Seasonal Update

Closed For The Season

Our Sunflower Fields Are Resting For The Winter. We’ll Be Back When The Blooms Return — Check Back Closer To Summer For Opening Dates, Tickets, And Festival Updates.

See You Next Season

Richmond Sunflower Festival

A Seasonal Field Experience

The Richmond Sunflower Festival is a mid-summer field event that brings visitors into acres of blooming sunflowers and dahlias. Walking paths stretch through multiple varieties of flowers — from towering yellow giants to unique specialty blooms — giving you open space to explore, take photos, and enjoy the fields at your own pace.

The festival combines wide-open farmland, curated photo spots, calm viewing areas, and small seasonal vendors. It’s designed to be simple, bright, and relaxing — a place to wander, take pictures, and enjoy one of the most colourful weeks of the year on the farm.

How the Festival Flows

Every visit begins at the ticket hut, where guests pick up their festival tickets before entering the main area. From there, you choose how to start your day: either board the wagon ride that brings you straight to the sunflower field gates, or step onto the mini farm train for a scenic loop around the central farm grounds. The layout is simple and open, making it easy for families and groups to move around without rushing.

Start at the Ticket Hut
Pick up your festival tickets and get your bearings before entering the grounds.
Loop on the Farm Train
Take the miniature train for a calm, scenic ride around the central festival area.
Ride Out by Wagon
Board the wagon for a direct ride to the sunflower field gates—relaxed, easy, and fun for all ages.

If You Start With the Train

Once you have your ticket from the hut, you’re welcome to hop on the mini farm train first. It’s a gentle, sit-back loop that circles the heart of the property before you head out to the sunflower field gates by wagon.

Along the route you’ll roll past open pasture and animal areas, so it’s common to spot cows grazing nearby, and you’ll glide right by the pens where llamas and alpacas like to hang out and watch the train go by. As the track curves along the farm, you’ll also catch views toward the horse paddocks, shaded tree lines, and quiet little corners of the grounds.

The loop continues past rustic farm props and photo spots tucked around the central area, with quick peeks toward the vineyard rows and across the ponds as the path opens up. It’s a simple ride, but it shows you the scenery and animals that make the farm feel alive, before you continue your visit out into the sunflowers.

The train brings you back to the same station where you boarded. From there, it’s a short, clear walk to the wagon loading area — and the tractor wagon is what takes you straight to (and back from) the Sunflower Festival field gates.

Mini farm train ready to board
Board the Train
Start your day with a calm ride before heading to the sunflower fields.
Train loop around the farm
Scenic Farm Loop
Cruise past animals, ponds, vineyard views, props, and photo spots.
Farm scenery from the train
Back to Station
Step off where you started, then walk over to the wagon line for the fields.
Tractor Wagon Ride

The Wagon Ride to the Sunflowers

The tractor-pulled wagon is the ride that brings you to and from the sunflower field gates. The mini farm train stays in the general farm area and can be enjoyed before or after your wagon ride.

What to Expect on the Wagon

Benches are open-air with room for families, couples, and groups of friends. As the wagon rolls away from the barns, the scenery opens into farms, fields, and open country views.

Every wagon carries a live musician who performs during the entire ride out to the sunflower gates and on the way back.

How the Wagon Fits Into Your Visit
  • Train or Wagon First
    You can begin your day on the mini farm train or head straight to the wagon loading area.
  • Wagon to the Sunflowers
    The wagon takes you directly to the sunflower field gates through the heart of the farm.
  • Sunflower Fields
    Enjoy paths, props, wide-open blooms, and scenic areas for photos.
  • Wagon Back & Optional Train
    Once finished, ride the wagon back—then enjoy the train loop if you haven’t already.

The wagon is the only ride that goes to and from the sunflower field gates. The farm train remains within the central farm area for a scenic loop.

Tractor-pulled wagon, live music, and storybook farm views.
After The Wagon Ride

Arriving At The Sunflower Entrance & Picnic Circle

When you step off the wagon, you’ll walk through the sunflower entrance and into a bright central circle. This is where shade umbrellas, picnic chairs, food trucks, and live music gather everyone together before you head out to explore the fields.

