West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Lost Buildings with Greg Nesteroff
2025-02-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
While Nelson is well known for its many heritage buildings, it has also lost many to fire and demolition. Local historian and author Greg Nesteroff visits the Nelson Museum on Sunday, February 23 at 1pm to present a fascinating slideshow that will look at 40 such structures and their stories, from the opera house to the Strathcona Hotel to the Kerr Apartments.
To celebrate Heritage Week (February 17-23) this presentation is free and open to the public. Admission to the Nelson Museum is also by donation all week.

Artist Trading Cards Maker Space
2025-02-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Artist trading cards are miniature works of art specifically made to be freely traded. Created on 2.5 x 3.5-inch card stock using any medium, ATCs encourage artistic experimentation, creativity, and community building rather than consumption.

Drop in to the Nelson Museum to create and trade your own miniature works of art. Blank cards, art making materials and collage supplies will be available but feel free to bring your own. No registration required. All ages.

Apres FREE! Thursday evenings
2025-02-27 16:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The days are shorter but the Nelson Museum is open longer! Thursdays from 4-8pm is FREE admission to the galleries, museum and Shop, where you can explore the newest exhibitions, learn about local history, and shop over 100 local artists!

THE ROYAL ART THROWDOWN!
2025-02-28 19:30 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
It’s Throwdown season baby!
This years first round features the following local artists!

DANA FRIZZEL
LINDA MUMMERY
RAPHAEL AKIIBA
ROMANY

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2025-03-01 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-08 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-15 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-22 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!

Viva Carnaval
2025-03-01 19:00 - 23:30 | Spiritbar, 422 Vernon St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E5
An annual fundraiser for polka dot dragon arts society which showcases the Latinx and Caribbean communities in the Kootenays by celebrating the arts related to carnival traditions. It consists of a live music and dance performances for all ages from 7-9pm, and a 19+ DJ dance party from 9 pm-midnight.

Tea & Textiles
2025-03-05 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.

Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2025
2025-03-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
A thrilling selection of films that span extreme sports, personal journeys, and boundary-pushing storytelling from across the globe.

Project Wild One Book Signing
2025-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Otter Books, 398 Baker St, Nelson, V1L 4H5
Otter Books is hosting a book signing for Rossland author Louise Sidley’s debut novel, PROJECT WILD ONE. The book is for readers 7 and up, published by Red Deer Press, and distributed by Firefly Books.

It is available for pre-order from Otter Books, Indigo, and Amazon.

The event is on Saturday, March 8th, from 1-3 at Otter Books.

Nelson Contra Dance
2025-03-08 18:30 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4

ReelRock 19
2025-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave., Castlegar
TAWKROC and THE CASTLE THEATRE PRESENT:REELROCK 19
Saturday March 8th – doors at 6pm show at 7pmLicensed event
Come out and support your local climbing community
Reel Rock 19 showcases three world-premiere climbing films spanning disciplines, characters, and continents: a heartfelt story of second chances in love and climbing on Squamish’s legendary Cobra Crack; an outrageous 18-day big wall epic on Patagonia’s towering Torre Central; and the pursuit of a lifelong dream—a 5.15 first ascent—made possible by an unlikely partnership. Reel Rock 19 is on tour worldwide starting March 2025.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY FUNDRAISER
2025-03-08 19:00 - 23:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
A Musical Showcase to support the Nelson & District Women’s Centre.
Donation at the door.
Featuring a variety of performers with your hosts Ruth & Shelby!

Fiesta Latina at Finley’s
2025-03-08 19:30 - 2025-03-09 01:30 | Finley’s Bar $ Grill, 705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4G3, Canada
Fiesta Latina is firing up the dance floor at Finley’sJoin us for an electrifying Fiesta Latina hosted by Tapatia Collective!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and flavors of Latin America.Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to spice up your weekend, this event is for you!
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of Latin culture and community. Grab your friends and come join the fiesta!
We can’t wait to dance the night away with you.

