Summer Lovin’ FREE Thursdays
2025-07-10 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-17 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-24 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-31 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-07 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-14 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-21 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-28 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) and 10 more dates | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Come on down to the Nelson Museum on Thursday evenings, where you can visit the galleries, museum, and shop for FREE. 4-8pm every Thursday.

Starbelly Jam Music Festival
2025-07-18 17:00 - 2025-07-20 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Crawford Bay
NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL…

Starbelly Jam is a special festival; great entertainment, great food, great people, lots of happy kids and room to play — we’ve deliberately steered the festival away from getting too big or becoming too crowded; this festival’s success is all about the celebration of life through music, friendship and having a fun time for all in a safe and secure environment.

Opening Reception: kt̓kmin uɬ c̓ik̓ʷm (mark and make light)
2025-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Join us at our Opening Reception for kt̓kmin uɬ c̓ik̓ʷm (mark and make light), an exhibition by artists Manuel Axel-Strain and Kalli Van Stone, on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Oxygen Art Centre.

The artists, Manny + Kalli, will be in attendance and we’re very excited to share the new body of work they develop while in residence from July 14 to July 18, 2025. Light refreshments will be provided and the event is free to attend.

More information about the artists and the project can be found here.

Please contact info[at]oxygenartcentre[dot]org with any questions about the event, access to the facility, or for more information about the project.

InSight: Creative Soma Studio
2025-07-26 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sanctuary Art Therapy, 406 Josephine St #203, Nelson, V1L 1W3
Join in on a gentle journey inward through somatic inquiry and art therapy. Using focusing oriented art therapy techniques we’ll explore a felt sense to experience the body’s innate wisdom to guide us towards new insight and self awareness.

Waking Up The Park
2025-08-09 10:00 - 2025-08-10 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
Join us at the Vallican Whole on the weekend of August 9 – 10 to celebrate the re-opening of the Sculpture Park. Originally opened in 2010, the park has been quietly slumbering until this year, when some of our best local artists have installed new wonderful sculptures to awaken it.
Come walk the forest pathways and discover the magical visions and presences, and visit the indoor gallery where there will be a new show by local artists for the duration of the weekend. Take part in art making workshops for all ages – a hands-on opportunity to use natural and recycled materials creatively. On Sunday, enjoy music by the duo Tunupa The Cosmic Gardeners (Eva Tree and Bill Dickerson) between 1 and 3 pm, and a barbecue from 12 to 2pm.
This is a FREE event, sponsored by the Columbia Basin Culture Tour. Sculpture park and gallery will be open 10 – 4 both days. See you there!

Valhalla Wilderness Society Film Screening – Safe Haven
2025-08-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | North Shore Hall, 675 Whitmore Rd, Nelson, BC, V1L 6H7, Canada
All are invited to a screening of Damien Gillis and Valhalla Wilderness Society’s new film, Safe Haven: The Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness. The 30 minute film will be followed by a presentation by Valhalla Wilderness Society biologist and campaigner Amber Peters, including stunning photography from 25 years of research in British Columbia’s inland temperate rainforest.
North Shore Hall – 675 Whitmore Rd, Nelson, BC V1L 6H7.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Film starts at 7pm.
Admission by donation.
This event is being hosted by the Valhalla Wilderness Society. The Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness proposal was designed to protect a globally significant Inland Temperate Rainforest near Revelstoke, BC. Since 2017 Valhalla Wilderness Society has studied the incredible biodiversity of this intact wilderness area that was previously unknown to science. Two years of filming in the proposal’s ancient forest led to the creation of Safe Haven. The film is a call to action for British Columbians to support the campaign to protect three remaining biodiversity havens of the inland temperate rainforest.
Contact info (at) vws.org for more information.
Please spread the word and come show your support!

Ed Fest
2025-09-05 - 2025-09-06 | Rotary Park Cranbrook, Cranbrook
Ed Fest Arts & Music Festival is a two-day free to attend celebration of creativity and expression held at Rotary Park on September 5th and 6th, offering an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages.
The festival boasts a dynamic lineup, including musical performances. In addition to musical acts, there will be interactive art installations, and a mesmerizing lantern parade. Did we mention food trucks and beer?
The festival features workshops and an art competition organized by Cranbrook Arts. An artisan market, in collaboration with the Cranbrook Farmer’s Market, will offer local crafts and goods, providing a perfect spot to discover unique items and support local artisans.
This year’s festival embraces the whimsical history of Ed the elephant, who famously escaped from a traveling circus in Cranbrook nearly a century ago. Festivities will include a downtown “stampede” with a large puppet of Ed, and attendees are encouraged to wear carnival-themed costumes to join in the fun.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a family-friendly event, Ed Fest 2025 promises something for everyone.
Mark your calendars for September 5th and 6th at Rotary Park, Cranbrook, and join the celebration of community and creativity.
Learn more: https://www.edfest.ca/

Botanical Printing on cloth w/Tracy Fillion
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Learn the fundamentals of botanical printing on fabric. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore how to identify suitable fibres for plant dyeing and how to properly prepare cloth for plant dyeing and eco printing.
We will also discuss dye plants, ethical harvesting practices, and working in harmony with seasonal and local materials.
Using locally grown flowers, each participant will have the opportunity to design and create their own botanically printed cotton bandana to take home.
free to attend
registration required
all materials provided
[max. 20 students per workshop]

