Those in search of fun times coupled with top-tier food and drink experiences should best look at making their way to Whistler, BC later this fall for Whistler Cornucopia 2023.
Now in its 27th year, the festival will take place from Nov. 9-19, 2023 and promises to be more dynamic than ever. Of course, plenty of signature events like Cellar Door and CRUSH Grand Tasting (pro tip: get the early entry ticket and avoid the crowds) are returning, but there's plenty exciting new and new-ish happenings to make note of.
As a frequent visitor to the mountain town during this annual festival, I can say it's a must-attend if you've never been.
From an epic drag brunch hosted by Gia Metric of Canada's Drag Race to an exciting Thai feast paired with wines from one of BC's most beloved wineries, more than a few Whistler Cornucopia events have caught my eye this year.
Here are 6 not-to-miss events happening during Whistler Cornucopia 2023
Blanc Canvas (Nov. 11 at Audain Art Museum)
Who doesn't love art with a side of wine and small bites?
This playful new event features an evening of painting led by celebrated Canadian artist Fran Alexander where attendees can create their own individual works of art on canvas while enjoying some wine and nibbling on canapés.
Drag Me to Brunch (Nov. 12 at Whistler Conference Centre)
In what is sure to be the liveliest daytime event of Whistler Cornucopia 2023, Drag Me to Brunch is back for its second year. Hosted by Gia Metric and featuring queens Genesis and Bibi SouPhresh, attendees can expect mimosas and a brunch buffet in addition to dazzling performances.
(Don't forget to bring some cash to tip those queens!)
Mekong: Fine Thai Cuisine & Meyer Family Estate Wines (Nov. 10 at Mekong Fine Thai Cuisine)
Whistler's newest and most buzzworthy eatery Mekong (locaetd in Creekside Village) has happily joined the Cornucopia lineup for 2023. A very special winery dinner event will see a unique Thai tasting menu paired with award-winning wines from the celebrated Meyer Family Vineyards.
Murder Mystery Dinner at Bearfoot Bistro (Nov. 12 at Bearfoot Bistro)
Was it the chef in the dining room...with the fork? It's giving The Menu energy.
Guests to this fun evening will enjoy a four-course meal at the iconic Bearfoot Bistro while being immersed in the fictional (and fateful) Dual Mountain Secondary Prom of 1987. Folks are encouraged to help bring the atmosphere to life by wearing 80s prom attire and help to solve the mystery.
Rare Wines of Europe (Nov. 10 at Firerock Lounge in the Westin Resort & Spa)
Snag tickets to this new wine-focused event to sample eight European wines that rarely hit liquor store shelves in Canada. Lead by three of Vancouver’s top wine experts, guests will get to sip on samples of Génot-Boulanger of Burgundy, Vincent Pinard of Sancerre, and more. Hors d ‘oeuvres prepared by Grill & Vine chef Elliot Brass will be served throughout.
Taste of Indigenous Worlds (Nov. 12 at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre)
This dynamic new culinary experience at SLCC will bring together six Indigenous chefs from different regions across BC, all of which serving interesting small plates that pay homage to Indigenous traditions and ingredients. Guests of this event will also have the opportunity to tour the SLCC galleries and sip on sample-sized cocktails.
