Richmond Garlic Fest: The Insider’s Guide

One of B.C.’s tastiest and most distinctive food-themed community events is back on the table this month––and it’s the perfect reason to gather all your friends and family and head to one of Richmond’s most popular parks.

This year’s 15th annual Richmond Garlic Fest runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Saturday, August 15 at the Sharing Farm area of Terra Nova Rural Park. And while it always attracts die-hard garlic fans, the event also serves up a full menu of family-friendly fun––from a farmers’ market to live music and from guided walks to raptor bird displays.

Ready to plan a great day out at the festival––garlic ice cream included?! Check out our exclusive 2026 insider’s guide below.

What is this festival all about?

Celebrating sustainable B.C. farmers and artisan producers, this unique event spotlights locally grown garlic and its versatility in the kitchen. There will be plenty of delicious dishes to try on site and there will also be lots of freshly harvested garlic varieties to buy and bring home.

But there’s much more than garlic going on here. Hosted by local non-profit organization the Sharing Farm––which grows fresh produce for the Richmond Food Bank and supports regional meal programs––the festival also serves up a jam-packed menu of additional delights.

All activities are included in your by-donation admission (a minimum of $5 per person is suggested). And all proceeds help support the Sharing Farm’s invaluable work in the community.

What are some of the activities at the Garlic Fest?

There’s plenty to see and do at the 2026 festival. Don’t miss the birds-of-prey flying demonstrations (at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm). At 11:45am, there will also be a special talk on Richmond’s local bald eagles by an expert from the Hancock Wildlife Foundation.

You’ll also learn about B.C. agriculture. The Sharing Farm folks are hosting guided farm tours at 11:30am and 1:45pm as well as a pollinator-themed walk and talk at 12:15pm. We’re especially looking forward to the 11:00am talk by xʷmәθkʷәy̓әm (Musqueam) artist Rita Point Kompst, who will demonstrate how she creates natural dyes from the land for her work.

IS THERE ANYTHING FOR KIDS TO DO?

The festival is always hugely popular with families. Aside from the exciting raptor demonstrations, junior visitors will also love the Little Cloves Kids’ Zone, which is hosting engaging nature-based interactive activities for all ages. They can also dive into a beginner-friendly gym class at 11:00am on the site’s Main Stage.

WHAT ABOUT LIVE MUSIC?

Speaking of the Main Stage, there will be three music acts playing live at this year’s festival. Creating a toe-tappingly fun atmosphere on the day, you’ll find energetic Celtic band The Saltchuckers at 11:45am. They will be followed by the talented kids from Vancouver’s School of Rock at 1:00pm. And, at 2:00pm, strum-tastic Steveston folk artist David McArthur will hit the stage with his guitar.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE GARLIC?!

This annual festival is a unique celebration of the famously aromatic bulb. But if you thought supermarket varieties were the beginning and end of the garlic story, you’re in for a powerfully pungent surprise. You’ll find hundreds of pounds of local-grown garlic for sale here––often including varieties such as Chesnok Red, Italian Softneck, Red Russian and more. It’s a great way to stock up on hard-to-find varieties that will transform your home-cooked dishes.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE FARMERS’ MARKET

Aside from garlic, the market will have plenty of other items to browse. Look for local farmers selling their just-picked produce plus additional vendors offering flowers, artisan treats and much more. You might also find––judging from previous years––handcrafted dolls, decorated T-shirts and mason bee houses for sale. In addition, there will be friendly nature and agriculture exhibitors showcasing their organizations and the work they do.

WILL THERE BE ANYTHING TO EAT AND DRINK?

Over the years, the festival has become famous for giving visitors the chance to try a highly unusual treat: garlic ice cream. Do not miss this opportunity! You’ll also find additional drinks and dishes to sustain you during your visit––made with or without garlic ingredients.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO DO IN THE AREA?

If you have kids with you, don’t forget to visit the Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment, a short walk through the park from the festival site. One of Metro Vancouver’s finest playgrounds, its treehouse, hill slide, rope walkway and more are a must for visiting families––keep in mind that most children love spending plenty of time here!

The park itself is also worth exploring. There are several easy-access trails, a tranquil pond and panoramic views across the mountain-framed shoreline. And if you’re a birder, the adjoining Terra Nova Natural Area is a celebrated haven where you might spot herons, owls or woodpeckers.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

The Sharing Farm’s Richmond Garlic Fest takes place at 2771 Westminster Highway. If you need to drive, free parking is available on the day at City Hall (6911 No. 3 Road) and the Public Works Yard (5599 Lynas Lane). Free shuttles will run from each location to and from the festival site.

You can also plan a transit-based route to the festival via the TransLink website. Alternatively, consider cycling to this event––a free onsite bike valet service will be provided on the day.

EVENT DETAILS

Richmond Garlic Fest
Date: August 15 (10:00am to 3:00pm), 2026
Location: 2771 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC
Admission: By donation (suggested minimum $5)

Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Tourism Richmond