West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Tea & Textiles
2024-10-02 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.

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2024-10-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-09 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-16 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-10-23 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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!

SPECIAL FILM SCREENING: Snk̛míp Dig Deeper
2024-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, 1100 Hwy 3B | Junction of Hwys 3B & 22, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0, Canada
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is proud to present an Autonomous Sinixt and Valhalla Foundation for Ecology production, Snk̛míp Dig Deeper on Thursday, October 3rd at the Rossland Museum. This event is open by donation (suggested $12-$15), with proceeds after costs going to support the efforts of the Autonomous Sinixt. Register for the showing here: https://square.link/u/NCdKRENO For more information: www.rosslandmuseum.ca/news/2024/snkmp-dig-deeper
About the film: As an idealistic conservation group strives to restore a damaged wetland, tensions escalate with off-road motorized users. A startling revelation uncovers the site’s Indigenous history, propelling us on a transformative journey that makes us ‘dig deeper’ to understand whose land this truly is.

Centre 64 Art Exhibition
2024-10-04 - 2024-11-04 | 64 Deer Park Ave, 64 Deer Park Ave, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J2
George C. Hogg, “An Artist’s Odessey- 60 years of Landscapes and Cultural Expression”. Oct 4th-Nov 13th. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 12-4pm closed Sunday & Monday & Statutory Holidays

Pippin, a magical theatre experience
2024-10-04 19:30 - 2024-10-19 21:40 (America/Edmonton) | The Studio Stage Door, 11 11th Ave. S., Cranbrook
Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) is proud to present the Tony Award-Winning musical Pippin, a timeless story of self-discovery, adventure, and the search for meaning, set to the unforgettable music of Stephen Schwartz. Directed by Sanjay Fisk, this production promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances, dazzling choreography, and enchanting storytelling October 4-6, 10-12, 16-19 at the Studio Stage Door in Cranbrook.
Pippin follows the journey of a young prince as he embarks on a quest to find purpose and significance in life. Along the way, he encounters love, war, and temptation, all while being guided by a mysterious group of performers. With a mix of humour, heart, and spectacle, Pippin is a musical that has resonated with audiences for decades, offering a message of hope and resilience. This show promises to be a magical theatrical experience that will prove why Pippin continues to be a favourite among theatre lovers of all ages.
Performances run Oct.4-6*, 10-12, 16-19 at 7:30pm
(*Matinee Oct.6th starts at 2pm)
Doors open 1/2 hour before showtime

Langham Yard Sale Fundraising
2024-10-05 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
It’s Back! The Langham Annual Fundraising Yard Sale is back and its bigger and better than ever! Clean out your cupboards for fall, come discover a new treasure, and connect with your community all while supporting arts & culture.

When: Saturday October 5th, 10 am – 3 pm
*9:30 am members only early entry*
(memberships available at the door!)

Where: The Langham Galleries & Theatre, 447 A Ave Kaslo

Fall clean out time? Bring your donations down to us!

Donation Drop off: Friday October 4th, 2 pm – 6 pm

No books, clothes or used bedding please.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-10-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-19 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-26 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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!

Museum Mash!
2024-10-06 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
You’ll never hear ‘Don’t touch!’ and ‘Shhh!’ at Museum Mash! People of all ages are invited to explore the museum in new ways – fostering creativity, making memories, and building a lifelong love for museums and galleries. Sing! Dance! Colour on the walls! Is that a giant cardboard fort? YES!
On Sunday, October 6 at 10 am the doors at the Nelson Museum are flung open and free activities are offered throughout the day, until 3 pm. Drumming, cardboard forts, and giant Jenga will entertain younger children while older artists get creative with printmaking and papercrafts. Designed with kids in mind, Museum Mash! is a beloved semi-annual event that encourages families to explore the museum in unique ways.

Symphony of the Kootenays
2024-10-06 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
The wonder of live symphonic music returns to the Capitol Theatre in Nelson with the Symphony of the Kootenays under the direction of Jeff Faragher. The concert features West Kootenay soloists Natasha Hall and Martine denBok performing Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. – Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra – Dvorak New World Symphony.
Adult $42
Senior $38
Under 30 $15

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2024-10-08 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.

