There are lots of free things in Vancouver in November 2023 including Remembrance Day events, Christmas craft markets and autumn activities.
Below is a list of free events and activities that you can do in the fall of 2023. Conditions and details may change, however, so see official websites for exact details about specific events.
Free November Activities 2023
For a list of some of the best things to do in November, including activities that aren’t free, check out our November Events Calendar. For a list of the best FREE (or almost free) special events this month, see below.
Wednesday, November 1st (2023)
- LAHM Events & Activities – Latin American Heritage Month events in Vancouver. Today is the Todos los Santos celebration of Guatemalan culture at Granville Island. Admission is free.
- DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances, events and workshops in downtown Vancouver. This year there are both live and online events.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good. There are also lots of eagles along the Harrison River in the Fraser Valley.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Thursday, November 2nd (2023)
- LAHM Events & Activities – last day of Latin American Heritage Month celebrations in Vancouver. Today is the Closing Ceremony and Day of the Dead event on Granville Island. The activities are free.
- DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances, events and workshops in downtown Vancouver. This year there are both live and online events.
- Lumiere Vancouver – a small collection of art installation light displays at various plazas and outdoor venues in Vancouver.
- New West Farmers Market – final day of the season for the outdoor market at Tipperary Park at 315 Queens Avenue between 3:00 and 7:00 pm.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good. There are also lots of eagles along the Harrison River in the Fraser Valley.
Friday, November 3rd (2023)
- DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances, events and workshops in downtown Vancouver. Today there is an Open House at the Vancouver Police Museum where admission is free (or by donation).
- Vancouver Art Gallery – admission from 4:00 to 8:00 pm is by donation (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
- Bill Reid Gallery – free admission to the First Nations art gallery between 2:00 and 5:00 pm (because it’s the first Friday of the month).
- Lumiere Vancouver – a small collection of art installation light displays at various plazas and outdoor venues in Vancouver.
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good. There are also lots of eagles along the Harrison River in the Fraser Valley.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Saturday, November 4th (2023)
- Community Day Movies – free movies and discounted concession treats at Cineplex Theatres across the Lower Mainland.
- DTES Heart of the City Festival – a series of arts performances, events and workshops in downtown Vancouver. This year there are both live and online events.
- For the Love of Art – an art show and sale showcasing the work of 30 local artists at Harris Barn in Ladner. Admission is free.
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Lumiere Vancouver – a small collection of art installation light displays at various plazas and outdoor venues in Vancouver.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- For the Love of Art Show & Sale – an art show featuring local artists at Harris Barn at 4140 Arthur Drive in Ladner.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good. There are also lots of eagles along the Harrison River in the Fraser Valley.
Sunday, November 5th (2023)
- Daylight Savings Day – don’t forget to set your clocks to “fall back” an hour the night before!
- DTES Heart of the City Festival – the last day of arts performances, events and workshops in downtown Vancouver. This year there are both live and online events.
- For the Love of Art – an art show and sale showcasing the work of 30 local artists at Harris Barn in Ladner. Admission is free.
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Lumiere Vancouver – a small collection of art installation light displays at various plazas and outdoor venues in Vancouver.
- Hastings Park Farmers Market – near Hastings Skatepark at Renfrew by Pandora between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Parking at the PNE is also free for market attendees.
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – a winter market at the Port Moody Rec Centre at 300 Ioco Road from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- For the Love of Art Show & Sale – an art show featuring local artists at Harris Barn at 4140 Arthur Drive in Ladner.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good. There are also lots of eagles along the Harrison River in the Fraser Valley.
Monday, November 6th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Lumiere Vancouver – a small collection of art installation light displays at various plazas and outdoor venues in Vancouver.
- If good weather, check out the fall colours at one of Metro Vancouver’s best parks and places in nature. There are also lots of eagles along the Harrison River in the Fraser Valley.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Tuesday, November 7th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good. There are also lots of eagles along the Harrison River in the Fraser Valley.
Wednesday, November 8th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Thursday, November 9th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – these are great free places to explore and admire the autumn colours if and while the weather is good.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Friday, November 10th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Saturday, November 11th (2023)
- Remembrance Day – parades and ceremonies normally take place at various locations throughout Metro Vancouver and all of Canada.