Tacos
Lemonade
Mini Donuts
Sunflower Field Entrance
Entrance gate into the sunflower fields
Step off the wagon, follow the path through the entrance, and the picnic circle opens up ahead.
Your First Stop Inside The Sunflower Area

From the wagon drop-off, a short path leads you through the sunflower entrance and into the central circle. Here you’ll find a hub of picnic chairs and umbrellas for shade, food trucks serving festival favourites, and the sound of live music on weekends and holidays. It’s a natural meeting spot to regroup with family and friends before you decide where to wander next.

  • 1
    Follow The Entrance Path
    After you step off the wagon, follow the walkway through the sunflower entrance structure. The fields open up around you as you head toward the central circle.
  • 2
    Find The Picnic Circle
    In the circle you’ll see picnic chairs and umbrellas arranged for shade, giving you a place to sit down, sip something cold, and watch the festival around you.
  • 3
    Meet, Snack & Plan
    This is the common meeting area. Grab food, listen to music, and use it as your “home base” while you decide which sunflower paths, props, or viewpoints to explore next.
Picnic chairs and umbrellas in the sunflower circle
Food trucks and guests enjoying snacks in the festival area
Guests relaxing at tables near the sunflower circle
Live band performing near the picnic circle
Crowds enjoying food trucks and music in the common area
Additional view of the picnic and food truck area
Picnic chairs and shade umbrellas, Mexican food, lemonade, mini donuts, and a live band on weekends and holidays make this the main meeting circle inside the sunflower area.
From Here, Choose Your Next Stop
Common Meeting Area
Eat & Sip
Visit The Food Trucks
Try tacos and other Mexican-style bites, grab fresh lemonade, or pick up a bag of mini donuts and festival treats. This is the best spot to refuel between wagon rides and field walks.
Relax & Listen
Stay For The Live Band
On weekends and holidays, a live band performs in this area. Settle into a picnic chair under the umbrellas, enjoy the shade, and listen while kids run between the tables and paths.
Plan & Explore
Use It As Your Home Base
Make this your rendezvous point: meet up with family here, choose which sunflower rows or photo props to explore, and circle back again whenever you need a break or a snack.
Dahlia Garden

Over 40 Dahlia Varieties In Rows Of Color

After walking through the sunflower fields, you’ll arrive at the dahlia garden: over 40 varieties planted in tidy rows and color blocks. From ball dahlias to dinner-plate giants, every bed is arranged so you can see each shape, height, and color story as you walk.

Pompon & Ball
Decorative & Dinner Plate
Cactus & Semi-Cactus
Pastels & Brights
Organized Color Rows
How The Dahlia Garden Is Laid Out
Dahlias are planted in rows and blocks, each patch holding different colors and flower shapes.
Over 40 varieties arranged so every row shows a different height, color, and flower style.
What To Expect In The Dahlia Garden

The dahlia beds are arranged so you can walk between them and see each group clearly. One row may be soft pastels — another row bright magentas, oranges, and yellows — and another filled with wine tones and deep cranberry petals.

Dahlias grow from tubers planted in late spring. Once warm weather arrives, they build strong stems and leaves, and by mid-to-late summer they burst into bloom, continuing through early fall.

Slow down here. Visit each bed like its own little gallery — every variety has its own shape, center, and petal story.
Fun Fact
Endless Color
Dahlias come in nearly every color except true blue. They’re bred into thousands of named varieties.
Where They Come From
Mountain Origins
Dahlias trace their origins to Mexico and Central America, especially cooler mountain regions.
Bloom Season
Long Summer Show
Once blooming begins, dahlias can flower nonstop into early fall as long as frost stays away.
Where Dahlias Fit In Your Visit
The dahlia area sits just past the sunflower fields. Keep following the paths and you’ll enter the blocks of dahlias before reaching wildflowers and gladiolas.
After Sunflowers
Before Wildflowers
Near Gladiolas
This area is like a “jewel box” of the festival — compact, colorful, and full of intricate blooms. It’s the best place for close-up photography.
Wildflower Meadow

Wildflower Walks & Meadow Patches

Beyond the dahlias, the paths lead into stretches of wildflowers — softer, looser plantings that feel like little meadows. These areas are planted to bring in color, movement, and pollinators, so you’ll see blooms at different heights and shapes all mixed together.

