It’s that time of year when mornings are cooler, days are shorter and our thoughts turn to skis, snowboards and potential offerings to the various gods of bluebird powder. Inevitably though, once everything is tuned and waxed, there’s going to be some time to fill as you wait for the white gold to arrive. Luckily fall and early winter are a great time to take in some of Whistler’s world-class arts and culture.
Audain Art Museum
Right in the heart of Whistler Village, the Audain Art Museum melds seamlessly with its environs thanks to internationally renowned Patkau Architects. Look for the six-metre-tall bronze sculpture, The Three Watchmen, by revered Indigenous artists James Hart (7idansuu), Xwalacktun and Levi Nelson (Svpyan), that connects the building with the Village Stroll.
Tom Thomson: North Star
If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss the special exhibit Tom Thomson: North Star, on show until October 14. This assemblage of more than 100 paintings is the largest collection in museum history, including everything from stormy summer days to stark wintry scenes and everything in between. Offering a close look at Thomson’s legacy, North Star focuses on the small en plein air oil sketch, of which he is the supreme master.
Russna Kaur: Pierced into the air, the temper and secrets crept in with a cry
Opening in the fall, Russna Kaur will be showcasing her site-specific work in the Upper Galleries in Russna Kaur: Pierced into the air, the temper and secrets crept in with a cry. Kaur approaches painting as a space of infinite possibility, play and experimentation.
This exhibition will unfold as a dynamic series of modular works, where smaller paintings will evolve into large-scale compositions, breaking through frames to engage with gallery walls, floors and ceilings. Russna Kaur: Pierced into the air, the temper and secrets crept in with a cry runs from October 4, 2024, to January 27, 2025.
Curve! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast
Opening November 23, the Audain Art Museum will host the exhibition, Curve! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast. Co-curated by Dana Claxton and Curtis Collins, this exhibition will shed light on a lesser-explored facet of Northwest Coast art—women’s contributions to the rich tradition of carving wood and argillite.
Featuring over 100 works of art, including poles, panels, masks, bowls, and other sculptures, Curve! seeks to celebrate and elevate the contributions of women in an often traditionally male-dominated field. By showcasing the works of influential artists like Ellen Neel and Freda Diesing alongside the voices of senior, mid-career, and emerging artists, the exhibition aims to contribute to the broader understanding of Indigenous art traditions.
Fall Painting Workshops: Oct 5
Feeling inspired? Whistler Artist Andrea Mueller is offering fun painting workshops to get those creative juices flowing. Adults Paint and Sip Night is October 5, from 6 to 8 PM. No painting experience is necessary and all materials are provided. Admission to the Museum on October 5 is included and participants are encouraged to visit the North Star exhibition between 11 AM and 6 PM. For more art classes, look on Mueller’s site or head to ART POP in Creekside Village.
Bespoke Market
Looking for a unique gift? The popular Bespoke Market, featuring one-of-a-kind art, handcrafted jewellery, natural skincare, slow fashion, wellness essentials, home goods, and handmade arts and crafts will be back on December 7 and 8th, 2024.
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
The resort town of Whistler is located on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People, known in their language as L̓il̓wat7úl, and the Squamish people, known in their language as Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a place where both distinct cultures meet, grow and are shared.
Museum admission includes a “What We Treasure” guided tour. Every tour is unique as each Cultural Ambassador draws on their personal stories and experiences to bring the artifacts to life, and includes a welcome song and an inspiring short film. Some ceremonial clothing and canoes on display are still in use, and the spacious light-filled building allows visitors to feel the connection between the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations and their home territory.
Salish Summer Carving Series
Live carving for the Salish Summer Carving Series has been extended through late September, featuring Master Carver Jonathan Joe (Lílw̓at7úl) and Apprentice Redmond Q̓áwam̓ Andrews (Lílw̓at7úl). Their story pole incorporates designs that honour the Declaration of the Lillooet Tribes. When finished, the story pole will rise to stand alongside the house post carved by Xwalacktun (Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh / Kwakwak’wakw / Namgis) and Brandon Hall (Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh of the Squamish Nation) at the entrance to the SLCC on Lorimer Road in Whistler (awakening ceremony TBD).
Chief Dan George – Actor and Activist
Upstairs, the special exhibit Chief Dan George – Actor and Activist, explores the life and legacy of Tsleil-Waututh Chief Dan George (1899 – 1981), including his influence as a First Nations rights advocate and his career as an actor. Dan George appeared in many television, movie and stage productions in which he worked to promote a better understanding of First Nations people. Although focused on Dan George, the exhibition also delves into significant events in the First Nations rights movement in BC and Canada.