- Click Victory Square for details about the City of Vancouver’s largest Remembrance Day ceremonies and parade.
- Click Remembrance Day in Burnaby for details about the ceremonies in both North Burnaby and South Burnaby.
- Check out Remembrance Day in Richmond for information about the ceremony at Richmond City Hall.
- See Remembrance Day in City of North Vancouver for information about the November 11th parade and ceremony at Victoria Park.
- Click Remembrance Day in District of North Vancouver to learn about the event at Cates Park.
- Click Remembrance Day in New Westminster for details about the ceremonies at the Royal Westminster Regiment Armouries and New Westminster’s City Hall.
- Check out Remembrance Day in Surrey to learn about the event in Cloverdale.
- Click Remembrance Day in West Vancouver for details about the ceremony at Memorial Park.
- See Remembrance Day in Coquitlam for information about the parade and ceremony at Blue Mountain Park.
- Click Remembrance Day in Port Coquitlam for details about the events at the Wilson Community Centre and Veterans Park.
- See Remembrance Day in Port Moody for information about the parade and other activities in Port Moody.
- Click Remembrance Day in Maple Ridge for details about the November 11th event at Memorial Peace Park.
- See Metro Vancouver Venues for a list of other Remembrance Day events throughout the region.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
Sunday, November 12th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Hastings Park Farmers Market – near Hastings Skatepark at Renfrew by Pandora between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Parking at the PNE is also free for market attendees.
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – a winter market at the Port Moody Rec Centre at 300 Ioco Road from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Monday, November 13th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Ways to Save on Adult Refreshments!
Did you know that there are several parks and plazas on Vancouver’s North Shore where you can drink alcohol in public? You can buy your beverages at the liquor store and enjoy them with your friends at some fabulous places. See our article about North Shore Alcohol-Friendly Parks for details.
Tuesday, November 14th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Wednesday, November 15th (2023)
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Thursday, November 16th (2023)
- Eastside Culture Crawl – a visual art festival showcasing the creations of hundreds of artists at various venues in Vancouver.
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Friday, November 17th (2023)
- Positively Petite Christmas Boutique – the opening reception features art displays and artisan products for sale at Coquitlam’s Place des Arts at 1120 Brunette Avenue.
- Eastside Culture Crawl – a visual art festival showcasing the creations of hundreds of artists at various venues in Vancouver.
- Bear Creek Park Lights – the Surrey park is lit up at night between 4:30 and 9:00 pm. It’s a free event, but tickets must be reserved in advance.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
Saturday, November 18th (2023)
- Silver Harbour Craft Market – a Christmas craft fair at North Vancouver’s Silver Harbour Senior’s Activity Centre.
- Swedish Christmas Fair – a Swedish-themed market at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby at 6540 Thomas Street. Admission is usually free.
- Winter Jubilee – a free celebration of the Christmas season in downtown Abbotsford with market vendors, live music and more.
- Eastside Culture Crawl – a visual art festival showcasing the creations of hundreds of artists at various venues in Vancouver.
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – first day of the season for the beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme. Today’s opening day event includes free hot chocolate, a pet parade and other fun activities at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Sunday, November 19th (2023)
- Eastside Culture Crawl – a visual art festival showcasing the creations of hundreds of artists at various venues in Vancouver.
- Swedish Christmas Fair – a Swedish-themed market with vendors at the Scandinavian Community Centre in Burnaby at 6540 Thomas Street. Admission is usually free.
- Hastings Park Farmers Market – near Hastings Skatepark at Renfrew by Pandora between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Parking at the PNE is also free for market attendees.
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – a winter market at the Port Moody Rec Centre at 300 Ioco Road from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Monday, November 20th (2023)
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Tuesday, November 21st (2023)
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Wednesday, November 22nd (2023)
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Thursday, November 23rd (2023)
- American Thanksgiving
- Lights of Hope – the Christmas lights get turned on outside St. Paul’s Hospital in downtown Vancouver tonight.
- Indigenous Artisan Market at MONOVA – the Museum of North Vancouver hosts a market today with products made by local First Nations artists. Admission to the market is free (but you have to pay if you want to enter the museum’s main gallery).
