Luxury Events of 2015

(October 1st – 31st, 2015; Vancouver)

During all of October, the Craft Council of BC is partnering up with the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association to bring the public a media exhibition that mixes the garden with the art of 33 artists across British Columbia. These garden-inspired works take the form of clay, wood, glass, fibre, and metal to interpret the nature of plants. Imagine a couch, inspired from a rose and its thorns, or a vase made of intertwining vines. Moreover, this is all in the name of a good cause, although admission is free, a $10 donation is appreciated.

(October 15th – 18th, 2015; Vancouver)

This annual festival is full of all things Halloween, and not just costumes. We’re talking films, comic books, anime, games, toys, artwork, and makeup, all in the name of Halloween. The parade takes place in downtown Vancouver, while many performances take place in theaters around town. Last year, about 100,000 people came to watch the parade alone. There are multiple acts put on, from spooktacular dances to walks amongst cosplay characters.

(October 16th – 17th, 2015; Calgary)

The Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is back for another year to make it the largest and most exciting food/wine event in all of Alberta. It’s not just here in Calgary either, that’s just for October. In November, it’ll move over to Edmonton, so be sure to check it out if you’re in the area. Just two days of foodie bliss while you pair up gourmet food samples with wine, scotch, spirits, and beer. There’s a little something for the exhibitors as well as the attendees: awards in nearly 20 categories for food and wine/spirits.

(October 17th – 18th, 2015)

Canada’s only art book fair is coming to Vancouver, Canada in mid-October, and is open to the public for free. Attracting about 3,000 people a year, this two-day festival of published works comes from all around the world, being an international affair. Every year, the featured artists travel across Canada and the world to produce everything from books to digital pieces, and experimental forms of publication. There will also be a line-up of programs and performances to attend.

(October 19th – 23rd, 2015; Toronto)

Although this event is taking place in the fall, the collection is actually for the spring of 2016. It’s a little ahead of the game, but that’s the best way to wear what’s hot before it becomes old news. For you fashion lovers, or if you’re a fashion designer looking to be seen, the World Mastercard Fashion Week is the place to be to see the biggest names in Canadian fashion, and around the world. There will be runway shows, exclusive parties, and over 125 hot Toronto retailers showing off their new clothing designs.

(October 21st – 31st, 2015; Vancouver)

Here’s a halloween event strictly for the grown ups, because this is not for the faint of heart. The ChinaTown Haunted House is set in Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese Garden, which has been transformed into a horrifying place to be during Halloween. This haunting event has been growing, in terrifying splendor and in attendance over the past few years. It’s time to be scared by ghosts, monsters, and psycho killers.

(October 22nd – November 1st, 2015; Toronto)

Going on for more than 30 years, the International Festival of Authors brings the top writers of contemporary literature together under one roof for 11 days. It’s a great chance to hear readings by and interviews with some of the most influential writers of contemporary literature, as well as get your book signed or attend a special event. This year, upcoming and established poets will also be sharing the focus of this event. In previous years, authors Margaret Atwood, Stephen King, Douglas Coupland and Lisa Moore have been on the list.

(October 29th – 31st, 2015; Montreal)

Time to throw in a grandiose event for a good cause! The great names in the food and wine industries are coming together to give you an experience like none before, all in the fight against cancer. Wines will be coming from big shots in France and Italy, while top-of-the-line chefs from around Europe. However, this event comes at quite the price, with the smallest package starting at $850, and a full package at $2500. If you’re in Canada and can spoil yourself a little, this would be it.

(October 31st, 2015)

We listed a Halloween event for the adults, so we felt it’s only right to have one for the kids. With all their costumes and dressing up for a night of trick-or-treating, Lonsdale Quay Market wants to make it an extra special day with lots of fun activities for the little ones. There will be Halloween story time, crafts, miniature pumpkin decorating, face painting, a child-appropriate Halloween movie, and of course, some trick-or-treating. This all will take place in a special Halloween room designed for the event.

(November 6th – 7th, 2015; Edmonton)

The Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival is back for another year to make it the largest and most exciting food/wine event in all of Alberta. Just two days of foodie bliss while you pair up gourmet food samples with wine, scotch, spirits, and beer. There’s a little something for the exhibitors as well as the attendees: awards in nearly 20 categories for food and wine/spirits.

(November 6th – 15th, 2015; Toronto)

This winter fair has become a large event since its beginning in the early 1900’s. Today, over 300,000 people attend the event, to see horse shows, dog shows, dance, witness live art, wine and dine, and more. It’s quickly become a part of Canadian tradition, and is the spot for over 300 vendors to make connections and find new business. Plus, there are plenty of activities for children to get involved in, so if you’re looking for something new and interesting to do with the family, this might be a good choice for you.