SUGARCANE Film Screenings: Sept 27 & 30
The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) has partnered with the SLCC to present the highly lauded and award-winning National Geographic Documentary SUGARCANE, a stunning tribute to the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and their way of life. Screenings are happening at the SLCC on Friday, September 27 at 7 PM and Monday, September 30 at 3 PM.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day: Sept 30 – Free entry
Head to the SLCC on Monday, September 30 to experience and connect with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and enjoy free admission thanks to CIBC and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. For programming details visit the SLCC’s website.
Be sure to stop by the Thunderbird Café afterwards for the Squamish Salmon Chowder, the Homemade Lil’wat Venison Chili or the local’s favourite Bannock Taco.
Arts Whistler
Capitalizing on the season between sports, Arts Whistler has an action-packed calendar of live music and local art offerings. We’ve picked out a few events below, but check their website as new events may have been added.
The Teeny Tiny Art Show
Perennial favourite The Teeny Tiny Art Show is back for its 7th year, proving good things do come in small packages! All artwork created is 3 ” x 3″ or smaller by Sea to Sky artists. The Art Party is on October 16, 6 PM to 9 PM and it’s your first opportunity to secure your very own miniature masterpiece. The exhibit runs from September 18 to October 26.
The People’s Film: Sept 18
Arts Whistler’s The People’s Film returns for another season on September 18 with Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror masterpiece, The Shining. Get ready for a night of chills and thrills as you journey into the eerie halls of the Overlook Hotel, where nothing is as it seems, and terror lurks around every corner.
Join Arts Whistler every third Wednesday of the month for a cult-favourite movie screening as voted by YOU! In true Arts Whistler style, these evenings will be more than just pressing play on a movie. We’re talking signature cocktails inspired by the film, games, costume contests and an old-school intermission. Follow ArtsWhistler on social so you can vote on the films for the rest of the fall.
Artstoberfest!: October 5
Dust off your lederhosen for an unforgettable evening as Bavarian traditions meet Whistler’s vibrant arts scene when Arts Whistler transforms the Maury Young Arts Centre into a lively beer hall. BBQ masters from Bacon Eh will be smokin’ up mouthwatering bratwursts, perfectly paired with the crisp, refreshing beers from Coast Mountain Brewing.
A polka-style band will keep the dance floor swinging all night long with all the classic Oktoberfest games, including a stein-holding competition and prizes for best dressed. There’s also a ceramic artist live painting a one-of-a-kind ‘Artstoberfest’ beer stein that will be raffled off during the night. A polka-style band will keep the dance floor swinging all night long with all the classic Oktoberfest games, including a stein-holding competition and prizes for best dressed.
Tickets are $30 (which includes a beer, sausage and beer koozie) until September 26 when the price will increase – so get yours now!
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival: Oct 9
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back on October 9 with an evening of thought-provoking outdoor adventure and mountain culture films. This year, films have been hand-picked for adventure-seeking Whistlerites, highlighting the resilience, self-confidence and sense of community that outdoor sports can inspire across all walks of life.
Arts Whistler Holiday Market: Nov 30 & Dec 1
Returning for its 33rd year, the Arts Whistler Holiday Market brings two days of hand-baked, hand-made goodness on November 30 and December 1, 2024 from 10 AM to 5 PM. With curated vendors from the Sea to Sky region and across BC, and the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz, Whistler’s largest artisan market draws visitors from far and wide.
These are just a few of the Arts Whistler events happening in the fall and winter, for more take a look at their events calendar.
Whistler Wine Walk
Whistler Wine Walk is happening every Friday in the month of October, combining an art gallery visit with a glass of wine. Six Whistler galleries are taking part, with the tours culminating at the Audain Art Museum, for more wine, canapes and music. Read more in our blog on the Wine Walk.
Whistler Writer’s Festival: Oct 17 to 20
A highlight of the culture calendar, the Whistler Writer’s Festival could almost be called the ‘Writer’s and Reader’s’ festival, as the four-day program, from October 17 to 20, features twelve reading events and eight workshops spanning a wide variety of genres and interests. Here are a few highlights.
Beneath the Surface – A Conversation with Wade Davis: Oct 19
Join longtime friend of the festival, author and biologist, Leslie Anthony in a captivating conversation with National Geographic Explorer and Canadian anthropology legend, Wade Davis. Arrive early at 7:30 PM to hear themed classical music by the Sea to Sky Orchestra and enjoy a glass of wine or beer from the bar.
BookTalk and Breakfast: Oct 20
Spend Sunday morning chatting with other book lovers over the delicious Fairmont Whisky Jack buffet breakfast before taking in this year’s BookTalk reading event with authors Conor Kerr, Bob McDonald, and Leanne Toshiko Simpson.
Literary Cabaret: Oct 18
This not-to-missed local favourite combines author readings with improvised music from The West Coast Front; a magical pairing sure to elicit all of the feels.
