West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-06-10 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.

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-06-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 | 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.

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!

POM POM DROP IN | FREE
2025-06-11 15:30 - 17:30 | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
POM POM DROP IN | FREE
Hosted by Jenna Aldus
Drop in & Get Crafty! Join us at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre for a fun, free afternoon of pom pom making! We’re finishing up our Pom Pom wall and we need your help. Bring your friends, kids, or just your creative self — all ages welcome and no experience needed. Stay for five minutes or all afternoon.
Wednesday June 11th
3:30pm – 5:30pm
FREE!
Drop in anytime, no RSVP required
Supplies provided
Kitchen Studio, 320 Wilson st
Entrance via the front door
Come spin, snip, and fluff your way to some joyful, fuzzy creations — it’s simple, fun, and totally free!

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-06-11 19:30 - 22:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Open Mic Comedy with some of the Kootenays finest and some others!
message @kootenaycomedy on instagram to sign up!

Benefit Concert for Andromeda Drake
2025-06-13 19:00 - 23:30 | Finley’s Bar $ Grill, 705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4G3, Canada
Finley’s Bar & Grill and Kootenay Blues Society present:
A benefit concert to celebrate the resilience and courage of Andromeda Drake and help raise funds to support her healing journey.
Live Music from:Baker Street BluesOpening Act:Mr. Aardvark
Suggest Cover $20

Taghum Hall Presents: Clanna Morna
2025-06-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Clanna Morna breathes life into their unique take on the Celtic Folk genre.

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-06-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-28 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.

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

SUMI Workshop at Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre - with Tsuneko Kokubo (aka Koko)
2025-06-15 09:30 - 13:00 | Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, 306 Josephine St, New Denver, BC, V0G 1S0
The Slocan Lake Arts Council is bringing the Nikkei Art Excursions back this year!
This inspiring series offers a mix of artforms taught by talented artists from our area, share our local Japanese history, and take place at three beautiful (outdoor) Japanese Historic Sites in New Denver.
This SUMI workshop starts with a tour through the NIMC, after which Japanese Canadian artist Tsuneko Kokubo guides you in an exploration of SUMI (ink) drawing, using brush and pen.
Spaces are limited so please register today to secure your spot.

Rosa Good LIVE @ Backroads Brewing
2025-06-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Backroads Brewing, 460 Baker St, Nelson, BC, V1L4H8, Canada
Rosa Good brings an enchanting blend of mesmerising vocals and uplifting folky guitar. Soulful, heartfelt, and captivating, she brings honest lyrics and compelling hooks that will have you singing along. Rosa’s performance is intertwined with inspiration from both bonnie Scotland and New Zealand. Don’t miss her Live at the Brewery.

Kootenay Co-op Grocery Store: 50th Birthday Party
2025-06-20 11:00 - 15:00 | Kootenay Co-op, 777 Baker Street, Nelson, V1L 4J5
It wouldn’t be a birthday without a party! Come by on Friday June 20th between 11am-3pm – we will have giveaways, prizing and a BBQ by donation for our organization of the month. And yes – there will be cake! Local food will be on full display! Come down and connect with 20+True Local suppliers showcasing their incredible products!
Check out more details about the party and our birthday sale

Harmony Festival
2025-06-20 15:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 23:30, 2025-06-22 11:00 - 19:00 | Slocan Beach, Village of Slocan, Canada
3rd Annual HARMONY Festival
Music, dance and play!
By donation $0-$50Pay-what-you-can or Pay-it-ForwardCash, scan or e-transfer treehuggersocietybc@outlook.com
A non-profit community event.Family Friendly and no alcohol served.
Local artists and free workshops:

Friday June 20th3:00 Open micCONTACT IMPROV WORKSHOP5:00 Mountain Weather Band7:00 Month of Sundays Dance * DJ Wax Headroom

Saturday, June 21st10:00 SONG WRITING & SAND SCULPTING WORKSHOPS12:00 Kiara Astara Prayers12:50 Mandi Sparrow & Jupiter Skye Dance1:00 Judy Brown & Sam Hurrie2:00 thisissami::rawHOOP DANCE WORKSHOP3:00 Melvyn4:00 Keith RathieBATIK WORKSHOP5:00 Rosa Good6:30 I Herd Cats Collective & Dance Cypher8:30 TruckVanCarPyro Pixie Fire Dance11:00 Solstice Lakeside Jam

Sunday, June 22nd11:00 INNER SOUL SOUNDS WORKSHOP12:00 Kera Willis1:00 Jasmine Wiley Wu with Belisse Binah Bellydance2:00 Barnharmonics3:00 Puppets Got Talent & Spin The Wheel4:00 Soul PotionMIX AND MATCH PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP5:00 DJ Adham Shaikh

SATURDAY WATER GAMESSUNDAY FIREFIGHTER GAMEsVOLLEYBALLBOUNCY CASTLEKID’S CRAFT ZONEFACEPAINTINGBINGORAFFLE AND 50/50 DRAWSROSE WOMB SANCTUARY TENT

