BC's Guide to Arts & Culture

From mural walks in Vernon to a lakeside getaway in Naramata and desert landscapes in Osoyoos, the Okanagan is filled with creative communities to explore with a laid back experience of place. This road trip highlights galleries, public art, cultural districts, theatres, museums, sculpture programs, wineries, and quiet roadside stops stretching from the North Okanagan to the South Okanagan. Swipe through for a few ideas for your next summer drive through the valley. Is anyone planning an Okanagan road trip this summer? #Okanagan #artbcguide #ExploreBC #RoadTrip #superculturalbc

GIVEAWAY To celebrate nearing 10K followers, Art-BC.com is giving away two tickets to @theartsclub ’s Canadian musical phenomenon COME FROM AWAY Inspired by the true events of September 11, COME FROM AWAY tells the story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small Newfoundland town that welcomed them with extraordinary generosity, warmth, and heart. Filled with unforgettable music and unmistakable Canadian spirit, this award-winning musical has captivated audiences around the world. Enter for a chance to win two tickets to COME FROM AWAY at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage On stage May 28–July 26, 2026 @theartsclub To enter: 〰️ Follow @artbcguide & @theartsclub 〰️ Tag your friends below — each comment is one entry to win Contest closes Monday, May 12. Winner announced May 13.

These are some of the friendly faces you can expect to see on the Art Studio Tour in Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Back for its 26th year! The MR PM Art Studio Tour opens to the public from 10-4pm Saturday & Sunday May 9th & 10th, 2026 @artstudiotourmrpm The tour unites local makers and creators from dozens of disciplines with the public. Free admission, Self Guided, Everyone Welcome @isabelngibson @tracyquinsey @Yawningcrowecongeries @reddogstudiobc @val_wheater_art @robeganartstudio @kkcc.official Ron Levitt @universal_art_expressions @artbymirandasavage @artstudiotourmrpm MR PM Art Studio Tour May 9th-10th Check out our studio directions & artist listings https://www.artstudiotour.ca/2026-studios #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #MapleRidgeEvents #BCArtists #artistspotlight

May is blooming in BC’s Creative Communities! Self-guided art tours, island-wide festivals, open studios, nature festivals, spring markets, and artist-led events that invite you into the work and the spaces where it’s made. From coastal communities to the interior, artists are welcoming visitors to connect and experience the work of culture makers across the province. Whether you’re planning a day trip or looking for something close to home, May offers countless ways to engage more deeply with arts and culture and enjoy the verdant spring in BC. Find more events and start planning at Art-BC.com. First image artwork by @joannahectorart —one of the artists in the West of Main Art Walk! #explorebc #bcartsandculture #artguidebc #superculturalbc #artbc

Do you ever feel like you just need a place to pause—no pressure, no expectations, just space to breathe and be? There’s a growing body of research showing that engaging with art can support both mental and physical wellbeing—something the Vancouver Art Gallery is leaning into through its Art of Wellbeing Lab. This initiative brings together art, healthcare, and community to create meaningful, restorative experiences—including programs where gallery visits can even be prescribed as part of care. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just something we look at—it’s something we feel, process through, and return to when we need grounding. To learn more about their work and upcoming opportunities, head to the Vancouver Art Gallery’s Instagram page @vanartgallery or website. As always, follow along @artbcguide for ongoing connection to arts and culture in the province.

April’s Events Digest is live in your inbox! Across the province, galleries, studios, and festivals are opening their doors—offering everything from major collection shows to intimate, community-driven events. The Vancouver Art Gallery @vanartgallery launches Highlights from the Collection, while Ladysmith Gallery’s @ladysmithartscouncil Rituals of Repair turns toward healing, mending, and renewal. In Coquitlam, Place des Arts @pdacoquitlam presents four exhibitions shaped by material, memory, and ecology, and First Saturday Open Studios @firstsaturday.ca invites visitors behind the scenes of working artists across the Lower Mainland and beyond. Further afield, the Harrison Tulip Festival @harrisontulipfest returns with its signature fields in bloom, and Gabriola Island’s Isle of the Arts Festival @gabartscouncil brings together workshops, performance, and hands-on creative exchange. Mid-month, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding @tntweddingshow delivers an immersive, dinner-theatre experience, before the Nanoose Bay Studio Tour closes out April with a weekend dedicated to local makers and coastal creativity. Whether you’re planning a gallery day or a weekend trip, there’s no shortage of ways to step into BC’s arts and culture scene this month. Explore more arts and cultural events in the province at Art-BC.com #artbcguide #bcevents #superculturalbc #explorebc #bcartsandculture