REGISTER: https://oxygenartcentre.org/seed-bombs-event-1-w-tracy-fillion/

Day of the Dead: A Cross-Cultural Celebration
2025-11-01 15:00 - 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Eagles Hall, 641 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4J3, Canada, BC, V1L 4J3, Canada
Join us for a very special Day of the Dead celebration, a free, family-friendly community event where we’ll honor tradition while embracing the richness of many cultures. Inspired by Día de Muertos, this event brings together diverse practices of remembrance and celebration of life.
What to Expect at the Day of the Dead Celebration
✨ Mexico – Dia de Muertos
Interactive altar. Arts & crafts while we share the meaning of this tradition. Plus, live serenatas (serenades) will fill the space with music and remembrance.
✨ Philippines – “Undas”
Experience the Filipino tradition of Undas through a communal altar, prayers, and music. Participate in shared offerings, hands-on crafts, and enjoy a live performance of Dahil Sayo.
✨ India – “Moksha”
“Moksha” is a visual and interactive display of India’s diverse rituals of remembrance, including storytelling, a short talk, and a participatory dance performance.
✨ Celtic Roots – “From Samhain to Halloween”
Presenter Shannon Silvermoon will explore Samhain’s ancient rituals and its transformation into Halloween. Participate in a short visualization, ancestor offerings, and intention-setting for the new year.
✨ Reflections on Grief and Healing
Led by death doula Leif, this space invites us to reflect on loss, grief, and renewal.
✨ Community Offerings
-Food vendors & face painting
-Performances by local & guest artists
-A closing dance party with uplifting global beats
📌 Save the date: Full schedule with times will be shared soon!
Event Schedule:
-3:00 – 4:00 PM: Altars making & community gathering begin, live Serenata from 3:30–4:00 PM & face painting & mini traditional food market open
-4:00 – 4:10 PM: Land Acknowledgment
by Rick Desautel
-4:10 – 5:10 PM: Community Talk: “Grief, Loss, and Healing”by Leif Mjolsness
-5:10 – 6:20 PM: Cultural Presentations:
Ireland – Origins of Halloween (5:10–5:30)
India – Moska (5:30–5:40)
Mexico – Traditions + Activity (5:40–6:00)
Philippines – Heritage + Activity (6:00–6:20)
-6:20 – 6:30 PM: Closing Remarks
-6:30 – 7:00 PM: Dance Performances featuring:
Miriam Martínez, Slava Doval’s DanceFusion, Sophie Barbaric, Surya & Nino, Tango group & Tapatia Collective
-7:00 – 9:30 PM: Dance Party featuring
DJ Mochilero & DJ Dubconscious
-9:30 – 11:00 PM: Karaoke & Curated Playlist

We Can Help Animals! BC SPCA Comics Workshop (Ages 8-12)
2025-11-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Are you a young changemaker looking to help animals?
Participants will learn ways to help at-risk animals through a variety of activities at the West Kootenay Community Animal Centre. Discuss how the BC SPCA helps animals.
Create comics about the value of all beings. Give back by collaborating on a project for the shelter. This is a fast-paced and engaging workshop that combines play, creativity and learning!
Date and Time: November 15, 2025 from 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Ages: 8-12
Price: $37.50
Note – While there may be some time for animal interactions, we cannot guarantee the availability of suitable animals.

Film screening: "The Other"
2025-11-08 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
A documentary exploring the complex relationship between Jews and Palestinians in Israel-Palestine and the transformative journey that follows when they are faced with meeting ‘the other’ amidst the difficulty of the extreme violence, military occupation, inequality and propaganda. It provides an extraordinary example of what we are all capable of as humans. It speaks to overcoming dehumanization, propaganda, trauma and “othering”, and people’s moral courage, risk, vulnerability and commitment to seek the messy complexity of the truth.
Tickets are available at Otter Books for $15 cash, at the door, or online at Simpli Events – https://simpli.events/e/the-other-film-screening

Kootenay Chamber Players - Songs of the New World
2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Silverton Memorial Hall, Silverton BC
Join the Kootenay Chamber Strings for a radiant afternoon of music celebrating Antonín Dvořák’s time in the New World. Written during his stay in the United States in the 1890s, Dvořák’s String Quartet in F major, Op. 96 (“American”) and String Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 97 overflow with the composer’s signature lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and heartfelt warmth.
Inspired by the open landscapes of America and infused with echoes of his Bohemian homeland, these two masterworks capture a unique moment of musical cross-pollination—where folk melodies, spirituals, and Dvořák’s own deeply rooted sense of melody come together in perfect harmony.
This intimate concert offers a rare opportunity to hear both of Dvořák’s “American” works side by side—an afternoon of glowing string sound, storytelling, and spirited ensemble playing.
About the Kootenay Chamber Players
The Kootenay Chamber Players bring together five accomplished musicians who share a deep love of collaboration, creativity, and community. Drawing on diverse musical backgrounds—from classical and folk traditions to jazz and contemporary styles—the group brings an open-hearted approach to performance that reflects their Kootenay roots: down-to-earth, adventurous, and passionate about sharing their craft.
The ensemble features Natasha Hall and Spring Burke on violins, Martine denBok on viola, Jeff Faragher on cello, and Rob Fahie on double bass. Together, they create performances that are rich in warmth, connection, and joy—music made by friends, for friends.
