Whistler’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Whistler, BC is turning 50, and the town is celebrating with a spectacular four-day festival from August 21 to 24, 2025. Themed Trailblazers to Tomorrow Makers, this milestone event honors Whistler’s transformation from a humble ski town to a world-renowned mountain resort. Whether you're a local or planning a trip to Whistler, this is the perfect time to experience the town's vibrant culture, outdoor beauty, and community spirit.

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM with a high-energy retro dance party at Whistler Olympic Plaza. DJs PINEO & LOEB and DJ Foxy Moron will spin tracks from every decade. Guests are encouraged to wear vintage ski gear or retro outfits. The party continues until 10:30 PM, setting the tone for a weekend of fun.

On Friday, August 22, the Whistler Summer Concert Series features a free outdoor performance by Sam Roberts Band, starting at 7:30 PM. Local DJ Whitness opens the show, and the music wraps up around 10:30 PM. This is one of the top free concerts in Whistler this summer, perfect for visitors and locals alike.

Saturday, August 23 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Olympic Plaza hosts a community picnic with lawn games, art demos, storytelling, and comedy. Highlights include welcome remarks from council, a Whistler-themed trivia show, a Trailblazers panel, and a massive singalong led by Choir! Choir! Choir! It’s a family-friendly event that showcases Whistler’s creative and inclusive spirit.

Sunday, August 24 is packed with activities across multiple parks. Starting at 9:00 AM, WAGFest at Rebagliati Park offers dog-friendly fun including a Tails & Trails 5K run, agility games, vendor booths, yoga in the park, and a BBQ lunch from Splitz Grill. The event runs until 3:00 PM. From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Rainbow Park hosts casual sports pop-ups like acro yoga, volleyball, and an in-lake sound bath.

The weekend wraps up with the Sunset Social at Lost Lake, beginning at 7:00 PM and ending at 10:00 PM. Expect illuminated art installations, circus performances, outdoor movies, and stargazing with telescopes guided by an astronomer. It’s a magical way to close out Whistler’s 50th birthday weekend.

The celebration continues into the fall with a Whistler Museum exhibit launching on September 6, and an Arts Whistler mentorship showcase running from September 12 to October 29. Community microgrants will also support locally hosted mini-events, keeping the anniversary spirit alive.