Museum Mash!
2025-03-09 10:00 - 15:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Lucas Myers & Krista Lynch, Lance Ledger, and the Nelson Writing Salon return to the Nelson Museum for everyone’s favourite FREE children’s program–Museum Mash! Explore the building, get crafty with puppet-making, sing and dance, and have a blast! There’s lots of room to run and play, and no shushing here!

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-03-12 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!

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-03-12 20:00 - 23:30 | 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

Juliet: A Revenge Comedy
2025-03-13 19:30 - 22:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
“This is one of the best. Give yourself a treat.” – Liz Nicholls
“A must see!” – Toronto Guardian
“Monster Theatre’s imaginative, feminist take on the fates of Shakespeare’s tragic heroines is not to be missed”- NNNN (out of 4) NOW Toronto
“Juliet: A Revenge Comedy is an example of the new heights that can be achieved when we rethink tropes as old as time.” ★★★★★ – Winnipeg Free Press
What if JULIET doesn’t kill herself? JULIET: A Revenge Comedy is a fast-paced, action-adventure comedy that follows Juliet on the literary adventure of the century. Juliet refuses to die for someone she just met two days ago. She recruits a team of Shakespeare’s most famous female characters to find out why they’ve been forced to die!
The Capitol Theatre
Adult: 25; Senior: $22.50; Under 30: $10

Debert Bunker: By Invitation Only film screening
2025-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Outside a military base in Debert, Nova Scotia, on a cold day in February 1984, a small but mighty group of women harnessed the power of performance art, protest, and the media—and captured the attention of the entire country.
That same day in February, 329 people were planning on using the bunker for rehearsal of a nuclear attack—nearly all of them white, middle-aged men with government or military leadership roles; only 11 women were on the list.
Months earlier, women from all over the Maritimes began planning for a multi-faceted day of action, dubbed Debunk Debert. The group arranged radio interviews on CBC morning shows, arranged for men to handle the day’s cooking, cleaning, and childcare, and staged a protest at Camp Debert, the location of Atlantic Canada’s only cold war bunker.
The protesters’ message was clear: while these men continue government from inside the bunker, what is happening to the women and children you’ve left behind? How do you continue government, or humanity, without a second generation? Documentary filmmaker Liz MacDougall explores these questions and covers the protest in her 1985 documentary Debert Bunker: By Invitation Only, screening Friday, March 14 in the Cold War Bunker, presented by the Nelson Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The screening of Debert Bunker: By Invitation Only is at 6:30pm on Friday, March 14, followed by an open discussion with Anna Purcell and Tressa Ford. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the general public and includes a reproduction of the ‘Debunk Debert’ buttons created for the original protest.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Front Desk or online. Space is limited for this one-time only event.

Safe Haven: The Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness
2025-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave., Castlegar
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 8 years of expeditions.
Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave, CastlegarDoors open at 6:30pm. Film starts at 7pm.
Admission by donation, free for members of the WKNA.
This event is being hosted by the West Kootenay Naturalists’ Association in support of the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness park proposal. The 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 one of our richest remaining temperate rainforest ecosystems.
Contact amber (at) vws.org for more information.
Please spread the word and come show your support!

Write Off the Bat! Awards Night!
2025-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Come hear the winners of Write Off he Bat! an on-site, theme-based writing marathon and juried writing competition that happened February 22 and 23 at Taghum Hall. This free event on March 16 at 7pm will reveal the winners, with juror comments, author readings, and refreshments in a friendly community celebration of creativity under duress!

SBK Social
2025-03-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Slava Doval’s Dance Fusion, 601 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4E9, Canada
SBK = Salsa Bachata Kizomba Save the Date for Our Next SBK Social!
Join us on Sunday, March 16th for an unforgettable evening of Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba!
This is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow dancers, make new friends, and practice all the moves you’ve been working on in class. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, everyone is welcome!
When: Sunday, March 16th Where: Dance Fusion Studio, 601 Vernon Street.$8 @ the door
Don’t miss out on the fun! Bring your friends or come solo—there’s always a dance partner waiting for you. Let’s keep the rhythm alive!
Check our website under Social Dances for more details or message us for any questions.
See you on the dance floor!

