20 things to do in Vancouver this weekend: November 24 and 25

The last weekend of November has arrived, so let’s get it going with our list of 20 things to do this weekend, Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26, 2017. CandyTown, Beanstock Coffee Festival, and more.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

We Are Canadians, Too!

• What: Supported in part by the Government of Canada as an official Canada 150 event, “We Are Canadians, Too!” is a one day celebration of Canada designed to visualize diversity!  Showcasing the perspectives of first generation immigrants and newcomers, the free event will feature “Celebrate the Accents” program focusing on the art of communication; “Cultural Fabrics” fashion exhibition in partnership with Vancouver Fashion Week; “Narrative of Beauty” ballet performance by Pacific DanceArts and Coastal City Ballet; a Multicultural BBQ Market, and more.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: 11 am to 10 pm
• Where:  Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza, Playhouse
• Admission: Free

CandyTown

• What: The sixth annual CandyTown is coming to Yaletown on November 25 for a day of holiday entertainment, arts and crafts, festive cocktails, and of course, candy. Last year more than 15,000 people attended the event, and the Yaletown Business Improvement Association expects even more this year. CandyTown will have a number of events geared towards kids, and there will also be a candy hut where kids can make candy necklaces and kebabs. Crafts, face painting, and tutorials on making balloon animals will all be present as well.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: Noon to 7 pm
• Where: Yaletown – 1152 Mainland Street, Vancouver
• Admission: Free

Christmas Queen Drag Race

• What: What happens when two queens come together? A lot of racy, outrageous hilarity and wicked wit. Join VTSL’s own Christmas Queen with her special guest co-host, drag star The Unstoppable Conni Smudge for the ‘be-jewelling’ of a new Drag Diva.
• When: Saturdays from November 25 to December 23.
• Time:  11:15 pm
• Where: The Improv Centre – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $10.75-$15.75

Strathcona Winter Craft Fair

• What: The Strathcona Winter Craft Fair offers 15% of its tables to not-for-profit vendors free of charge, and it also features artists representing Vancouver’s Strathcona and Eastside communities. With an emphasis on local and grassroots vendors, you’ll feel great heading here to get your holiday gifts. Free parking for this fair is available via Pender Street at Princess Avenue.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 4 pm
• Where: Strathcona Community Centre Gymnasium – 601 Keefer Street, Vancouver
• Price: $2 at the door, kids under 12 free

Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair

• What: The 35th annual Dunbar Holiday Craft Fair will feature thousands of handmade crafts, 140 local artisans, various entertainers, and prizes. Over 2,000 people attend each year and find wonderful gifts and delicious prepared foods such as cakes, cookies, jams, and jellies.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm
• Where: Dunbar Community Centre – 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
• Price: $5 admission at door, $4 online

Youngblood 

• What: What started as the creative release of Alexis Young, the music of Youngblood is dreamy but insistent, a feather-soft pillow of lush sound anchored by electronic grooves. Youngblood has already landed in the regional Top 10 of CBC Music’s nation-wide Searchlight competition, and won a coveted spot in the JUNO Master Class artist-development program. Featuring special guests Art d’Ecco and Maiah Manser.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: Doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm.
• Where: Biltmore Cabaret – 2755 Prince Edward Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $9.99-$18

Comedy Bucket: Panel Edition

• What: Kyle Bottom’s Comedy Bucket is back with new hosts Gavin Matts and Ryan Williams. Comedians pull audience suggestions from a bucket and come up with stand up on the spot, while Ryan and Gavin interrupt/help them from a panel. Featuring Benji Rothman, Pam Choi, Aaron Charles Read, Chris Robinson and more.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: 10:30 pm
• Where: Little Mountain Gallery – 195 East 26th Avenue, Vancouver
• Tickets: $5, comics get in free

Christmas Craft Fair

• What: Up to 170 vendors all with home-made crafts, baking, jewellery, foodie items and more. Concession stand available with yummy treats.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 4 pm
• Where: Steveston Community Centre – 4111 Moncton Street, Richmond
• Admission: By donation in support of the Steveston Park Playground upgrade or a non-perishable food item in support of the Richmond Food Bank.

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival

• What: This year’s Surrey Tree Lighting Festival features a holiday market, a Holiday Fun Zone and live entertainment. The lighting of Surrey’s 55-foot Christmas tree—one of the tallest Christmas trees in Canada – will be at 6:30pm with the Mayor and Council joining Santa to turn the switch.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: Noon to 7 pm
• Where: Surrey City Hall – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
• Admission: Free

Hype City 2

• What: The ultimate sneaker and streetwear convention is returning to the city this weekend. Hype City 2 is set to take over the Vancouver Convention Centre on Saturday, November 25, for one day filled with high-end footwear and apparel.  Presented by the Vancouver Streetwear Community (VSC) and the Vancouver Sneakerheads Group, the highly-anticipated event is set to be even bigger and better than before. You can go along to the event to buy, sell, and trade rare streetwear items.
• When: Saturday, November 25, 2017
• Time: Noon to 6 pm
• Where: Vancouver Convention Center – 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
• Tickets: $15 – Presale tickets available via Vancouver Streetwear

