West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Railway Day
2025-09-21 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | 719 Track St W, 719 Track St W, Revelstoke, BC
Join us for Railway Day, our annual celebration dedicated to honoring Revelstoke’s rich railway heritage! This family-friendly event brings together the whole community for a day filled with fun, learning, and connection. Explore engaging activities hosted by local community groups, enjoy interactive exhibits, and celebrate the history that helped shape our town.
Bring your family and friends to experience a memorable day steeped in the legacy of the rails!
Stations:
Rolling Stock Open
Model Railway Running
Steam Cab Open
Kids Custom Postcards
Games with the Grizzlies
Face Painting with the Grizzlies
Scavenger Hunt
Sidewalk Chalk
Colouring Pages
SD 40 No 5500 Booth
Bouncy House
Community Participants:
Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Centre
Bear Aware
Operation Lifesaver
Roller Derby
CPKC Police
Adaptive Sports
Revy Stoke Squad (Tourism Revelstoke)
ORL Library
Grizzlies
Rotary Club Revelstoke
Performances:
Community Band (10:30-12)
Food Trucks:
Italiano Pasta Co
Crepe It!

4th annual Jazz Night with Brass Roots
2025-09-20 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Edmonton) | 64 Deer Park Ave, 64 Deer Park Ave, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J2
It’s that time of year again—Centre 64 is presenting the Kaleidoscope Festival with three days of workshops and fabulous music. One of the festival’s most popular traditions has been Jazz Night, which for the past three years has featured local jazz favourites Take Four, led by Randy Marchi.
This year, Brass Roots takes over hosting duties, bringing their own high-energy style, big-band sound, and Latin flair to the stage.
Known for their dynamic performances and sold-out shows, Brass Roots has delighted audiences with themed concerts such as Jazz in Cinema and Roots of Jazz. This year’s event will be a “gala mix”—a celebration of highlights from past shows, along with a sneak peek at their upcoming Sangria Dance Party on November 15 at the Stemwinder Bar & Grill.
Adding to the excitement, the evening will feature surprise guest performers and showcase some of the hidden talents within Brass Roots’ own lineup.
Tickets are already selling quickly, and another sold-out performance is expected. Get yours now at the Centre 64 website: centre64.com.
If you missed the last couple of shows, now’s the perfect time to catch up—don’t miss this year’s Kaleidoscope Jazz Night with Brass Roots! 🎶
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: Centre 64 Theatre Room

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/

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-09-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-06 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.

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

TECHNICOLOUR POTTERY
2025-09-18 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
TECHNICOLOUR POTTERY
Hosted by The Creative Traveller
Looking to bring bold colour and intricate pattern into your ceramics practice?
This hands-on workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced potters with previous handbuilding experience who are ready to deepen their skills and explore new creative territory.
What You’ll Learn:
An introduction to ceramic stains
Working with 3 base colours to create your own inlaid slab
Building a one-of-a-kind patterned mug from your slab
Techniques inspired by Nerikomi — a Japanese method of layering coloured clay
This class focuses on slab work, surface design, and colour play — perfect for artists wanting to push beyond basics and experiment with dynamic new techniques.
Thursday, September 18
5:00pm – 9:00pm
$200 – All Materials Provided
Intermediate & Advanced Handbuilding
RVAC Pottery Studio, 320 Wilson Street

Summer Lovin’ FREE Thursdays
2025-09-18 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-11 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-04 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Come on down to the Nelson Museum on Thursday evenings, where you can visit the galleries, museum, and shop for FREE. 4-8pm every Thursday.

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-03 13:00 - 14:00 (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.

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!

CLAY BEAD WORKSHOP
2025-09-16 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson Street, Revelstoke, V0E 2S0
CLAY BEAD WORKSHOP
Hosted by Jenna Aldus
Looking for a creative after-school activity? Kids ages 6–10 are invited to join us for a two-part pottery workshop at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre! Students will first learn to handbuild their own clay beads, then return the following week to paint and decorate their creations.
September 16 | 4:00 – 5:30 pm (Handbuilding)
September 23rd | 4:00 – 5:30 pm (Painting)
Ages 6 – 10
$40 per person, All Materials provided
RVAC Kitchen Studio, 320 Wilson st

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-09-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-07 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-31 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | New Key’s Pub, 16070 BC-3A, Crawford Bay, BC, V0B 1E0, Canada
Newkeys Place in Crawforbay presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie, Like with friends.
Sundays 4-7

