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Keep your wallet in your pocket this November with our list of 42 FREE events happening in Vancouver this month. Enjoy Lumière YVR, holiday craft markets, and more.
For more things happening around town, check out our events section.
Fun events around town
Lumière YVR 2019
Stanley the heron / Lumiere
What: Lighting up English Bay, Jim Deva Plaza, Lot 19, and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, formerly known as the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Lumière is a series of light art installations, performances, and community-building initiatives.
When: November 1 to 3, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: English Bay, Jim Deva Plaza, Lot 19, and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, formerly known as the North Plaza of the Vancouver Art Gallery
Admission: Free
Lumière Block Party 2019
What: On each night of Lumière, from November 1 to 3, Public Disco will transform Davie Street and Bute Street into a tented pop-up venue, packed with art, live music, dance performances, and drag shows. Friday will see the party start with music by DJ Hao2 and Easy Bake Coven at 5 pm, followed by a dance performance at 6 pm, and a drag show featuring Alma B*tches and Continental Breakfast & PM at 8 pm. Saturday will have several different DJs performing from 3 pm onwards and dance performances between 4 pm and 10 pm. On Sunday, Bye Felicia will host an afternoon T-Dance with music and drag, as well as the party’s final drag show at 4 pm, featuring Amy Grindhouse, Coco, and Eva Scarlett.
Organizers say that the pop-up will also include a fully licensed bar, featuring Stanley Park Beer, Lonetree Cider, and Nude Vodka Soda.
When: November 1 to November 3, 2019
Time: Starting times vary based on date
Where: Bute and Davie St, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Bear Creek Park Lights
What: Explore illuminated trees and light displays throughout the water park and playground at Bear Creek Park. On opening and closing night, guests will be treated to family-friendly activities at a kids zone, food trucks, and roving performers. Visitors on November 9 will also enjoy music, performers and food presented by RED FM.
When: November 2 to November 15, 2019 (closed November 11)
Time: 6 to 9 pm daily
Where: Bear Creek Park – 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free
Harvest Festival Grand Finale Carnival
What: An Autumn celebration in Leigh Square featuring live music from local performers, beverage garden and BBQ, vendors, family photo booth by donation to Charlene Reaveley Childrens Charity, games and prizes, and more.
When: November 2, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Curatorial Tour at Richmond Art Gallery
What: Exhibition curator Shaun Dacey leads an in-depth tour of Cindy Mochizuki: Cave to Dream and Jon Sasaki: We First Need a Boat for the Rising Tide to Lift Us at Richmond Art Gallery.
When: November 2, 2019
Time: 1 to 2 pm
Where: Richmond Art Gallery at Richmond Cultural Centre — 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond
Admission: Free
Free Public Skate
Ice Skating ( hedgehog94 / Shutterstock)
What: Sport Surrey presents a free public skate at North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex on November 2. Learn about community resources, watch off-ice equipment demos, and enjoy complimentary warm drinks. Free gloves will also be given away to the first 100 children.
When: November 2, 2019
Time: 1 to 3 pm
Where: North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex — 10950 126A St, Surrey
Admission: Free
Let the Egg-citement Begin!
What: Learn about the salmon life cycle at Kanaka Creek Regional Park’s fish fence, and then visit the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre for their Open House. Check out displays and presentations while you explore the indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
When: November 3, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Kanaka Creek Regional Park — 11450 256th St, Maple Ridge
Admission: Free
Everywhere From Here: New works by David Wilson
What: Vancouver painter David Wilson has had his work collected nationally and internationally with an extensive history of solo and group exhibitions. His latest exhibition, Everywhere From Here, is being shown at a pop-up gallery on Granville Island.
When: Now until November 5, 2019
Time: 11 am to 6 pm daily or by appointment
Where: 1387 Railspur Alley, Granville Island, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Thursday Artist Talk: Suzie Hartford, “A Garden of Wings”
What: Suzie Hartford shares over a dozen different sets of angel wings during her Thursday Artist Talk about her 2019 collection, “A Garden of Wings”.
When: November 7, 2019
Time: 7:30 to 9 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery – 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free
Winter Treasures
What: The 5th Annual Winter Treasures features handcrafted gifts, fine crafts, art, and décor by local artisans. The Winter Treasures Artisan Market is held in conjunction with Blackberry Gift Shop’s annual Christmas Marketplace.