The Sound of Story: Oral Storytelling & Spoken Word: Oct 17
Experience the melody and magic of oral storytelling with Lil’wat author and oral storyteller, Holly Bikadi and Squamish storyteller Tsawaysia Spukwus Dominique Nahanee, alongside spoken word artist and slam poetry champ, Nisha Patel (A Fate Worse than Death) and award-winning poet Bradley Peters (Sonnets from a Cell). Moderator and Lil’wat storyteller Yvonne Wallace will lead these four talented artists in conversation about the diverse and ancient art forms of oral storytelling and performing.
Take a look at our dedicated blog and the full schedule of events on the Whistler Writers Festival website.
Whistler Institute Global Perspective Speaker Series
The Whistler Institute is bringing six globally recognized thought leaders to Whistler for a speaker series which promises to deliver an unparalleled array of insights on global issues, innovative solutions, and future trends. Each event is $30 or you can grab a series pass for $150, they’re being held at the Maury Young Arts Centre with doors and a cash bar opening at 5:30 PM with talks starting at 6 PM.
On Thursday, September 19 Lealand Muller, Corporal Retired, will share his lived experience in overcoming mental and physical limitations through sport in his talk My Journey to the Invictus Games. Thursday, November 7 is Mother Nature v. Okanagan Wineries: A Climate Conundrum with Decoa and Jeff Harder presenting strategies and options for Okanagan wineries to address challenges due to climate change.
In 2025, topics include AI: Ethics, Empathy & Humanizing Technology, Raising a Healthier, High-Performance Athlete, Democracy & Science and Healthy Watersheds – from Glaciers to the Sea.
Whistler Comedy: Laugh Out Live!
Laugh Out LIVE! is a grassroots improv, sketch, standup comedy troupe that has been spotted on social channels recruiting scriptwriters and funny folk for season four, with weekly shows planned for fall and winter. In addition to their marquee comedy variety show (happening Nov 12 during Cornucopia), Laugh Out LIVE! is launching two new productions.
The Stand-Up Standoff
Premiering on October 30th at Après Après and running through the winter on the last Wednesday of every month, the Stand-Up Standoff will feature six to eight stand-up comedians competing for cash prizes with a headlining act to round out the night!
The Improv Battle
Premiering on November 5th at the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) and running through the winter on the first Tuesday of every month, the stage will come alive with the energy of Whistler’s most talented improvisers, taking your wildest suggestions and turning them into side-splitting scenes, ridiculous characters, and unpredictable hilarity!
Whistler Cornucopia: November 7 to 17
Whistler’s festival of food and drink, Cornucopia, is happening from November 7 to 17, 2024 with over 70 events including drink seminars, culinary stages, tasting parties and multi-course dinners.
Cornucopia is a symbol of plenty, and the festival certainly lives up to its name. Take a read of our dedicated post about this festival that celebrates the Epicurious, How to Plan for Cornucopia.
Whistler Film Festival: December 4 to 8
The 24th annual Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit (WFF) is where creativity meets community. You’ll find ski bums and storytellers, dealmakers and dealbreakers, burgeoning filmmakers and award-winning directors/producers all rubbing elbows at industry galas and on the chairlift.
Whistlerites and mountain lovers alike will revel in our Mountain Culture programme which boasts films about the environment, extreme achievement and anything that puts the body – and human psyche – to the test.
Prepare for an action-packed lineup of events, including exclusive film premieres, insightful industry sessions, engaging talent programs, intimate meet and greets, glitzy parties, and much-anticipated appearances by critically acclaimed actors and directors. Where else in the world could you ski straight off the mountain and onto a red carpet-event?
The WFF24 films will be announced on November 5, sign up for their e-news (newsletter sign up is in the footer of their website – bottom right) or follow their socials for details on industry passes and ticket packages.
Winter Carnival at The Point Artist-Run Centre
The Winter Carnival is celebrated in mid-February on the shores of Alta Lake at The Point Artist-Run Centre. It is a grassroots, feel-good, community celebration featuring a host of free afternoon activities that celebrate winter through the lens of the arts. Activities include snow and ice dancing, a snow sculpting competition, curling and shinny, hot drinks and food, live painting, music and more!
An evening concert in the heritage lodge features top musical and comedic talent from Whistler and across BC. Find out more on The Point’s website a bit closer to the time.
Go Whistler Tours
Consider downloading the free, Go Whistler Tours app to explore Whistler’s hidden nooks and crannies. The app showcases several self-guided routes you can take to delve into Whistler’s natural and resort history as well as the art and storytelling of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.
This is just a sampling of the arts and culture events happening in Whistler this fall and winter. With more events being announced all the time, be sure to take a look at Whistler.com’s event calendar for the most up-to-date listings and information.
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