7 Festivals to Hit Up During Whistler’s Festival Season

It's summertime in Whistler, and that can only mean one thing: festival season is upon us!
Every year, more and more people are "discovering" that Whistler's summers are just as incredible as its winters. The mountain biking trails and parks, the pristine lakes, and the breathtaking alpine hiking are some of Whistler's main summer attractions-- but it's the many festivals that really animate the entire resort.
When we say there is something for everyone, we mean it: whether you're a lover of all things outdoors, a family with young kids, a devoted yogi, a burger aficionado or a mountain biking devotee, there's a festival perfectly suited to you. Here's a look at some of the festivals we're most excited about this summer.
GOFest
Whistler's Great Outdoors Festival is just around the corner! May 16 to 19 will mark the first annual GOFest-- and by the looks of the action-packed schedule, it looks like it will launch with quite a bang. This festival is a celebration of the incredible variety of activities one can partake in on a typical spring day in Whistler.GOFest offers just about everything: both competitive and for-fun athletic competitions, free concerts, creative events, screenings of adventure films, and so much more. Check out the schedule of events, and start planning!
every WOMAN Whistler
The every WOMAN conference, which will be held from May 30 to June 1, offers a fun-filled weekend for women of all ages. The goal is simple: get moving and have fun! Countless workshops are offered throughout the weekend, including yoga, Zumba, Nordic walking, pilates, dance, and even synchronized swimming. Odds are pretty good that participants will walk away with a new skill under their belt.Whistler is a natural fit for the every WOMAN conference: it's almost impossible to visit town without getting involved in some kind of physical activity. Those looking to try something new and meet other like-minded people will not want to miss this festival.
Whistler Longboard Festival
Mark your calendars: from July 2 to 6, the annual Whistler Longboard Festival returns to town once again! The Whistler Sliding Centre will transform from a winter sport track to a challenging longboard course, hosting multiple races throughout the event. Spectators will gain a whole new appreciation for this board sport, and will also be treated to outdoor concerts and some legendary nights on the town.
Whistler Children's Festival
Families with kids, this one's for you: the Whistler Children's Festival, taking place July 12 to 13, will see the Whistler Village transformed into a kid's paradise. Between arts and crafts, live shows, non-stop street entertainment and countless activities-- not to mention the many kid-friendly attractions that Whistler offers all season long-- the hardest part will be trying to fit it all in. If you're planning a family weekend in Whistler, make it this one!
Wanderlust
From July 31 to August 4, you're going to notice a lot of people wandering through Whistler Village wearing yoga pants and looking blissed out-- and we mean even more than usual. Those dates mark the return of the Wanderlust Festival, a world renown conference celebrating all things yoga.Yogis of all levels will be enthralled by the variety of classes offered throughout the many venues of the festival, including some taught by bona fide yoga celebrities. Between classes, participants will want to check out other activities like hiking, lectures, concerts, and more.
The Canadian National BBQ Championships
If your idea of a good time includes ribs, beef brisket and burgers, head over to Creekside between August 1 and 3 for the Bull's-Eye Canadian National BBQ Championships. Watch international grill-masters slave over their barbeques in preparation for the many categories of competition-- don't forget to collect a few samples to see if you agree with the judges!