Culture City

• Current Events

  Date & Location	Event	Description
  February 8 4pm - 6pm Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way)	Cultural Contributions: The Impact of Black Art, Music, and Literature	Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with an engaging evening of Black arts, culture, and heritage. This event is  presented in partnership with the Fraser Valley Heritage Elevation Society and includes cultural presentations, dance, spoken word, and interactive arts and crafts.
  March 12 7pm High Street Cineplex  (3122 Mount Lehman Rd	Reel Stories Film Series: Un P’Tit Truc en Plus” (“A Little Something Extra”)	Immerse yourself in the rich stories and vibrant culture of French-language cinema with the screening of “Un P’Tit Truc en Plus” (“A Little Something Extra”). This heartwarming family-friendly film is presented in partnership with the Reel Stories Film Series, Association Francophone de la Vallée du Fraser, and Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie. This film is rated G and includes English subtitles. Register for free tickets online, or at the theatre on March 12.
  April 5 6pm Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way)	Mehfil-e-Sukoon: An Evening of Sufi & Punjabi Folk Music	This special performance showcases the mesmerizing vocals of Maghar Ali Khan, a renowned Sufi artist, accompanied by an ensemble of talented musicians. This concert brings the rich traditions of Sufi and Punjabi folk music to life. This event is  presented in partnership with UFV’s South Asian Studies institute. Register for tickers here.
  April 28 7pm Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way)	Luminous Waters	Working with professional puppeteer Tamara Unroe at Mamele’awt Indigenous Education Center, students from Abbotsford School District immersed themselves in the story of Semá:th Xó:tsa (Sumas Lake) to develop this spectacular  performance featuring larger-than-life illuminated puppets. Register for free tickets. Presented in partnership with The Reach Gallery Museum and Indigenous Education.
  June 8 10am - 4pm Heritage Abbotsford Society (2313 Ware St)	Selxwí:chel Arts & Culture Day	We welcome you to attend Selxwí:chel Arts & Culture Day, an Indigenous-themed skills transmission event including live performances, interactive crafts, workshops, and vendors from local Indigenous communities. This free event is presented in partnership with Heritage Abbotsford Society.
  June 20 9:30am - 1:30pm Mill Lake Park	National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration	In recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day held annually on June 21, we invite you to celebrate Indigenous knowledge and culture at Mill Lake Park. This event includes activity & stations featuring storytelling, dance, art, and more. Free and open to all ages with no registration required. Presented in partnership with Indigenous Education and Abbotsford School District.
  July 5 11:30am - 2pm Clearbrook Library 32320 George Ferguson Way	Kolam with Eisha Menon	Join artist Eisha Menon to learn the art of kolam, and contribute your own design! This activity is presented in partnership with Clearbrook Library’s Summer Bash event. Open to all ages, no registration required.
  July 23  9:30am - 11:45am Matsqui Recreation Centre MP 2/3 3106 Clearbrook Rd	Figure Drawing Class with Artist Clement Yeh	Join artist and educator Clement Yeh for a welcoming figure drawing session designed for all skill levels. Whether you're new to drawing or looking to deepen your practice, Clement brings years of experience as a figurative artist and teacher to guide you through an engaging exploration of the human form. This event is free and available to all skill levels. Recommended for ages 16yrs+. Register online
  August 4 2:45pm - 4:45pm Cineplex Cinemas Abbotsford and VIP 3122 Mount Lehman Rd	Reel Stories Film Series: COUNTERCULTURE: 20 Years of CIVL Radio in the Fraser Valley	Join us for a screening of the new documentary “COUNTERCULTURE: 20 Years of CIVL Radio in the Fraser Valley.” Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the scene, this film is a must-see for anyone who loves diverse, independent music. Presented in partnership with the Reel Stories Film Series, Abbotsford Film Society, and CIVL Radio. Register for free tickets. Drop-ins accommodated at the theatre on August 4th dependent on capacity. This film is rated PG-13.
  September 4 6:30pm - 9pm Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way)	Abbotsford Film Festival: Opening Night Event	The Abbotsford Film Festival returns September 4th to 6th with screenings of feature films, documentaries and shorts from the Fraser Valley and beyond. Join us for the festival opening event, featuring a free community screening and live Q & A. Registration link forthcoming.
  September 13 1pm - 3pm Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way)	Mushaira: South Asian Poetry Event	Mushaira: South Asian Poetry Event is a celebration of community voices, cultures, and stories told through the power of poetry. This event brings together local poets from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives, experiences, and creativity. This event is free and open to all. Register online
  October 16 5pm - 7pm Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way	Indigenous Hoop Dancing Workshop	Join dancer Jay Genaille from Indigicree Hoop Dancing Co. to learn about the traditional art of hoop dancing through this  participatory workshop. This session includes a presentation on the history and significance of the dance form, live performance, and a participatory workshop for attendees. This event is free for all ages, but registration is required. Register online
  November 8 12pm - 4:30pm Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way	Fraser Valley Zine Festival	Celebrate the region's underground print culture! The festival showcases hands-on activities, artists, independent publishers, and collectives from the Fraser Valley. In partnership with UFV's School of Creative Arts. Free, no registration required.

