West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Creston Valley Bird Festival
2024-05-10 - 2024-05-12 | Rotacrest Hall, 230 19 Ave N, Creston, BC, V0B 1G5
The Creston Valley is a vital birdwatching site, important bird area and staging area for migratory birds with over 300 species of birds recorded.The Creston Valley Bird Fest celebrates this incredible diversity in an environmentally sensitive manner, inviting residents and visitors to expand their interest in the world of birds. The festival offers a variety of birdwatching activities guided by field experts, as well as presentations and bird-oriented workshops. Promotional tours to local businesses, and art studios have been incorporated into the festival providing economic stimulus in a low impact way.

Creston Valley Bird Festival
2024-05-10 - 2024-05-12 | Creston Valley
The Creston Valley is a vital birdwatching site, important bird area and staging area for migratory birds with over 300 species of birds recorded.The Creston Valley Bird Festival celebrates this incredible diversity in an environmentally sensitive manner, inviting residents and visitors to expand their interest in the world of birds. The festival offers a variety of birdwatching activities guided by field experts, as well as presentations and bird-oriented workshops. Promotional tours to local businesses, and art studios have been incorporated into the festival providing economic stimulus in a low impact way.

Langham Gallery Opening Night
2024-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
Opening night at the Langham in Kaslo. Join us from 7-9 pm on Friday May 10 at the gallery for the opening of 2 new exhibits:
‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ by Lorenzo Pepito and ‘Lands Far Away’ by Abby Wilson. Come out and enjoy an evening of artist talks, refreshments, and of course, Art!
This event is free – everyone welcome.

Saturday Storytime & Author Reading
2024-05-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Join local author Kathryn Hartley read from her new novel Castle Mountain at The Nelson Public Library
Author Reading at 10:30am
Followed by crafting from 11am to noon
Book will be available for purchase
Synopsis:
MOUNTAINS CAN BE MAGICAL PLACES.
BUT DANGER IS NEVER FAR AWAY.
There were two things Joanie knew for certain when she woke up that morning:
1. There was no way Mom was going to let any of them
get out of marching up a mountain today.
2. She didn’t want to be a part of this family any more.
Every May long weekend Joanie’s mom made the family do their traditional spring hike. At nine, Joanie thought she was old enough to go stay at a friend’s instead of trudging up a mountain. But Chloe, her annoying older sister, and Matt, her self-centered brother, had both tried that before and it had never worked for them. So she knew she was doomed to do it again today. They all were. When Mom said jump, they all jumped. Even Dad. And Dad was sick. No one talked about it but you’d have to be stupid not to notice.
Then there was Chloe and Matt. Both teenagers. Both with attitude. The thought of spending a whole day with them, with no escape, made her want to turn into a little black beetle and crawl under the bed.
The magic and mystery of Castle Mountain will hold all their lives in its stony grip. Joanie and her family will be challenged beyond anything they have ever faced before. Will they be able to overcome what the mountain has in store?

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-05-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
During the height of the Cold War, in the 1950s and 1960s, nearly 50 bunkers were constructed across Canada. In 2017, the Nelson Museum began work on restoring the space and opening it to the public. You can join a tour of one of the Museumʼs best-loved spaces!
From iodine pills and Geiger counters to board games and ashtrays, visitors get a glimpse of the vast measures taken to create normalcy in an extraordinary time.
Email info@nelsonmuseum.ca to register. Adult admission required – children under 18 are always free!

Mother’s Day Papercraft Workshop
2024-05-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Join the Nelson Museum for this free workshop with local artist Jenine Lillian, where you’ll learn how to make an everlasting paper bouquet for your mom or other special women in your life.

This is a FREE event and all supplies are included. Pre-registration is required and space is limited!

Sign up here: https://form-can.keela.co/mothers-day-papercraft-workshop

Lardeau Valley Marketfest
2024-05-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Argenta Community Hall, 1024 Argenta Rd, Argenta ., British Columbia, V0G1B0, Canada
Join us on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 12th for our first Lardeau Valley Marketfest, and our Emergency Preparedness Fair!

Kootenay Entrepreneurs Group (KEG)
2024-05-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Torchlight Brewing Co., 125 Hall St, Nelson, BC, V1L 7B4
NEW! Kootenay Entrepreneurs Group (KEG) happening in-person networking event!
Are you starting your own business in the Kootenays?
Join other folks just like you who are navigating the path from passion to profit! This group will give you a chance to network and skill share with other growth-minded people working on their own business! Starts in March, 2024. See you there!

