Although it feels like we skipped right over fall weather between ‘Augtober’ and now, November is about to arrive and we couldn’t be more excited for the season ahead. Holiday lights, winter festivals, art shows, and much more await Vancouver as we enter a new month. And we don’t know about you, but we fully plan on continuing to binge-watch Halloween movies and add to our growing pumpkin collection in the meantime. Let’s get into it: Here are 32 amazing things to do around Vancouver this November.
Live events & concerts
Kurtis Conner
View this post on Instagram
ICYMI, Kurtis Conner is a Canadian comedy legend who performs standup shows across the country and the U.S. If you’re in need of some serious laughs to start off the month, then look no further.
When: Wednesday, November 2nd
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Cost: $54.25
Post Malone
Post Malone is notorious for blending genres and taking names, and the singer-rapper is coming to Vancouver on Sunday, November 6th. From hits like White Iverson, Psycho (Ft. Ty Dolla $ign), and Rockstar (ft. 21 Savage), we’re sure there are plenty more in the making, and fans will definitely not want to miss this concert.
When: Sunday, November 6th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $174.93
Lizzo
View this post on Instagram
Get ready to party hard on a Monday, because when Lizzo’s in town – that absolutely calls for celebration. The crystal flute-playing Vanity Fair singer & rapper, fashionista, and cultural icon is a woman of so many talents, it’s near impossible to list them all out.
When: Monday, November 7th
Where: 800 Griffiths Way
Cost: $108.30+
Dominic Fike
Everyone’s favourite Euphoria anti-hero and singer-songwriter is coming to the Commodore on Tuesday, November 8th as part of his “Out of Order” tour. With the mass success of his Don’t Forget About Me, Demos and cover of Paul McCartney’s “The Kiss of Venus,” it’s hard to believe he got his start on Soundcloud, like so many other prominent talents of today.
When: Tuesday, November 8th
Where: 868 Granville Street
Cost: $112.32
IndieFest 2022
IndieFest brings together a plethora of emerging musicians and artists from all walks of life to highlight the stories and people that may have been overshadowed by history and tradition. From modern opera and Indigenous art to drag theatre, the festival has it all, taking place across several venues from November 16th to 27th. With 14 in-person events to choose from, we’re sure this year’s program will achieve its goal of inspiring collective healing and a new generation of storytelling.
Part of the festival is the Canadian premiere of Ange’s Bone, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opera exploring the implications of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, which are often overlooked in Canada. The opera will be performed from November 25th to 27th at the Annex Theatre.
When: November 16th to November 27th
Where: Multiple locations
Surrey’s annual Tree Lighting Festival
With the unveiling of a huge 60-foot Christmas tree, the City of Surrey is officially back with their iconic Tree Lighting Festival this month. In addition to stunning light displays and installations, guests can peruse local artisan vendors, enjoy live choir and comedy shows, a ballet performance of The Nutcracker, and of course, photos with Santa. Oh, and did we mention the festival is completely free??
When: Saturday, November 19th
Where: 13450 104 Avenue, Surrey Civic Plaza
Cost: Free
Blue Rodeo
The Toronto-born country rock band has truly had one of the most successful careers as a contemporary Canadian band, having released 16 full-length studio albums, four live recordings, and one ‘greatest hits’ album. Members of Blue Rodeo have a long history of collaborating with other Canadian greats, including Cowboy Junkies, Sarah McLachlan, Burton Cummings, and much more.
When: Tuesday, November 22nd
Where: 630 Hamilton Street
Cost: $42
The Offspring
This one we’ve included even if it’s not technically in Vancouver. But for any hardcore alt-rock or punk-rock fan out there, a day trip to Abbotsford to see The Offspring is well worth every penny.
When: Saturday, November 26th
Where: 33800 King Road, Abbotsford
Cost: $66.25
Lumagica 2022
View this post on Instagram
Also taking place in Surrey at the end of the month is Lumagica – one of Metro Vancouver’s most beloved holiday light festivals. With interactive displays, festive treats, and live music – think of this as your one-stop-shop for holiday entertainment.