Previous Years

• 2024

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  The City of Abbotsford’s 2024 Culture City: Program Series provided a total of sixteen exciting events hosted across the community between May and November. In total, over 1,600 participants attended artist facilitated workshops, live performances, and presentations that created opportunities to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures and communities in Abbotsford.

  The series was produced through a combination of City programing, open-call submissions, and partnerships with local organizations including UFV South Asian Studies Institute, UFV School of Contemporary Arts, Archway, BANDISH Network, United Way, Fraser Valley Regional Library, Heritage Abbotsford Society, and The Reach Gallery Museum. In addition to highlighting community partners, the program also supported individual artists and performers. Activities and events included:

  • Selxwí:chel  Arts & Culture Day
    In partnership with Heritage Abbotsford Society: Indigenous-themed skills transmission event with performances, interactive crafts, and workshops from local Indigenous communities
  • Kolam with Eisha Menon
    Interactive outdoor kolam workshop.
  • Orange Shirt Beading with Rebekah Brackett
    Artist led beading workshop in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
  • Will's Jams at Abbotsford Community Library
    In partnership with Fraser Valley Regional Libraries: Bilingual French and English concert.
  • Bhangra in the Park with Kulwant Sidhu
    Outdoor bhangra aerobics at Mill Lake Park.
  • Writing and Wellness with Sherry Duggal
    Writing workshop centered on incorporating creativity into daily life to achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.
  • Taste Around the World
    In partnership with Archway and United Way: Food sharing event featuring cuisine from around the world prepared by local community members.
  • Hoop Dancing with Jarred Genaille
    Presentation on the history and significance of Hoop Dancing including live performance and participatory workshop. 
  • Geetan di Mehfil / South Asian Folk Music Evening
    In partnership with UFV South Asian Studies Institute: Live music featuring B.C-based South Asian musicians performing lok geet (folk songs) passed through generations.
  • The Raga Experience with Hriday Buddhdev & Akaaljot Singh
    In partnership with BANDISH network: An illustrative presentation on the history and mechanics of the sarod and tabla including recital and artist meet-and-greet.
  • Living Traditions Symposium
    In partnership with the BANDISH network: Symposium including presentations on yoga, fashion, and community cultural leaders.
  • Let’s Dance Kathak with Puneet Singh & Friends
    In partnership with BANDISH network: Live performance, panel discussion, and participatory workshop on the classical dance form of Kathak. 
  • Family Fun for Diwali at Clearbrook Library
    In partnership with Fraser Valley Regional Libraries: Community Diwali celebration including crafts, stories, performances, and displays.
  • Beacons: An Art Walk with Luke Pardy
    Participatory art walk at Mill Lake focused on the park’s current and historic presence in the community.

  • Fraser Valley Zine Festival
    In partnership with UFV School of Creative Arts: A celebration of the region's underground print culture including hands-on activities, and showcases from Fraser Valley artists, publishers, and collectives.