EVENTS
Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum
Created by the BC Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) in partnership with the Royal BC Museum (RBCM), Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum highlights the contributions of BC’s Black leaders across the centuries. The exhibition follows the seldom-told stories of Black people such as Sylvia Stark, who was born an enslaved person in Missouri, taught herself to read by secretly listening to her master’s children’s lessons, and eventually became a pillar of the Black pioneer community on Salt Spring Island. Her daughter Emma Stark would later become the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island. In addition, exhibition panels use artwork by young Black artists speaking to the history of the Hogan’s Alley community in Vancouver, BC.
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Jun. 14, 2026, to Sep. 13, 2026)
Press Start: A Vancouver Game History Pop-Up
Did you know that Vancouver played a role in Nintendo establishing their North American headquarters? Or that one of the top manufacturers of video game controllers during the late '80s and early '90s was located right in Burnaby? The Canadian Video Game Museum (CVGM) is partnering with the Museum of Vancouver (MOV) to open a temporary exhibition called Press Start: A Vancouver Game History Pop-Up, opening July 9, 2026 and running until Fall 2026. Press Start explores Vancouver’s many contributions to gaming, from mobile games like Marvel Contest of Champions to big-budget blockbusters from publishers like Electronic Arts and Microsoft to award-winning indie games like Celeste and Darkest Dungeon and includes the chance to get hands-on with retro gaming hardware with made-in-Vancouver connections. To showcase these made-in-Vancouver stories, the pop-up will include vintage video game systems, playable arcade cabinets, game demos, and interactive glimpses into the game development process.
“Starting research for this project began all the way back in 2016, beginning with a database of game companies that have existed in Vancouver, later expanding to include all of BC. Over time, this concept evolved, recognizing a need for a physical entity to spread awareness and education around game development and Canada's role in the game industry.” —Ryan Dunnison, Executive Director and founder of the CVGM
For decades, Vancouver has been a global hub for video game development. The MOV is excited to partner with CVGM to share stories of how our community has helped to shape this half-trillion-dollar global industry. The gaming industry in particular is born out of Vancouver’s unique crossover of people in film, VFX, and games. Press Start will spotlight, celebrate, and document the people, stories, and games that make up the city’s ever-changing video game landscape.
“The Museum of Vancouver exists to share Vancouver’s stories, and the people who’ve built Vancouver’s video game industry have made an indelible mark on global storytelling. We are excited to provide a platform to an emerging museum focused on video games and the people who make them.” —Ryan Hunt, CEO of MOV
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC, Canada, Jul. 9, 2026 - Fall 2026 (Every Thursday-Sunday))
Cedar Sage and Sweetgrass Exhibition
Contemporary Indigenous art is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture and community. This exhibition features artists from the Cedar Sage and Sweetgrass Art Collective, whose works draw upon traditional teachings while embracing contemporary perspectives and creative practices. Through painting, carving, textiles, and jewelry, these artists share stories of identity, resilience, connection, and lived experience, inviting visitors to engage with Indigenous voices, histories, and visions for the future. Artists (confirmed): Michael Serroul (featured artwork), Pat Calihou, Maryanne Landrie, Cat Aldred, Annette Resler, Ronald Straight, John Spence, Dakota Ray-Andreola, Sheila Rae Lowe, and Allisen Piffer. The Pitt Meadows Art Gallery is located at the South Bonson Community Centre on the traditional territory of the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation. The gallery features artwork from local and regional artists and handmade wares by local artisans. All work will be available for purchase. Opening Reception: Saturday, September 5 at 11 a.m. PMAG Gallery Hours | Tuesday to Sunday | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free Admission | 604.465.9845 | pmag@pittmeadows.ca.
(South Bonson Community Centre (Main Floor), 10932 Barnston View Road, Pitt Meadows, B.C., Sep. 5 - Oct. 18)
Richmond Farm Fest
Explore Richmond’s rich farming and agriculture heritage at the upcoming Richmond Farm Fest. The event returns to the Garden City Lands on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 11 am to 4 pm. Attendees of all ages can take farm wagon tours, view cooking demonstrations by Black + Blue Executive Chef Jonathan Lee, and get hands-on experiences through agriculture-related activities. For those who want to sit back and enjoy, there will be performances by local musicians Rachel Chiu, The Heels, and more at the community stage. Don’t miss an array of offerings from local food vendors, as well as a farmers market featuring locally grown produce. Complimentary shuttle service will be offered from both KPU Richmond Campus and Richmond City Hall. The Richmond Farm Fest is free to attend and no registration is required.
(KPU Farm at Garden City Lands, Sept. 13)
Richmond Culture Days
Richmond Culture Days returns this fall from September 18 to October 4, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the city’s diverse arts and culture scene. This two-week event features free or pay-what-you-may activities, including hands-on workshops, open studios, behind-the-scenes tours, and demonstrations led by Richmond’s vibrant artists and cultural organizations. The festivities will kick off with an Open Studios & Launch Event on Sept. 18 at the Richmond Cultural Centre, hosted by Mayor Malcolm Brodie. The evening event offers an opportunity to explore the centre’s arts studios and creative spaces. Consistently ranked among the top 10 participating communities in the country, Richmond has long been recognized for its exceptional community engagement and has offered more than 1,200 free events since the event’s inception in 2010. Culture Days provides a barrier-free environment for everyone to explore and share in creative practices, with more than 9.5 million people attending more than 5,000 events across the country last year.
