Culture City is an annual series of intercultural community programming hosted across the City. Participants are offered opportunities to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures and communities in Abbotsford through free, interactive, family friendly arts and culture programming and events.
For information on how to participate, or to share expressions of interest for 2026, please contact the Culture Department.
Date & Time Location Event Feb 7
1pm - 3pmClearbrook Library
32320 George Ferguson WayBlack History Month Celebration
Community & Legacy: Honoring our past while building our future.
Presentations, dance, drumming, and storytelling highlighting the richness and diversity of African heritage and the cultural contributions of Black peoples in Canada. Presented in partnership with Fraser Valley Heritage Elevation Society and Abbotsford Libraries, FVRL. Free to attend, no registration required.Mar 7
2pm - 4pmMatsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way Trinjan Mela – International Women's Day Celebration
The South Asian Studies Institute (SASI) invites you to Trinjan Mela: A Celebration of South Asian Women, for an afternoon honoring the voices, creativity and resilience of South Asian women through folk music, poetry, dance and storytelling. Free to attend. RSVPApr 25 1:30pm - 4pm Clearbrook Library
32320 George Ferguson WayMushaira: South Asian Poetry Event
Sadhik Preet Singh in partnership with Clearbrook Library presents Mushaira: South Asian Poetry Event. This event brings together local poets from diverse backgrounds to share their perspectives, experiences, and creativity while celebrating community and culture.May 27
12pmCineplex Cinema Abbotsford & VIP
3122 Mount Lehman RdSensory Friendly Screening: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Reel Stories, with support from CalmDad Autism Awareness, invites families to a free sensory-friendly movie experience created for people with autism in a relaxed and inclusive setting. This screening of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie features adjusted sound, lighting, and a space where everyone can enjoy the film at their own pace. Free; RSVP requiredJun 5
9:30am - 1:30pmMill Lake Park
33015 Bevan AveNational Indigenous Peoples Day event
Explore stations throughout Mill Lake Park that celebrate Indigenous story, song, dance, art and more. These activities will offer a combination of hands-on learning experiences and cultural exhibits to highlight Indigenous brilliance from across Turtle Island. All ages are welcome.Jun 7
10am - 4pmMill Lake Park
(Heritage Abbotsford Society grounds)
2313 Ware StSelxwí:chel Arts & Culture Day
Presented by Selxwí:chel Ars and Culture Events Society in partnership with Heritage Abbotsford Society. Indigenous-themed skills transmission event featuring performing arts, interactive crafts, workshops, and food trucks. Features artists and facilitators from local Indigenous communities and beyond. Free to attend and open to all.Jun 9
12:15pm - 1:15pmMatsqui Centennial Auditorium
Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser WayXa Xa Téméxw Swáyel/Sacred Earth Day Concert 2026
Presented by Éy St’élmexw St’elt’ílém/Good Medicine Songs and choirs from Barrowtown, Ten-Broeck and Dormick Park Elementaries to share the message that every day is Earth Day. Limited spots available! Free registration here.Jun 27
3pm - 5pmClearbrook Library Lawn
32320 George Ferguson WayTaste Around the World
In partnership with Archway Community Services, enjoy a free multicultural food sharing event where community is invited to sample dishes from different cultures. Link to free registration forthcoming.
Previous Years
Cultural Contributions: The Impact of Black Art, Music, and Literature
Reel Stories Film Series
Mehfil-e-Sukoon: An Evening of Sufi & Punjabi Folk Music
Luminous Waters
Selxwí:chel Arts & Culture Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Kolam with Eisha Menon
Abbotsford Film Festival: Opening Night Event
Mushaira: South Asian Poetry Event
Fraser Valley Zine Festival
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
Kolam with Eisha Menon
Orange Shirt Beading with Rebekah Brackett
Will's Jams at Abbotsford Community Library
Bhangra in the Park with Kulwant Sidhu
Writing and Wellness with Sherry Duggal
Taste Around the World
Hoop Dancing with Jarred Genaille
Geetan di Mehfil / South Asian Folk Music Evening
The Raga Experience with Hriday Buddhdev & Akaaljot Singh
Living Traditions Symposium
Let’s Dance Kathak with Puneet Singh & Friends
Family Fun for Diwali at Clearbrook Library
Beacons: An Art Walk with Luke Pardy
Fraser Valley Zine Festival