Feast of Fields: The Insider’s Guide

Metro Vancouver foodies are gearing up to unfurl their appetites at one of the region’s largest and longest-running celebrations of delicious local cuisine. And this year, the highly anticipated Feast of Fields extravaganza will be taking place right here in Richmond!

Running on September 8, the scrumptious, one-day-only outdoor party will transform a picturesque section of the city’s Athiana Acres farm into a wandering gourmet buffet––complete with a full menu of carefully curated, regionally sourced food and beverage stands.

The event, which has been running in Metro Vancouver and around B.C. for almost 30 years, highlights and promotes connections between local producers, cutting-edge chefs and discerning consumers, encouraging farm folks and city folks to mix and mingle and share their love for B.C.’s home-grown bounty.

Tickets for this year’s Feast of Fields are now on sale. And since they’re usually hotter than a fresh-from-the-oven sourdough loaf, booking ASAP is highly recommended. Need more info? Read on for our exclusive Insider’s Guide. Then get ready for an enchanting afternoon of taste-tripping discovery.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

Running from 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday September 8, this year’s Metro Vancouver Feast of Fields extravaganza takes place at Athiana Acres. The famously friendly 30-acre working farm is located on the eastern side of Steveston at 12800 No. 3 Road. The site is easy to reach by car and bike and a special shuttle bus is also available on the day (details below).

WHY SHOULD I GO?

Feast of Fields is a unique celebration of B.C. ingredients and producers, with guests paying a single fee to enjoy a strollable smorgasbord of delectable dishes, artisan treats and crafted beverages in a charming farm setting. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some of your favourite flavours and also discover new delicacies. But it’s also a highly convivial way to hangout with your friends and family in a garden party atmosphere on a super-relaxing summer afternoon.

WHAT WILL THERE BE TO EAT AND DRINK?

Your admission ticket covers all your food and drink for a full afternoon of indulgent grazing. There will be around 50 tented stands in the farm’s festival area and each will be serving and pouring a huge array of treats for guests––who will spend their time wandering the grassy site and trying whatever takes their fancy. 

In previous years, that has included everything from bison sliders to fine cheeses, from seared scallops to pulled pork canapés and from macarons to elegant tarts made with just-picked B.C. berries. There will also be a thirst-slaking array of amazing beverages to sip on––­­from craft breweries to artisan distilleries to top-notch B.C. wineries. The trick is to pace yourself as the decadent revelry unfolds!

WILL THERE BE ANYTHING ELSE TO SEE AND DO?

This event isn’t just about bacchanalian devouring. Feast of Fields is also a great chance to chat with passionate producers and culinary artisans as well as hob-nob with some great local chefs and ask them about their dishes. It’s like a locavore love-in for fans of great B.C. flavours.

It’s also well worth slowing down to savour the farm’s lovely pastoral setting. And while you’re taking a break between bites, there is also live music, a silent auction and a raffle to enjoy––with prizes including foodie-themed dream vacations. You can even purchase a commemorative cedar plate to use at the event and take home––it’s available for pre-order with your ticket or as an on-site purchase (for $10 cash) while stocks last.

IS THIS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT?

Yes! Specially priced youth and child tickets are available for this year’s Feast of Fields, which makes bringing your multi-generational family along for a fun afternoon a great idea. Be sure to dress yourself and your children appropriately––sunscreen, sunhats and good walking footwear are recommended. And check the day’s weather forecast to see if an extra layer or a rain jacket is a good idea.

HOW MUCH ARE THE TICKETS?

Tickets for Richmond’s Feast of Fields are now available. Admission includes entry to the four-hour-long event plus all the delicious food and drink options available on the day. Adult tickets cost $123.81, with tickets also available for youths aged 13 to 18 ($54.58) and children aged 6 to 12 ($22.63). Tickets typically sell out in advance, so you are advised to book as early as possible.

A limited number of extra special VIP tickets ($294.21) are also available this year. These come with a heaping plate of extras, such as early entry privileges, a private seating area, a guided Athiana Acres farm tour, a commemorative cedar plate, a gift bag and a $75 tax receipt. Regular and VIP tickets can be purchased in advance here.

WHO IS ORGANIZING THIS EVENT?

Celebrating its 29th anniversary in 2024, Feast of Fields is the signature fundraiser for FarmFolk CityFolk, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to projects that cultivate and nourish sustainable food production by supporting local growers and engaging regional communities. Since 1993, they have curated dozens of Feast of Fields events at farms in Metro Vancouver and around B.C.

This year’s local host farm, Athiana Acres is a Richmond grassroots success story. Launched in 2022, it’s a pioneer of regenerative agriculture and is treasured for its amazing output of fresh-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. It hosts regular onsite produce markets and also runs popular workshops and farm tours.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

If you don’t feel like driving or carpooling to the farm, a special shuttle bus to and from Canada Line’s Lansdowne Station is also available on the day for just $17.31 (round-trip). You can book your shuttle reservation when purchasing your event tickets here.

Alternatively, why not hop in the saddle and enjoy a summertime bike excursion? There are some great cycling routes that lead to Steveston. Take a little time to wander around this charming historic fishing village before the event. There will be a free bike valet parking service for you in the village. This service also welcomes strollers, e-bikes and scooters. You can also cycle directly to the farm––a dedicated bike parking area will be available onsite.

EVENT DETAILS

Feast of Fields
Date: September 8, 2024
Location: Athiana Acres – 12800 No. 2 Rd, Richmond, BC

Tickets are for sale here.
Adults: $123.81
Youths aged 13 to 18: $54.58
Children aged 6 to 12: $22.63

Last Updated on August 7, 2024 by Tourism Richmond