Whistler’s festivals, events and animation lineup announced for summer and fall

Publication Date: July 30, 2021

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There is always something happening in Whistler, once again

Events are coming back to Whistler! As British Columbia continues to progress through the Provincial Government’s Restart Plan, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is thrilled to release the upcoming schedule for festivals, events and animation.

Highlights include the Explore and Experience summer animation program and Tokyo Olympics broadcast, as well as events like the Whistler Half Marathon, Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra, Craft Beer Month and the Whistler Writers Festival. All events are being held in accordance with the Step 3 guidance in the province’s COVID-19 Restart Plan.

“After an almost a year and a half hiatus, it is wonderful to have festivals and events back on the calendar. This will be one key part of revitalizing Whistler economically and socially now that COVID-19 restrictions are lifting,” said Councillor Cathy Jewett, who is the Council representative on the Festivals, Events and Animation (FE&A) Oversight Committee. “This feels like a return of the Whistler energy we’ve all missed. The community has been waiting for these opportunities: from local mountain bike races to international art exhibitions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Stakeholders and staff involved in the festivals, events and animation decisions will continue to apply a strategic lens so programming drives room nights by adding value and reinforcing confidence that Whistler is a safe destination to visit. Thank you to everyone involved for your dedication, resilience and professionalism.”

Tokyo 2020 Games

The Tokyo 2020 Games will be shown daily on the big screen in Whistler Olympic Plaza until Sunday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., subject to change. Due to the time difference, the content will be daily highlights and replays.

Join other spectators on the Great Lawn to cheer on the athletes, as well as reminisce about when the 2010 Olympic Winter Games took place in Whistler. Go Team Canada!

Check whistler.ca/events for any changes to daily scheduling.

Events and Festivals Schedule

Events and festivals scheduled include:

  • Back Forty marathon XC mountain bike rice – September 11
  • RBC GranFondo Whistler September 2021 challenge – announcement coming soon
  • Whistler X Triathlon – September 12
  • West Side Wheel Up mountain bike race – September 18
  • Brandywine Boogie trail run – September 18
  • Whistler Alpine Meadows trail running races – September 25 to 26
  • Whistler Craft Beer Month – October 1 to 30
  • Cornucopia, Whistler’s Celebration of Food & Drink – announcement coming soon
  • Comfortably Numb trail race – October 2
  • Whistler Half Marathon – October 9 to 10
  • The Whistler Turkey Trot – October 11
  • Whistler Writers Festival – October 14 to 17
  • Canadian National Enduro Series – October 15 to 17
  • Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra – October 16
  • Audain Art Museum: Jean-Paul Riopelle Exhibition – October 23 to February 21
  • Whistler Film Festival – December 1 to 5

Planning for the winter season is underway, with future festivals, events and animation to be announced once confirmed.

Explore and Experience

The Explore and Experience summer animation programming, produced by the RMOW, showcases art, music, wellness classes and entertainment events every week from Wednesday to Saturday during July and August. Events include:
 

  • Live art and music – Ride, skate or walk to our Explore & Experience art & music tents to witness a local artist working on either a large canvas, an Adirondack chair, a garden planter or side table. There will be local musicians bringing the summer music vibes.
     
  • Fitness and yoga in Olympic Plaza – Local yoga teachers and fitness instructors will take people through an all-levels outdoor classes.  Stay at a safe distance from others while practicing, free of enclosed spaces, while enjoying nature and an in-person connection.
     
  • Mindful breathing – Breathwork is a powerful yet gentle tool for stress management, anxiety, PTSD, depression, body-mind resilience and release of emotional blockages. When combined with supporting integrative treatments, this practice can lead to a powerful shift in nervous system health as well as mental, spiritual, emotional and physical benefits. Join us for this introduction to mindful breathing.
     
  • Forest bathing – Connect with yourself and nature in this sensory forest journey. Experience sweet presence by opening each of your senses one by one. This short guided journey takes you into deep connection with the present moment by pausing to notice with what’s here, right now. Called “forest bathing” after the ancient art of delighting in nature, you may find that just being among trees and deliberately slowing down has a measurable effect on you.
     
  • Treeline aerials – Treeline Aerial is an ambiance-style show that feature performances with silks, hammocks, hoops, straps & aerial yoga.
     
  • Paintillo community mural – A large interactive paint-by-numbers mural, of beautiful landscapes of Whistler and the surrounding area taken by local photographer, Mitch Winton. Come and paint with us!
     
  • Moving Meadows and Planted Poetry display – Whistler artists, writers and residents came together to create Whistler’s Moving Meadow; an artistic and heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Whistler and the resilience of our community. The display showcases local art in the form of painted evergreen trees and planted poetry tributes that spring from the ground
     
  • Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre carving project – This summer, witness Qawam Redmond Andrews live carving and revival of a cedar log recovered from Rebagliati Park. The project will incorporate Redmond mentoring a young beginner Indigenous carver, while being mentored himself by established Indigenous carvers from both Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. A 10-foot pole will be created and gifted back to the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Every day Redmond and a support crew of one Indigenous Youth Ambassador will share stories of the land and the learnings they have gleaned from Elders.

Find the full Explore & Experience listings on the events calendar.

The FE&A program is funded through the Province of British Columbia’s Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT Hotel Tax).

“All this would not be possible without the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT Hotel Tax) funding we receive from the B.C. Provincial Government,” said Jewett. “This stable source of funding ensures that we continue to be a successful year-round resort that is a place where our community thrives, nature is protected and visitors are inspired.”

In addition to the RMOW’s FE&A program, Whistler hosts hundreds of other events each year. Regularly updated calendars are available on Whistler.ca/events and Whistler.com/events.

About the Festivals, Events and Animation program

Celebration is an essential component of Whistler’s culture. This was highlighted during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games when Whistler presented the most outstanding display of sport, the arts, and entertainment the resort had ever seen. The RMOW and resort partners continue to build on that momentum through the Festivals, Events and Animation (FE&A) program by developing and attracting a wide range of high-quality programs throughout the year including an exciting line-up of festivals and events for all ages and audiences.

The FE&A program is primarily funded by provincial Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT Hotel Tax) revenues collected in Whistler in support of tourism initiatives across the community.