All the Grey Cup events and parties happening in Vancouver this week
The Grey Cup Festival has kicked off, which means Vancouver is hosting a ton of fun events.
While there are many free things to do in the city, some of the best parties require tickets. Here is a full list of all the events taking place.
Team party HQ
- Date: November 14 to 16
- Time: 4 pm to 1 am on November 14, noon to 1 am (next day) on November 15 and 16
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
The team party HQ is one of the most well-known events during the Grey Cup Festival every year. Eight different rooms represent different teams and regions, including the Lions Den, Stamps House, Spirit of Edmonton, Stamps House, Riderville, Touchdown Manitoba, Eastern Social Hall, Montreal House, and Atlantic Schooners.
Tickets start at $29 for Thursday, November 14, and go up to $99 for a three-day pass.
Canada’s largest-ever drone show
- Date: November 15
- Time: 9:30 pm
- Location: Coal Harbour
The Grey Cup Festival will feature a drone show made from 1,000 units, making it the largest ever in Canadian history. Head down to Coal Harbour on the evening of November 15 to take in the spectacle.
The show will last 12 minutes and light up the night sky.
Saturday night concert
- Date: November 16
- Time: 7:30 pm PT
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
The night before the big game will feature an exciting concert featuring the Canadian Sam Roberts Band and The Trews. Tickets start at $75.
Sunday Funday! What’s everyone listening to today? pic.twitter.com/60JC2btLuA
— The Trews (@thetrews) November 3, 2024
Water-crossing zip line
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 to 8 pm on November 13, 11 am to 9 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Canada Place
Thrill-seekers will get the chance to try an exciting new experience, as a zip line has been installed at Canada Place.
The journey goes over water between the East and West Convention Centres, and riders will be suspended five stories above the ground.
First trip out on to the line!#GreyCupFestival #AllRoarsLeadToThis pic.twitter.com/LHKHgzCZbc
— The Grey Cup Festival (@GreyCupFestival) October 28, 2024
Block party
- Date: November 17
- Time: 10 am to 3 pm
- Location: BC Place
If you’re looking for a place to get excited before kickoff, the block party is the place for you. Bif Naked and Side One will be performing so there will be live music along with tons of food and drink. Tickets are available now and start at $75.
Indoor tailgate
- Date: November 17
- Time: 10 am to 2 pm
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
The indoor tailgate not only features performances from musical acts Tebey and The Heels, there is also stuff to eat and more fun. Your ticket includes food and two drinks. It’ll cost you $175 per person.
More than 20 free concerts
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 to 6:30 pm on November 13, 11:15 am to 7:30 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Entertainment Stage (Canada Place)
Music lovers will appreciate the chance to see more than 20 free concerts throughout the Grey Cup Festival. The tunes won’t stop as names like Chad Brownlee, Dear Rough, Delhi 2 Dublin, and more rock out.
The three latter days at the Entertainment Stage will each have a different theme.
- November 14: Global Sounds (celebrating diverse genres and cultures)
- November 15: Best of BC (artists born in BC)
- November 16: Wild West Coast (country music)
Free pancake breakfast
- Date: November 15-16
- Time: 11 am to 1 pm
- Location: Street Festival (Canada Place Way)
The Calgary Grey Cup Committee is holding a free pancake breakfast on Friday and Saturday. This is a tradition that dates back to the first-ever Grey Cup Festival in 1948.
Fans can expect free pancakes and sausages, live entertainment from house band “High Steppin’ Daddy,” Stampede-style giveaways and white-hat ceremonies, CFL cheer and dance team performances, and even an appearance from “Charlie Horse,” the Calgary Stampeders mascot.
Kickoff party
- Date: November 13
- Time: 6 to 8 pm
- Location: Canada Place
This is the first official event of the Grey Cup Festival and it should be a fun one. DJ Felix Cartal, known for his pop-up shows in Vancouver, will be performing for free to get the party started.
The end of the kickoff party will coincide with the start of the drone show.