(November 6th – 29th, 2015; Ontario)

For nearly the entire month of November, come to Niagra-On-the-Lake, Ontario for one of the must-do events of the season. Many wineries in this town have partnered up to provide delicious wine and food pairings during this year’s Taste the Season event. Plus, while you’re here, there’s so much more you can do. There is a wide variety of events, concerts, and attractions around town, so you can always find something to keep you entertained while in the area.

(November 15th, 2015)

Hitting it’s 111th year, the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto returns in November to inspire holiday cheer, and for Ol’ Saint Nick to make an appearance. Every year, over 3,000 people volunteer and dress up to keep the parade going. Although the big part of this event is for Santa to show up, it’s not just all for the kids. It’s fascinating to see all the creative floats designed as they go through their route. There are also plenty of costumed participants on foot and a marching band that add a little flair to it all.

(November 19th – 22nd, 2015; Vancouver)

Who doesn’t like a good crafts festival? For four days in Vancouver, come and see all kinds of art manifestations from jewelers, sculptors, writers, painters, photographers, and more, all from emerging artists and those who have already claimed some fame. It’s your chance to meet some of the local artists in their own studios, and if you like something , you can purchase it right there. Of course, if you’re not in the market, there is plenty of fantastic works to browse in the many studios.

(November 19th – 22nd, 2015; Toronto)

Returning for its 21st year, the annual Gourmet Food & Wine Expo comes to Toronto, Canada in late-November. For foodies and wine lovers, this is the perfect place to savor gourmet cuisine and exotic delicacies. Those of you that are connoisseurs of wine will get a chance to try inventive cocktails and top-shelf beers. There will be over 1500 wines, spirits, and foods to try at this expo. Even more awaits you though, such as wine wasting, cooking demonstrations, and the chance to rub elbows and make a new connections.

(November 20th to December 20th, 2015)

It’s become a large tradition all over the world, and Toronto, Canada is no exception. With the holidays around the corner, the Christmas Market is a chance to find that special gift for someone special in your life. These aren’t things you can buy at a store, these are handcrafted products by local artists. There’s a lot more than that though. There will be vendors selling food and baked goods, musical entertainment , dancing, activities, and what’s known as “The Beer Gardens,” a place to lounge and find that holiday that holiday beverage.

(November 21st – January 31st, 2015 ;Niagara Falls)

For a little over two months, Niagara Falls is lit up by over 100 fascinating illuminations and fireworks. All throughout this event, there are plenty of activities and attractions to attend, and when over 1 million people come every year, you know they’re something special. Niagara Falls is turned into a winter wonderland, with over three million lights lighting up a route of over 5 kilometers. On top of all this, there are plenty of restaurants to wine and dine, casinos to win big, and much more. It’s time to start a new winter tradition to make your own.

(November 28th, 2015; Toronto)

December is only a few days away, and thus the official start of the holiday season takes place in Toronto, Canada. It’s time for the annual Cavalcade of Lights, a tradition for over 40 years that lights up Nathan Philips Square. Come and go ice-skating, watch the fireworks show, listen to some great music by a live DJ, or just stay to see the Christmas tree light up. It’s one big party to boost holiday cheer and get everyone in the mood for the end of another, hopefully wonderful year.

(November 29th, 2015 – January 3rd, 2016; Vancouver)

Known as the home to the world’s tallest living Christmas tree, standing at a height of 152 feet tall, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver outdoes itself when the holidays roll around. Come and be dazzled by thousands of lights that decorate the tree and throughout the rainforest. There will also be fun activities for the kids, with a scavenger hunt, gingerbread cookie decorating, and more. If you have a pet, feel free to bring them along too, and have the whole family together during the holidays.

(December 1st – 31st, 2015; Vancouver)

Celebrating 20 years of luminous nights, the Airdrie Festival of Lights glows even brighter in 2015. Over the years, it has become Canada’s largest walkthrough Christmas light display, with thousands of bulbs covering six acres of Nose Creek park in Airdire, Vancouver, Canada. About 50,000 people come to stroll through the park every year, and to keep the tradition going, you can help with a donation. The organization running this light show is a non-for-profit organization, and they need all the help they can get. If you or a company wants to help sponsor, for as little as $500 you will be recognized on the website and in the event guide.

(December 5th & 6th, 2015; Alberta)

For the festive season of Christmas, the Devonian Botanical Garden in Alberta lines its paths with thousands of candles. However, it doesn’t stop there – enjoy hot apple cider near bonfires, watch ice sculptures, and listen to the sound of a capella singers over two nights of Christmas cheer. This year, they will also be hosting family-friendly activities and entertainment. Plus, food and beverages will be available, making this a great opportunity for an early evening outing with friends and family.