What’s On This Fall & Winter: Whistler’s Arts & Culture Scene

Editor’s Note: This post was originally written in 2024, but has been updated by Dee Raffo with details about the 2025 arts and culture scene in Whistler.

Beneath the high-energy mountain adventures lies a thriving community of artists and curators showcasing the stories, art and enduring spirit that have shaped this region for generations.

Did you know that Whistler has an art museum that contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks and a large collection of works by Emily Carr? That there are over 130 Sea to Sky artists and artisans who are regularly featured in revolving exhibits at Arts Whistler? That you can connect with a Cultural Ambassador at the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh and L̓il̓wat7úl Cultural Centre and revel in the stories of the land you’re visiting? That you can see Olympic memorabilia at the Whistler Museum and join an artist-run workshop in a historic building on the shores of Alta Lake?

Below is a sample of what’s happening in Whistler’s arts and culture this fall and winter. You can also take a look at our events calendar and search by arts, culture and entertainment.

Audain Art Museum

Right in the heart of Whistler Village, the Audain Art Museum melds seamlessly with its environs thanks to internationally renowned Patkau Architects. Look for the six-metre-tall bronze sculpture, The Three Watchmen, by revered Indigenous artists James Hart (7idansuu), Xwalacktun and Levi Nelson (Svpyan), that connects the building with the Village Stroll.

The Audain’s Permanent Collection

A visit offers a diverse journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia, featuring nearly 200 works on display in its Permanent Collection. Spanning the 18th century to the present day, the Collection contains one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks, a large collection of works by Emily Carr, as well as art by important post-war modernists such as E.J. Hughes, Gordon Smith and Jack Shadbolt.

In addition to these historical works, it showcases art by internationally renowned, contemporary British Columbia artists, including Jeff Wall, Dana Claxton, Marianne Nicolson, Rodney Graham and Stan Douglas, among others.

Current Exhibitions at the Audain

The Audain brings unique and evolving exhibitions from Canada and around the world to Whistler.

This fall, the museum is host to a landmark exhibition featuring rarely seen drawings from the National Gallery of Canada’s renowned Prints and Drawings collection. Gathered Leaves: Discoveries from the Drawings Vault highlights masterpieces by Edgar Degas, Gustav Klimt, Edvard Munch, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, and many other celebrated artists, alongside newly acquired and never-before-displayed works.

The selection ranges from preparatory sketches for iconic paintings to striking depictions of history, mythology, portraiture, landscapes, abstraction, and intimate explorations of the human experience. The exhibit will be in Whistler until October 13, 2025.

The other visiting exhibit at the Audain this fall is internationally acclaimed Toronto-based artist Edward Burtynsky’s The Coast Mountains photography exhibit (on until September 15). Over the past 40 years, Burtynsky has focused his camera lens on the impact of human industry around the planet.

This display of recent works captures the pristine grandeur of British Columbia’s natural environment, while highlighting the pressing issue of glacier retreat due to global warming.

Audain Art Museum Events

The Audain hosts innovative and exciting events throughout the year, so make sure you check their events page. Here’s a selection of what’s happening at the Audain this fall.

The Art of the Cocktail: September 5 and October 31

These mixology events include gallery admission, cocktail instruction and a tasting; however, they all have a different art-connected theme. On September 5, it’s Back-to-School with cocktails inspired by classroom nostalgia, from crisp apple creations to playful takes on lunchbox favourites, with a fun 10-minute Art History mini-lesson.

On October 31, it’s a Halloween Potions Cocktail Class, exploring how artists through the ages have captured the mystical and supernatural. Come dressed to impress (costumes encouraged!) and toast to a wickedly creative night of spirits and storytelling.

Must be 19+ to attend. Limited tickets available.

Yoga at the Audain Art Museum

Revel in the stunning architecture of the Audain as you work through a calming, one-hour practice. Classes emphasize breathing, alignment and ease as you stretch and strengthen your body and mind. Registration includes access to the Museum galleries on the day of the yoga session.