When: November 12 to December 18, 2019
Time: Various times
Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns St, Port Moody
Admission: Free
Piper Spit Bird Count
What: Get to know the birds in your backyard and keep an eye out for rare ones at Piper Spit Bird Count. Bring binoculars and join a park interpreter to see seasonal changes in birds at Burnaby Lake. Ages 15+ only.
When: November 12, 2019
Time: 9 am to 11 pm
Where: Burnaby Lake Regional Park – Meet at Burnaby Lake Nature House, 4519 Piper Ave, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Dixon Craft Fair 2019
What: The Dixon Craft Fair features items for sale from local artists and creators, as well as a cake walk, face painting for children, tree decorating, and more. There will also be a wines-around-the-world auction, silent auction and 50/50 draw, and raffle prizes. Proceeds go to Dixon PAC.
When: November 13, 2019
Time: 6 to 8:30 pm
Where: Dixon Elementary School – 9331 Diamond Rd, Richmond
Admission: Free
Birding Walks in Surrey Parks
What: A local naturalist leads a birding walk through a Surrey park where you can see the various birds of the city. Learn about Surrey’s diverse habitats while exploring the park.
Walks are drop-in and will happen rain or shine but may be cancelled due to high winds or extreme weather conditions. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Binoculars will be available to borrow as well.
When: November 16, December 21, 2019, January 18, February 15, March 21, April 18, May 16, 2020
Time: 9 am to 11 am
Where: Various parks in Surrey
Admission: Free
Julmarknad – Swedish Christmas Market
What: Swedish Cultural Society’s 2019 Swedish Christmas Market features two days of holiday gift shopping, along with coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and pastries.
When: November 16 to November 17, 2019
Time: 11 am to 4 pm
Where: Scandinavian Community Centre – 6540 Thomas St, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Native Bee Society of BC – Inaugural AGM 2019
What:The Native Bee Society of British Columbia hosts their Inaugural AGM event, and everyone is welcome. The event will include speakers delivering Native Bee Talks, locally grown tea and homemade snacks, along with informative displays, a pollinator corridor walk led by Brian Campbell, and the AGM.
When: November 17, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: The Red Barn at Terra Nova Park (hosted by the Sharing Farm Society) — 2631 Westminster Highway, Richmond
Tickets: Online, Free
20th Annual Hyde Creek Salmon Festival
What: All ages are invited to observe salmon up close and learn about their life cycle through educational displays and exhibits, salmon dissections, and in-stream demonstrations. There will also be guided nature walks, a live eagle presentation, food trucks, children’s activities, and more.
When: November 17, 2019
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Hyde Creek Recreation Centre — 1379 Laurier Avenue, Port Coquitlam; Hyde Creek Education Centre & Hatchery — 3636 Coast Meridian Road, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
In the BAG Family Sundays
What: Visit Burnaby Art Gallery for a different family-friendly art project this fall. November’s project is Collecting Memories, and December’s project is Wayfinding with Water.
When: November 17 and December 15, 2019
Time: 1 to 4 pm, beginning on the hour and half-hour mark with the last at 3:30 pm
Where: Burnaby Art Gallery – 6344 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Deer Lake Craft Festival
What: The annual Deer Lake Craft Festival features over 60 artisans selected by a jury for their high-quality handcrafted creations. Browse and buy from sculptors, fashion and jewellery designers, bakers, and more. There will also be live entertainment and a cookie-decorating station for children.
When: November 22, November 23, and November 24, 2019
Time: 11 am to 7 pm (Friday), 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Where: Shadbolt Centre for the Arts – 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Nature Work Parties
What: Help remove invasive plants at Hazelnut Meadows Community Park. Tools, training, and light refreshments will be provided. No experience is required. Drop-in, rain or shine, though events may be cancelled in high winds or extreme weather conditions. Wear appropriate clothing for outdoor winter activities.
When: November 23, 2019, January 11, 2020, February 8, 2020
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Hazelnut Meadows Community Park – 14069 68 Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free
7th Annual Christmas Tree Festival
What: Get in the festive spirit by checking out the Christmas trees at the Port Coquitlam Museum and Archives and partner locations Leigh Square, Terry Fox Library, and City Hall.
