Growing up in North Delta, I was a short bus and skytrain ride away from downtown Vancouver, so I would spend all my free summer days there, taking in the myriad of culture events that seemed to be happening constantly in the bustling metropolis. When I moved to Abbotsford in 2019, I would lament the lack of culture in the Fraser Valley, not knowing about the vibrant art and music scene that exists here. We cannot claim there is no culture in the Valley, just as we cannot claim there is no community at UFV. There are plenty of cultural events to take part in if you choose to get involved. So, have fun taking in all the hard work Fraser Valley artists, curators, and event organizers have contributed to our community.
Art Exhibitions
DUJE PASE TON (From the Other Side): Arts Across the Border, from the Two Punjabs. The latest exhibition at The Reach features work from 22 international artists who completed residencies from the two sides of Punjab, in both India and Pakistan. Their pieces reflect the hostile partition of these two feuding countries who share a border. Presented by The Reach Gallery, open Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m, until September 4.
Roshni Key Teh Mein (In the Fold of Light). This exquisite exhibition features the work of Sara Khan, a Vancouver-based artist originally from Pakistan, whose beautifully intricate watercolors and fabric collages hide an array of fantastical creatures. Presented by The Reach Gallery, open Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m, until September 4.
Black Lives Matter: Social Justice Art Project. A collaboration between UFV and CityStudio Abbotsford brings us a visual art project meant to rally support and solidarity with the Black community in the Fraser Valley. The exhibition features the stunning paintings of four BIPOC artists and UFV students: Donna Park, Michelle Msami, Rain Neeposh, and Faria Firoz. Presented in S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery, open Monday – Friday 12:00 – 5:00 p.m., until September 15.
Komagata Maru: This indoor and outdoor exhibition pays homage to the Sikh immigrants that were refused entry at the Vancouver port in 1914 and the determination of the Sikh and South Asian immigrants that continue to carve out a space for themselves in the Valley, despite their struggle with ongoing racism. Presented by the Sikh Heritage Museum, also the National Historic Site Gur Sikh Temple, until March 2022, open everyday from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
2021 Fraser Valley Biennial. An expansive body of work by 25 artists from the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley that explores the theme of creation in response to the pandemic and the isolation caused by it. The exhibition, which features a number of UFV alumni, is touring through art galleries within the Fraser Valley to ensure equal access. See this exhibition at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, open weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., from July 7 – August 5, and then at the Kent Harrison Ranger Station Gallery, open weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and weekends 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., from August 10 – 28.
Impressions Through the Lens. An exhibition by the Abbotsford Photo Arts Club offers something for everyone, as there is work by a variety of artists of all skill levels. You’ll find photos taken locally and around the world in this unique display of talents. Presented by Mission Arts Council, at the Rock Family Gallery, open Tuesday – Saturday from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m., July 6 – 24.
Health & Wellness
Yoga in the Park – Yoga in Jubilee Park is back every Wednesday, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., from June 30 to August 25. Come to this public yoga class taught by Jessica Hart, and be sure to pre-register before coming to guarantee a spot.
Markets
Abbotsford Farm & Country Market: Running every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Jubilee Park until October 30. Check out the best food, fresh produce, and artisanal products Abbotsford has to offer.
Mission City Farmers Market: Open every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Welton Commons Parking Lot until October 16. Be sure to come early to get the first pick of the fresh produce that always sells out almost immediately.
Downtown Chilliwack Community Market: Open every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the PickEco Refills parking lot until August 29. Support local farmers by making this your main produce shopping destination this summer.
The Eco Market: Taking place every Wednesday night from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Sardis Park, Chilliwack. With over 30 vendors offering a variety of food, products, and services, there is something for everyone here.
Yarrow Farmers Market: Running every Friday night from 5:00 p.m. to dusk at Yarrow Pioneer Park, this is the quintessential Valley farmers market you must visit this summer.
Festivals
Food Truck Festival: Come taste everything from BBQ to teriyaki to mini doughnuts at this four-day Food Truck Festival happening from July 1 – 4 at the Abbotsford Exhibition Park from 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. There will also be food trucks from vendors such as Tacofino and Salt Spring Noodle Bar at Tradex for Canada Day celebrations on July 1 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m which requires pre-registration.
Jam in Jubilee: This much-loved Abbotsford music festival is back in an online format this year, with performances streaming live every Tuesday and Thursday in July at 7:00 p.m. from local artists like Kristin Witko, Devours, and Lowercase Dream.
Harrison Festival of the Arts: This long-anticipated folk-music festival is returning with limited capacity seating at the family-run Holberg Farm in Agassiz. Enjoy full-length concerts from local folk bands from July 10 – 18, with concerts in the day and evening.
Fraser Valley Pride: Hosted by the Fraser Valley Youth Society, this year’s Pride will be held virtually from July 16 – 24 with a variety of events throughout the week such as a virtual drag experience.
HockeyFest: The world’s largest travelling road hockey festival is coming to Abbotsford from July 16 – 18 in the Abbotsford Centre. There will be tournaments for all age groups to participate in.
Mission Folk Music Festival: This beloved local music festival will return in an online format from July 23 – 25. Artists from across the country will wow you with everything from bluegrass to Afrobeats in this virtual music experience.
Abbotsford Agrifair: This drive-thru three day event boasts attractions like animal movie stars, live motocross shows, drive-in movies, and more from July 30 – August 1. Admission to this year’s event is free, so don’t miss this one.
Abbotsford Airshow: The long-awaited airshow finally returns and promises to be better than ever with displays, exhibits, live-shows and fireworks. Taking place August 6 – 8 at the Abbotsford airport, Western Canada’s largest air show will feature drive-in performances from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and more.
Sunflower Festival: Get your most Instagram-worthy picture yet at Maan Farms Sunflower Festival from August 19 – September 13. The festival not only features hundreds of big, beautiful, yellow flowers, but also a corn maze, petting zoo, and picnic options.
Andrea Sadowski is working towards her BA in Global Development Studies, with a minor in anthropology and Mennonite studies. When she's not sitting in front of her computer, Andrea enjoys climbing mountains, sleeping outside, cooking delicious plant-based food, talking to animals, and dismantling the patriarchy.