Murals and public art across British Columbia are more than adornment. These works create space for stories offered in public spaces showcasing the voices of BC’s diverse cultural tapestry. In cities and small towns alike, these works illustrate and commemorate Indigenous knowledge, immigrant experiences, local histories, and contemporary voices, shaping a visual language of place that reflects the ongoing story of BC’s Creative Communities. 📍 Squamish — @tourismsquamish 📍 Chilliwack — @tourismchilliwack 📍 Kelowna — @tourismkelowna 📍 Lumby — @tourismlumby 📍 Vernon — @tourism_vernon 📍 Nelson — @nelsonkootenaylake 📍 Chemainus — @chemainustourism 📍 Sechelt — @secheltbc From Coast Salish formline to global contemporary styles, these mural walks highlight the layered identities that shape BC—inviting connection, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the communities they belong to. #explorebc #artbcguide #superculturalbc #mural #bcarts

Across British Columbia, artists and artist-run spaces are shaping places of connection, creativity, and lived culture—each one rooted in its community, each one worth the visit. From coastal studios to tucked-away gallery spaces, these are the kinds of places where you don’t just view art—you step into the world of the culture makers. Many artists offer open studio events and gatherings, workshops and private viewings. Be sure to check socials, and sign up for newsletters. Sign up for our Events Digest to engage with arts and culture across the province. 📍 @karencooperphoto Karen Cooper Gallery — Granville Island 📍 @charlenelong365 —Charlene Long Studio in the Artist Loft on Granville Island 📍 @judyosiowy —Wallflowers & Beyond — Pitt Meadows 📍 @artwrx.studio — Artwrx Studio & Gallery — Courtenay 📍 @artbymonk — MONK Art Gallery — Parksville 📍 @telegraphcoveartgallery — Telegraph Cove Art Gallery — Telegraph Cove 📍 @marieneysfineart — Marie Neys Fine Art Studio — Bowen Island 📍 @sokazo — Philip Sokazo Studio Gallery — Garden Bay #artbc #explorebc #superculturalbc #bcartists #artbcguide

Spring is a great time to explore arts and culture in New Westminster. From heritage homes and museums to contemporary galleries, studios, theatres, and public art, the Royal City offers many ways to connect with creativity and history. Whether you’re discovering local stories, viewing exhibitions, or exploring art throughout the city, there’s plenty to experience this season. 📍 Irving House Heritage Site @nwmuseumarchive 📍 New Westminster Museum + Archives @nwmuseumarchive 📍 Anvil Centre Theatre @anviltheatrenw 📍 Van Dop Gallery @vandop_gallery_ 📍 Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame @canlaxhall 📍 New Westminster Self-Guided Public Art Tour @tourismnewwest 📍 PotteryWorks Community Studio @potteryworkscls 📍 Arts New West / New West Cultural Crawl @artsnewwest 📍 The Gallery at Queen’s Park @thegalleryqp #artbcguide #superculturalbc #bcartsandculture #explorebc #newwest

Celebrating the women across British Columbia who champion the arts — curators, innovators, cultural entrepreneurs, and community builders who strengthen and sustain our province’s vibrant arts and culture community. #InternationalWomensDay #BCArts #ArtBCGuide #SuperCulturalBC

Kelowna’s Cultural District pulses with creativity, from dynamic galleries and artist studios to performance spaces and community workshops. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions, take part in hands-on art programs, and experience the city’s vibrant visual and performing arts scene. This cultural hub brings the community together through creativity, learning, and shared experiences. #explorekelowna #artbcguide #kelowna #artandculture #superculturalbc ⸻ 📍Kelowna Art Gallery 1315 Water St, Kelowna 📍Rotary Centre for the Arts 421 Cawston Ave, Kelowna 📍Kelowna community theatre 1375 Water St, Kelowna 📍The Okanagan Heritage Museum 470 Queensway, Kelowna 📍BC Orchard Industry Museum 1304 Ellis St, Kelowna, 📍Okanagan Military Museum 1424 Ellis St, Kelowna

Apologies for the mix-up! The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is happening March 14–21 🌊✨ Celebrate whales, wildlife, and coastal culture! Check out their calendar of events to celebrate their 38th annual festival For full details, check out @pacificrimwhalefest 🐳💙 #WhaleFestival #PacificRim #CoastalBC #WhaleWatching #BCEvents