When: November 23, 2019 to January 4, 2020
Time: Various times
Where: PoCo Heritage Museum and Archives – 150-2248 McAllister Ave, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market
What: The City of Surrey will be hosting its annual Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market with a 60-foot-tall Christmas tree. Visitors will be able to enjoy live music and performances by Begonia, Leisure Club, Hotel Mira, and more. Between sets, attendees can ride the Tree Lighting Express, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, or check out the many activities, including holiday market and village, food trucks, and holiday fun zone.
When: November 23, 2019
Time: 12 to 8 pm (tree lighting at 6:30 pm)
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza and Atrium – 13450 104th Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free
Heart to Home Holiday Market
What: The Heart to Home Holiday Market features local artists’ creations, including chocolates, jams and jellies, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, and more. Hot apple cider and live music will be served.
When: November 23 and 24, 2019
Time: 12 to 5 pm
Where: Surrey Arts Centre – 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free
Heritage Christmas
What: Take a trip back to holidays past at Burnaby Village Museum with Heritage Christmas. See vintage-themed displays, listen to live music, and enjoy theatre performances. There will also be crafts for children, baking in the Farmhouse, and visits with Father Christmas.
When: November 23, 2019, to January 3, 2020 (closed December 24 and 25)
Time: Various times
Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby
Admission: Free, carousel rides $2.65
Edmonds Festival of Lights
What: Visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and hot dogs, and check out the live entertainment and activities. Then watch as the huge tree is lit.
When: November 23, 2019
Time: 2:30 to 5:30 pm
Where: Edmonds Community Centre – 7433 Edmonds St, Burnaby
Admission: Free
CandyTown – A Yaletown Holiday Festival
CandyTown horse carriage/Image: Jade Stone Photography
What: The Yaletown Business Improvement Association hosts the eighth annual free outdoor Christmas festival, CandyTown. Holiday shoppers can finish their shopping list at the local merchants and specialty market while enjoying roaming holiday characters, live music and carolling, and food trucks. There will also be horse-carriage rides by donation, visits with Santa and the Ice Queen, and more.
When: November 30, 2019
Time: 12 to 7 pm
Where: Yaletown
Admission: Free
Lights at Lafarge Lake
What: Lights at Lafarge Lake is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver and features more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The outdoor display wraps its way entirely around the lake, leading visitors on a 1.2-km loop through 10 themed zones. The display is located just steps from SkyTrain’s Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station, and the lights will remain on from dusk each night until 11 pm.
When: Starting Saturday, November 30, 2019
Time: Dusk to 11 pm daily
Where: Town Centre Park – 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Commemorate Remembrance Day
Victory Square Cenotaph
@johntbullock/Instagram
What: In honour of veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of Canada, the City of Vancouver is holding its annual Remembrance Day ceremony and parade at Victory Square. Over 15,000 participants and citizens attend the oldest continuing annual ceremony in Vancouver each year.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: Starts at 10 am
Where: Victory Square – 200
Admission: Free
Port Moody Remembrance Day Ceremonies & Parade
What: Events start with a non-denominational service at Kyle Centre. Then the parade goes around the block to Port Moody Arts Centre for a two-minute silence, act of remembrance, and laying of wreaths at Port Moody Arts Centre Monument. Ceremony finishes with a 21-Gun Cannon Salute at Seymour Artillery.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 11 am
Where: Port Moody Arts Centre – 2425 St. Johns Street, Port Moody
Admission: Free
Surrey Remembers
What: Take in the Remembrance Day service at the Cloverdale Cenotaph in Veterans Square at 10:25 am on November 11. Then check out the family-friendly activities at the Museum of Surrey and Surrey Archives.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 9:30 am to 1 pm
Where: Veterans Square — 17710 56A Ave, Surrey
Admission: Free
Richmond Remembrance Day Ceremony
What: The City of Richmond invites the public to observe and participate in the annual Remembrance Day ceremony. The parade starts at 10:20 am, and official ceremonies at the City Hall Cenotaph will follow at 10:40 am. Two minutes of silence will take place at 11 am followed by wreath-laying.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:20 to 11:30 am
Where: Richmond City Hall – 6911 No. 3 Rd, Richmond
Admission: Free
West Vancouver Remembrance Day Ceremony
Remembrance Day poppies (Sergii Votit/Shutterstock)
What: Led by The Royal Canadian Legion – West Vancouver Branch #60, the West Vancouver Remembrance Day Ceremony features a parade starting at 10:45 am and a service starting at 10:55 am.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:45 to 11:30 am
Where: Memorial Arch in Memorial Park – Marine Drive between 19th St and 20th St
Admission: Free
Port Coquitlam Remembrance Day
What: Port Coquitlam’s Remembrance Day begins with the Wilson Centre Service. Then veterans and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #133, will lead a parade from the Wilson Centre along Wilson Avenue to Shaughnessy Street to the Cenotaph services at Veterans Park.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 9:30 to 10:30 am (Wilson Centre Service), 11 am (Cenotaph Remembrance Service)
Where: Wilson Centre – 2150 Wilson Ave, Port Coquitlam, Veterans Park – 2580 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony
What: Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #148 – North Burnaby. The parade begins at 10:45 am from Safeway parking lot, 4440 Hastings Street. Ceremony will be held at the Cenotaph in Confederation Park.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10:45 am to 12 pm
Where: North Burnaby Cenotaph, Confederation Park – Willingdon Ave and Penzance Dr, Burnaby
Admission: Free
Coquitlam Remembrance Day Ceremony
What: A march will take place from the Como Lake Middle School along Winslow Street to the Cenotaph on Veterans Way at Blue Mountain Park.
