B.C.’s largest Culture Days celebration is bringing over 50 free events to Richmond

Richmond’s 17th annual Culture Days marks the largest celebration of its kind in B.C., and it’s coming up in just under a month’s time.

Every year, Culture Days brings an array of free exhibits, workshops, and cultural experiences to centre stage, creating a barrier-free environment for the public to learn about Canada’s diverse communities and creative sector.

According to a representative of Richmond Culture Days, last year’s edition saw over 9.5 million participants in over 5,000 free events across the country. In B.C., events include everything from calligraphy workshops to dance performances to museum visits. So if you’ve been wanting to learn a new craft or check out a bit of local history and culture, this is a great opportunity to do exactly that.

What to expect at this year’s Richmond Culture Days

When will Culture Days return to Richmond?

Culture Days kicks off in Richmond with an Open Studios and Launch Event at the Richmond Cultural Centre on Friday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will start with an opening ceremony hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie, offering visitors the chance to explore the Cultural Centre’s art studios and creative spaces with immersive arts workshops and tours.

Artist-led programs will be offered by the following groups:

• BC Ballet Outreach
• Gateway Theatre
• Chinese Ink and Brush Society
• Richmond Gem and Mineral Society
• Richmond Photo Club
• Richmond Potters Club
• Textile Arts Guild of Richmond
• Richmond Weavers and Spinners Guild

After opening night, Richmond Culture Days will run its free programming for two weeks until Oct. 4, 2026.

What are some of the free events I can check out?

Here are just a couple (out of 50+) free events, performances, and workshops you can check out this year:

• Skateboard Stories in Motion by Richmond Museum on Sept. 18
• Drink and Draw: Art Social for Adults by Richmond Art Gallery on Sept. 18
• Richmond Photo Club Public Open Evening by Richmond Photo Club Society on Sept. 18
• Discover the Lapidary Arts by Richmond Gem and Mineral Society on Sept. 18 and 19
• Hands On Quilt Design by Textile Arts Guild of Richmond (TAGOR) on Sept. 18 and 19
• We are the world by The Canadian Rock Paintings Association from Sept. 18 to 20
• Richmond Weavers and Spinners Guild from Sept. 18 to 20
• A Life in Plein Air – New Landscape Paintings by Junyi Ji from Sept. 18 to Oct. 1
• Chinese Calligraphy Demonstration by Chinese Ink & Brush Society from Sept. 18 to Oct. 2
• Textile Art Display: Where Fringe Dances by Ming Yeung from Sept. 18–Oct. 4
• A Day at the Races by Friends of the Richmond Archives from Sept. 18 to Oct. 4

Where do the free events take place?

While Richmond Culture Days takes place at locations across the city, 2026 event hubs include the Minoru Precinct Hub and ROCA Celebrates Music @ Culture Days (7700 Minoru Gate), Steveston Village Hub (3811 Moncton St.)

Do I have to register for anything?

Advanced registration is required for a handful of Richmond Culture Days events and activities, so make sure to double-check the full list of events before attending.

When: Friday, Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, 2026
Time: Varies per event
Where: Locations across Richmond 
Cost: Free

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