Nelson Museum AGM
2024-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Attention members! Mark your calendars for the 2024 Nelson Museum Annual General Meeting (AGM). Jennifer Dunkerson, Executive Director, and the NMAG Board of Directors are eager to welcome members into Gallery A to discuss the challenges and triumphs of 2023, what is planned for the year ahead, and to welcome some fresh faces to the NMAG board.
The public is welcome to attend, but only Museum Members in good standing are able to vote. Not a member? Sign up here!

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHT
2024-05-15 19:00 - 23:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Wed May 15th 7:00pm At The Royal in Nelson
Hosted by lil’ Mikey, its an open mic Comedy night!
To sign up come early or message kootenaycomedy on instagram!

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2024-05-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-05-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Christie Lee’s Hall, 807-703 Radio Ave, Nelson, BC, V1L3L3, Canada
Want to learn and practice dancing Argentine Tango?

We host a weekly mini-lesson and practica at Christie Lee’s Hall in Fairview.

The guided portion from 7:30-8:15 has a different host and topic each week (check our Facebook page for host and topic announcements). We have an open practice after the lesson until 9:30pm.

Dancers of all levels are welcome! Material is beginner-friendly.

Tango is an improvised partner dance originating in Argentina and Uruguay; you don’t need a partner to attend tango practices or events and it can be danced by anyone and everyone.

Please bring your dancing shoes and a water bottle.

5$ donation

Where to find us: Christies Lees Hall is on Radio Ave., in lower Fairview. You can access Radio from 4th or 7th Streets. The Hall’s part of the Kiwanis Villa complex. On Radio Ave. look for “701” on the deck post near the sidewalk leading to the front doors. Also, look for the sandwich board near the sidewalk.

Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/zFraPXNpJ6aBBJtv6
Maps will tell you that it’s “temporarily closed” but don’t believe it!

Small Town Artillery Collective
2024-05-15 19:30 - 22:00 | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
THE SMALL TOWN ARTILLERY COLLECTIVE is the moniker under which brothers Tom & Derek van Deursen release and perform their signature style of music.
Their live show is a crackling good time, full of emotional dynamics, trumpet and violin earworms, guitarmonies and feeling. 2024’s touring outfit is 6 strong, featuring Kyle Vaughan (Year Of The Wolf) on Guitar, Safiya Labelle on Violin and Vocal, Jocelyn Waugh on Trumpet, and Sam Schuette on Bass.
This show at Vallican Whole also features an opening set by Salt Spring Island’s Safiya Labelle ????
Get tickets at Rambling Rose Boutique & Thrift in Winlaw, reserve by email to info (at) vallicanwhole (dot) com, or get ’em at the door!

Anything Goes! Collage with Michelle Oakley
2024-05-16 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Avante garde? Political? Whimsical? Anything goes in this collage workshop with artist Michelle Oakley, inspired by Judy Wapp’s exhibition VisuAlchemy and hosted by the Nelson Museum.
These workshops are FREE and all materials are supplied. You can attend one or both workshops, but separate pre-registration is required. Please use the links below.
May 16 Signup Form
May 23 Signup Form

May Days 2024
2024-05-18 09:00 - 2024-05-21 16:00 | Vimy Park, Kaslo, BC, Canada
A three day long celebration of the return of summer – May Days takes place Saturday, May 18 through to Monday, May 20th in Kaslo, BC. Events happen all over town including music and vendors in Vimy Park, Logger Sports, the Snow n Shine Car Show, Sk8 Jam and more!

Keepsake Collage with Melissa Owen
2024-05-18 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Creator Melissa Owen will guide you through the creation of a keepsake collage to honour a lost friend, family member, or beloved pet. This Nelson Museum program is FREE – collage materials are provided, participants need to bring a photo of their loved one to be photocopied and used in their project.
The workshop on the 25th is a repeat of the 18th, please register for one or the other, but not both.
May 18 Signup Form
May 25 Signup Form

Open Mic
2024-05-18 19:00 - 22:00 | Slocan Lake Arts Centre, 408 Lake Avenue, Silverton, BC, V0G 1S0
Hosted by Jeff Bonner, this licensed evening of performances will be a delight and full of surprises! Come to play, or simply to enjoy the local talents.
Event takes place in our Slocan Lake Arts Center: 408 4th Street, Silverton BC
This happens every 3rd Saturday of the month!

Crafternoon
2024-05-21 15:30 - 16:30, 2024-05-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Drop in between 3:30 and 4:30 every Tuesday for CRAFTERNOON at the Nelson Public Library.
Crafts, LEGO, Ozobots, DatoDuo, STEAM stations & more! Every week is a bit different.
Activities will be geared towards school aged children aged 5-13.