FOOD & ARTISAN VENDORS:FoodhiniTalishack KitchensCheez 2 PleezJaganath ExpressRawsaReverie Bakerie
Bring games to share!
If you have an idea for a last minute workshop, let us know!
We are looking for volunteers to make this community event a success:Fundraising and promotionSet up, tear down and clean upGarbage and RecyclingVolunteer CoordinatorSecurityRaffle prize and merchandize tableBINGO callerCollecting donations at the gate
Show up, PM or email treehuggersocietybc@outlook.com to let us know you want to help.
HARMONY is hosted by non-profit Treehugger Retreats and Events Society and produced by Live Harmonics Sound Science.
Our intention is to support local artists, small businesses and organizations, to create a space to bridge connections between old and new residents of the Slocan Valley and to bring increased tourism to the Village of Slocan. We also give back to the community by hiring local artists and tradespersons, donating extra revenue to local non-profits, and loaning equipment for free for other non-profit community events throughout the year.

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters!Village of SlocanSlocan Valley Legacy FundReDI Grant, Village of Slocan and Area HRDCK Community Development GrantColumbia Basin TrustKootenay InsuranceTrowelex Rentals & SalesKootenay Savings Credit UnionKootenay Co-OpSlocan Village MarketNelson & District Credit UnionTransformation Development

Organizers acknowledge that we will gather on snʕickstx tmxʷúlaʔxʷ (Sinixt territory) and give gratitude to this land and its waters. We wish to continue to build connections, with ourselves, with each other and with Mother Earth.

Kaslo Shakespeare Festival
2025-06-21 08:00 - 2025-07-05 17:00 | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
The Kaslo Shakespeare Festival will present three weekends of events in Kaslo and Argenta: Free Previews of our play “Hamlet” and the full play at the Langham Theartre with live music and elizabethan costumes, as well as a special eurythmy performance ( a movement art) of “The Emperors’s New Clothes” on June 29th at 2:00pm.

Dark Chapters closing event with David Garneau
2025-06-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
David Garneau returns to the Nelson Museum with guests Susan Musgrave, Paul Seesequasis, and Fred Wah, for an artist talk and reading event, featuring excerpts from the Dark Chapters publication and amongst the artworks in Gallery A. This event is free and open to the public.
Rocks and books, bones and shadows—studied in isolation, interpreted by 17 leading artists, poets, essayists, and academics from across the country—come together in Dark Chapters, a striking project by Métis artist David Garneau. Presented as both a touring exhibition and a publication, Dark Chapters explores the tension and balance between everyday objects and powerful cultural symbols.
David Garneau (Métis) is a Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Regina. He is a painter, curator, and writer who engages creative and critical expressions of Indigenous contemporary ways of knowing, being, and doing. In 2023, he received the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Art: Outstanding Achievement and was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada.

LILA GRAY featuring JOHNNY POUTINA
2025-06-21 20:00 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
the MORE THAN A KID tour
Raised in the mountains of BC, Lila Gray calls Vancouver home. Through her heartfelt lyrics and skillful songwriting, Lila plumbs the depths of her young adulthood and explores the trials and tribulations of queer womanhood in the 21st century. This young artist found her passion, and eternal love for music at the tender age of five, when she started her classical training through cello. Since then, Lila has picked up singing, songwriting, and guitar to establish her presence as a musician. Shortly after placing in the Top 100 of the 2021 CBC Searchlight Competition, Lila took off to Montreal to pursue a formal education in audio engineering and sound production. Lila’s unique production and intricate lyricism are masterfully executed in her third album Scared Of The Dark (You Should Be Too). Lila has garnered 150,000 streams, and counting, on Spotify.
Featuring support from Nelson local, Johnny Poutina (of The Dancing Legs).

FrancoFête 2025: catapult, bocce and guinguette!
2025-06-22 12:00 - 19:00 | Lakeside Park, 1900 Lakeside Dr., Nelson, V1L 5S4, Canada
Get ready for Francofête 2025!
Join us on June 22nd from 12 to 7 pm at Lakeside Park for a day packed with French culture and community spirit. Dive into a bocce tournament, join an epic poutine-eating contest, sip on delicious drinks from our guinguette-style bar, and enjoy a slam poetry performance. It’s a family-friendly event that’s completely free — come and celebrate with us! Discover the richness of the French language and the warmth of francophone Visit afko.ca/francofete-2025 for more details. Let’s make it a day to remember!

TROPICAL GETDOWN
2025-06-26 19:00 - 23:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Join us for an electrifying night where rhythm, movement, and community come alive with Latin and Caribbean flair!
We’ll kick things off with a 30-minute Dancehall/Reggaeton intro class — perfect for all levels — where you’ll learn signature moves and feel the pulse of the islands and the streets. It’s the perfect warm-up to set the vibe for the night.
Then get ready as DJ Dubconscious and DJ F4therhood take over the decks, blending Latin and Caribbean beats that will keep you dancing non-stop. From tropical rhythms to spicy transitions, it’s going to be a night of pure fuego and irresistible energy on the dance floor!
As the night builds, brace yourself for a smoking hot performance by the fierce Tapatia Collective Ladies Team an exclusive presentation of the choreography they’ll be taking to Mexico City. This is your chance to witness the piece before it hits the international stage, and rally behind these powerful performers as they represent with style, strength, and pure dancehall fire.
Come for the class. Stay for the vibes. Celebrate the culture. Support the movement.

