West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

SIP Talks: Stories Inspire Passion
2025-03-29 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Prestige Lakeside Resort, 701 Lakeside Dr, Nelson, British Columbia, BC V1L 6G3, Canada
The Canadian Federation of University Women Nelson & District is hosting a fund raising event celebrating the collective spirit of women who live in the Kootenays. Come hear how people find their passion and live it daily at SIP Talks: Stories Inspire Passion. The proceeds go toward our Scholarship Fund awarded to women at Selkirk College and LVR Secondary.
The impressive line-up of speakers Include: Kate Armstrong, Katrine Conroy, Slava Doval, Cheryl Dowden, Lena Horswill, Laura Landsberg, and Andrea Fox.
Saturday, March 29th, 4 – 7 p.m., at the Nelson Prestige Lakeside Resort; $70 at Otter Books or online at https://Siptalks2025.eventbrite.ca

Cows Go Moo Live At Bloom Nightclub
2025-03-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Bloom Nightclub, 198 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H4, Canada
The Pride Presents
Cows Go Moo
Full Rock Band of youths from Whitehorse Yukon!
DJ Philly Groove & Lil Sis
Youth DJ’s From the Yukon
Kolbe Mikah
Kootenay Pop & Rnb artist

This is a family friendly event all ages welcome
7-10pm

Tea & Textiles
2025-04-02 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.

Art & Ecology Book Study
2025-04-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
We are excited to offer a 5 week Art & Ecology course that will provide an opportunity for discussion, reflective writing, and art-making to critically examine the present and inspire the process of imagining and eventually realizing better futures. What we can create begins with what we can imagine.Co-facilitated by NMAG and the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, the course will run on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm, April 3 to May 1, 2025, at NMAG. There will be required readings each week from the collection of essays, An Ecotopian Lexicon.Registration fee includes a copy of the book, An Ecotopian Lexicon, a collaborative volume of engaging essays that offer new terms and concepts to inspire responses and alternatives to our current social and ecological trajectory.The content and readings are suited for adult learners. Maximum registration of 10 participants. Register here. Course cost is $40+GST for members, and $50+GST for non-members. Sign up for a Museum membership online or in person at the Front Desk.

Nelson Contra Dance
2025-04-04 18:30 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-19 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!

Tunnel Book workshop w/ Anna Purcell
2025-04-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Explore the fundamentals of creating tunnel books with Anna Purcell. Tunnel books are a fun sweet way to play with perspective and layering with paper. Come and play with the principals of still life: perspective, light and shadow, balance and composition, themes, and symbols.
REGISTER HERE
Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Fees for the workshop are $10+GST for non-members and $5+GST for Nelson Museum members, which includes all materials needed.
Click here to sign up for a Nelson Museum membership and save $5 today on your program registration!

Revival – Art Show & Live Performance at SOMA
2025-04-05 13:30 - 19:00 | Soma 444 Baker Street, 444 Baker Street, Nelson, V1L4H8, Canada
Saturday April 5th
Doors Open 1:30pm
Artist Talk/Show 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Live-Music Performance 5:00 – 7:00pm
Door Price $10-15
The project known as ‘Revival’ is a creative outpouring by folk artist Ru Rose. Revival showcases a deeply sincere full length conceptual debut album of 12 original sacred folk songs recorded Live-Off-The-Forest-Floor in the mountains of the unceded and ancestral territories of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa nations, also known as the Kootenays of British Columbia. Interwoven with the songs of the album is a series of 12 intricate paintings created with hand-made inks, dyes and paints.
With deep gratitude for the support of Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia in making this creation possible, and for the Columbia Basin Trust and the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for supporting this Album release community event.
.
.
Original Songs / Concept / Production / Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Shruti Box / Native Drum / Paintings by Ru Rose Cabodyna
Sound Engineer / Bass / Percussion / Support Vocals / Banjo by Kai Cabodyna
Percussion (Kins Domain/Sowing Seeds) / Support Vocals (Kins Domain) by Indiana Cabodyna
Violin by Shawn Fisher
Lead Guitar (Sowing Seeds) by Amir Derakhashan
Support Vocals (the Womb) by Vanessa Deverell
Sound Engineering / Mix by Barry Jones of Sincerity Studios Mastering by Tyrell Jordan of Arrow Lake Recordings
www.rurose.earth/shows

RUTH & SHELBY’S BOOT SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE – SALMO
2025-04-05 19:00 - 23:00 | Erie Creek Brewing, 117 4th St., Salmo, Canada
YEEHAW! Dust off your boots Salmo, it’s time to line dance! We will start off the evening by learning a line dance led by Fabiola Gascon, and then get ready to boot scoot the night away under the neon moon. Western wear encouraged. ?
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Tapatia Collective dance team.
This event is open to all ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
TICKETS: $15-20 sliding scale. To purchase, please e-transfer tapatialadies@gmail.com with your name(s) in the e-transfer message to be added to the guest list.

