It’s the season of holiday markets, light displays, and other city-wide attractions, Vancouver. And many beloved annual events make their comeback this weekend, so get ready to make some plans. From Canyon Lights to the return of the Eastside Culture Crawl, here are 10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this weekend (November 17-19).
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
We’re starting off this list with one of the most celebrated holiday events of the year, which happens to make its grand return this weekend. The Capilano Suspension Bridge transforms into an illuminated winter wonderland starting this Friday, November 17th, complete with changing multi-colour displays, a sparkling rainforest below, and a transformed Cliffwalk.
So get ready for some holiday magic in the forest!
When: Friday, November 17th to Sunday, January 21st
Where: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cost: $49.95 to $66.95 per adult
Eastside Culture Crawl
Now, we come to this year’s Eastside Culture Crawl, which brings over 500 presenting artists to open studios and locations across Vancouver’s Eastside. Visitors can expect to engage with the local art scene and see a variety of mediums, from paintings, sculptures, pottery, and prints to glassware, furniture, and jewelry.
When: November 16th to 19th
Where: Venues at Columbia Street, First Avenue, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront
Cost: Free admission
Sponsored: HollyDaze Holiday Festival
Get ready for an evening filled with dining, shopping, and festive fun as HollyDaze is rolling back into Austin Heights! Enjoy delectable delights from food trucks, sip on site-wide beer, wine, and cider, strike a pose at the holiday photo booth, groove to the local musicians and carolers, get artsy with crafts and artisan treasures, let the kids make merry with games and entertainment, and keep an eye out for roaming holiday characters.
When: Saturday, November 18th from 4 pm to 9 pm
Where: South side of Austin Avenue between Nelson and Marmont
Cost: Free
Made in the 604 Fall & Winter Pop-up Markets – North Vancouver
Made in the 604 is hosting a slew of fall and winter pop-up markets at the Pipe Shop in North Van this fall, and shoppers can peruse dozens of local vendors for the perfect gifts.
Note that this market is dog-friendly!
When: Saturday, November 18th and Sunday, November 19th
Where: 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
Cost: Free admission
Armin Van Buuren
In addition to music, this Dutch DJ and producer hosts a weekly radio show, which is broadcasted to nearly 40 million listeners across 100 radio stations. According to his website, he is dedicated to losing himself in his music every time he steps into a DJ booth – so you know this concert is going to be unreal.
When: November 17th
Where: PNE Forum
Cost: $88.50 – $118.50+
Loud Luxury
This Canadian music production and DJ duo consists of Andrew Fedyk and Joe Depace, who are currently based in LA. Though the popular duo will be back in Vancouver this Saturday, November 18th, so mark your calendars and get ready to dance.
When: Saturday, November 18th
Where: PNE Forum
Cost: $38.50 to $88.50
Vancouver Christmas Market
It’s the first official weekend of the Vancouver Christmas Market, so if you’re itching to dive head-first into the holiday season, there’s no better place to do it. Sip on mulled wine and munch on warm pretzels as you take in the twinkling holiday light displays – and maybe even get a head start on your holiday shopping!
When: Thursday, November 16th to December 24th
Where: 1055 Canada Place
Cost: $14 for advanced bookings
IndieFest
IndieFest brings together a plethora of emerging musicians and artists from all walks of life to highlight the stories and people that may have been overshadowed by history and tradition. From modern opera and Indigenous art to drag theatre, the festival has it all, taking place across several venues from November 17th to 26th.
This year’s theme is ‘Future Mythologies,’ highlighting forgotten histories, and empowering BIPOC artists to bring new stories into the world, according to the event’s website.
When: November 17th to November 26th
Where: Multiple locations
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
This weekend is your last chance to see Dr. Seuss’ beloved story How The Grinch Stole Christmas! onstage via Innovation Arts and Entertainment. Hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedtime story,” this classic holiday musical is sure to entertain adults and children alike.
When: November 14th to 18th
Where: 777 Homer Street
Cost: $68
Vancouver Giants
Switching gears a bit, the month wouldn’t be complete without a little action from the Vancouver Giants. Head to the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre on Friday, November 17th or Saturday, November 18th for one of their home games. Tickets start at just over $20 a pop, and you can view the full list of home games scheduled for this season here.
When: Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
And that’s a wrap on the weekend, Vancouver! Have a great one.
