BC Culture Days returns from September 18 to October 4, 2026. (Image Credit: Mission Arts & Culture / BC Culture Days)
Annual Celebration

Fraser Valley communities gear up for BC Culture Days starting Friday

Sep 13, 2026 | 11:10 AM

CHILLIWACK — Arts and culture hubs in Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Mission are getting ready to host an assorted palette of events to mark this year’s BC Culture Days.

The two-week celebration begins Thursday, September 18, with over 50 free and pay-what-you-may events scheduled across the three communities.

“This year BC Culture Days will be featuring arts activations showcasing rural communities, from farm-inspired painting workshops and community choir singalongs to pumpkin carving, harvest fairs, and herbal crafting,” said Nazanin Shoja, BC Culture Days program director. 

“Many remote and rural areas don’t have access to the same kinds of arts facilities as in urban cities, often leading to more creative ways of connecting to community members through arts and cultural activities inspired by the land.”

Highlights include a community art show at the Chilliwack Museum, live music at the Kariton Art Gallery in Abbotsford and a culture expo at the Heritage Park Centre’s Clarke Theatre in Mission.

Métis artist Michelle Bucholtz will also present Spirit Dots: A Métis Nature & Dot Art Experience, a painting session and guided 30-minute walk through the property at Langley’s Locality Brewing farm.

“Experiencing art and cultural activities in rural spaces invites us to slow down, connect to the earth, and experience a sense of wonder, reminiscent of Indigenous turtle teachings,” Bucholtz added. “It is important to activate creativity and curiosity, as we are often burdened by the complete opposite effect from modern-day stressors.”

Last year, over 1.4 million residents attended 795 events across B.C.

The 17th annual BC Culture Days is set to run until Sunday, October 4.