ArtWalk 2025 Opening Night
2025-06-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Nelson, Various, BC, Canada
Join the Nelson District Arts Council for the annual ArtWalk Opening night on Friday, June 27th. Wander the street checking out the art at over 20 venues, listen to music and be entertained as you stroll.

Kootenay Burlesque Festival
2025-06-27 19:30 - 22:30, 2025-06-28 19:30 - 22:30 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Get ready to be dazzled, delighted, and downright enchanted as the 6th Annual Kootenay Burlesque Festival returns to Nelson on June 27 and 28 at the iconic Capitol Theatre. Presented by local producer and performer Vesper Valentine, this premier weekend event offers two distinct showcase nights celebrating the sensuality, artistry, and spectacle of burlesque and variety performance.
Friday, June 27 – The Dirty & Nerdy Show
Step into a seductive realm where intellect meets irresistible allure. This cheeky, geeky night features acts that blend pop culture, fantasy, and risqué brilliance in a celebration of all things naughty and nerdy.
Saturday, June 28 – The Sparkle & Sass Soirée
An opulent evening of glitz, glam, and grandeur, this showcase brings together burlesque royalty and world-class variety performers. Expect feathers, rhinestones, sass, and spectacle

With Headliners:Qween Qwan – the #1 most influential burlesque performer in the world and winner of Most Dazzling from the Burlesque Hall of FameEros Sea from New OreleansRaphael De La Getto from Colorado
Daft Hunk from Nelson, BC

Feature Performers:Maverick from VancouverPoseidon Davenport from New Orleans

Special Invited GuestLady Sapphire Noir

More than 40 additional performers from across North America will round out the festival with a mix of burlesque, aerials, circus, drag, and vaudeville variety across two themed nights. The weekend also features educational workshops led by professional touring artists. Open to all levels, workshops will be held on Saturday, June 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Intuit Movement Studio.
Tickets and Pricing
Advance tickets are $33 per night, or $38 at the door.
Attend both nights for only $25 per show with a weekend pass.
Tickets are available online or in person at the Capitol Theatre.For full festival details and workshop registration, visit: www.kootenayburlesquefestival.com

Can Jam Link Up Jamaican Food and Music Festival Fundraiser for KERPA
2025-06-29 12:00 - 17:00 | Millenium Park, 509 1 Avenue, Castlegar, BC, V1N 2R3, Canada
Join us at Millennium Park and Ponds in Castlegar, BC for live music and Jamaican food to raise funds for local charity KERPA!

You’re invited to a family fun day at Millennium Park and Ponds in Castlegar BC this Canada Day long weekend! Enjoy Jamaican cuisine and music, along with vendors for a fantastic fundraiser. Partial proceeds will be awarded to KERPA, we thank you all for your support and generosity in providing extra medical assistance to Castlegar and surrounding areas.

Tea & Textiles
2025-07-02 09:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Taghum Hall Presents: Showman and Coole
2025-07-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
SHOWMAN AND COOLESuper-Deluxe Fiddle, Banjo, and Song
With over two decades of collaboration in acclaimed bands like The Foggy Hogtown Boys and The Lonesome Ace Stringband, John Showman and Chris Coole bring a deep, intuitive musical connection to their duo performances. Their sound blends old-time, bluegrass, and folk, weaving together classics from John Hartford and Hank Williams with original tunes full of heart and grit.
Whether delivering fiery fiddle tunes or poignant songs, Showman and Coole create music that’s both timeless and personal. They’ve graced stages across North America and Europe, from Merlefest to the John Hartford Memorial Festival. Their 2022 releases, Afield and Much Further Out than Inevitable, showcase the depth of their artistry and reverence for tradition.
“Showman is one of the very best and most influential fiddle players in Canada.” — Steve Pritchard, CIUT 89.5 FM“Coole…establishes himself as a gripping songwriter.” — Roddy Campbell, Penguin Eggs Magazine

Balfour Daze 2025!
2025-07-05 | Balfour Playing Field, Charles Street, Balfour, BC, Canada
Balfour Daze returns Saturday, July 5, at Balfour Playing Fields with a full day of fun, food and entertainment for all ages! Enjoy a by-donation pancake breakfast, then explore artisan vendors, live music, kids’ activities and fire truck demos. The music lineup features Kootenay Garage Youth Band, Quilombera, Chloe Albert, White Lightning, and Heavy Airship. Celebrate community spirit with neighbours, family and friends at this vibrant summer festival that captures all the things that make Balfour special.