When: November 25th to December 30th
Where: 17607-17905 62 Avenue, Surrey
Cost: $14.02-$25.27
Arts & Culture
The Prop Master’s Dream
A new fusion opera based on the true-life story of Wah-Kwan Gwan (1929-2000) by the Vancouver Cantonese Opera is happening on Saturday, November 5th – so mark your calendars! The story follows the legendary prop master with Chinese and Indigenous heritage, and reveals his struggle for identity and belonging in Vancouver.
When: Saturday, November 5th
Where: 823 Seymour Street
Cost: $35-$45
DanceHouse presents Paris Opera Ballet
Play by Alexander Ekman performed by Paris Opera transforms the historic Palais Garnier into a massive playground for 36 dancers, all of whom are encouraged to improvise with creative sets & elements at their disposal. From November 7th to 27th, this visually magnificent performance can be streamed online via DanceHouse + Digidance.
When: November 7th to November 27th
Where: Virtual
Cost: $16.14 for one person, $26.14 for one household
Keeping the Song Alive at the Bill Reid Gallery
The Bill Reid Gallery has a ton of inspiring exhibits throughout the year, and we’re marking our calendars for the opening celebration of Keeping the Song Alive on November 5th. Co-developed by the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC, the exhibit dives into the cultural significance of song for the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples. Keeping the Song Alive celebrates the spiritual power of music and ceremony and preserves this through art for current & future generations.
Pro-tip: If you’re looking to check out the rest of the gallery, note that the gallery offers free admission from 2 to 5 pm on the first Friday of every month.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 639 Hornby Street
Cost: $13 GA
Woman, Life, Liberty: Feminist Cinema from Iran
The Polygon is screening feminist films from Iran every Thursday this month in solidarity with the women of Iran & those facing persecution. Below is a complete list of the films that will be shown, which you can read more about here.
- A Girl Walks Alone at Night (dir. Ana Lily Amirpour) – November 3rd
- Appropriate Behavior (dir. Desiree Akhavan) – November 10th
- The Day I Became a Woman + The House is Black (dir. Marzieh Meshkini) – November 17th
- Offside (dir. Jafar Panahi) – November 24th
Note that all films are in Persian, but will include English subtitles. Admission is by donation, and all screenings begin at 7 pm.
When: Every Thursday in November
Where: 101 Carrie Cates Court
Cost: By donation
Hang out at Science World
Science World has been delighting kids and adults alike for decades and is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re browsing the permanent collection, checking out what’s new, or just there for Science World After Dark after a couple of brews at CRAFT, you really can’t go wrong with a visit or two this season.
Where: 1455 Quebec Street
Cost: $27.62, reserve your timeslot online
Vancouver Art Gallery
It never hurts to see what exhibitions are going on at Vancouver Art Gallery at any given time. This month, you can check out “Offsite” by Lani Maestro, and “A Line That Bends but Does Not Break,” and much more.
When: Open throughout November
Where: 750 Hornby Street
Cost: $29 GA
Pop-up Latin dance classes
This month, Vancouver Civic Theatres is hosting a series of $10 pop-up Latin dance classes at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Salons. If you’ve been looking to connect with other dance enthusiasts or learn some new steps, this is a great opportunity to do both.
When: Friday, November 18th
Where: 630 Hamilton Street
Cost: $10
Food & Drink
The Vancouver Cheese and Meat Festival
View this post on Instagram
Lovers of all things charcuterie – this is for you. The iconic Cheese and Meat Fest is coming to the Pipe Shop in North Van this November, and tickets are a hot item. Guests can expect to mingle with various artisanal food and beverage vendors with samples of their finest creations (including vegan options) – and all with a personal charcuterie board in hand.
When: Saturday, November 5th
Where: The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver
Cost: $95.75+
Vancouver Christmas Market
We put this under ‘food & drink’ because let’s be real, when we head to the Vancouver Christmas Market every year, it’s always hot pretzels and mulled wine on our minds. The fact that you can enjoy a little holiday shopping action and hang out with Santa is just a bonus.
When: Opens Saturday, November 12th
Where: Jack Poole Plaza
Cost: $18 for GA
Tacofino Brewery Series
View this post on Instagram
Tacofino is bringing back its iconic Brewery Dinner Series is back after a two-year hiatus, and you’ll definitely want to mark your calendars for this. On November 24th, expect delicious eats and a lineup of local brews from Strange Fellows Brewing.