‘The Distance’ book launch with Judy Pollard
2025-04-06 14:30 - 16:30 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Judy Pollard will be at the Nelson Museum on Sunday April 6 to launch her latest book The Distance: Dreams and Despair, and will be signing copies available for purchase at the museum shop. Set against the majestic backdrop of southeastern British Columbia, The Distance is a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to for justice.

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Black Bear Review Magazine Launch
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Selkirk College returns to the Nelson Museum this spring for the launch of the 9th print edition of Black Bear Review! This event features readings from the talented students and community members showcased in the magazine. Refreshments will be served, admission by donation.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-04-09 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!

Still Lifes and Portraits in Oil by Jenny Steenkamp
2025-04-10 - 2025-05-04 | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
In the gallery from April 10 until May 4: Still lifes and portraits in oil by the talented Jenny Steenkamp from Creston. Not to be missed!
Open hours: Monday through Wednesday, by appointment and Thursday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

Oh Pray Tell – Up Close & Intimate
2025-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
The Vallican Whole Presents
OH PRAY TELL
Oh Pray Tell is Sally Titasey, Betty Supple and Shayna Jones.

Stomp, clap, banjo, harmonies, experimental folklore, this is much more than a musical performance. This trio of soulful musician-storytellers bring magic to the stage, and promise a gorgeous and inspiring night of music and fable, up close and intimate at the beautiful Vallican Whole Community Centre in the Slocan Valley.

Tickets are $25, available in advance from Rambling Rose Boutique in Winlaw, or at the door.
Kids tickets are $15, only at the door.

As usual, there will be cake, pizza and drinks for sale at the show!

Selkirk College Digital Arts, Fabrication, and Design Year-End Show
2025-04-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Mary Hall – Selkirk College Tenth Street Campus, 820 Tenth Street, Nelson, V1L 3C7, Canada
Join us in Mary Hall at Tenth St. Campus for the annual Digital Art and Digital Fabrication and Design Year End Show!
WHEN: April 11, 6-9pm | April 12, 10-1pm WHERE: Mary Hall at Selkirk College Tenth St. Campus, Nelson BC Entry by Donation Art Sale | Cash only
Join us at the Digital Arts and Digital Fabrication and Design Year End Show 2025, where students embody the spirit of creativity and innovation, shaping the future of tomorrow’s world. Explore new works in graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, web design, product design, 3D design, prototyping, fabrication, and more!

A Celebration of India
2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Step into the vibrant world and rich cultures of India with “A Celebration of India”! Indulge in an unforgettable evening of Indian cuisine, music, poetry, and dance. Join local performers as they bring the colors, flavors, sounds, and rhythms of India to life!

‘I Had Visitors Last Night’ book launch
2025-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Local author and historian Rita Moir launches her latest book I Had Visitors Last Night, the Storied Life of Lydia Kania. Published in Nelson by Linda Crosfield, (Nose in Book Publishing) these are beautiful hand-bound limited edition books about Slocan Valley (now Nelson) resident Lydia Kania, who turned 100 this year.
Rita will be reading from the book and signing copies at the Nelson Museum on Tuesday, April 15 beginning at 7pm. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Easter Egg Hunt at the Rossland Museum
2025-04-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, 1100 Hwy 3B | Junction of Hwys 3B & 22, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0, Canada
Join us at the Rossland Museum on Saturday, April 19th, for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt—a day packed with egg hunts, Easter-y crafts and races, face painting, activities, and more!
Date: Saturday, April 19th
Egg Hunt Times:
Morning Hunts: Ages 0-8(ish) 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM
Afternoon Hunts: Ages 6-12(ish) 1:30 PM | 2:30 PM
Entry by donation
Bring your baskets and your best bunny hops—we’ll see you there!
NOTE: Much of this event will be taking place outside. Warm clothes and footwear are recommended!
This event is generously supported in part by the Columbia Basin Trust.

Fiesta Latina
2025-04-19 19:30 - 2025-04-20 02:00 | Finley’s Bar $ Grill, 705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4G3, Canada
Fiesta Latina is firing up the dance floor at Finley’s
Join 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.