Mixed Wildflower Beds
Pollinator-Friendly
Soft Meadow Paths
Summer Into Early Fall
What The Wildflower Area Feels Like

The wildflower beds are planted in looser blocks than the dahlias — more like a meadow than straight rows. You’ll see taller stems weaving through shorter plants, with seed heads, grasses, and flowers all mixed together. It’s a spot where the color feels less formal and more like a field.

Wildflower plantings are chosen for long bloom windows and for how much they support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Different varieties peak at different times, so even as one type fades, another can begin to come into flower.

It’s a good place to pause, listen for insects, and notice how many tiny details are happening in one patch — seed pods forming, petals falling, and new buds opening all at once.
Fun Fact
Layers Of Color
Wildflower-style plantings are often planned in layers: low growers near the path, medium-height flowers in the middle, and the tallest stems toward the back so you see a full “wave” of height as you walk.
Pollinator Help
Feeding Bees & Butterflies
A mix of wildflowers means there’s nectar and pollen available over a longer stretch of the season, which is especially helpful for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects moving through the farm.
Bloom Timing
Successive Flowering
Some wildflowers are early-season, others peak later in summer, and some carry on toward early fall. Planting a mix means you’re likely to see something in bloom no matter when you visit during the festival.
Wildflower Views Around The Paths
WILDFLOWER-STYLE PLANTINGS ADD A SOFTER, MEADOW FEEL BETWEEN THE MORE STRUCTURED FLOWER AREAS.
Where Wildflowers Fit In Your Visit
As you continue beyond the dahlias, the paths naturally lead into the wildflower areas. From here you can keep following the marked routes toward the gladiolas and other plantings, or loop back toward the main festival spaces when you’re ready.
After Dahlias
Before Gladiolas
Meadow Feel
Wildflower Fun Fact
Many wildflower mixes are designed so that no two years look exactly the same. As some plants self-seed and others fade out, the balance of colors can shift a little from season to season.
Think of this as the “softer” part of the flower route: less formal rows, more gentle color, and lots of places for pollinators to land. It’s a good stretch for slower walking, wider photos, and taking in the whole field instead of just one bloom.
Festival Flower Field
Gladiolus & Zinnia Strips
These strips run through the fields in long sweeps, so the colour shows up in pockets as you wander, then pulls back again into the wider landscape.
Gladiolus Spires
Zinnia Beds
Colour Strips
Pollinator Hotspots
Strips you notice mid-walk

The gladiolus and zinnias are planted in long strips that drift through the fields. You’ll catch the gladiolus first — tall stems with blooms stacked along the length — and then the zinnia beds beside them, low and full, holding colour right at ground level. That height difference is what makes the strips feel so crisp from every angle.

The strips don’t all hit you at once. Some are close to the paths, some sit farther out, and every turn gives you a new band of colour. When the light softens later in the day, the petals read warmer and richer.

Gladiolus bloom in a climb. Each spike opens from the bottom upward, so even one strip shows a mix of fresh and finishing blooms at the same time.
Zinnias are steady workers. They keep producing colour through heat, which is why their strips stay full across the season.
The height contrast matters. Gladiolus build the skyline; zinnias anchor the base so the colour feels layered instead of flat.
Pollinators follow the bands. Bees and butterflies often move along these strips like a route, so you’ll notice more activity here.

Colour timing

If you want the strips at their best, swing by later in the afternoon. The whole line feels softer, but the colour reads deeper, especially in the zinnias.

What people usually miss

The gladiolus spikes carry a quiet gradient — older flowers low, newer buds higher. It’s subtle unless you’re standing close, and then you can’t unsee it.

Easy photo angle

Step just into the edge of a strip so the tall spikes sit behind you and the zinnias fill the lower frame. It makes a clean, natural shot without staging it.