When: Thursday, November 24th
Where: 8 East 5th Avenue
Cost: $64.67
Treat yourself to some pasta
Recently we’ve been craving some Italian food, which means that it’s only fair that we share the journey with you. And while it’s hard to pick a favourite (or even several) amongst the sea of amazing Italian spots in the city, we’re certainly up to the task of trying. From Robba da Matti to Mangia Cucina & Bar, here are some tasty spots to try out this month.
Where: See our picks above
Hit up a covered patio
It should go without saying the patio season is not just for the summer. And with classic options like Banter Room to newer additions like Batch on Plaza (now with a tent & fire pits!) – covered patio season sure is bringing its A-game so far.
Where: See our picks above
Get a drink at a lobby bar
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up in your favourite outfit and indulge in a cocktail or two, consider this list as good a reason as any. Lobby bars make for a great after-work spot or date night destination. From sushi at the Lobby Lounge & Rawbar to happy hour at H Tasting Lounge – you’ll definitely feel like the main character during a visit to one of these.
Where: See our picks above
Cozy up at a neighbourhood cafe
Whether you want to visit a classic Vancouver coffee shop or bunker down for some serious work/studying, we guarantee that the city has a cafe for everyone.
Where: See our picks above
Try some authentic bannock
Bannock is a delicious pan-fried bread that First Nations across the country have been making for centuries, and there are several Indigenous-owned spots around the city where you can try authentic bannock. Support Indigenous-owned businesses and try some new cuisine in the process!
Shopping
The largest Christmas store in Western Canada
You read that right. Potters 192 transforms into the ultimate winter wonderland of the shopping world every year. And with over 28,000 square feet of ornaments, lights, gifts, and niche decorations – you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for.
When: Now open
Where: 19158 48th Avenue, Surrey
Herschel Supply Warehouse Sale
View this post on Instagram
And let’s not forget that Herschel is having its first-ever warehouse sale this month! From crossbody bags and water-resistant backpacks to fall wardrobe staples like flannel ‘shackets,’ rain gear, and comfy loungewear – Herschel covers all the bases.
When: Thursday, November 10th to Sunday, November 13th
Where: 999 Canada Place
Thrift some vintage fits
From Community Thrift to Mintage Mall, to all the hidden gems in between, here are some fantastic places to peruse if you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe with some cool vintage finds this month.
Where: See our picks above
Outdoors & Sports
Whistler Blackcomb Winter 2022/23
View this post on Instagram
Believe it or not, the start of the winter season is just around the corner at Whistler Blackcomb, and with 18 new chairlifts and gondolas, a restaurant upgrade, and new snow investments – we’re sure this season is slated to be the best one yet. Currently, adult day passes are priced at $99 per day, and Epic Passes start at $370.
When: Opening on Thursday, November 24th
Where: Whistler, BC
Vancouver Giants
Switching gears a bit, the month wouldn’t be complete without a little action from the Vancouver Giants. Head to the Arena Bowl at the Langley Events Centre on Friday, November 18th for their home game against the Blazers. Tickets start at just over $20 a pop, and you can view the full list of home games scheduled for this season here.
When: Several dates in November
Where: 7888 200 Street Langley
Cost: $23.70+
Wander through VanDusen
Ok, time for an outdoor option (the sun still can shine in the fall!). Thanks to its incredible array of plants and flowers, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is a beautiful option any time of year. And on a nicer day, it’s a downright otherworldly experience for you and that special someone to stroll through.
Where: 5151 Oak Street
Check out the Bloedel Conservatory
You’re either a flora person or a fauna person and luckily, the Bloedel Conservatory has got both of them in spades. Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, this is the place to have a colourful getaway on a grey, drizzly Vancouver day. Escape the downpour and meet some pretty cool tropical birds in the process. And QE Park is certainly a stunning backdrop this time of year.
Where: 4600 Cambie Street
Cost: $3.55 – $7.05 depending on age
Go on a fall hike
View this post on Instagram
BC is absolutely stunning in autumn, and the season is about to bring changing colours and beautiful fall foliage with it. Explore our beautiful province and get your steps in for the month.
Where: Check out our picks above
And that’s a wrap on things to do in Vancouver this November, folks. We hope you make the most of it and manage to stay dry for the most part! Some puddle-splashing encouraged.