Indigenous Reads Book Club
2024-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Embark on a learning journey with us! We will be reading books exploring the truth of Indigenous history and stories. Come to one or come to all and learn the richness of Indigenous culture. New learners welcome at The Nelson Public Library
MMIWG2S (Murdered, Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, Two Spirit) – Surviving the City by Tasha Spillet – January 24
Residential Schools – Five Little Indians by Michelle Good – February 21
Indigenous History – This Place: 150 Years Retold – March 20
Indigiqueer – Johnny Appleseed by joshua whitehead – April 17
Indigenous Humour – Prairie Chicken Dance Tour by Dawn Dumont – May 22

Legally Blonde: The Musical
2024-05-23 - 2024-05-26 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
BLACK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL
Book by Heather Hach
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture
Directed by Darren Fuss
Musical Direction by Malaika Horswill
Choreography by Mackenzie Hope
Set Design by Eric Galbraith
Costume Design by Jackie Routien
Set Decoration by Jessilyn Leckie
Stage Management by Kyla Hurst
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” tells the story of Elle Woods, a fashionable and bubbly sorority girl who decides to follow her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School in hopes of winning him back. Despite facing skepticism and judgment from her peers, Elle discovers her own strength and determination as she tackles the challenges of law school and proves that she is more than just a pretty face. Along the way, she finds new friends, including the loyal Emmett and the quirky Paulette, and discovers her passion for law while defending a fellow Delta Nu sister in a high-profile case. With catchy songs, hilarious moments, and a message of empowerment, “Legally Blonde: The Musical” is a fun and heartwarming journey about staying true to oneself and defying expectations. Join Black Productions as we bring this beloved story to life on stage in Nelson, BC, celebrating friendship, love, and the power of believing in yourself.
**Content Warning: Sexual Content, Mild Language and Stereotyping**
Starring:
Ali Paul
Angela Lacroix
Ashley Betschel
Brent Geisler
Carly Naka
Darren Fuss
Denis Senecal
Eliza Hicks
Gillian Wiley
Greg Marrast
Jaimie MacGibbon
Jodie Edmunds
Kozmo Sammartino
Lev Sonego
Luz Ramos-Swanston
Mackenzie Hope
Maddy Setzer
Malaika Horswill
Marleah Lander
Nicole Courson
Noa Dagan
Quinn Barron
Rebecca Maybank
Rhythm Storm
Robyn Lamb
Scott Thorp
Sydney Black
Vaughn Preninger
Legally Blonde The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

Dandelion Festival
2024-05-25
A one day spring festival to celebrate the well being of ourselves and our communities. Live music, artisan market, amazing workshops, talks fun and interesting activities for everyone.

Kootenay EcoFest
2024-05-25 10:00 - 2024-05-26 17:00 | Bear Spring Eco Retreat, 5248 Queen Victoria Road, Beasley, V0G 2G2
A celebration of sustainable action with local waste reduction solutions, live demonstrations, inspiring learning opportunities, regional food tasting and live music. All happening on our beautiful property, Bear Springs Eco Resort, in Beasley, BC.

To book accommodations during the festival, please contact us directly at info@bearspringeco.ca.

Valley Deep, Mountain High – Tom Wayman Book Launch
2024-05-29 07:00 - 20:30 | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
West Kootenay author Tom Wayman will launch two new books—a prose memoir and a collection of poems.
Wayman’s memoir, from BC’s Harbour Publishing, is entitled The Road to Appledore or How I Went Back to the Land Without Ever Having Lived There in the First Place. The book covers Wayman’s adventures and misadventures since moving to the Slocan Valley in 1989. Besides accounting for the author’s reasons for relocating from Vancouver, the book describes his life in the Valley over three decades via the four seasons and the four classical elements: water, fire, earth and air.
Wayman’s new collection of poems, How Can You Live Here? from Alberta’s Frontenac House, gathers poems originally published in such journals as The Walrus, Queen’s Quarterly, and The Hudson Review. The poems look at the human and natural communities of the Slocan Valley through a more lyrical lens, although 21st Century issues appear, too, including a section on living through the recent pandemic in a rural setting.
Wed May 29th, Nelson Public Library

Family Story Time
2024-05-30 10:30 - 11:00 | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Drop by the Nelson Public Library Thursday mornings at 10:30 come to sing your favourite songs and hear some great stories!
All ages welcome.
