This year marks the 5th anniversary of Culture Days (September 26, 27 & 28), a national celebration that raises awareness and encourages participation in arts and culture. There are well over 500 free events in BC over the next three days, and over 7,500 events across the country! Clear your calendar this weekend and get out there – there’s something for everyone. Tip: they have a handy scheduling tool on their website to keep you organized.
Here are our top 10 picks for this year’s festival:
1. Camera Obscura Workshop
1415 Barclay Street, Vancouver
Friday | 1pm – 4pm
Join in on a workshop on Camera Obscura techniques with professional photographers, Silmara Albi and Mauricio Orozco. In this workshop, participants will learn about the early history of photography, view some vintage cameras, and build their own camera obscura using cardboard, vellum paper & a magnifying glass! All in the comfort of a fully-restored Victorian Mansion in the heart of the West End.
2. Word Vancouver Festival
Vancouver Public Library – 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | various times
Word Vancouver is a multi-day literary festival held in various locations throughout the city, including Library Square, Carnegie Centre, Banyen Books & Sound, and Historic Joy Kogawa House. Featuring author readings, presentations, workshops, activities, entertainment, an exhibitor marketplace and more.
3. Etsy: Made in Canada
Robson Square – 800 Robson Street, Vancouver
Saturday | 10am – 5pm
The Vancouver edition of Etsy: Made in Canada marketplace happening at Robson Square, downtown Vancouver! Not only is the location an amazing traffic hub, this nation-wide event will be heavily promoted as Etsy is planning a Canada-wide media blitz.
4. Pie Baking Competition
Richmond Visitor Centre – 3811 Moncton Street, Richmond
Saturday | 12pm – 2pm
Tourism Richmond will be hosting its 3rd Annual Pie Baking Competition (commercial kitchens only). Takes place at the Tourism Richmond Visitor Centre located in the Steveston Museum and Post Office. After judging, enjoy a slice of pie by donation (min $2.00 donation) with proceeds going to Tourism Richmond Endowment Fund.
5. Hot One Inch Action
2206 Main Street, Vancouver
Saturday | 7pm – 10pm
Hot One Inch Action features the tiny art of 50 different artists reproduced on one inch buttons. Limited edition buttons are displayed on the gallery wall and the audience can buy randomly selected buttons in mixed bags of five for $5. Didn’t get the button you want? Trade for it! An interactive art party for everyone.
6. BIKEnnale
Hinge Park in Olympic Village, Vancouver
Saturday & Sunday, Sept 28 | 11am – 4pm
A cycling tour of great public art in the world’s most beautiful city. Pack your camera, grab your kids, and hop on your bike for a tour of Vancouver’s most iconic works of art. Our trained docents, stationed at Biennale sculptures throughout the city, will serve as your guides to Vancouver’s world-class collection of public art.
7. 2nd Story
Blood Alley Square, Gastown Vancouver
Saturday & Sunday | 11am – 3pm
Personal stories from and about the area known as ‘Blood Alley’ in Downtown Eastside have been gathered and documented. The area has been chosen for its long history, and as a microcosmic example of a neighborhood in transition: a Single Room Occupancy hotel and shelter stands across the alley from a new condo development with boutiques and restaurants on the ground floor.
8. TheatreSports Sampler
Granville Island – 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Saturday & Sunday | various times
Come down to Granville Island and celebrate Culture Days with Vancouver TheatreSports™ League! Share a laugh with us – enjoy a 20 minute show at The Improv Centre.
9. Print!
Granville Island – 1241 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
Saturday & Sunday, Sept 28 | 10am – 5pm
The Federation of Canadian Artists, in association with New Leaf Editions and Dundarave Print Workshop and Gallery are hosting a weekend of print making activities at three Granville Island locations. Learn about different print making processes and make your own print for your chance to win Granville Island Goodies.
10. Perogy Pinching Workshop
805 East Pender Street, Vancouver
Sunday | 11:30 am – 1:30pm
Come join 10 master perogy pinchers at the Ukrainian Hall. Dough and instruction provided, all you need are willing hands and a love of little potato dumplings. The AUUC Vancouver is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the preservation and representation of Ukrainian Heritage in Vancouver.
Check out their full event schedule and have a great weekend!