Book Launch – 7IDANsuu James Hart: A Monumental Practice: October 30

Celebrate the extraordinary career of renowned Haida artist and Hereditary Chief, James Hart, with the official launch of 7IDANsuu James Hart: A Monumental Practice, a landmark publication.

This free public event is happening on Thursday, October 30, in partnership with the Whistler Writers Festival. Enjoy complimentary food and beverages while exploring the rich stories behind Hart’s carvings and sculptures, which are rooted in Haida traditions and recognized internationally.

The evening will highlight the artist’s profound impact on contemporary Indigenous art, with a chance to get your book copy signed by Hart and co-author Curtis Collins, Director and Chief Curator of the Audain Art Museum.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The resort town of Whistler is located on the shared, unceded territory of the Lil’wat People, known in their language as L̓il̓wat7úl, and the Squamish people, known in their language as Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is a place where both distinct cultures meet, grow and are shared.

Museum admission includes a “What We Treasure” guided tour. Every tour is unique as each Cultural Ambassador draws on their personal stories and experiences to bring the artifacts to life, and includes a welcome song and an inspiring short film.

Some ceremonial clothing and canoes on display are still in use, and the spacious, light-filled building allows visitors to feel the connection between the living cultures of the Squamish and Lil’wat nations and their home territory.

Current Exhibit: Legends of the Land

The exhibit Legends of the Land / Sx̱wex̱wiy̓ám̓ tiná7 tl’a temíxw / ptakwlh ti tmicwa shares how traditional knowledge and history were passed down from generation to generation through stories. Many First Nations communities, including the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, were oral societies (the Squamish and Lil’wat created written languages in the 1970s). Therefore, storytellers had the important role of being historians for their community.

This exhibit is integral to regaining stories and knowledge lost during the flu and smallpox epidemics, the enforcement of the Indian Act, and the forced residential school system. Both nations have stories based on major events and people that were pivotal to them. They also have myths or legends that were used to teach their morals and values to their children. Don’t miss the guided tours of this exhibit, on until the fall.

A new exhibit, Woven Pathways: Fashion and Cultural Continuity, will replace the Legends of the Land exhibit on October 18, 2025 — more to come on that!

Fall Events at the SLCC

National Truth and Reconciliation Day: Sept 30

Head to the SLCC on Tuesday, September 30, from 10 AM to 5 PM to experience and connect with immersive programming and storytelling of Skwxwú7mesh and Líl̓wat7úl in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The programming is supported by proud partner, CIBC and the Resort Municipality of Whistler, for more details, visit the SLCC’s website..

Fall Fashion Show: Late November

The SLCC will be hosting a fashion show in partnership with Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. Although dates are still being finalized as this blog goes live, it’s slated to happen at the end of November.

Arts Whistler

Capitalizing on the season between sports, Arts Whistler has an action-packed calendar of live music and local art offerings. We’ve picked out just a few events below.

The Gallery Exhibits

The Gallery, located upstairs in the Maury Young Arts Centre, will be hosting the Trailblazers to Tomorrow Makers Exhibit from September 6 to October 4. It’s a visual celebration of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s 50th anniversary – honouring its pioneering past while imagining its creative future. This exhibit showcases established and emerging local artists who span generations and perspectives. Don’t miss the exhibit’s art party on September 12 from 6 to 8 PM.

From October 11 to December 20, the Whistler Blackcomb 60th Anniversary Exhibit celebrates the deep and undeniable attraction of these mountains – the kind of terrain that has inspired obsession for 60 years. This anniversary exhibit honours six decades of mountain culture, community, and adventure. It traces how these peaks have shaped – and been shaped by – those drawn to them, then, now, and for years to come.

The People’s Film

Since Whistler lost its cinema, Arts Whistler has been filling the film gap by asking its members and the general public what they want to see on the big screen. On September 24, take a magical trip back to the wizarding world. Gather your fellow witches, wizards, and muggles for a night of big-screen nostalgia and themed cocktails Hogwarts-style (ages 19+).

