Get out and GO this May long weekend at Whistler's GO Fest

Back for a second year, GO Fest, Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival, welcomes outdoor lovers and adventure seekers to North America’s premier four-season mountain resort over the Victoria Day Long Weekend, May 15 to 18.

The festival is a celebration of mountain culture, commemorating the crossover between winter and summer and looks to bring visitors and the local community together for a first taste of what summer in the mountains is all about.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing in a lineup of great Canadian music to the heart of Whistler Village,” said Kristen Robinson, GO Fest organizer. “All of the bands we’re featuring are guaranteed to put on a show to remember and we’re really excited to showcase two local up-and-coming acts.”

Over the four days, seven performances take place on the GO Fest Main stage. Nova Scotia’s April Wine bring a mix of rock & roll and power ballads on Friday night, Victoria’s Current Swell bring sing-along ready roots to keep the crowd jamming on Saturday night and Sunday will see alt-country, rock fiddling from North Vancouver’s Dustin Bentall and fiddler Kendel Carson.

A trio of groups play the Monday matinée, including Will Ross Band playing classic rock, Pemberton’s Dakota Pearl playing rock & roll and Willa, former Whistler resident bringing edgy electro sound.

Image: GO Fest

Returning this year are many of the popular outdoor recreation clinics and arts attractions, including stand-up paddle boarding and running clinics, fly fishing and sailing. The Slush Cup also returns, challenging competitors to dress to impress and give it their all to clear a massive slush pit.

New to the festival is GO Enduro, a challenging four-stage race through Whistler’s rooty rainforest, and GO Fest Jump Jam, which will see riders jam on the jumps at the Whistler Dirt Jump Park. If you’re looking for something a little less intense, try DiscGO, a three-round disc golf tournament, or beach volleyball at GO Volleyfest.

While the Whistler Farmers’ Market opens on June 21, a special GO Fest market with 50 vendors will be setup throughout the long weekend. Find artisan goods like:

Pocket pies from Golden Crust Baked Goods
Mead and honey from Campbell’s Honey Farm and Meadery
Berry-topped, gluten-free funnel cake from Whistler Funnel Cake
Sausages from 100 Mile Ranch, the Snitchel Shack and the Caveman Grocer
Truffles and caramels from Chocohappy
Meat pies from The Pie Company
Savoury foods from Old Country Perogies

“We just see it as a perfect opportunity to add to this weekend and draw more people to the Upper Village,” said Chris Quinlan, Whistler Farmers’ Market manager.

Local artists and artisans will showcase their creations, including Mudslide ceramics, GDC Woodworking, Dihedral Designs bags and luggage and Vancouver impressionist Tom Anthill.

Image: GO Fest

The Whistler Film Festival’s Adventure Film Series brings a selection of six films from six countries, including Sunshine Superman, the true story of the father of BASE jumping Carl Boenish, and Antarctica: A Year on Ice, a visually stunning film going behind the scenes into the lives of the permanent population who live in the harshest place on Earth.

With over 50 things happening over the four-day festival, there really is something for everyone – the challenge starts with deciding what to do first! Get more information about the festival at whistler.com/events/gofest.

Whistler GO Fest 2015

When: May 15 to 18

Where: Whistler Blackcomb

For more information visit www.whistler.com/events/gofest.