When: November 11, 2019
Time: 10 am at the school, 10:50 am at the Cenotaph, the march takes place at 10:40 am.
Where: Como Lake Middle School — 1121 King Albert Avenue
Admission: Free
Eat fresh with farmers’ markets
Riley Park and Nat Bailey Stadium Farmers’ Market
What: Each week you can look forward to finding locally grown vegetables and fruit, meat and seafood from local ranchers and fishermen, artisan cheese and bread, herbs and seasonal nursery items, baked goods, prepared foods, and artisanal crafts.
When: Open year-round on Saturday (except December 28)
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Riley Park Plaza – 50E. 30th Ave, Vancouver, Nat Bailey Stadium – 4601 Ontario Street, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Granville Island Public Market
@aguaconmiel/Instagram
What: Open year-round and boasting stalls of fresh, colourful produce, homemade products, and must-try eats. From the ocean, oven, or field — Granville Market has got it all. Grab items to-go or order some grub from one of the many established food vendors at this indoor market. You’re going to leave happy and full.
When: Open year-round, seven days a week
Time: 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 1661 Duranleau St, Granville Island
Admission: Free
Richmond Country Farms
What: Family-owned and operated for nearly 40 years, Richmond Country Farms is the farm stand adjacent to Highway 99 off Steveston. Open from early spring to just ahead of Christmas, the market has a bounty of fresh local produce and prepared goods.
When: Open Thursdays to Sundays until December 2019
Time: 9 am to 7 pm
Where: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
Admission: Free
UBC Farm Markets
What: The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems operates the UBC Farm and three weekly farmers’ markets (June through October) on campus, providing students, faculty, and staff the chance to engage with the community and support local farming. The market now accepts cash, credit, and debit.
When: Every Saturday until November 30, 2019
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: UBC Farm (UBC’s South Campus) – 3461 Ross Dr, Vancouver
Admission: Free
Burnaby Artisan Farmers’ Market
What: Launched in June 2008, this open-air market, situated in the North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall, offers visitors an assortment of food and craft stalls to peruse on Saturday mornings every Saturday until “at least Christmas” and possibly longer.
When: Every Saturday
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Where: North Parking Lot of Burnaby City Hall (4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Pkwy)
Admission: Free
Cannery Farmers’ Market
What: The Cannery Farmers’ Market is Steveston’s indoor winter market, held at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. This unique market features local food and artisan merchants, as well as live entertainment, inside a historic cannery setting. Admission to the museum is free on market days.
When: November 3 and 17, December 1, 8, and 15, 2019. February 9 and 23, March 8 and 22, April 5 and 19, 2020
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site – 12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond
Admission: Free
Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market
What: Established in 2008, the Port Moody Winter Farmers’ Market began as a bi-weekly market in the lobby and courtyard of the Port Moody Rec Centre. Now a weekly market, shoppers can stop by every Sunday for local BC produce, artisan crafts, and delicious baked goods.
When: Every Sunday from November 3, 2019 to April 26, 2020
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex – 300 Ioco Rd, Port Moody
Admission: Free
New West Winter Farmers’ Market
Maram/Shutterstock
What: The market features farm-fresh produce, plants, quality crafts from local artists and artisans, gourmet prepared foods, community information, live entertainment, and more.
When:
Time: 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Belmont St, New Westminster
Admission: Free
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