RUTH & SHELBY’S BOOT SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE – MARCH
2025-03-18 19:30 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Country Line Dance Night with instruction by Fabiola Gascon.
Y’all ready for another boot-stompin’ good time at The Royal? We’ll start with a new line dance lesson led by Fabiola Gascon, followed by a quick refresher of the previous two dances we learned last year. Then, get ready to kick up some dust as we dance the night away. Western wear is encouraged.

Dark Chapters opening reception
2025-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The Dark Chapters project encompasses the renowned career of Métis artist and educator David Garneau, through the dual lens of exhibition and publication. The book, Dark Chapters: Reading the Still Lives of David Garneau, invites 17 Canadian artists and academics to write a response – poetry, creative writing, critical essay – to one of Garneau’s vast collection of still life paintings. The exhibition features works from the publication as well as additional pieces chosen by Garneau. Dark Chapters offers myriad ways to investigate how the written word can implicate, illuminate, and interpret artworks.
Dark Chapters opens on Friday, March 21 at 7pm featuring an artist talk with Garneau and essay contributor Fred Wah. This event is free and open to the public.
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.

Queen City Burlesque Expo Presents: Castle Choas
2025-03-21 19:30 - 22:00 | Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave., Castlegar
Licensed Event – +19
Doors open 7pm – show at 7:30pm
Queen City Burlesque Expo’s 6th Season is coming to Castlegar with their Friday Night Showcase: Castle Chaos! ?✨
Join us in celebrating performance arts, of the saucy variety, in the historic Castle Theatre on Friday, March 21st, 2025.
Performers from across North America are traveling to the West Kootenays to celebrate, experience the beauty of the mountains, and share their art with us!
With internationally celebrated stars as Feature & Headlining Performers- you are guaranteed a night full of roaring laughs and mind blowing entertainment.
This year’s season is called “Barnyards & Bigtops” inspiring the lineup, costumes, and vibe for the entire weekend.
Get dressed up, and come participate by voting for the Audience Favourite, and watch as someone is awarded the Queens Choice Award, Legends Choice Award, and more.
Cheer loudly, feel exhilarated, and bask in the beauty of the striptease arts, right here in Castlegar.

Blast Beerfest
2025-03-22 11:00 - 16:00 | BC
Come check out the Blast Beerfest!
Join us as we celebrate the amazing local breweries in our region. Come on out and sample the local brews while you enjoy some delicious Whitewater pow chow in our on-the-snow beer garden.
Dance along to live music, rock your best Canadian tuxedo (jeans on jeans), and bask in the magnificent view of Ymir Peak.
Beer Garden | Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm
Live Music | Saturday 12:30pm – 3:30pm & Sunday 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Local brews, delicious food, and great friends – just how we like it: pure and simple.

We will be selling taster tokens that can be exchanged for 4oz samples as well as pint tokens that can be exchanged for 16oz beers. All token prices include tax.
1 Taster Token – $3.50
3-Pack of Taster Tokens – $9.00
6-Pack of Taster Tokens – $16.00
1 Pint Token – $8.75
Must be 19+ or with legal guardian to enter – valid government-issued ID will be required.

Plus, if you buy a 3-pack of taster tokens, a 6-pack of taster tokens, or a pint token, you’ll get $2 off a hot dog, smokie, or quesadilla at The Tin!
Only one discount may be applied per person per transaction.

Project Wild One Book Signing with Author Louise Sidley at Otter Books
2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Otter Books, 398 Baker St, Nelson, V1L 4H5
Due to delays at the printers, Louise Sidley’s book signing event has been postponed to March 22 at Otter Books.
Project Wild One, published by Red Deer Press is intended for readers ages 7 and up. This eco-friendly tale is full of adventure and challenges assumptions about nature and the role young people have in it.
Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Queen City Burlesque Expo Presents: The Grand Gala
2025-03-22 19:30 - 22:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
TIX: https://bit.ly/QCBEGala
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Experience extravagance at the 6th Annual Queen City Burlesque Expo Weekender event: The Grand Gala at Capitol Theatre in Nelson BC.
From passionate to political, from farm animals to sparkling showponies, join us as we celebrate the most liberating of art forms for a guaranteed night of laughter and fun.
