Whistler Event Roundup | Fall 2019
Fall may have the reputation for being “dead season,” when the temperatures cool off and the summer goers head home. Snow is still far off but the lakes are too cold to swim in. Days are getting shorter but the holidays are still far off. It’s easy to see why people may think this is a boring time of year. However, there are endless Whistler events in the fall!
7 Whistler Events in October, 2019
- Whistler Wine Walk
Whistler’s new Wine Walk runs every Friday night during October
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25. The walk takes place every Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM in October, and is free to join. Each week four private and public galleries offer hor oeuvres and tastings that allow you to experience a new culture. Check out the participating venues and stop wine-ing about being bored in October!
Best for: the vino lover
- Krafty Kids
October 10. Got the little ones with you? Swing by the Maury Young Arts Center to get ready for Thanksgiving with crafts and activities! $5 for entry. Make sure you get a punch card because your fifth visit is free!
Best for: the parents with little ones 3-10
- Farmer’s Market
October 6, 12, 13. The Farmer’s Market in Upper Village is put on twice weekly throughout the summer, and slows to only Sundays come the fall. October 13th is your last chance to browse unique handcrafted gifts, local fruits and veggies and everything in between. The market will be up and running on Saturday the 12th as well for the long weekend.
Local’s Tip: Bring cash! Some vendors do not have credit machines or charge a fee to use them.
Best for: the foodie, the creative, the organic lover.
- Turkey Sale
October 11-14. Sticking around for winter? Smashed your board on gaper day? The turkey sale is an annual sale that puts hundreds of brand name items out for a fraction of the cost. Previous year styles and models of everything from snowboards and skis to goggles, outerwear and boots are available to buy. Get in early to get your size!
Best for: The shredder! Also great for anyone looking to get a full set up for the fraction of regular price.
- Writer’s Festival
October 17-20. A Whistler Event with a long fall tradition, is returning in 2019. Time to get creative and let the beauty of fall inspire you. The Whistler Writing Society is putting on a festival for all sorts of writing. From workshops to lectures, there is even a speed dating style event where aspiring writers can pitch their ideas to publishers. You can see the whole itinerary and purchase a festival ticket or tickets to individual workshops here.
Best for: the writer
- Run, Run, Run in the Whistler 50 Mile Relay
October 19. Looking for a challenge for yourself or with friends? Sign up for the 50-mile race solo or in teams of two, four or eight. Prices range from $75-95 per person, depending on your team size. The trail takes you around Lost Lake and through the Valley Trail system- a stunning scenery with the changing colours.
Best for: the athlete
- Vallea Lumina
All month (UPDATE: Vallea Lumina is Closed for the season as of October 20th). Vallea Lumina is a unique, multi-media production entwined in the forests of Cougar Mountain. It is a magical story told through lights, sound and music once the sun goes down. Tickets are $39.99 for adults and $34.99 for youth. If you don’t get a chance to make it in October, don’t worry! For the first time in 2019-2020, Vallea Lumina is opening a winter version. Buy your tickets in advance to get the time slot you want!
Best for: the creative, the nature lover.
6 Whistler Events in November 2019
- Family Time
November 2. From 3:30-4:30, spend time with the whole family at Whistler Public Library. This free event has crafts, games, puppets, books and lots of activities that allow parents to lead their children in an hour of fun.
Best for: the little ones.
- Cornucopia Festival
A last big event to dig into at Whistler Cornucopia 2019
November 7-17. Cornucopia is the ultimate food festival that takes over November in Whistler. With brunches to wine tastings, elaborate fine dining to more casual meals. With an endless list of events to choose from ranging from 20CAD to 250+CAD, there is something for every foodie. Cornucopia takes over Whistler for ten days and is the ultimate November event. More about the festival here.
Best for: foodies and wine lovers
- Comedy Kitchen
November 7. Cornucopia isn’t just about food! Every year, Comedy Kitchen takes over Buffalo BIlls with three outstanding comedians. Enjoy three hours of laughs for only 22CAD. The show has sold out every year, and it is expected to do the same in its fifth year! Buy your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Best for: jokers
- Spice Girls Tribute
November 8. That’s right, we are throwing it back to the ’90s. Garibaldi Lift CO (GLC) is, for one night only, hosting five wonderful ladies in a live Spice Girls Tribute. For only 35CAD, you can rock the night away to all the Spice Girls hits. You’re definitely going to “wannabe” there!
Best for: Millennials
- Bar Hop
Every Saturday. Looking to party like a local? What better way than to be guided to four-five of Whistler’s best bars, by locals! They’ll take you to their favourite bars and let you mix and mingle with all of their friends. 65CAD gets you a ticket that includes line bypass, cover, free coat check, a slice of pizza and five drink tickets (trust us, you could easily spend that ticket price on the five drinks alone in Whistler!)
Best for: the partier!
Mountain Opening
November 28 (tentatively). Probably the most anticipated day of the year, Whistler Village gondola is scheduled to open to skiers and snowboarders on November 28th. This always depends on the weather-it could be earlier if Mother Nature decides we have been good! Prepare for the crowds as minimal runs will be open and everyone will be keen. Remember everyone is a little rusty. Be patient, but ultimately, shred the pow!
Best for: the diehard shredder!
5 Whistler Events in December, 2019
With the mountain open, holidays approaching and (fingers crossed) the snow plentiful, December is a much more bustling month. You certainly won’t be bored as the activities are endless. That being said, here are three events that are a little off the radar as well as two epic New Years ideas.
- Film Festival
December 4-8. The Whistler Film Festival is a pretty big deal, so start your December off right. With a long list of must-attend events (TBA in the fall…suspense!), the WWF is a film lovers dream. With something for everyone, make sure to get your tickets early. Check out their website for more information on what to expect, or how to get involved!
Best for: the film junkie, the movie buff
- Refresh Market Holiday Pop-up
Get into the Christmas spirit in Whistler
December 6-7. Just in time for the holidays, the Audain Art Museum is hosting a pop-up market featuring hand-picked local artists and vendors. Support local and small businesses while finding the perfect gift for someone on your list (pro tip: you can be on your list!). Unique handcrafted art, jewellery, housewares and more.
Best for: the crafty, the shopper.
- Viessmann Luge World Cup
December 13-14. With over 100 athletes from over 20 countries, the Luge World Cup is an event not to be missed! The athletes will compete Friday and Saturday. Tickets are only 10CAD for 13+, free for under 12. There will be food, DJs, activities and of course, extreme speed! Find out all the information here.
Best for: the sports lover
- Whistler Holiday Experience
December 21. Perfect for the whole family and free to enjoy, the Conference Center hosts this all-day event from 10am-7pm. Spend a day with the kids while they thoroughly enjoy themselves. Great for a range of ages with mini-putt, video games, bouncy castles, crafts and more. Food and drink are available for purchase.
Best for: the whole family!
2 New Years Eve Parties
Whistler is one of the most epic places to ring in the New Year, and there are no shortages of party options. You can keep it low key and just watch the fireworks in the village, or you can bring in 2020 with a bit more style.
- Buffalo Bill’s Masquerade Ball
December 31. Ranging from 50-100CAD for tickets depending on how VIP you want to go. Includes coat check, a champagne toast and a mask!
- The Roaring 20’s at Longhorn Saloon
December 31. Enjoy the epic patio where you can see the fireworks and the final fire and ice show of the year. Bring in 2020 in style with a Great Gatsby theme. 110CAD for tickets, VIP options available as well.
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So there you have it. No more complaints about shoulder season being boring! Get ready to “fall” in love with the quieter months before gearing up for a fantastic winter. There are many Whistler events to enjoy before ski season gets under way.