There is no better symbol of summer than the sunflower. With their towering height and bright yellow petals,  sunflowers have that unmistakable sun-like appearance that makes them a summer and fall favorite.

From the curators of our families favorite fall Pumpkin Patch, Richmond Country Farms presents Richmond’s first-ever sunflower festival….and I can confirm that this labor of love is in bloom and worth adding to your MUST do list.  Read on for all the deets!

The Richmond Sunflower Festival is located at 12900 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, B.C.  Running from August 3-September 15th, with over 8 acres of 20 different varieties of sunflowers and dahlias.  This event has something for the whole family.

Ticket time slots are available for every 2 hours between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.  You would think 2 hours is plenty of time, but there is so much to do  you could easily spend the day exploring.

Tickets price are reasonable; weekday prices: $8 per person plus tax.  Weekend prices: $15 per person plus tax.  Children under the age of 3 are free.

Ticket price includes:

• A tractor ride to the sunflower fields
• Walking through 8 acres of flowers. with multiple #instaworthy moments.
• Enjoy their garden ambience with a live band and stage.
• On weekends you can take a train ride to the vineyard, where you are invited to pick your own cup of blueberries at the vineyard those 19+ with ID can enjoy a sample of Country Vines refreshing sips.

For an additional charge you can also enjoy the following:

• Fresh cut flower stand where you can choose the perfect sunflower
  
• Enjoy a cool drink or ice cream from vendors.  If you decided to make a day of it, on weekends, there are food trucks available.
• Weekends  there is a beer & wine garden in the gazebo.  Drinks are poured from 2pm to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday only.

Our experience:

• Given that we attended on opening weekend it was not busy and there were no line ups. Whoot whoot!
• its the beginning of the season not all of the sunflowers are in bloom yet.  Which was fine by me,  I was happy to be able to enjoy the festival without the crowds.
• The hayride out to the sunflower fields had live music and livestock to keep my little entertained….. In case being pulled by a tractor wasn’t thrilling enough.;)
• The fields were beautiful and impressive to walk with lots of props including old trucks, and  tractors, that helped to keep my toddler entertained and engaged.
• There are a lot of bees. This is, after all, a field of sunflowers. So just be prepared for that.
• There are only porta-potties in the field and no drinking water, so go prepared.
• Once we got back to the Gazebo and picnic area recharged with a treat and refreshments while enjoying the music .  As the momentum for the event picks up, its obvious that  this area is going to be busy with pre and post sunflower field guests.
• I also picked up 2 bunches of  fresh cut flowers for $6.00
• Once we were hydrated and full of sugar it was back out, we caught the train to the vineyard…..again no line.
• Here we picked blueberries, and I enjoyed some of the freshening Country Vines Winery samples.

Things to do nearby

Country Vines Winery offers a great spot for afternoon sips.  The tasting room and the patio is located in the heart of our farm, just East of Richmond Country Farms Market.  The tasting room is open 7 days a week-  Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm and Friday to Sunday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm.

  Of course while you are here, why not stop by Richmond Country Farms and stock up on fresh local fruits and vegetables, this unique and vibrant market is a popular attractions  Spring through Fall.

Fitness, Family and Fun,  have been long time favorites, but I love exploring new  “F” words.  Flower, and Festival is a combination that I can get behind.  I hope this is the first of many Richmond Sunflower Festivals! 

I have already started planning my next visit,  See you there!