Richmond Culture Days: the Insider’s Guide

Locals and visitors can unleash their curiosity for free when the 15th annual BC Culture Days extravaganza kicks off this month. Running in communities throughout the province from September 20 to October 13, Richmond is one of the biggest participants––and this year, there are more than 80 diverse digital and in-person events to check out around the city.

From artist demonstrations to live performances and from interactive activities to guided tours, the event showcases a kaleidoscope of local creatives and cultural organizations. But the trick is to plan ahead. Read on for our handy guide to making the most of Culture Days––one of Richmond’s most eclectic and rewarding community happenings.

What’s happening in Richmond during Culture Days?

There will be special events at multiple venues, from galleries to museums and from churches to libraries. The city centre’s Richmond Cultural Centre will be a key hub, with lots of activities planned and is the venue for the opening ceremony hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie and featuring Musqueam elder Mary Point. Hear from the community leaders and learn more about the newly opened and established community facilities.

Explore the Richmond Cultural Centre and Richmond Cultural Centre Annex throughout the afternoon where inspiring participatory activities, demonstrations, events, exhibitions and workshops will be happening in studios and public spaces.

What should I go to?

It depends on your interests! For a full rundown of Richmond’s Culture Days activities, visit this handy link. The three-week event is a great opportunity to explore local scenes and activities you might not be familiar with––and perhaps discover a new hobby or pastime. Keep in mind that everything is free or sometimes by-donation, and pre-registration is only required for a small number of activities.

I’m an art fan: what are some of the highlights?

There are exhibitions from Lipont Place to Richmond Art Gallery and beyond. There are also workshops, hands-on activities and artists showcasing their methods. We’re especially looking forward to the free pet portrait service hosted by Chung Ai Photographic Society; the Harvest Culture and Celebration featuring mooncake tasting; and a free walking tour of Richmond’s amazing public art installations (registration required).

Tell me more about the hands-on activities

There are plenty of ways to exercise your personal creativity at this year’s Richmond Culture Days. You’ll find workshops on everything from painting to paper weaving to Chinese calligraphy and beyond. There’s even an improv series hosted by the Richmond Improv Theatre Society. Some activities require registration but most operate on a drop-in basis––just check the time and location and turn-up on the day.

Are there any performances to watch?

There are some cool live performances to catch during the three-week celebration. Highlights include the Camilli String Quartet performing in Steveston and the Richmond Community Band performing at the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Hall. You can also attend and even join in with a couple of open choir rehearsals. We’re also looking forward to checking out the promising talent at the Richmond Youth Battle of the Bands.

Are there any hidden gem activities?

We are particularly looking forward to the Learn with LEGO experience at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, where participants under 18 will receive a free Gulf of Georgia Cannery-themed LEGO piece to add to their LEGO collection. We’ll also be heading to the Steveston Tram on October 5, where a vintage BC Transit Museum bus will join the site’s antique streetcar for a day of historic insights and family-friendly fun.

Are there any kid-friendly activities?

Many events are suitable for families. But some are especially perfect for junior participants. Children will love Teddy Bear Repair Fair at the Richmond Museum, where they can learn to “Rethink Waste” and extend the life of well-loved stuffed toys by maintaining and repairing them rather than buying new. The friendly folks at Defy Gravity Dance Company will once again be hosting ballet and jazz dance classes for curious kids. There will also be a chance for kids to test their knowledge with a Rock Identification game and learn how to create a simple cage necklace at the Come Rock with Us event hosted by the Richmond Gem and Mineral Society.

What about the digital-only activities?

There are more than a dozen of these to consider during the three-week run. They include self-guided tours where you can use your digital device to follow art or history-themed routes. There are also some fascinating online videos that illuminate local stories with archive images, latter-day videography and more.

How should I get around during the event?

Culture Days locations are spread throughout the city. You can drive to each location, walk to some of them or even plot a cycling route around the ones you want to visit. In addition, check out your bus and Canada Line transit options via the TransLink website.

EVENT DETAILS

Richmond Culture Days
Date: September 20 to October 13, 2024
Location: Various locations in Richmond, BC
Admission: Free

Last Updated on September 9, 2024 by Tourism Richmond