B.C.'s Biggest Culture Days Celebration Brings 50+ Free Events to Richmond

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

Every year, Culture Days puts a lineup of free exhibits, workshops and cultural experiences centre stage, creating a barrier-free environment where the public can learn about Canada’s diverse communities and creative sector.

According to a representative of Richmond Culture Days, last year’s edition drew more than 9.5 million participants across over 5,000 free events nationwide. In B.C., events range from calligraphy workshops and dance performances to museum visits. If you’ve been wanting to pick up a new craft or explore some local history and culture, this is the perfect chance to do it.

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 opens with a ceremony hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie, giving visitors the chance to explore the Cultural Centre’s art studios and creative spaces through immersive 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, through Oct. 4, 2026.

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

Here are just a few of the 50+ free events, performances and workshops on offer 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), plus the Steveston Village Hub (3811 Moncton St.).