Whether you’re here for soccer, partying, or something else, there’s plenty to do in Metro Vancouver this weekend. Here are some options.

Eastside Cultural Tour

Hundreds of artists will open their studios to the public this weekend for the annual Eastside Culture Crawl.

The event kicked off Thursday, with studios open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. These hours will repeat on Friday and the studios will open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The exploration also includes workshops, artist talks, exhibitions and installations. Full details can be found on the Eastside Culture Crawl Website.

111th Gray Cup Festival

Vancouver is hosting the Gray Cup for the first time in a decade, and the festivities have already begun with a street party taking over Canada Place Way this week.

Two zip lines have been installed outside the Vancouver Convention Centre, along with “immersive football experiences”, live shows, cultural exhibitions, “legendary parties” and much more.

Organizers expect to welcome more than 500,000 fans from across the country before kickoff of the championship game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Toronto Argonauts on Sunday at BC Place.

Vancouver Christmas Market

Just west of the Gray Cup festival in Jack Poole Square, the Vancouver Christmas Market opened Wednesday for the 2024 season.

Featuring more than 90 vendors in artisan huts arranged around “Vancouver’s only Christmas pyramid,” the European-style Christmas market also offers food, drinks, live entertainment and more.

General admission starts at $19.99 and children six and under get in free. The market is open daily until December 24, but hours vary and can be viewed on its website.

Made at Winter Market 604

A different kind of Christmas market is happening in Mount Pleasant this weekend, with 45 local businesses showcasing their wares at Heritage Hall on Main Street for the Made in the 604 Winter Pop-Up Market.

Entrance is free and the market will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More information and a list of suppliers can be found on the Manufactured on site 604.

HollyDaze in the Heights

Coquitlam’s Austin Heights neighborhood will host its own family festival this weekend, closing Ridgeway Avenue between Nelson and Marmont streets from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

HollyDaze in the Heights is a free outdoor festival featuring live music, free hot chocolate, games and activities and the opportunity for holiday shopping at local businesses.

Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour

Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours has brought back its “Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour” for a second year.

Starting Friday, the company will offer daily guided tours of downtown Vancouver, promising “a festive mix of hidden history, stunning architecture, Christmas lights, outrageous tales and delicious hot chocolate.”

Tickets are available via Forbidden Vancouver website and include a hot chocolate at Trees Cafe on Granville Street, where the tour begins.