TERRACE / SMITHERS — The final weekend of January 2026 saw the Skeena region come alive with a diverse blend of cultural celebrations, from a traditional Scottish supper to the arrival of legendary punk rock bands.
Robbie Burns Day: A Toast to Scottish Heritage
Sunday, January 25, marked Robbie Burns Day, a significant occasion for those honoring Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The celebrations kicked off early in the region:
- Terrace Pipes and Drums Dinner: On Saturday, January 24, the Terrace Pipes and Drums Society hosted their annual Robert Burns Dinner at the Thornhill Community Centre. Guests enjoyed a catered haggis supper, a highlight of traditional Scottish fare, alongside lively performances and traditional dancing. The evening provided a vibrant gathering for the local Scottish community and enthusiasts to pay homage to Burns’ enduring legacy.
- Smithers Acoustic Open Mic: In Smithers, the Bulkley Valley Brewery offered a more casual cultural event on Sunday, January 25. An “Acoustic Open Mic” provided a relaxed platform for local musicians to share their talents, adding to the weekend’s festive atmosphere.
National Rockers Invade B.C., Northern Fans Head to Prince George
Beyond the local cultural events, the broader B.C. landscape reverberated with the sounds of punk rock as iconic bands The Offspring and Bad Religion embarked on a four-concert tour across the province.
While the “SUPERCHARGED Worldwide” tour did not make a direct stop in the Skeena region, it created a buzz among northern music fans. The tour’s initial dates in Vancouver (January 24) and Kelowna (January 25) drew significant attendance from across the province. For many in the Skeena and Northern B.C., the Prince George show on Tuesday, January 27, at the CN Centre is the highly anticipated destination, offering a rare opportunity to see these influential bands live without traveling to the Lower Mainland.
The weekend’s events highlighted the rich tapestry of cultural life in the Skeena, proving that whether through the stirring sounds of bagpipes or the electrifying energy of punk rock, the community finds diverse ways to celebrate and connect.