On October 29, step into the madness of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and for their November film, the theme is set as a musical, and you get to vote for which one! Don your ugliest Christmas sweater for a holiday classic on December 17.

Arts Whistler Live! A Perfectly Reasonable Night of Comedy: October 10

An unforgettable evening with Peter Oldring and Pat Kelly (CBC Radio’s This is That) as they reunite with Carolyn Taylor (Baroness Von Sketch and I Have Nothing). These comedy powerhouses come together for the first time since their early days at The Second City to deliver a delightfully absurd and wildly entertaining variety show. This show is 19+, and you can get your ticket online.

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF): October 11

The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back for another evening of thought-provoking outdoor adventure and mountain culture films. From the thrill of skiing and snowboarding to the challenges of climbing and biking, these films represent the pinnacle of independent storytelling in the world of extreme sports. This screening is 19+.

Arts Whistler Holiday Market: November 29 and 30

The Arts Whistler Holiday Market is two days of handmade goodness. With curated vendors from the Sea to Sky region and across BC, along with the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz, Whistler’s largest artisan market draws visitors from far and wide. Get your Christmas shopping sorted on Saturday, November 29 (11 AM to 6 PM) and Sunday, November 30 (10 AM – 5 PM).

Holiday Events

A cherished annual tradition, Holiday Singapalooza spreads holiday cheer with a lively set of festive pop songs – perfect for a sing-along on December 10! Barbed Choir will guide you through your favourite holiday tunes and even teach the audience harmonies for a classic holiday hit. All proceeds go to Whistler Community Services Society.

On December 12, Arts Whistler Live! Presents PianoHeist – Merry Heistmas. After their sold-out show last year, lifelong friends and colleagues Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin are back on their divine quest to redeem the keyboard and reinstate its reputation as the greatest instrument of all time – this time with a holiday spin.

These are just a few of the Arts Whistler events happening in the fall and winter. For more, take a look at their events calendar.

Whistler Wine Walk

Whistler Wine Walk is happening four out of the five Fridays in the month of October, combining an art gallery visit with a glass of wine. Five of Whistler’s art galleries are taking part, with the tours culminating at the Audain Art Museum, for more wine, canapes and music. Read more in our blog on the Wine Walk.

Whistler Writer’s Festival: October 30 to November 2

This year’s Whistler Writers Festival is a very special edition (book pun!) — running from October 30 to November 2, the annual fall festival is doubling down on all things spooky and thrilling, in honour of the season. Embrace orange foliage, colder temperatures, and book events designed to send a little chill down your spine.

On Thursday, October 30, the festival kicks off with Connecting Cultures: Legends, Language and the Land with Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee and P̓áq̓emúl Shelby Dan. These guests present myths and legends in the oral tradition, and discuss their communities’ vital connections to the land. This event runs from 5 to 5:50 PM at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

On Friday, October 31, just in time for Halloween, the festival presents All Hallows Eve: Murder and Mayhem with Laugh Out LIVE!, and authors Susan Juby and Liann Zhang. While you sip on a specially crafted Spirit’s Kiss cocktail, popular thriller writer and moderator, Amber Cowie, delves into Juby’s latest book, Contemplation of a Crime, which features a Buddhist butler sleuth, and Zhang’s diabolical debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead delves into the darker sides of social media. Don’t miss it, from 8 to 10 PM at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Crime doesn’t take a break, and neither does the festival. On Saturday, November 1, crime writer Susan Juby is back, this time teaching the Create Your (Crime) Fighter workshop from 11:45 AM to 1 PM at the Fairmont. A good crime story demands an intriguing offence, an engaging plot, a worthy villain, and—most importantly—a compelling investigator.

For those looking for something adventurous and romantic, we’ve got Spilling the Tea: Dragons, Thieves and Romantasy with New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle. From spicy rom com to gothic horror, Halle knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats. In her newest book, Realm of Thieves, two robbers put their lives and hearts on the line while attempting to control the illegal dragon egg trade. Join Hale from 1:30 to 2:45 PM on November 1 at the Fairmont (there will also be red velvet cupcakes).