Gameday backyard street party
- Date: November 17
- Time: 10 am to 3 pm
- Location: Terry Fox Plaza
There will be a party at Terry Fox Plaza just outside the arena before the Grey Cup. This is similar to the parties that have been hosted in the same area before BC Lions games all year. This one will feature cheap food and drinks as well as some free live music.
CFL Awards
- Date: November 14
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
The CFL Awards will be handed out on Thursday night ahead of the big game. If you want to celebrate the best of the best from this season, you can get a seat at the event. Tickets cost $175 before taxes and fees.
CFL Awards after-party
- Date: November 14
- Time: 9 pm to 1 am (next day)
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
If you’re looking for a late-night party on Thursday, there is an event going deep into the night. The CFL Awards after-party will have music, more food, and drinks. You need a Team Party pass, either the three-day or a single Thursday pass, to get into this after-party.
Gala dinner
- Date: November 15
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
For those who want a boujee event during the Grey Cup Festival, the gala dinner starts at $375 per person. 54-40 will be providing live music and the food will surely be delicious.
Spirit of Edmonton breakfast
- Date: November 16
- Time: 8 am to 12 pm
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
This is the 50th anniversary of this iconic Grey Cup Festival event. The breakfast is well-known among fans for being a highlight. Tickets are already sold out for this year.
Cheer team extravaganza
- Date: November 16
- Time: 12 pm to 2 pm
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (East)
All nine CFL teams will be represented by their dance teams, who will perform at the cheer extravaganza. There is no ticket required.
Street festival
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 pm to 8 pm on November 13, 11 am to 9 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Canada Place
The street festival will feature water-crossing zip lines, free concerts, food trucks, and other sponsor-led activities throughout the week.
Grey Cup Breakfast
- Date: November 16
- Time: 8 am to 11 am
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
There is another breakfast event going on and it’s hosted by Athletes in Action which exists to bridge sports and the Christian religion. Tickets are available for $110.
Esports entertainment
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 pm to 6 pm on November 13, 11 am to 9 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (East)
Gamers will be able to test their skills with daily esports tournaments inside the convention centre during the Grey Cup Festival. Fans can try out a Nintendo Switch or experience a real-life race car simulator with no ticket needed.
Family zone
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 pm to 8 pm on November 13, 11 am to 9 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (East)
The family zone has something for fans of all ages. There will be a mini football field, a mini zip line, and other activities designed for children. You do not need to make a purchase to enter.
Legends luncheon
- Date: November 15
- Time: 11 am
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
The legends luncheon is a great chance for CFL fans to rub elbows with some of the best players to ever play the game. More than 60 former CFL players will be in attendance. Tickets started at $225 per person but are all sold out.
Ultimate CFL fan experience
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 pm to 8 pm on November 13, 11 am to 9 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (East)
The CFL fan experience will be held inside the convention centre and offer fans a chance to test their skills. There will be a 40-yard dash, a passing test, a catching challenge and more. It’s free to attend this experience.
There will also be a variety of displays showcasing the history of Canadian football, both nationwide and in a British Columbia-specific lens.
Indigenous marketplace
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 pm to 8 pm on November 13, 11 am to 9 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (East)
Fans will be able to browse crafts from 17 unique Indigenous vendors and purchase a variety of goods.
Global pavilion
- Date: November 13 to 16
- Time: 4 pm to 8 pm on November 13, 11 am to 9 pm on November 14 to 16
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (East)
Local British Columbia culture will be displayed in this exhibit located inside the convention centre. It will have performances and displays showcasing the host province.
Commissioner addresses CFL fans
- Date: November 15
- Time: 10 am to 11 am
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (West)
CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie is holding a Q&A with fans that is free to attend.
Game day fan march to the stadium
- Date: November 17
- Time: 10 am to 3 pm
- Location: Vancouver Convention Centre (East) to Terry Fox Plaza
Fans will march with Ambrosie, the Grey Cup handler, and the trophy from the convention centre to the stadium on game day. There is no ticket needed for this march.