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Portobello West Holiday Market

• What: Hosted by the non-profit society Portobello West, the market gives attendees the opportunity to shop local for yourself, family and friends. The event includes offerings from over 90 local BC Artisans, Food Trucks, Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, and Live Entertainment.
• When: November 25 and 26, 2017
• Time: 11 am to 5 pm
• Where: Creekside Community Centre – 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver
• Tickets: Online, $2, children under 12 free

T.E.N. Flying Dance Studio 10th Anniversary Gala

• What: Flying Dance Studios (FDS) was created by YingYing Wang and emerged into the Vancouver dance scene in 2007 as one of the few Chinese-run dance studios in the area. FDS provides classes for new and old-school hip-hop, street jazz, popping and locking all of which are taught by award-winning choreographers.
• When: Sunday, November 26, 2017
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: River Rock Casino Resort – 8811 River Road, Richmond
• Admission: Online, $28-$68

Beanstock Coffee Festival

• What: Beanstock Coffee Festival is going down on Sunday, November 26 at 298 Alexander Street (a warehouse in Railtown) and if you love yourself a good cup of Joe, you’re going to want to check it out. Expect food and pastry vendors, wine, beer, and of course, a hell of a lot of coffee. Attendees can enjoy checking out 25 micro roasters, an espresso bar, a coffee education centre, and much more.
• When: Sunday, November 26, 2017
• Time: 10 am to 5 pm
• Where: 298 Alexander Street, Vancouver
• Tickets: $15-$45; buy online

Heritage Christmas

• What: ​Heritage Christmas with old-fashioned fun. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians.
• When: Now to January 5, 2018
• Time: November 25 to December 15: Monday to Friday 1 to 5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 9 pm; December 16 to January 5: daily 1 to 9 pm (closed December 24 and 25)
• Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
• Admission: Free

5th Annual Christmas Tree Festival

• What: Check out the Christmas Trees at the Port Coquitlam Museum and Archives and partner locations Leigh Square, Terry Fox Library, and City Hall. Take part in the Christmas Tree Festival Scavenger Hunt for more festive fun.
• When: Now to December 31, 2017
• Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Ave Port Coquitlam
• Price: Free

Walt Dismal Presents

• What: Impossible Things Productions presents parody sketches and songs inspired by animated classics. Featuring Garett Doran Moran, Angela Pallister, Casey Por, Abbey St. Brendan, Claire Catharine Temple, Chris Wood and hosted by Michael W McIntyre as Walt Dismal.
  
• When: Sunday, November 26, 2017
• Time: 7 pm
• Where: The Kino — 3456 Cambie Street, Vancouver
• Admission: By Donation

Scandinavian Craft Fair 2017

• What: ​​Enjoy a different spin on Santa season at Vancouver’s annual Scandinavian Craft fair. The event, which takes place at the Scandinavian Centre in Burnaby, will play host to a gaggle of great local vendors serving up Finnish and Scandinavian crafts alongside regional baked goods. The Scandinavian Deli will also be open for lunch.
• When: Sunday, November 26, 2017
• Time: 11 am to 4 pm
• Where: Vancouver Finlandia Club – 6540 Thomas Street, Burnaby
• Admission: Free entry and free parking.

Lights at Lafarge Winter Lights Display

• What: More than 100,000 twinkling lights will illuminate Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam this holiday season, in a magical outdoor display for visitors of all ages. The Lights at Lafarge Winter Lights Display is one of the largest free outdoor light events in the Lower Mainland, and this year’s spectacle will be even bigger and brighter than ever before. The display will wrap its way entirely around Lafarge Lake, leading visitors on a 1.2-km loop through 10 themed zones. There will also be roving performers, hot chocolate, festive choirs, and even a holiday fair.
• When: Now to January 21, 2018
• Time: Dusk to 11 pm
• Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
• Price: Free admission

Hopscotch Vancouver

• What: Now in its 22nd year, Hopscotch Vancouver is back with six days of celebrating libations, including Scotch and other whiskies, craft and premium beer, craft and premium spirits, wine and food has been given a facelift. This year, the festival ditched its corporate vibes and will be offering the public the chance to try over 400 products. Get your tickets to a variety of events including master classes, satellite events, and the exclusive Hopscotch Dinner.
• When: Now to Sunday, November 26, 2017
• Time: Various
• Where: Various locations around Vancouver
• Tickets: Buy via Ticket Leader

Dundarave Festival of Lights

• What: The annual Dundarave Festival of Lights kicks off with a Christmas tree decorating beach party on November 26. On the four Saturdays leading up to Christmas, stop by for an afternoon of free concerts to spark your Christmas spirit. The official lighting of the Festival’s Christmas tree forest takes place at dusk. The Christmas trees will remain on display until December 31.
• When: Now to December 25, 2017
• Where: Dundarave Park, West Vancouver
• Admission: Free