This four-day festival rounds out with The Bewitching, A Night of Spellcraft and Suspense: In Conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia on November 1 from 8 to 9:30 PM. Moreno-Garcia, whose book Mexican Gothic was a massive hit on Instagram and TikTok and on the New York Times bestseller list, discusses her latest work, The Bewitching. In this new novel, three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multi-generational gothic horror saga. She sits down with moderator Jeanette Bruce to talk fantasy, horror, noir, historical fiction and more.

Tickets for the Whistler Writers Festival go on sale September 10.

Whistler Comedy: Laugh Out LIVE!

Laugh Out LIVE! is Whistler’s comedy institution and training centre, blending the best of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy into live shows, workshops and specialty programming dedicated to bringing laughter and learning through comedy. They have shows running from October through April, and workshops launching in September. This year’s events include…

The Marquee Variety Show

Welcome to Laugh Out LIVE!‘s signature event. With improv, sketch, stand-up comedy, and more, this show has it all! It’s like Saturday Night Live meets Whose Line Is It Anyway? meets The Price Is Right meets Whistler. Including original short films and huge prize giveaways, all with a ski town flair, The Marquee Show offers something for everyone. With all new content, no two shows are ever the same!

The Stand-Up Standoff: Starts October 29

The night kicks off with a stand-up comedy showdown like no other, as six finalists hit the stage, each delivering their tightest 5-minute sets in pursuit of cash and prizes.

Once the dust settles and the standoff is done, a touring headline act steps up to close out the night with a knockout set. It’s a bare-knuckle comedy brawl where the only thing hitting harder than the competition are the punchlines! Premiering on October 29, 2025.

Visit the Laugh Out LIVE! for the full schedule.

Whistler Cornucopia: November 6 to 16

Whistler’s festival of food and drink, Cornucopia, is happening from November 6 to 16, 2025, with over 90 events including drink seminars, culinary stages, tasting parties and multi-course dinners. Cornucopia is a symbol of plenty, and the festival certainly lives up to its name. Take a read of our dedicated post about this festival that celebrates the epicurious, How to Plan for Cornucopia.

Whistler Film Festival: December 3 to 7

The 25th annual Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit (WFF) is where creativity meets community. You’ll find ski bums and storytellers, dealmakers and dealbreakers, burgeoning filmmakers and award-winning directors/producers all rubbing elbows at industry galas and on the chairlift.

Whistlerites and mountain lovers alike will revel in our Mountain Culture programme, which boasts films about the environment, extreme achievement and anything that puts the body – and human psyche – to the test.

Prepare for an action-packed lineup of events, including exclusive film premieres, insightful industry sessions, engaging talent programs, intimate meet and greets, glitzy parties, and much-anticipated appearances by critically acclaimed actors and directors. Where else in the world could you ski straight off the mountain and onto a red carpet event?

Sign up for their e-news (newsletter sign-up is in the footer of their website – bottom right) or follow their socials for details on films, industry passes and ticket packages.

Winter Carnival at The Point Artist-Run Centre

The Winter Carnival is celebrated in mid-February on the shores of Alta Lake at The Point Artist-Run Centre. It is a grassroots, feel-good, community celebration featuring a host of free afternoon activities that celebrate winter through the lens of the arts. Activities include snow and ice dancing, a snow sculpting competition, curling and shinny, hot drinks and food, live painting, music and more!

An evening concert in the heritage lodge features top musical and comedic talent from Whistler and across BC. Find out more on The Point’s website a bit closer to the time.

Go Whistler Tours

Consider downloading the free Go Whistler Tours app to explore Whistler’s hidden nooks and crannies. The app showcases several self-guided routes you can take to delve into Whistler’s natural and resort history as well as the art and storytelling of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.

This is just a sampling of the arts and culture events happening in Whistler this fall and winter. With more events being announced all the time, be sure to take a look at Whistler.com’s event calendar for the most up-to-date listings and information. Let the energy of this wildly creative community spark your imagination.