With everything going on in this busy city of ours, how can you choose what to do?

We’re introducing a new feature – our staff’s Top 5 (Or More) Things To Do This Weekend.

For this October long weekend, here’s our offering:

1. Get drinking at the Dublin Castle pub, on the old B.C. Pen site. Owner Fred Bilawey gets credit for originality, as he sent an entire Top 5 list of reasons why customers should be drinking at his newly opened pub. To summarize, Bilawey said: Check out the amazing patio and incredible new views; catch the “all new” Canucks in action; drink a pint of your favorite Irish beer; check out all the sports on the five massive plasma televisions; and last, but not least, just to check it out.

2. Get cheering for the curlers at the Westcoast Classic, at the Royal City Curling Club all weekend. Olympic champion Kevin Martin will be on hand, as well as world champion Kevin Koe and 2006 Olympic champion Brad Gushue. The semifinals are at noon on the holiday Monday and the finals at 3 p.m. The curling club is right beside the Canada Games Pool, with ample parking available.

3. Get entertained at the Starlight Casino at 350 Gifford St. in Queensborough. You don’t have to gamble, as the dining options include the Salt and Pepper Grill, Schanks, Kirin and the Shang Noodle House. For more info, go to www.starlighcasino.ca.

4. Get touristy in your own city. When was the last time you walked in Queen’s Park, stopped to watch a soccer game or wondered what the next production at the Bernie Legge Theatre was taking place? How about ice skating at Queen’s Park Arena? There’s so much to do in Queen’s Park that an afternoon spent exploring this Royal City jewel will pay many dividends in the future.

5. Get shopping at local small businesses. Yes, we know it’s easy to drive to your local supermall and let your credit card go crazy but how about spending locally and helping a small business survive? Pedagogy Toys in Sapperton is set to close after Christmas so if you want good educational toys for your children, get down there soon. In fact, stroll thru Sapperton and see what else is there: Bella Cakes and Pastries, Dimpleskins Naturals and Karmavore Vegan Shop – which will be moving to Downtown New Westminster next month – are unique stores that you should give a try to.

- compiled by Alfie Lau, staff reporter

E-mail your Top 5 ideas to calendar@royalcityrecord.com or send them to alau@royalcityrecord.com. You can also check out our full arts and events calendar listings on our website’s homepage at www.royalcityrecord.com.