West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-08-27 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) and 2 more dates | 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.

Wednesday Bunker tours run seasonally from June to September. Saturday Bunker tours are offered year-round. Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free!

Nelson Pride
2025-08-29 - 2025-08-31
Visit https://nelsonpride.ca/pride-calendar/ to see all the events, including the Pride parade and Pride in the Park.

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-08-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) and 2 more dates | 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.

Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free! (https://form-can.keela.co/bunker-tours)

Tea & Textiles
2025-09-03 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | J.B. Fletcher Store Museum, 3602 Sutton Street, Ainsworth, BC, V0G 1A0, Canada
The J.B. Fletcher Museum in Ainsworth will be hosting gatherings for fibre enthusiasts and tea lovers to come and work on their knitting, crochet, embroidery, and spinning projects while connecting with fellow crafters. These gatherings will occur the first Wednesday of every month from 9-12. Drop ins welcome.

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/

Creston Fall Fair Sept 5 and 6, 2025
2025-09-05 - 2025-09-06 | Creston Flats Stables, 633 Indian Road, Creston, BC
Creston’s Fall Fair is hosting an Artisan’s Alley as well as Horse events this year.
Mahood Sculptures is among the many Kootenay Artists who will be
showing their art and speaking to people.
Creston Valley Fall Fair runs Friday, Sept 5th from 10 am to 9 pm.
Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
tickets are $ 10

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/

Beading Space with West Kootenay Metis Society
2025-09-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
4th Thursday and Saturday
Beading Space
FNMI relatives are invited to join us the 4th Thursday and Saturday of the month
NMAG at 502 Vernon
Summer hours –
Thursday July 24 5:30- 7:30pm
Saturday July 26 2-4pm
Theme- Blueberry pin kits

Thursday August 28 5:30- 7:30pm
Saturday August 30 2-4pm
Theme -Orange Shirt pins
Cost is free. Supplies included. Light snack provided. Beginner kits available. Intermediate and advanced welcome to bring own project.
Beginner kits are:
a simple leather thimble.
Basic and based on the theme of the month

Heartberries ‘ode mina’ (strawberry)

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
The Friends of the Library are dedicated to helping the Nelson Public Library through successful booksales and other creative fundraising efforts live trivia nights, with the funds going to new books, necessary technologies, furnishings and program supplies.
Join us: New members are welcome! It’s a great way to meet people and contribute to a vital and important part of our community. We meet at noon (12 pm) the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Nelson Public Library.
For more information check out Friends of the Library webpage.

Day of the Dead: A Cross-Cultural Celebration
2025-11-01 15:00 - 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Eagles Hall Nelson, 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
