Maple Ridge Celebrates Culture Days 2025

Maple Ridge, B.C., September 18, 2025 — The City of Maple Ridge invites everyone to take part in Culture Days 2025, Canada’s largest public participation campaign for the arts, culture, and heritage. This year’s celebration runs from September 19 through October 12, 2025. 

Culture Days in Maple Ridge will feature a lineup of free and low-cost workshops, exhibits, tours, performances, installations and community-led events. The program is being developed in collaboration with local artists, heritage groups, the Maple Ridge Public Library, Maple Ridge Museum and local community organizations.  

“Arts and culture are the soul of our community, they inspire, connect, and strengthen us,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “In Maple Ridge, we are fortunate to have so many talented people, from artists and musicians to performers and creators of all kinds. Culture Days is our chance to celebrate that creativity, showcase local talent, and support cultural organizations. The city is committed to providing the space, support, and opportunities for arts and culture to continue thriving in our community.” 

2025 Culture Days Highlights 

• Ichigo Ichie – The Fruit That Bears Secrets - Sept. 19 – Oct. 12, The ACT Arts Centre 

A free solo exhibition by multi-disciplinary artist Cindy Mochizuki exploring the history of Japanese Canadian berry farmers in the Fraser Valley prior to World War II. The exhibit features immersive installations and digital animation, including a 60-minute hand-painted animation Autumn Strawberry and Compass, an installation about the forced choices of wartime. 

• Tiny Art Show, Sept 17 – Oct 1 (canvas pick up), Oct 3-11 (canvas display) - Maple Ridge Library 

Pick up your tiny canvas at the library, create your masterpiece and drop off by Oct 1 to be part of our Culture Days Tiny Art Show. Canvases will be on display in the library foyer Oct 3 -11. Canvases available while supplies last. 

• GETI Fest 2025 - Sat., Sept. 20, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Memorial Peace Park 

Organized by the Golden Ears Transition Initiative Society, GETI Fest focuses on “Local Voices Building Community Resilience” with exhibitors, vendors, live music, crafts, food, and activities highlighting themes of food security, local economy, environment, and social collaboration. 

• Apple Harvest Festival - Sun., Sept. 21, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Haney House Museum 

Celebrate Maple Ridge’s orchard heritage with apple sampling, cider, tours of Haney House, family lawn games, and apple-themed prizes. 

• Improv Theatre Workshop - Mon., Sept. 22, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM - Albion Community Centre 

 A free, adults (19yr+) all-levels workshop led by instructors Graham Myers and Russ Brummer. Learn stage skills, short-form games, character work, and long-form techniques in an engaging, hands-on session. 

• Alternative Artmaking with Alex Neff, Maple Ridge Artist in Residence, Tues, Sept 23, 4-5 PM – Maple Ridge Library 

Maple Ridge Artist in Residence and artist behind Drawing Thanks, Alex Neff (they/them), invites you to join them for a purpose-driven hour exploring how emerging artists of every ability and skill level can engage with alternative economies in art making. Explore shared perspective, gratitude, and skill trading as the basis for a fulfilling creative journey. Over the course of an hour, teens and adults will have the opportunity to discuss what interests them, how they can connect to it creatively, and get hands-on with some visual journaling. 

• National Tree Day - Wed., Sept. 24, • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM • Alouette Park 

Celebrate environmental stewardship through a community tree planting event, open to residents and groups of all ages. 

• Métis Dot Art Workshop - Sat., Sept. 27, • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Albion Community Centre 

Artist Jocelyn McIntosh guides participants through bead-like painting techniques inspired by traditional Métis beadwork. Free and hands-on. Register through MapleRidge.ca/Registration 

• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sun., Sept. 28, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM - Memorial Peace Park 

 A city-wide gathering to honour Indigenous culture and history, featuring drum groups, dancers, guest speakers, a performance by Indigenous Hip-Hop artist K.A.S.P., over 60 artisans and vendors, as well as free arts and healing activities including drum circles, collaborative art projects, and a healing tent. 

• Ridge Meadows Rivers Day - Sun., Sept. 28, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM - Allco Park 

Hosted by the Alouette River Management Society, this annual celebration features environmental exhibitors, live music, family entertainment, carnival games, and nature activities. Highlights include face-painting, balloon art, the Nylon Zoo, reptiles from West Coast Exotics, and story time with local author Tiffany Stone. Food by donation will be available, including a BBQ lunch by the Lions Club. 

• Improv Comedy – Student Showcase - Fri., Oct. 3, Teen show 6:30 PM, Adult show 8:00 PM - Albion Community Centre 

 A high-energy showcase featuring talented teen and adult performers from Improv Theatre’s  workshops. Admission by donation (PWYC).   

• Artists in the Library - Sat, Oct 4, 11 am – 3 pm – Maple Ridge Library 

Join the library and our vibrant artistic community in celebrating Culture Days 2025! Enjoy live demonstrations by local artists, including City of Maple Ridge Artist in Residence Alex Neff, Whonnock Weavers & Spinners and Garibaldi Arts Club, as they showcase their skills and share insights about their work. All ages are welcome. 

Keep an eye on MapleRidge.ca/CultureDays webpage, and the Discover Maple Ridge events calendar for the finalized schedule and full details as they become available. 

Why Culture Days Matters 

• Celebrating our heritage & identity — Showcasing the culture and stories of Maple Ridge, rooted in the traditional territories of the Katzie (q̓ic̓əy̓) First Nation and Kwantlen (qʼʷa:n̓ƛʼən̓) First Nation. (Maple Ridge, BC) 
• Fostering creativity & connection — Events are designed to bring people together, across ages and backgrounds, to participate, learn, share and enjoy. 
• Supporting local arts & culture sectors — Giving local artists, makers, and cultural organizations platforms to present their work to broad audiences, helping build capacity, exposure and community engagement.