Festivals and Events
Festivals and other special celebrations are an important part of Richmond's cultural calendar as they capture our imaginations and foster a sense of collective belonging.
Photo: Richmond Maritime Festival at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
The City of Richmond is proud to present a number of annual events and festivals that showcase the arts:
Children’s Arts Festival
Children’s Arts Festival ignites the imaginations of children and families through music, hands-on activities, literary and performing arts each February with a week of school field trips and a large-scale public event held on Family Day.
The festival takes place in the heart of City Centre at the Richmond Cultural Centre and the interactive workshops, activities and events — all presented by professional artists — are tailored for young people ages 3 to 12.
Photo: Ginalina performing at the Children’s Arts Festival (photo by Jon Pesochin)
Culture Days
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. Held annually during September and October, millions of people across the country attend thousands of free participatory arts and culture events both in-person and online. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities.
Richmond is a Culture Days leader (regularly ranked nationally as a top participating community), organizing numerous artist-led workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and creative activities across the city each year.
Photo: Dancers at the opening of Culture Days 2019 (photo by Jon Pesochin)
Richmond Arts Awards
Richmond Arts Awards recognizes the artistic achievements and cultural leaders who contribute to vitality of our arts community.
Each year, awards are presented to the well-established and rising stars of Richmond’s cultural scene in six categories: Business and the Arts, Volunteerism, Cultural Leadership, Artistic Innovation and Excellence, Arts Education and Youth Arts. The award recipients are honoured at a gala awards ceremony hosted by the Mayor at Gateway Theatre.
The Richmond Arts Awards are presented through a partnership with the Richmond Arts Coalition and sponsored by the Richmond News.
Photo: Emily May, Richmond Arts Awards Youth Arts Recipient, 2018
Richmond Maritime Festival
Richmond Maritime Festival is an annual celebration of all things nautical that brings Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site to life with musical performances, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations and storytelling and much more.
Photo: Richmond Maritime Festival favourite, Lulu the Mermaid
Doors Open Richmond
Doors Open Richmond is a wildly popular event that invites people to explore heritage sites, buildings and spaces of cultural importance. The annual event is presented by the Richmond Museum and offers activities and hands-on programming in unique locations across Richmond.
Photo: Doors Open event at India Cultural Centre, 2019 (photo: Fabian Dominguez)
The City of Richmond’s Community Services works in partnership with local artists, community associations and organizations to present cultural events in neighbourhoods across the city, such as:
Pride Week
Pride Week is a celebration of members of the Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities in our city. Beginning the last Monday of July, Pride Week features inclusive events and interactive activities with local artists, performers and community members. Events are presented by the City of Richmond in partnership with community associations, societies and the Richmond Public Library.
Photo: Drag Queen Storytime, at Paige Gratland’s Branscombe House residency event, 2019
Harvest Moon Festival
The Harvest Full Moon project is a series of workshops, community celebration and lantern procession produced through a collaboration between City Centre Community Centre and local artist, Marina Szijarto. Watch video
Photo: Harvest Moon Festival (photo by Sarah Race)
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day and June is National Indigenous History Month. There are a variety of in-person and virtual events and activities taking place in Richmond to recognize the heritage and strength of Indigenous Peoples.
Photo: Welcoming the Sun event at Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Steveston Salmon Festival
Since 1945, the Steveston Salmon Festival has been Richmond’s marquee Canada Day celebration. Evolving over the decades, the festival is renowned for its food offerings, featuring a traditional salmon bake and chow mein tent, along with many more options; a community parade; cultural demonstrations and performances; and hands-on activities for the whole family, capped off with a fireworks display.
Photo caption: Taiko Drums at Steveston Salmon Festival, 2019
Winter in the Village
Winter in the Village is a collection of fun and festive programs, events, and activities taking place in Steveston Village through the month of December. Steveston is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, decorated windows, and beautifully lit historic sites. A festival of trees, holiday window contest, Santa’s arrival by boat, and outdoor live music round out the long list of activities everyone in the family can enjoy.
Photo: Performers at Songs in the Snow, part of Winter in the Village
Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival
Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is set amongst 255 Akebono cherry blossom trees at Garry Point Park and features a day of music, dance performances, food and cultural activities traditionally celebrated in Japan.
Photo: Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival, 2018
What’s happening this weekend? Check out the City of Richmond’s Events Calendar.