(Various venues, Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC V6Y 1R8, Sept. 18–Oct. 4)
Truth and ReconciliACTION with Kung Jaadee
Take part in a workshop with First Nations storyteller, author, and educator Kung Jaadee exploring practical pathways toward Truth and Reconciliation. Through storytelling and guided discussion, participants will learn about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the six principles of ReconciliACTION. Using the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s ReconciliACTION plan template, attendees will create a personalized action plan that encourages learning, understanding, and meaningful change. This all-ages workshop welcomes individuals, families, and community members interested in learning more about Truth and Reconciliation. Tickets include admission to the Museum of Vancouver galleries for continued learning! Tickets: $30 General Admission; $25 Students, Seniors, and Members; $20 Youth and Self-Identifying Indigenous (plus fees and taxes).
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Sep. 20, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)
St. Andrew’s on the Square Renovation Project 2024 – 2026
Join Heritage BC for this webinar to learn how the City of Kamloops restored one of the community’s most treasured heritage landmarks. Built in 1887, St. Andrew’s on the Square is the oldest public building in Kamloops and a cherished gathering place for the community. After sustaining significant fire, smoke, and water damage in May 2024, the building underwent a $1.1 million restoration to return it to its pre-fire condition while enhancing accessibility, functionality, and heritage features. In this webinar, you’ll learn how the City of Kamloops worked closely with heritage groups, who had restored St. Andrew’s 30 years earlier, and Reimagine Architects to develop and execute a comprehensive restoration plan. Through thoughtful collaboration and inspired design, the project not only improved the building’s accessibility and functionality but also carefully enhanced its heritage character. Discover how this restoration has ensured that St. Andrew’s will continue to be a valued community gathering place for years to come. Presenters: Julia Cyr, Kamloops Museum and Archives Supervisor, City of Kamloops; Andrew Yarmie, Professor of History (retired), Thompson Rivers University; Vedran Škopac, Principal, Reimagine Architects.
(Heritage BC, Online, Sep. 21, 2026, 12 PM - 1 PM)
Austerity Tours: How Decades of Funding Stagnation Affects the MOV
The MOV’s Austerity Tours will highlight the problems, risks, and missed opportunities museums typically hide from view: buckets that catch leaks, the oldest continuously operating freezer in Vancouver, a vintage iPod used to power exhibitions, and, depending on the weather, a hallway filled with ants. The aim is to make voters understand the risks austerity poses to irreplaceable cultural heritage—which is why they’ll be offered during the 2026 municipal election period. In addition to hidden buckets and 20-year-old iPods, the Austerity Tour will include: Access to areas not normally available to the public; How MOV’s fabrication team produces new exhibitions at a fraction of the cost of the industry standard; Discussions with the team responsible for safeguarding the largest civic collection of objects in Canada; and imagining what a revitalized civic museum could achieve. Tickets are by donation on a sliding scale (plus fees and taxes). RSVPs required.
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Sep. 24, Oct. 1, 8, and 15, 2026, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
Big Tips: The Rise and Fall of a ‘90s Bar Star
It’s the ‘90s in Vancouver, and Sarah Rowland is a cocktail waitress trying not to become a permanent fixture in the service industry. In this one-woman show, she revisits the bars, clubs, and late-night rooms that shaped a decade—beloved venues now gone, and a city that’s changed around them. Set to a scene-setting ‘90s soundtrack and fuelled by sharp humour and hard-won hindsight, Big Tips is part memoir, part time-capsule: a darkly funny love letter to Vancouver nightlife, working life, and the search for something more. Tickets are $30 for general admission (plus fees and taxes).
(Museum of Vancouver, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Sep. 25, 2026, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
National Geographic Live: Wild Cats Revealed with Sandesh Kadur
Discover India’s wonderful world of wild cats with BAFTA-winning filmmaker Sandesh Kadur!
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Nov. 18, 2026, 7:30 PM)
An Evening with Gabor Maté
Join the Chan Centre for an essential conversation with one of UBC’s most distinguished alumni who has rewritten the narrative on how we understand mental health.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Nov. 19, 2026, 7:30 PM)
National Geographic Live: Earth After Dark with Babak Tafreshi
From the Milky Way to meteor showers to fireflies that emerge at dusk on neighbourhood streets, our eyes open a little wider at the stunning photos and videos of National Geographic Explorer Babak Tafreshi. He has spent his career documenting wildlife, humanity, and the cosmos—from dark national parks to bright urban areas—with the belief that people everywhere can connect through the shared experience of simply looking up.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Jan. 20, 2027, 7:30 PM)
An Evening with Chani Nicholas
Join us for an evening with B.C. native Chani Nicholas, who has redefined astrology for a generation seeking clarity, connection, and collective care.
(Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, 6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Feb. 11, 2027, 7:30 PM)
WORKSHOPS + WEBINARS/PANELS
Beaded Wristlet Keychain Workshop
Create your own beautiful beaded wristlet while learning the cultural significance and artistry of Indigenous beadwork. Join Marisa Law for a welcoming, hands-on workshop where you'll learn the foundations of beadwork while creating a functional and personal beaded wristlet keychain to take home. Throughout the session, Marisa will introduce participants to transferable beading techniques that can be applied to future projects while sharing the rich history and cultural significance of beadwork within Indigenous communities. Whether you're completely new to beading or looking to expand your creative skills, this workshop offers an opportunity to slow down, learn something new, and connect with a meaningful artistic tradition in a supportive environment.
(Craft Council of BC, 1386 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3T5, Aug. 22)
Bamboo Fan Making
Create your own handmade bamboo fan with artist Yuan Wen 文媛 while learning traditional lattice-weaving and paper mounting techniques rooted in Southwest Chinese craft traditions. No prior experience required. All materials are provided. This workshop includes admission to the MOV galleries, including Becoming: The Art of Gu Xiong. Tickets (includes admission to the MOV galleries): $25 General Admission; $20 Indigenous, Students, Seniors, Members (plus fees and taxes).
(Museum of Vancouver (History Room), 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Sep. 5, 2026, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
