8 Ways To Stuff Your Thanksgiving Weekend With Fun

Skip the dishes and cook up fun with these cultural happenings and family events served up throughout the long weekend

1. Feed the film buff at VIFF – Now until Friday, October 13

Use the extra hours in the long weekend to take in a few screenings at the Vancouver International Film Festival, featuring over 300 of the best local and international productions. Check out our round up of the 10 must-see films at VIFF and pick up (or download) the full VIFF program guide to plan your weekend viewing.
Screening dates, times and venues vary

2. DIY Thanksgiving Centrepiece with The Wild Bunch – Thursday, October 5

Do something for yourself this Thanksgiving and create a floral project you’ll adore. This is the first in a series of floral workshops by The Wild Bunch and will feature a harvest-themed centrepiece. Make your own personalized arrangement that can be dried and saved for holidays to come.
The Wild Bunch, 7 East 7th Avenue, Vancouver; $125 per person, includes materials and refreshments; Register online

3. Arts Club presents Thanks for Giving – Thursday, October 5 to Saturday, November 4

“While Nan bastes the turkey and prepares the stuffing, her husband hides a freshly hunted bear in the garage… It’s a comedy with lots to chew on!” explains the synopsis for the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Thanks for Giving at the Granville Island Stage. Head to Granville Island early for this presentation of Kevin Loring’s play and make a day of it. After all, there’s no rule that says you can’t have fish and chips on the pier on Thanksgiving.
Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver; Tickets from $29

4. 22nd Annual Fort Langley Cranberry Festival – Friday, October 6

Take part in a Fort Langley tradition by visiting the Annual Cranberry Festival. Shop over 70 local market vendors and listen to live music while celebrating the harvest and history of the cranberry. Visit the National Historic Site while you’re there for more cranberry-themed events.
Glover Road, Fort Langley; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Free

5. DIY Thanksgiving Floral Workshop with Il Fioraio – Friday, October 6th

Bring the colours of autumn to your table this Thanksgiving and make your own arrangement at this workshop by local floral design group Il Fioraio. Learn how to warmly welcome guests to your table with fall flowers, pumpkins and foliage—plus sip cocktails, nosh on seasonal treats and leave with your very own goodie bag.
Juice Truck, 28 W 5th Avenue, Vancouver; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Tickets $65 online

6. Mid-Autumn Festival at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens – Friday, October 6

Take part in traditional celebrations at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens with this year’s Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. The event places a special focus on the four arts of Chinese scholars: calligraphy, painting, music and weiqi (a game). Listen to live music and snack on dim sum from the outdoor food fair. At night, release a floating lantern at the garden’s pond and make a wish.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver; 5:30 p.m to 10 p.m.; Admission $10, Families $20

7. Final weekend of the 2017 Richmond Night Market – Friday, October 6 to Monday, October 9

If you didn’t manage to make it to the Richmond Night Market this summer, here’s your last chance! This year, there are over 500 food items available, including BBQ skewers, Japanese takoyaki, Korean topokki, German pork hock, shaved ice, LED cotton candy and more.
Richmond Night Market, 8351 River Road, Richmond; 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Admission $3.75, Kids under 10 free

8. Visit the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a long weekend getaway

If you are craving a getaway on the long weekend, head up to Whistler and take part in their Thanksgiving celebration. There will be a petting zoo, pumpkin patch and plenty of activities for the whole family. Bring your sweet tooth to a baking demonstration, “The Life of Pie,” presented by the resort’s resident pastry chef. At night, enjoy a turkey dinner at one of the hotels’ restaurants.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler