual Golden Spike Days weekend, and you know what that means — plenty of entertainment, delicious food and games for the whole family at Port Moody's Rocky Point Park. The fun kicks off at noon today with Full Intelligence Mode; the last show of the day is Rich Hope and his Evil Doers, at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $2 (kids under three are free); visit www.goldenspikedays.bc.ca for a full line-up of performers and events.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

FAMILIAR FIVE

Head to Belcarra Regional Park this morning for a short walk on the beach. A park interpreter will guide the free walk, from 10:30 to 11 a.m., to learn more about five familiar beach creatures. Meet at the Belcarra Bay picnic area washroom (no registration required).

MORE SPIKE

Golden Spike Days festivities continue, starting at 11 a.m. with the official opening ceremonies (closely followed by the Can Can Dancers). The spike driving contest is at 11:30 a.m., followed by flamenco dancers, the Port Moody Idol semi-finals and, at 8 p.m. Ridley Bent. Headliner Leeroy Stagger takes the stage at 9:30 p.m.

WATERSHED WONDERS

Ever wondered where your tap water comes from? Take one of Metro Vancouver's tours of the Coquitlam watershed and you'll find out how it gets from Coquitlam Lake to your home. There are bus tours and walking tours through the old-growth forest throughout July and August; today's bus tour runs from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call ahead to register at 604-462-6430 or email toursreg@metrovancouver.org. Visit www.metrovancouver.org for full details.

LIVE @ LEIGH

Grab a lawn chair, picnic blanket and a friend and enjoy a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Leigh Square bandshell in downtown Port Coquitlam with live entertainment by folk artists Brandon Chalmers and the Arbutus Collective. Show starts at 1:30 p.m.

ALL ABOARD

Celebrate the 123rd anniversary of the arrival of the first trans-Canada passenger train in Port Moody. The PoMo Station Museum is marking the occasion today and tomorrow, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. See model trains and try out the handcar; kids can participate in a scavenger hunt to find the Golden Spike. For more info call 604-939-1648 or email pmmusuem@telus.net.

SUNDAY, JULY 5

UNDER THE DEEP BLUE SEA

Ever wondered what lurks beyond your gaze in the ocean water? The whole family can find out at What Lies Beneath, at Belcarra Regional Park, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today. Join the Belcarra Beachkeepers and a local biologist in catching, observing and releasing sea creatures, learn why marine and beach ecosystems are important and how you can help protect local biodiversity. Don't forget to wear footwear that can get wet and dirty. Call 604-462-6359 for more information.

EVEN MORE SPIKE

Head back to Rocky Point Park today to catch day three of the Golden Spike Days party. There are plenty more music and dance performers starting at 11 a.m. and going right to 9:30 p.m., when Steve Dawson closes the festival. Between the shows, be sure to check out the kids' boat building tent, pony rides, the obstacle course and the BMX trial stars for some awe-inspiring stunts.

LIVE @ LIONS

Live music in PoCo continues this weekend, with Music in the Park at 2 p.m. The annual summer concert series in Lions Park kicks off today with country sensation Fera. These twin sisters have shared the stage with Randy Bachman and Ian Tyson, and have several award nominations in their 10-year history.