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Friday, November 24th (2023)
- Black Friday – first official day of the Christmas shopping season, and a time of special deals at retailers all over North America.
- Indigenous Artisan Market at MONOVA – the Museum of North Vancouver hosts a market today with products made by local First Nations artists. Admission to the market is free (but you have to pay if you want to enter the museum’s main gallery).
- Deer Lake Winter Festival – a craft fair with free admission and live entertainment in Burnaby.
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Saturday, November 25th (2023)
- West End Holiday Craft Fair – dozens of vendors and free admission at the West End Community Centre at 870 Denman Street.
- Museum of Surrey Christmas Event – the Kick Off Event for the Cloverdale Christmas Tree Fest runs from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. It includes Christmas trees to admire, holiday crafts and photo opportunities with Santa. Admission to the event is free, but non-perishable food and donations of new toys for the Cloverdale Community Hamper are encouraged.
- Holiday Cheer at the Pier – a free Christmas-themed event at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody.
- Surrey Tree Lighting Festival – free festivities at the Plaza at City Hall including concerts, market vendors, light displays and more.
- Edmonds Festival of Light – a family-friendly community event at Burnaby’s Edmonds Community Centre.
- Riley Park Farmers Market – from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at Nat Bailey Stadium.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market at 703 Terminal Avenue in Vancouver. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Deer Lake Winter Festival – a craft fair with free admission and live entertainment in Burnaby.
- Heritage Christmas – holiday decorations and things to see at Burnaby Village between 1:00 and 9:00 pm.
- Illuminate Maple Ridge – the City Hall building is decorated with lights and colour displays.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Sunday, November 26th (2023)
- West End Holiday Craft Fair – dozens of vendors and free admission at the West End Community Centre at 870 Denman Street.
- Hastings Park Farmers Market – near Hastings Skatepark at Renfrew by Pandora between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
- Port Moody Winter Farmers Market – a winter market at the Port Moody Rec Centre from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
- Surrey Tree Lighting Festival – free festivities at the Plaza at City Hall including concerts, market vendors, light displays and more.
- Vancouver Flea Market – an indoor flea market. Admission ranges from $1.50 to $3.00 depending on the day’s event, so it’s not free, but it is pretty cheap.
- Cloverdale Flea Market – between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm at Surrey’s Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Admission is $1.50, but free for children ages 12 and under.
- Deer Lake Winter Festival – a craft fair with free admission and live entertainment in Burnaby.
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Heritage Christmas – holiday decorations and things to see at Burnaby’s outdoor museum between 1:00 and 9:00 pm.
- Illuminate Maple Ridge – the City Hall building is decorated with lights and colour displays.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Monday, November 27th (2023)
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Illuminate Maple Ridge – the City Hall building is decorated with lights and colour displays.
Tuesday, November 28th (2023)
- Cheap Movie Night – at various movie theatres throughout Metro Vancouver (so although not free, it is less expensive than usual).
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Heritage Christmas – holiday decorations and things to see at Burnaby’s outdoor museum between 1:00 and 5:30 pm.
- Illuminate Maple Ridge – the City Hall building is decorated with lights and colour displays.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
Wednesday, November 29th (2023)
- Heritage Christmas – holiday decorations and things to see at Burnaby’s outdoor museum between 1:00 and 5:30 pm.
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Illuminate Maple Ridge – the City Hall building is decorated with lights and colour displays.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
Thursday, November 30th (2023)
- Heritage Christmas – holiday decorations and things to see at Burnaby’s outdoor museum between 1:00 and 5:30 pm.
- Harrison’s Lights by the Lake – beautiful Christmas light displays with a Sasquatch theme from dusk until 11:00 pm at Harrison Hot Springs.
- Illuminate Maple Ridge – the City Hall building is decorated with lights and colour displays.
- Museum of Surrey – the museum is free to enter. One of its featured exhibitions is all about LEGO!
- Lower Mainland Parks – if it’s nice out, then enjoy the outdoors in one of the region’s best parks and places in nature.
- If poor weather, then check out our list of the Lower Mainland’s best places on a rainy day (although most aren’t free) or go shopping at an indoor mall.
For a list of both free and not free events this month in the Lower Mainland, click November Calendar.
To see what’s happening next month, click December Calendar of Events.