Chilliwack Cultural Centre's 2nd Annual Queer Arts Festival Returns
The Chilliwack Cultural Centre's Queer Arts Festival returns for its second annual edition this autumn, running from October 3 through October 31, 2026. The month-long gathering highlights 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, local businesses, and community organizers through workshops, visual art exhibitions, live performances, and seasonal celebrations across the Fraser Valley.
Local Organizing and Fraser Valley Community History
The emergence of dedicated multi-day 2SLGBTQIA+ arts festivals in the Upper Fraser Valley represents a major step forward for local equity, representation, and regional community building. Historically, access to dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ arts programming required community members to travel to urban centers like Vancouver. Over the last decade, grassroots organizers, advocacy groups, and local independent businesses across Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley have laid the groundwork for sustainable, rural 2SLGBTQIA+ infrastructure.
Building on years of local drag showcases, pop-up markets, and advocacy networks, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre established the festival to provide an accessible home for local multidisciplinary creation. Following its inaugural run, the 2026 festival expands its regional partnerships, bringing together Health Initiative for Men, We Are Unbound, Myth Valley Studios, and Sonic Bark to present a broader array of public programming.
October 2026 Event Schedule
Clay & Coffee (October 3, 2026) Organized in partnership with Health Initiative for Men at Harvest Café, this opening social session gives participants a chance to carve and paint custom clay tiles while connecting over coffee.
Shining with Colours Exhibition (October 21 – November 1, 2026) Myth Valley Studio presents a featured visual arts exhibition running through late October. The studio hosts two accompanying community gatherings within the space:
Arts Wellness Writing Session: October 23, 2026
Celebrate Love Paint Night: October 27, 2026
Drag in the Wack & Queer Night Market (October 23, 2026) Host Cale Tian takes the stage as Wan-Ting Moi for two distinct performances of Drag in the Wack. Alongside the stage performances, the Queer Night Market opens to the public with free admission, offering space for local 2SLGBTQIA+ artisans and crafters to showcase their work.
Discussion and Skill Sharing (October 27 & 28, 2026)
Spill the Tea Party (October 27, 2026): An open panel discussion featuring creators and community members focusing on local arts, equity, and representation.
Queer Clothing Swap (October 28, 2026): A community wardrobe exchange supporting sustainable fashion sharing.
Halloween Closing Events (October 30 & 31, 2026)
Art of Halloween (October 30, 2026): A costume-friendly cabaret featuring pizza, cocktails, photo opportunities, and comedic performances by the Valley Babes.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: An interactive costume screening hosted at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Halloween night.
Sonic Bark’s 4th Annual Halloween Party (October 31, 2026): The official festival closing gathering, held down the street at Sidekick Brewing.