The Fretless
2024-10-09 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
The Fretless has expanded the idea of what a string quartet can be, transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, high-energy arrangements. Their ensemble of two fiddles, a viola, and a cello produces a rich, multi-layered, and distinctive percussive sound that redefines contemporary folk music.
October 9th, 7:30pm at the Capitol Theatre
Adult: $30, Senior: $27 under 30: $10

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2024-10-09 20:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Hosted by lil’ Mikey, its an open mic Comedy night!
To sign up come early or message kootenaycomedy on instagram!
$5

Comedy Writing Workshop – “Laugh and Learn”: 30 writing methods
2024-10-12 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson District Community Complex, 305 Hall Street, Nelson, V1L 5X4, Canada
24th Annual FunnyFest Comedy Writing Workshop – “Laugh and Learn”: 30 unique writing methods and receive feedback in a supportive and fun environment. The incredibly applied and practical course is taught by a life-time stand up comedian that has performed in over 2000 shows. FunnyFest 100% guarantees your writing, inspiration and creative paradigm will improve! During the course you can eat and drink, while you learn and have fun! FunnyFest will also throw in a 2 free tickets to attend a show (value $40 free).
WHEN: Saturday, OCTOBER 12 @ 1pm to 4pm.
VENUE: Nelson Community Centre
More info & Buy Comedy WRITING Workshop: https://funnyfest-comedy-writing-workshop-Nelson-BC.eventbrite.ca

SHADOWPLAY: A Night of Dark Music
2024-10-12 22:00 - 2024-10-13 03:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Join duo CLOAK & DAGGER and their comrade JAKOB with special guest MRAKI for a spectral second installment of SHADOWPLAY Saturday October 12th at the Oxygen Art Centre. This dark music event takes its name from the iconic track off of Joy Division’s debut album Unknown Pleasures. The band’s intervention in 1979 was a game changer that inspired many genres of unique auditory exploration, such as darkwave, EBM, industrial, new wave, post-punk, and gothic rock. The night will feature vintage and contemporary releases from a variety of these mesmerizing and mysterious musical genres.

Author Reading at Huckleberry Books in Cranbrook, B.C.
2024-10-17 19:30 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Huckleberry Books Inc, 16 9 Ave S, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2L8
Cranbrook – Thursday, Oct 17th – 7:00pm! Join Kootenay author and musician Shelby Knudsen as she speaks about her latest novel, One Night Only. Knudsen has been a member of the band Wild Honey for over a decade. Her debut novel, Mountain Girl, was a heart-pounding thriller about forbidden love and captivity. In her second novel, Knudsen dives into the dark side of the music industry. Kirkus Reviews selected One Night Only as the indie pick for August, and declared “Knudsen’s novel is tense and unrelenting; the author masterfully creates an immersive, claustrophobic atmosphere as Sky’s health, relationships, and sense of self become increasingly strained.” And with a Five Star review, Reader Views said, “One Night Only by Shelby Knudsen is a deeply affecting novel about addiction, love, and the magic of music. The author has intricately created a world of contrast, one where Sky is forced to place her life (and dreams) on a hiatus and take care of herself, and the other where she signs her future over to someone else for the promise of an enviable music career. Raw, poignant, and achingly beautiful—this book needs to be at the top of your reading pile for 2024!”
Shelby will be interviewed by her Wild Honey bandmate Jessica Niedermayer, followed by a few songs by the acoustic trio. Don’t miss this special night, celebrating local talent and music.

‘Within This Earthen Vessel’ exhibition opening
2024-10-18 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Guest curated by Lucy Carver-Brennan with support from local artist Surya Sameera and contributions from numerous artists and community members, Within This Earthen Vessel is a celebration of the Indian diasporic community to the local region, weaving together stories of past and present through historical photos from regional archives and beyond, personal stories, and work from local artists.
The exhibition opens on Friday, October 18 from 7-9pm at the Nelson Museum. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Open Mic
2024-10-19 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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!

Laila Biali Trio
2024-10-22 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Laila Biali’s live show is eclectic and energetic, a true representation of her on and off stage. Melodies take thrilling left turns and pre-choruses give way to instrumental interludes. One minute Biali is soaring over a bluesy storm of handclaps and hard-charging keyboard riffs, the next she is pouring out her soul on an impassioned ballad. It’s jazz, it’s pop, it can’t be put into a box but it’s beautiful.
October 22nd, 7:30 at the Capitol Theatre
Adult: $35; Senior: $31.50; Under 30: $10

‘The War of the Worlds’ table read ONE NIGHT ONLY
2024-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The Nelson Museum presents a special ONE NIGHT ONLY performance of the 1898 HG Wells classic The War of the Worlds, an on-book reading in the Cold War Bunker starring Lucas Myers, Keith Page, Michael Graham, Adam O. Thomas, and more.
The War of The Worlds was made famous by a 1938 radio broadcast by Orson Welles, which worked listeners into a panic that about an alien invasion taking place on earth. Now Myers leads a star-studded cast to new levels with a performance in Nelson’s Cold War Bunker for this special one-night-only performance.
Tickets are on sale now! $20 general admission and $15 for Museum members. Not a member yet? Sign up today and receive your special discount code!

