The skies in Vancouver will be lit up next week, and it won't be due to the aurora borealis, a super moon, or fireworks.
It'll be Canada's largest-ever drone show, according to Grey Cup organizers.
With the CFL championship game taking place at BC Place on Nov. 17, several events are taking place around the city as part of the game's festivities.
One of the flashiest parts of the festival will be a massive drone show on Wednesday, Nov. 13; over the past couple of Grey Cups organizers have repeatedly broken the record for the largest drone show in Canada, and they look to do it again in Vancouver.
“This incredible event will feature one thousand drones illuminating the Vancouver night sky in an unforgettable display," says Destination Vancouver president Royce Chwin.
"The unique performance will celebrate the Canadian spirit and honour the Grey Cup tradition that unites fans from coast to coast to coast for an extraordinary week of fun and festivities."
The performance will last 20 minutes.
The drone show will be above the Vancouver Convention Centre, which will play host to many parts of the Grey Cup festival over the week. The show will take place at 8:30 p.m. and should be visible from areas of the seawall near the convention centre and Westin Bayshore Hotel.
The show is weather-dependent; if the weather is bad on Nov. 13 it may be rescheduled for Nov. 15.
Free street festival
A multifaceted street festival will be taking place starting with a kickoff party at 6 p.m. on the 13th.
The fest will take over Canada Place Way at the convention centre with various free activities and entertainment, including two free ziplines crossing the festival (first-come, first-served).
There will also be a series of free concerts each day; headliners include Felix Cartal at the kickoff party, Delhi 2 Dublin on Nov. 14, Dear Rouge on Nov. 15, and Chad Brownlee on Nov. 16. From Nov. 14 to 16, shows start at 11:15 a.m. with headliners taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.
At the same time, there will be an indoor family zone in the east building of the Vancouver Convention Centre with activities like a climbing wall, mini-field and obstacle course.
Also inside will be the "Ultimate CFL Experience" where people can test their passing, catching and running abilities.
Inside will also feature an Indigenous marketplace and global pavilion.
Grey Cup festival schedule
There are several public events as part of the Canadian football championship game:
- Sunday, Nov. 10 at 2 p.m.: The Grey Cup arrives in Vancouver at Vancouver Convention Centre West. Free to attend.
- Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.: The kickoff party takes place at Vancouver Convention Centre East. Free to attend.
- Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 8:30 to 8:45 p.m.: Canada's largest drone show will be visible along the seawall at the convention centre. Free to attend.
- Thursday, Nov 14 to Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily: A street festival will take over Canada Place Way between Howe and Thurlow. Free to attend.
- Friday, Nov. 15 from 10 to 11 a.m.: The CFL commissioner, Randy Ambroise, will speak with fans and hold a Q&A. Free to attend.
- Saturday, Nov. 16 from noon to 2 p.m.: A cheer extravaganza featuring cheerleaders from across the CFL at the indoor field at the convention centre. Free to attend
- Sunday, Nov. 17 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: A marching of the fans through downtown Vancouver from the street fest to BC Place. Free to attend.
- Sunday, Nov. 17 from 10 am to 3 p.m.: A street party will take place on the eastern side of BC Place featuring Devon Cole on stage. Free to attend.
- Sunday, Nov. 17 starting at 4:30 p.m.: The 111th Grey Cup. Includes a halftime show by the Jonas Brothers. Tickets start at $128.
