By Elke Porter | WBN News Richmond | August 30, 2025
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Sometimes the best adventures happen when you arrive fashionably late – or in our case, spontaneously deciding at 6 PM on a Friday evening to attend Richmond's spectacular Sunflower Festival. What started as a potential disappointment turned into an enchanting evening that left us already planning next year's visit, armed with insider knowledge about this blooming paradise.

Twice the Fun Spread Across 20 Acres

The Richmond Sunflower Festival is actually a magnificent combination of family fun, sprawling across over 20 acres and featuring two main experiences. There's the bustling Richmond Country Farms Market brimming with fresh berries, corn, and seasonal produce, and the main Sunflower Festival with its Instagram-worthy meadows showcasing over 20 sunflower varieties plus dahlias, gladiolas, and seasonal blooms for a total of over 90 flower varieties.

This year's festival has doubled in size from previous years, featuring wider, stroller-friendly paths that make wandering through the flower fields a relaxed affair. It's an ambitious setup that promises something for everyone, from early morning market browsers to sunset strollers – and even Thursday evening yoga enthusiasts who can unwind among the dahlias.

A Journey Begins with a Bridge and a Song

The adventure kicks off the moment you cross a delightful white bridge that feels like stepping into a fairytale. From there, you join the queue for the charming tractor-pulled wagon ride that transports you from the ordinary world straight into the heart of the flower fields. As our wagon rolled toward the giant meadow, we were serenaded by a guitarist singing "You Are My Sunshine" – a perfectly on-theme welcome that had everyone smiling and swaying along.

The setting that greeted us was nothing short of spectacular: a gigantic garden area scattered with chairs and umbrellas, creating intimate spaces for families to spread out and enjoy the experience. A stage anchored one end of the space, where live musicians were belting out rockin' country tunes that perfectly matched the rural charm of the setting.

We learned quickly that weekend visitors need to come hungry for the rotating selection of food trucks and local vendor offerings rather than their own packed lunches. The aroma of bratwurst filled the air, complemented by fresh mini donuts, lemonade, and refreshing drinks that kept the energy high as the sun began its descent. On weekdays picnic lunches are welcomed.

Farmyard Philosophy and Prehistoric Surprises

Before diving into the main event, we encountered some philosophical farm animals who taught us an important life lesson: why did the chicken cross the road? To avoid being hit by all the cars, naturally! It's this kind of gentle humor that makes the festival feel welcoming for all ages and leashed, well-behaved pets too.

The sunflower maze itself is entered through a charming tunnel that builds anticipation perfectly. Inside, surprises await around every golden corner – including thoughtfully placed photo setups with flower wagons, rustic props, and a beautiful swing positioned perfectly for sunset shots. Not to mention two dinosaurs lurking among the blooms, one of whom seemed particularly grumpy, perhaps because he was missing out on the bratwurst.

The maze was alive with couples celebrating life's milestones, from engagements to anniversaries to expecting their first child. Professional photographers had claimed prime spots throughout the well-marked paths, creating impromptu studios among the towering sunflowers. The setting truly was serene, surreal, and sensational – a triple-S experience that made every corner feel like a potential magazine cover.

Lessons Learned and Essential Festival Wisdom

Our only regret was our late arrival, which meant missing the U-Pick sunflowers and the complimentary corn on the cob that comes with each ticket. By the time we were ready to explore beyond the maze, darkness had settled and the corn had vanished. We also missed the chance to properly explore the adjacent farm market and all its seasonal treasures.

For future festival-goers, here's our hard-earned advice: arrive early with comfortable walking shoes (paths can be grassy and uneven), bring a hat, sunscreen, and refillable water bottle, and don't forget your camera – there are Instagram-worthy photo ops everywhere. Cash or card will cover food, drinks, and local goods, and tickets are only available at the on-site ticket hut, not online.

Consider this our public service announcement: this festival deserves a full day to truly appreciate both main sections, from morning market browsing to evening flower field exploration. The Richmond Sunflower Festival continues through until mid-September before transforming into a pumpkin patch for fall visitors.

Next year, we're blocking out the entire day and arriving when the gates open. Some experiences are too golden to rush through – just like the perfect sunflower-framed sunset we were lucky enough to witness. With over 90 flower varieties across 20 acres of pure magic, this is more than just flowers – it's a full summer experience that's great for families, couples, photographers, and flower lovers alike.

You'll find this golden paradise at 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond, BC—just off Highway 99, with free on-site parking available. See you there! https://richmondsunflowerfestival.com/pages/festival-features

TAGS: #Richmond Sunflower Festival #Sunflower Maze #BC Flower Festival #Richmond BC #Sunflower Fields #Flower Photography #WBN News Richmond #Elke Porter

Contact Elke Porter at:
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