This national celebration of arts and culture, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 12, 2025, seeks to eliminate barriers, while encouraging appreciation and participation in our communities. During this month long event, the City invites the community to participate in FREE activities to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, and designers at work.
Enjoy a diverse lineup of free arts and culture events, including the screening of "Despicable Me 4" at Moonlight Movies (September 19) and the Richmond Hill ArtWalk (September 21). Step back in time with local history exhibits at the Heritage Centre or take part in exciting heritage scavenger hunts and walking tours throughout the City. There’s something for everyone!
What is Culture Days?
Culture Days is celebrated in hundreds of cities and towns across Canada. During this month-long event, participants explore and discover cultural awareness in their local communities through visual arts, music, dance, theatre, architecture, heritage, film and video, literature, culinary arts and new media.
Culture Days 2025 Event Schedule
September 19 to October 12
| Cultural Services |
| Artwalk |
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Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Join us for the Richmond Hill ArtWalk, our annual one-day art market at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts! Shop and explore unique handcrafted pieces from dozens of local artists and artisans, showcasing paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, metalworks, and more. Enjoy the lively sounds of the Richmond Hill Concert Band and take part in free activities, including make-and-take crafts, henna, live portrait drawings, and face painting!
Location: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B7
Learn More: RichmondHill.ca/ArtWalk
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Visual Art Gallery @ RHCPA Exhibitions
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Browse the Visual Art Gallery at the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre, to enjoy monthly features of esteemed local artists across a range of mediums. This September, dive into a vibrant exhibit featuring 35+ artists celebrating the annual ArtWalk on September 21. In October the gallery will feature Olesya Betin, whose mastery of oil painting captures the peace of rural landscapes and brings floral studies to life with vibrant textures.
Access: Free, Offered in English, Wheelchair accessible, Washrooms
Location: Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, 10268 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B7
Learn More: RichmondHill.ca/VisualArtGallery
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Boynton House Exhibitions
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Come explore the Boynton House Art Exhibition Space, a heritage home converted into a charming rentable gallery, located in the lively Richmond Green Park. Community permits during this year’s Culture Days include ‘Art in Harmony’ by Joyarts Inc and the Woodland Art Expo by Odeiwin.
Accessibility: As the Boynton House is a historic building, it does not meet existing accessibility standards. Access to the main gallery spaces and washroom is by stairs only. The rear programming room is wheelchair accessible.
Access: Free, Washroom
Location: Richmond Green Park, 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1M5
Learn More: RichmondHill.ca/BoyntonHouse
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Heritage Services
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Heritage Centre Scavenger Hunt
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Take a trip through Richmond Hill’s history with a scavenger hunt. Start in the ‘History Room’ to learn about the earliest inhabitants in the area. Explore the ‘Community Gallery’ to learn about the significant contributions of past residents. Enjoy learning about the official establishment of Yonge Street as a transportation route for trade, travel, and settlement—fueling industry and economic growth.
Join us to engage with interactive pop-up panels and get up close to a selection of historical objects from the Richmond Hill Artifact Collection! No registration is required for these family friendly activities.
- Saturday September 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuesday September 23, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Thursday September 25, 4 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday September 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuesday September 30, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Thursday October 2, 4 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday October 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Tuesday October 7, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Thursday October 9, 4 – 8 p.m.
- Saturday October 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Access: Free, Offered in English, Wheelchair accessible, Washrooms
Location: Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, 19 Church Street North, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3E6
Learn More: RichmondHill.ca/HeritageCentre
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Museum of the Streets
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Enjoy a free, self-guided tour of the Village of Richmond Hill. Starting from Amos Wright Park (Richmond Hill Heritage Centre), participants journey across eleven heritage sites. Distinctive green signs direct participants through the streets of Old Richmond Hill. Download the map and begin your journey! No registration is required, this tour is family friendly and takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
Location: Richmond Hill Heritage Centre, 19 Church Street North, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3E6
Learn more about Museum of the Streets
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Tour the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory
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Drop by the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) for a self-guided tour of the Administration Building. RHDDO is a national historic site and houses the largest telescope in Canada. In honour of the RHDDO's 90th Anniversary, be sure to check out exclusive artifacts from the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Toronto.
No registration is required for this family friendly activity.
Location: Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, 123 Hillsview Dr, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1T3
- Saturday September 20, 1 - 5 p.m.
- Sunday September 21, 1 - 5 p.m.
- Sunday September 28, 1 - 5 p.m.
- Saturday October 4, 1 - 5 p.m.
- Sunday October 5, 1 - 5 p.m.
- Saturday October 11, 1 - 5 p.m.
- Sunday October 12, 1 - 5 p.m.
Learn more about programs at the RHDDO
Accessibility: As the Observatory and Administration Buildings are historic buildings, they do not meet existing accessibility standards. Access to both buildings is by stairs only. Washrooms and program rooms are in the basement and on the second floor of the Administration Building and are accessible only by stairs. Both the Administration Building and the Observatory do not have elevators.
Visitors are welcome to explore the trail system and parks surrounding the RHDDO.
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| Walk and Learn Tour, Sports History |
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Sunday, September 26, 1 p.m.
Discover Richmond Hill community heritage with a Walk and Learn guided tour. This walk will focus on the historic locations, celebrated championships, athletes, teams, and supporters who have shaped the sports community in our city. Includes a look at the Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame. Arrive at the Elgin Barrow Arena (43 Church Street South) and look for the Walk and Learn sandwich board. Tour runs rain or shine. Wear appropriate attire for walking and the outdoors. No registration is required, this tour is family friendly and takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
Location: Elgin Barrow Arena, 43 Church Street South, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1W1
Learn more about our Heritage Programs
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Events
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Moonlight Movies – “Despicable Me 4”
Friday, September 19, 6:30 p.m. (movies will begin at dusk)
Soak up the final nights of summer under the stars at our Moonlight Movies. Pack your chairs and blankets, gather the family to enjoy a new release or an old classic. Join us for some pre-show fun and indulge in some delicious food and desserts starting at 6:30 p.m.
About the movie: Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run. (Rated PG 1 h. 34 m.)
Location: David Hamilton Park, 311 Valleymede Dr., Richmond Hill, ON L4B 2E1
Learn More: RichmondHill.ca/MoonlightMovies
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| Richmond Hill Public Library |
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Explore art through culture on Saturday, September 20 (12 - 4 p.m.). Culture Days takes over Central Branch with music, dancing, crafts and more. Learn basic embroidery stitches, dance to Bollywood beats, listen to musical performances or try your hand at simply origami. There’s something for everyone at Richmond Hill Public Library’s Culture Days celebration.
Culture Days at the Library - Event Schedule:
Don't miss these free drop-in activities and programs. Click on each link for event details.
12–2 p.m.
12–3 p.m.
12–4 p.m.
12:30–1:30 p.m.
1–3 p.m.
2–3 p.m.
3:15–4:15 p.m.
3:30–4 p.m.
All ages are welcome to these free, drop-in events. Visit www.rhpl.ca/culture-days to learn more.
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Why should we celebrate culture?
Culture is everywhere and is a part of every moment of our lives. We celebrate Culture Days to recognize the special place that arts and culture occupies in our lives, much like you would celebrate a birthday or an anniversary.
How do I participate as a Culture Days activity organizer?
If you are interested in learning how you can participate in Culture Days contact the Cultural Services team at culturalplan@richmondhill.ca.
How can I find Culture Days activities in my community?
Visit culturedays.ca and you can search by neighbourhood, municipality or region.
