Whistler’s beloved grassroots event, the Flag Stop Theatre & Arts Festival, returns for its 12th edition next month with a robust lineup of gripping theatre, side-splitting comedy, and dancefloor-packing live music.
For the second year in a row, Flag Stop will bring the festivities beyond its traditional lakeside home at The Point Artist-Run Centre, kicking off Tuesday, Aug. 8 and Wednesday, Aug. 9 with live bands, a homegrown comedy troupe, a guided walk, and free children’s entertainment, all at Florence Petersen Park in Whistler Village.
The outdoor evening shows will feature bands Dustin Bentall & The Blue Wranglers, Whistler’s own Introduce Wolves, Balkan Shmalkan, the Lil’wat Nation’s Spiritual Warriors, and DJs, as well as Travis the Magician. Also on tap is the locally produced comedy variety show Laugh Out LIVE!, fresh off its sold-out second season, and a hilarious walk through the woods led by actor and comedian Jacques Lalonde. In the afternoon, there will also be free children’s entertainment and performances.
“Enjoy a folk festival atmosphere in the centre of Whistler Village with stages, food tables, beer and wine garden and a spectacular lineup of entertainment,” read a release from the Point Artist-Run Centre’s artistic director, Stephen Vogler.
Resume your Flag Stop festivities at The Point on Alta Lake on Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12 with the stage premiere of two original plays, one by Whistler playwright Karen McLeod and the other by North Vancouver writer John McGie, all staged on Flag Stop’s unique floating stage. That will be followed by dinner and dancing to two live bands (TBA) inside the historic lodge. [Full disclosure: The author of this article is performing as part of this year’s festival.]
For more information, and to buy tickets, visit thepointartists.com/events/flag-stop-theatre-arts-festival.