Little stories in these strips

  • Gladiolus means “little sword.” The name comes from the Latin word for a small sword, which fits the tall, blade-shaped leaves and straight spikes.
  • They’ve long been tied to victory. In old Roman celebrations, gladiolus were linked with gladiators and the idea of strength and triumph, and that meaning stuck.
  • There are hundreds of wild types. Gladiolus has around three hundred species in the wild, with most native to Africa and the Mediterranean, which helps explain their comfort in sun-soaked fields.
  • Zinnias are from the Americas. They trace back mainly to Mexico and nearby regions, which is why they handle summer heat so confidently.
  • The name is a person. Zinnias were named after an 18th-century botanist, Johann Gottfried Zinn, who studied and brought them into wider cultivation.
  • Butterflies genuinely pick these out. Zinnias are one of the most reliable butterfly flowers in summer, so these strips tend to stay busy on calm days.
Festival Adventure
Sunflower Maze
The maze is carved straight into the sunflower field, so once you step in, you’re surrounded. The paths twist through tall blooms, open into pockets of sky, then tuck you back into the rows again.

What it’s like inside

The layout is cut in strips that form real corridors — not just a walk between flowers. Some turns are wide and easy, others narrow so you slow down and actually choose your way.

Sunflowers make perfect maze walls — tall, close, and even — keeping the paths defined. Younger heads follow the sun too, so the maze even changes in mood throughout the day.

More than one route Groups naturally split and reconnect.
Clearings built in A few open spots give space to pause.
Soft field sound Stems and leaves brushing is surprisingly calming.
Pollinators everywhere Butterflies and bees love these paths.

Easy challenge to try

Pick a leader for five minutes — no backtracking allowed.

Best photo moment

Wider turns frame the sky perfectly, especially late afternoon.

If you lose your bearings

Pick a direction and commit for a minute instead of zig-zagging. The layout loops naturally, so even the “wrong way” leads somewhere interesting.

Quick maze facts
Sunflowers create dense, upright walls that keep the paths defined. Inside, wind softens and the temperature often feels warmer. Late-afternoon light turns the whole maze golden.
Festival Feature
U-Pick Sunflowers
The U-Pick patch is your little corner of the field to choose a sunflower and take it home. It’s grown for that exact reason — open rows, easy wandering, and blooms at all kinds of heights. People slow down here, look around, and find one that feels like theirs.

What the U-Pick area is

This section is planted specifically for picking. The rows are spaced wider than the display fields, so it feels relaxed to step in, take your time, and actually look around. You’ll see a mix of big classic faces and smaller blooms tucked between them, which makes bouquets feel a little more personal.

Most guests wander a bit first, then circle back to the one they can’t stop thinking about. Sometimes it’s the biggest flower in the row. Sometimes it’s the slightly wonky one that just has charm. There’s no “right” pick — it’s more about the moment you notice one and think, yep, that’s it.

Grown for cutting These rows are managed with long stems in mind, so the flowers are easy to take home and enjoy.
Plenty of room The spacing is wider here so choosing a bloom doesn’t feel crowded or rushed.
Different personalities You’ll find everything from huge open faces to smaller, tidy heads that sit perfectly in a vase.
Season keeps moving As flowers are picked, new rows come into their best stage, so the patch stays fun to explore.

Finding “your” sunflower

If you’re not sure what you like yet, that’s normal. Walk until a bloom makes you pause without thinking. That’s usually the one people end up happiest with.

The feel of this spot

It’s one of the calmer parts of the festival — people chatting softly, comparing favourites, and walking back out with a few stems tucked under their arm like a little prize.

Field Surprise
Land Before Time Dinosaurs
A goofy little prehistoric pit-stop in the middle of the festival. It’s the kind of thing kids sprint toward, and adults secretly get a kick out of too — dinosaurs “wandering” through sunflowers like they took a wrong turn 70 million years ago.

The dinosaur corner

This spot is pure fun. The dinos are friendly and photo-ready — more like a storybook throwback than anything scary. If you grew up on Land Before Time, you’ll know the vibe right away. If you didn’t, you still get the joke.

Families usually swing through here as a break between flower wandering. It’s a quick stop that turns into a whole moment: pointing, laughing, getting the classic “tiny kid beside giant dino” picture, and moving on happy.