NIGHT CITY w/ DOSE., EMERENCZ, & JAKOB
2025-04-19 22:00 - 2025-04-20 03:00 | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Join DOSE., EMERENCZ, and JAKOB for NIGHT CITY Saturday April 19th at the Oxygen Art Centre. This dance event takes its name from the neon-soaked urban sprawl featured in William Gibson’s seminal novel Neuromancer. Night City is a chaotic, hyper-commercialized metropolis where shadowy corporations dominate, technology permeates every aspect of life, and the streets pulse with danger and opportunity. This event aims to capture the essence of that world—a fusion of cutting-edge technology, rebellion, and underground culture. The soundtrack will feature vintage and contemporary releases from the genres of acid, darkwave, ebm, electro, industrial, and techno, all with a distinctly dark retro futuristic sound.
NIGHT CITY pays homage to the cultural and social influence of cyberpunk, a subgenre of science fiction literature. Cyberpunk reflects many of our anxieties about late-stage capitalism, depicting dystopian worlds where powerful corporations and wealthy elites exploit technology to control society and accumulate profits. However, it also showcases hope where underground resistance utilizes that same technology to fight back. This duality of technology as both oppressor and liberator is one of cyberpunk’s core messages. Similarly, electronic music genres like darkwave, ebm, industrial, and techno emerged as forms of cultural resistance. These underground styles reject commercialism, celebrating non-conformity, and rebellion. Both cyberpunk and these musical movements create spaces for freedom and liberation in a profit-driven world.
Location: Oxygen Art Centre
Address: 320 Vernon St Unit-3 (alley entrance), Sinixt təmxʷúlaʔx (Nelson, BC)
Date: Saturday April 19, 2025
Time: Doors at 9:30pm, Show at 10pm
Tickets: $20 advance (link in bio), $25 door
DJs:
DOSE. @dose.productions
EMERENCZ @emerencz
JAKOB @jakobsounds
-No forms of bigotry, harassment, or hate will be tolerated
-Consent is mandatory
-Celebrate responsibly
-Please contact us if you have any accessibility requirements
-Capacity is limited, secure your spot in advance
-No one turned away for lack of funds (pwyc)
#cyberpunk #film #acid #darkwave #ebm #electro #industrial #techno

Dancehall Party!
2025-04-24 19:00 - 23:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
In Support of Tapatia Ladies Team!

Its a Dance Party!

With a 30 minute intro class and featuring DJ Ashram and DJ Jake!

Finley’s Country Night
2025-04-25 19:30 - 2025-04-26 02:00 | Finley’s Bar $ Grill, 705 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4G3, Canada
Grab your cowboy boots and hats as Finley’s goes country!
Featuring live music from Railtown Country Rock
Country DJ to keep you boot scootin’ all night long

Salsa & Bachata Weekend
2025-04-26 - 2025-04-27 | Slava Doval’s Dance Fusion, 601 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4E9, Canada
Join us for a weekend of passion, rhythm, and connection at the Salsa & Bachata Weekend! Whether you’re new to Latin dance or an experienced dancer, this event promises something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your skills, connect with others, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Salsa and Bachata!
Registration Deadlines:
Early Bird Pricing: Ends February 28th
Regular Pricing: March 1st – March 31st
Last-Minute Pricing: Starts April 1st
Limited Capacity – Act Fast!
Tickets are available online now! Prices will increase every month, and spaces are limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot!
What to Expect:
Master Classes & Workshops led by Kristal and Wayne, the talented co-owners of Baza Dance Studios in Vancouver, one of the city’s largest Latin/Afro Dance schools.
Salsa & Bachata Classes to help you refine your technique, build confidence, and connect with the rhythms of these incredible dance styles.
Partner Dancing – Flying solo? No problem! The event is designed for both singles and couples to enjoy.
Evening Socials – Practice your new moves, meet fellow dancers, and embrace the energy of the Salsa and Bachata community.
About the Instructors:
Kristal – With decades of experience in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Ballroom, Kristal has focused on Latin dance since 2009. Her attention to detail, passion, and vibrant teaching style will ignite your love for dance.
Wayne – Known for his smooth, swaggy style and energetic presence, Wayne blends traditional technique with modern flair. His internationally acclaimed choreographies make him a dynamic and inspiring instructor.
Together, Kristal and Wayne deliver workshops that focus on growth, musicality, and pure joy in movement.
Get Your Tickets Now: Prices increase monthly, and spots are limited, so don’t wait! Secure your place online today.
Location: Dance Fusion Studio, 601 Vernon St. Nelson BC.
Dates: April 26 & 27, 2025
Big thanks to Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and the West Kootenay Arts Council for their incredible support! Your generosity helps us bring more creativity and connection to our community.
