Richmond Garlic Fest: The Insider’s Guide

One of Metro Vancouver’s favourite food-themed community events is back on the menu this month. And it’s the perfect reason to beeline to a lovely Richmond park for a delicious, sun-dappled day out.

The 14th annual Richmond Garlic Fest runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday August 17 at the Sharing Farm area of Terra Nova Rural Park. And while it typically lures lots of garlic fans, this family-friendly event is also crammed with added attractions––from a farmers’ market to live entertainment and from guided walks to raptor bird displays.

Keen to check out this brilliant grassroots event? Read on for our exclusive insider’s guide. Then mark your calendar, gather your friends and family and head on over.

What’s it all about?

Celebrating sustainable B.C. farmers and artisan producers, this unique festival showcases locally grown garlic and its versatility in the kitchen. There will be plenty of dishes to try on site––including garlic ice cream––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. Run by local organization the Sharing Farm––which grows sustainable fresh produce for the Richmond Food Bank as well as regional meal programs––the festival also serves up a jam-packed menu of fun extras.

All activities are included in your by-donation admission ($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?

This year’s festival is packing plenty of action into its five-hour schedule. Don’t miss the bird of prey flying demonstrations (at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm). There will also be a special talk on Richmond’s eagles and peregrine falcons at 1:15pm. Adding to the nature theme, you’ll also find local guest exhibitors covering everything from bats to coyotes and the birdlife in and around the park.

You can also learn about local farming. The Sharing Farm folks will be hosting a guided farm tour as well as presenting illuminating talks on food systems and sustainable agriculture. We’re especially looking forward to the 11:00am pollinator-themed walk and talk. And if you’re keen to grow your own garlic at home, there are a couple of handy workshops to show you the way.

Can I bring my kids along?

Yes! The Richmond Garlic Fest is a great place to bring the family. Aside from the exciting raptor demonstrations, junior visitors will also love the Little Cloves Kids’ Zone. They can craft flower crowns using garlic stalks here and also explore hands-on educational activities such as 3D printing. They can even try making music, with instruments provided by the School of Rock music school.

What about the garlic?!

The festival is also, of course, a highly aromatic celebration of the beloved bulbous plant. But if you thought supermarket varieties were all you need to know about garlic, you’re in for a powerfully pungent surprise. Head to the market area to find hundreds of pounds of delicious local-grown garlic for sale––including varieties such as Chesnok Red, Italian Softneck, Red Russian and more.

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. This year’s version has been created by Vancouver’s beloved La Casa Gelato––and it’s a must-try for every festivalgoer.

It’s not the only dish to dive into on the day, though. The Sharing Farm’s kitchen is also preparing some intriguing garlic gastronomy. Check out their charred focaccia with craft ricotta and roasted garlic emulsion, served with a farm-harvested salad. Or consider a plate of black garlic hummus, served with chermoula and garlic confit. Both dishes are prepared with the Sharing Farm’s own-grown garlic.

Still hungry? There will also be two food trucks onsite during the event, with Mexican dishes served by Meet2Eat and Korean cuisine offered by Mahshiko.

Tell me more about the market.

Aside from the garlic varieties, the market will have plenty of other items to browse. Look for local farmers selling their just-picked produce plus additional vendors offering flowers, wine, craft spirits, artisan chocolates and much more.  You’ll even find handcrafted dolls, decorated T-shirts and mason bee houses to check out.

It’s not all about shopping, though. There will also be a wide array of friendly nature and agricultural exhibitors showcasing their work at the festival. These include KPU Farm, Barn Owls BC, Stanley Park Ecological Society, Bat Conservation Society, North West Wildlife and many more.

Is there anything else to do in the area?

If you’ve brought your kids along, don’t miss Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment, a short walk from the festival site. One of Metro Vancouver’s finest playgrounds, its ziplines, pivot swing, hill slide and more are a must for visiting families.

The park itself is also worth exploring. There are several verdant 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 is at 2771 Westminster Highway. If you need to drive, parking will be available at the Public Works Yard on Lynas Lane. From there, a free shuttle service will be provided. Alternatively, consider cycling to the festival (a free bike valet service will be available) or taking public transit—visit the TransLink website to plan your route.

EVENT DETAILS

Richmond Garlic Fest
Date: August 17, 2024
Location: 2771 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC
Admission: By Donation

Last Updated on August 14, 2024 by Tourism Richmond