Not a haunted vibe. These are gentle dinosaurs — silly, sweet, and kid-friendly.
Easy win for photos. The scale makes every shot feel dramatic without trying.
Good reset stop. A little change of scenery before you head back into the blooms.
Yes, grown-ups love it. Nostalgia hits hard when you see dinos in a sunflower field.

What it adds to the day

Festivals need a few surprises that aren’t “just flowers.” This one’s a lighthearted detour that makes the field feel playful — especially for kids who need something to chase between big activities.

Bring Your Best Bud
Pets Are Welcome
We’ve seen dogs, tiny dogs, majestic floofs, stroller cats, farm pups, and adventure pets of every kind. If your buddy likes sunshine and open fields, they’re invited too.

Furry Friends, Festival Approved

Yep — your pet can join you for the whole day. They’re allowed everywhere you are: the sunflower fields, the picnic circle, and the walking paths — all of it.

Pets can even ride along with you on the train and the wagon ride. Scenic views for you, sniffari adventure for them.

All-access pass. Pets are welcome in every guest area with no restrictions.
Train + wagon friendly. If you hop on, they hop on.
No extra cost. Your buddy gets in totally free.
Leashes, please. Keeps all pets and guests safe and comfy.
Quick etiquette: keep them close, scoop what they drop, and give shy pets some space. Do that, and it’s a paws-itively perfect day out for everyone.
Plan Like A Pro
What To Bring
Sunflowers Are The Main Character, But You Still Need To Be Comfy. Here’s The “Show-Up-Ready” List For Hot Days, Moody Clouds, And Everything In Between.

Think Of This Like Packing For A Tiny Summer Adventure. You Don’t Need Everything — Just The Stuff That Keeps Your Crew Cool, Dry, And Smiling Through The Blooms.

Hot Sunny Day ☀️

  • Water Bottle For Each Person
  • Sunscreen + Lip Balm (Reapply!)
  • Hat Or Sun Umbrella
  • Light Layers / Breathable Clothes
  • Comfy Walking Shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Optional: Tiny Fan Or Cooling Towel

Always Handy 🌻

  • Phone/Camera Charged & Ready
  • Snacks For Little Ones
  • Cash/Card For Tickets & Treats
  • Bug Spray If You Like It
  • Baby Carrier Or Stroller
  • Tote Bag For Goodies

If It Might Rain 🌦️

  • Rain Jacket Or Poncho
  • Waterproof Boots Or Shoes
  • Extra Socks (Seriously)
  • Small Towel For Benches
  • Zip Bag For Phones & Wallets
  • A Warm Layer For Later

Bringing A Pet? 🐾

  • A Leash (Required)
  • Poop Bags
  • Travel Water Bowl + Water
  • Treats For Good Sunflower Manners
  • Towel If They Get Muddy

Good To Know 🌼

  • Strollers + Wagons Roll Fine On Main Paths
  • Fields Can Be Muddy After Rain
  • Arrive Early For Easiest Parking
  • Wear Shoes You Don’t Mind Getting Dusty
  • Sunset = The Prettiest Photos
Helpful House Rules
Guest Responsibility & Safety
We Want Everyone To Have A Safe, Easy, Feel-Good Day In The Fields. These Small Things Keep The Festival Running Smoothly For Your Family And Everyone Around You.

The Festival Grounds Are Working Farm Space With Uneven Paths, Open Fields, And Lots Of Guests Moving Around. Please Keep An Eye On Your Group, Stay On Marked Paths, And Take Your Time.

👟 Watch Your Step

  • Paths Can Be Uneven Or Soft After Weather.
  • Wear Shoes You Can Walk In Comfortably.
  • Please Don’t Climb Fences Or Farm Equipment.

🌻 Respect The Fields

  • Stay In The Designated Walking Rows.
  • Don’t Pull Flowers Outside U-Pick Areas.
  • Leave Stems And Trash Out Of The Rows.

🧃 Stay Hydrated

  • Hot Days Sneak Up Fast In Open Fields.
  • Take Shade Breaks When You Need Them.
  • Look Out For Little Ones Especially.

📸 Photo Courtesy

  • Share The Popular Spots — Everyone’s Here For Memories.
  • Wait Your Turn At Props And Displays.
  • Keep Walkways Clear When Stopping For Photos.
If You Need Help At Any Point, Please Find A Staff Member — We’re Happy To Step In.

