Quick Info: Richmond Sunflower Festival
Prices, hours, and opening dates shift from year to year and are set by the farm, not by this site. Always confirm the latest details on the official pages linked above before planning a visit.
A late-summer field day in the heart of Richmond
The Richmond Sunflower Festival takes over several acres at Richmond Country Farms each year, timed to peak bloom in late summer. It’s run by the same family behind the farm’s well-known fall pumpkin patch, so the grounds already come with years of practice hosting large numbers of visitors on a working farm.
More than 20 sunflower varieties grow here, from towering giants that stretch well overhead to smaller ornamental types planted in tighter rows. Wide, grassy walking paths cut through the fields so visitors can wander at their own pace, whether that’s a quick loop or a slower afternoon spent working through every row.
The property sits just off Highway 99 near the Highway 17A junction, close enough to Steveston Village and Garry Point Park to pair into a full Richmond day out.
Built for photos, not just for looking
Photo spots are woven throughout the fields rather than clustered near the entrance. A vintage red tractor, a framed backdrop, and a seating arrangement tucked between rows all give visitors a reason to stop and take a proper photo instead of a quick phone snap on the move.
Personal photography is encouraged, and professional cameras and tripods are permitted without a permit. The main courtesy asked of visitors is to stay off the planted rows and avoid blocking narrow paths while other guests are trying to pass.
Morning light and late afternoon light both work well here, since the open field has little tree cover to cast shadows across the rows.
More than sunflowers: dahlias, gladiolas, and wildflowers
Sunflowers get top billing, but they’re not the only thing planted here. Rows of dahlias and gladiolas add a different texture and color palette alongside the taller sunflower stands, and a dedicated wildflower section offers a softer, more naturalistic planting for visitors who want variety in their photos.
These smaller garden sections tend to be quieter than the main sunflower rows, since most visitors head straight for the tallest blooms first. Worth building into the route rather than skipping.
Train rides and wagon rides for the kids
A small train loops around the perimeter of the sunflower field throughout the day, running continuously without a separate booking. It’s a short, easy ride that tends to be a highlight for younger visitors, even though the walking route through the fields is flat and manageable on foot.
An open-air wagon also runs on a loop, offering a slower, farm-style ride that covers more ground than walking alone. Both rides are included with general admission rather than sold separately, which makes them an easy add to a visit without extra planning.
Life-size dinosaurs and oversized creatures in the field
Scattered among the sunflower rows are a handful of large, animated displays, including life-size dinosaurs that move and make sound throughout the day, plus an oversized scorpion display that tends to catch visitors off guard the first time they spot it between the flowers.
These displays are a bit of an unexpected pairing with a flower field, and that’s part of the appeal for families. Kids tend to treat the walk through the sunflowers as a bit of a scavenger hunt for the next hidden creature.
U-pick blooms, the farm market, and a winery next door
A U-pick section lets visitors cut a few sunflower stems of their own to take home, with pruning shears provided on site. It’s a small extra that turns a walk-through into something visitors leave with, rather than just photos.
The festival sits on the same property as Richmond Country Farms Market, a produce and bakery shop worth a stop on the way in or out, and Country Vines Winery, a small-batch winery just a short walk from the fields with patio seating for anyone looking to slow down before heading home. Both operate on their own hours, separate from the festival gate.
Live music, food trucks, and the weekend crowd
Weekends bring live acoustic, folk, and country sets from local musicians, playing through the afternoon and adding a laid-back soundtrack to the walk through the fields. A rotating lineup of local food trucks and vendors sets up on site as well, covering everything from cold drinks and coffee to baked goods and light meals.
Because tickets are sold at the gate only, lines can build up on weekend mornings and around midday. Arriving right at opening or later in the afternoon tends to mean a shorter wait and a quieter walk through the rows.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes that can handle dust and uneven ground, plus a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There’s little shade across the open fields, and paths can turn muddy after rain.
This is a working farm, not a paved attraction. Strollers and wheelchairs generally manage fine, but expect some uneven or soft ground, and tickets can only be bought in person at the gate with cash, debit, or credit. There is no online booking or reservation system.
Twenty acres of sunflowers a few minutes off Highway 99, with a train, a wagon, and a hidden scorpion or two along the way.
The festival typically opens in early August and runs through mid-September, timed to the sunflowers’ peak bloom. Exact opening and closing dates shift slightly each year depending on weather, so check the official plan your visit page for current dates before heading out.
No. Tickets are sold at the gate only, with cash, debit, and credit accepted. There’s no online ticket sales or advance reservation option.
Admission is priced separately for weekdays and weekends, with reduced rates for children and seniors. Since pricing can change season to season, check the current rates on the official tickets and admission page.
Yes. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome throughout the fields. Owners are expected to clean up after their pets and keep them close on the narrower paths.
Most paths are flat and wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs, but this remains a working farm, so ground can be uneven or soft in places, especially after rain.
Yes. Personal and professional photography, including tripods and family photo sessions, is welcome without a permit. Drones are not permitted, and visitors are asked to stay clear of the planted rows and other guests’ paths.
Most visitors spend one to two hours walking the fields, riding the train or wagon, and stopping for photos. Adding the farm market or the winery next door can easily stretch a visit longer.
Yes. A rotating lineup of local food trucks and vendors sets up during the festival, offering drinks, snacks, and light meals, in addition to the Richmond Country Farms Market on the same property.
Planning a Richmond day trip
The sunflower fields pair naturally with a wider Richmond visit. Steveston Village, Garry Point Park, and the Richmond Public Market are all within about 15 minutes.