Theatrical Fernie Ghost Tours
2024-10-24 20:00 - 2024-11-03 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Station Square, 591 1st Ave, Fernie
Do you have the nerve to face Fernie’s darkest secrets?
Fernie Ghost Tours is a parade of Fernie’s most ghastly ghost stories, blood-soaked buildings and horrible happenings in the downtown core. Every tale is crafted from dark history, local legend, or vivid ghostly experiences shared by Fernie locals. Is Fernie haunted? Could our pleasant streets hide an eerie truth, too terrible for the light of day?
Take the Fernie Ghost Tour and find out!
Ghost Tour Info:
Departs: 8pm from Station Square, 591 1st Ave.
Bookings required. Tours offered nightly from October 24th – November 3rd.
Please note that these tours are not for the faint hearted and should be taken with a pinch of salt, and a sense of humour! Tours are approx 1 hour, depending on weather and supernatural happenings…Evenings are cold and the terrain can be uneven, wet, so warm waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Recommended minimum age 8+.
Minimum 4 people required for tours to depart. Other dates available on request.
Cost: $25 per person. Special rates available for school groups.
Bookings: email Lindsay Vallance using the link on this page, or call: 250-946-6484

Contra Dancing
2024-10-25 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Contra dancing is a community social dance that has its origins in England, Scotland and France made popular in the US.
We dance to live music – Irish, Scottish and French-Canadian tunes played by talented musicians. A caller walks through the moves and prompts the figures during the dance.
Contra dance is appropriate for all ages if you can walk briskly and follow directions independently. You don’t need to bring a partner. It is customary to change partners during the evening. Bring comfortable layered clothes, water bottle, indoor shoes.
We dance at Taghum Hall 6:30-7pm introductory class/ 7-9 dance $15/adults $10/youth Next dances: Friday Oct. 25 and Friday Nov. 29

‘ਸ਼ੀਸ਼ੇ ‘ਚ ਤਰੇੜ | sheeshe ‘ch tharer | a crack in the mirror’ exhibition opening
2024-10-25 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
It is easy to get swept up in the beauty of the brightly coloured, intricately patterned fabrics that create ਸ਼ੀਸ਼ੇ ‘ਚ ਤਰੇੜ | sheeshe ‘ch tharer | a crack in the mirror, a visually satiating exhibition by Surrey artist Simranpreet Anand and Conner Singh VanderBeek, which is touring to the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery from October 26, 2024 to February 15, 2025, from the Reach Gallery in Abbotsford. Upon closer inspection, the viewer can see the hardened, curling edges of the fabric panels, proof of the melted plastics contained within.
Anand’s work explores the Sikh and Punjab diaspora, often through textiles, language, and photographs. It examines the traditional role of women in Indian culture and offers a new perspective on the rigid confines of worship.
The exhibition opens on Friday, October 25 from 7-9pm. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Hallowe'en Family Dance Party
2024-10-26 18:00 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
Join us for the second edition of our Hallowe’en Family Dance Party at the Vallican Whole!
Doors open at 6:00pm, music starts soon after.DJ sets by DUBCONSCIOUS and Slocan Valley’s own Luminesce.Party wraps-up at 11pm.
Foodhini’s Food Truck will have meals for sale outdoors, and the Kitchen Witch Cafe will have snack and drinks inside. There’s a cash bar for adults.
Dress warmly for a lantern walk and spooky outdoor installation, plus kids activities and a Halloween movie in the basement.
**ARTISTS WANTED: Installation pieces, lanterns, and performances welcome to contribute to the lantern walk! Email us for more info.
$15/person or $40 for families. Tickets at the door.
Volunteers (and their family) get in for free in exchange for 2 hours of work, before, during or after the event.
Volunteer help is needed for: set-up and decor; door-minding; kitchen shifts; bartending (need Smart Serve); parking attendants; clean-up/tear down; kids space supervision (will be vetted!); lantern walk performers; spooky snack contributions.
To volunteer, PM us or email info (at) vallicanwhole (dot) com.
All welcome! Fun/spooky vibes, costumes encouraged!