🐾 Pets On Leash

  • Leashes Are Required Everywhere On Site.
  • Please Scoop What They Drop.
  • Give Other Pets Space If They’re Nervous.

🚜 Train & Wagon Safety

  • Stay Seated While The Ride Is Moving.
  • Keep Arms And Legs Inside The Ride.
  • Follow Staff Instructions When Loading.

🧺 Clean Grounds

  • Please Use The Garbage & Recycling Bins.
  • Don’t Leave Food Or Drinks In The Fields.
  • Help Us Keep The Farm Beautiful For Everyone.

🧒 Kids First

  • Stay Close To Your Children In The Rows.
  • Don’t Let Kids Run Ahead Unsafely.
  • Pick A Meeting Spot In Case You Get Split Up.

🌤 Weather Happens

  • Dress For Sun And Surprise Showers.
  • Fields May Be Closed Briefly For Safety If Weather Turns.
  • If You Hear Announcements, Please Follow Them.
Quick Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
☀️
When does the festival open?
+

We open in late summer, right when the fields hit their golden peak. The exact opening day will be announced for the 2026 season in Summer 2026.

🕙
What are the hours of operation?
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Festival hours for the 2026 season will be announced in Summer 2026.

📍
Where is the festival located?
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We’re at 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond, BC — just off Highway 99. Free on-site parking is available.

🎟️
How do I get tickets?
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Tickets are available at the gate only. There are no online ticket sales or reservations. Just show up and we’ll get you sorted at the entrance.

💛
How much are tickets?
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Ticket prices for the 2026 season will be announced in Summer 2026.

🐾
Are pets allowed?
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Yes — leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome. Please clean up after your pet and keep them close while exploring the grounds.

👟
What should I wear?
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Dress for the outdoors. Comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dusty are best. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on sunny days.

🚻
Are there bathrooms on-site?
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Yes. Portable restroom units and hand-washing stations are set up near the entrance and vendor areas.

🧒
Is the festival suitable for kids?
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Absolutely. The atmosphere is family-friendly, paths are wide, and there’s plenty of space for strollers and wagons.

♿
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
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Yes. Most paths are flat and wide, but this is a working farm, so some areas can be a little bumpy — especially after rain.

🍋
Are there food and drinks available?
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Yes. Local food vendors are on-site throughout the festival with snacks, drinks, and light meals. Offerings can vary by day.

📷
Do you allow professional photography?
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Yes — professional cameras, tripods, and family sessions are welcome. Please be courteous and avoid blocking paths or flower beds. Drones are not allowed.

🅿️
Is parking free?
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Yes — free on-site parking is available just steps from the entrance.

⏳
How long should I plan to stay?
+

Most visitors spend about 1–2 hours exploring, but you’re welcome to stay longer and take your time in the fields.

If you need help while you’re here, our staff are easy to spot — just wave us over. We want your day to be simple, safe, and full of good memories.
Directions
How To Get Here
Use the map to peek at the route, then pick your travel style below.
📍

Festival Location

Richmond Sunflower Festival
12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond, BC
(Free on-site parking)

🗺️ Open In Google Maps 🚗 Get Directions

🚗 Driving

  • Follow Hwy 99 to Steveston Hwy (Exit 32).
  • Turn east onto Steveston Hwy — we’re a short drive down on the south side.
  • Parking is free and right beside the entrance.

🚌 Transit

  • Take transit toward central Richmond.
  • Bus routes along Steveston Hwy stop nearby.
  • From the stop it’s a short walk to the entrance gates.

🚕 Rideshare / Drop-Off

  • Use the address above for Uber / Lyft / taxis.
  • Drop-off is at the main entrance driveway.
  • Perfect if you want to skip parking entirely.

♿ Accessibility

  • Main paths are wide and fairly level.
  • Fields can be bumpy or muddy after rain.
  • Staff are happy to help if you need a hand.
Little heads-up: this is a working farm. If it rained recently, expect soft ground. If it’s hot, expect sunshine and a good reason to bring water.

More Information

For Full Festival Details, Updates, And Announcements, Visit Our Official Website:

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