2025 Smokiepalooza Music Festival
2025-09-13 16:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Butler Park, 1800 Thom St., Trail, V1r 4t8
SMOKIEPALOOZA 2025 — This is the event you don’t want to miss!
Three bands. One epic night.
The Smokiepalooza outdoor music festival returns Saturday, September 13, at Trail’s iconic Jason Bay Field at Butler Park! Sponsored by the incredible corporate partner, Power Paving.
Tickets are ONLY $25 (+ $2 ticket fee)
Trail Smoke Eaters Season Ticket Holders get 10% OFF!
Kids 15 & under get in FREE, thanks to the Murphy Family Foundation!
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WHAT TO EXPECT
A powerhouse lineup:
Midnight Rider (4:30–5:45 PM)
A hard-hitting blues rock band from Trail, BC, known for gritty Texas-style guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a rhythm section that grooves with purpose. Blending classic blues and rock with a modern edge, keeping the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll alive and kicking.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard (6:15–7:30 PM)
Buckle up for a sonic voyage with Captain Jean-Luc Picard — a band that boldly goes where great music lives! From classic rock anthems to modern bangers, from laid-back grooves to high-energy jams, they cover the best from every era and genre and they’ve got your soundtrack. Engage!
Headliner: BC/DC (8:00–9:45 PM)
Get ready for a high-voltage rock show as BC/DC brings their explosive energy to the Smokiepalooza stage! There are tribute bands, and then there’s BC/DC. Born of bush party ashes in the summer of 1999, they’ve played over 1200 unexpected gigs, redefining what a tribute band can be — from biker bashes in Ymir to stadiums and arenas across North America and now, Smokiepalooza! This AC/DC tribute band isn’t just a tribute — they’re an experience. From Back in Black to Hells Bells, they’ll have Butler Park electrified! Their over-the-top live show has become a legendary “rite-of-passage” for fans — Remember the first time you believed in rock n’ roll? Welcome back. BCDC
Food vendors
Beer garden
Kids Zone
All-ages fun for the whole family!
________________________________________
Get your tickets now: tickets.trailsmokeeaters.com
Bring the family. Bring your friends. Bring your love for rock.
This is the show you don’t want to miss.
Smokiepalooza 2025: Let’s rock Trail.

Eco-Dyeing and Printing at Cranbrook Arts
2025-09-13 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | Cranbrook Arts, 1401 5th St N, Cranbrook, BC
Join artist Karen Deibert for an introductory workshop on eco-dyeing and printing. In this hands-on class, participants will learn the fundamentals of natural dyeing and create a one-of-a-kind 14” x 72” silk scarf using iron or copper-based mordants. The process explores plant-based techniques that produce beautiful and unpredictable designs rooted in nature.
The workshop includes instruction on terminology, technique, and design experimentation. All materials are provided. A follow-up drop-in session on September 14 offers the opportunity to view final scarf results and discuss the process further.

Note: Seating is limited. This is a creative, beginner-friendly class — no prior experience required.

BIG RIVER Speaker Tour
2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Griff at The Bailey Theatre, 1501 Cedar Ave., Trail
Join acclaimed author Eileen Delehanty Pearkes for transboundary conversations about healing the Columbia River. Pearkes and fellow speakers, Shelly Boyd (Sinixt Confederacy Coordinator) and Cindy Marchand (Chair of the Colville Confederated Tribes Fish & Wildlife Committee) will offer hopes for salmon and the future of the Columbia River.
Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the Trail Museum & Archives in the Trail Riverfront Centre (1505 Bay Avenue, Trail) or by phone with credit card.

September Exhibition Opening
2025-09-11 15:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
Celebrate the launch of our newest exhibition at RVAC with an unforgettable evening of art, music, and community!
🎨 Artists & Exhibitions:
Clement Yeh – Movement in Time and Space
Julie McIntyre – Ghost Stories
Pepe Hidalgo – Cycle of Life
Interactive Exhibit
📍 RVAC, 320 Wilson St
🕰 Thursday, September 11
🕛 Quiet Viewing: 3–5 PM
🕛 Bar & Live Music: 5–8 PM
🎟 $5 Entry | Free for Members
🍷 All Drinks $5 | Cash & Card Accepted
👗 Semi-formal Attire Encouraged — dress to impress!
✨ Don’t miss your chance to experience these extraordinary works up close, mingle with the artists, and enjoy live music in a vibrant gallery setting.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-09-10 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
With your host Cry Bebe Mikey! $5 at the door! 19+

Open Mic Comedy with some of the Kootenays finest and some others!
message @kootenaycomedy on instagram to sign up!

West Kootenay Métis Society Monthly Community Gathering
2025-09-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
2nd Tuesday of the month
WKMS Monthly Community Gathering featuring fabulous food.
West Kootenay Métis hosts a regular gathering the 2nd Tuesday of every month!
Held at Taghum Hall near beautiful downtown Taghum from 6-8pm
Traditional foods, games, activities, as well as, great company.
Bring your family, stories and to go containers-because its traditional to send you home with food!

DANCE CLASSES FOR KIDS & YOUTH
2025-09-09 - 2025-09-11 | BC
We’re so excited to share that Tapatia Collective is opening more space for our younger dancers this fall! Our kids and youth classes are designed to get little ones moving, building confidence, and having fun with Latin rhythms.
Fall Schedule (Starting the week of Sept 8th):
Tuesdays
🪩 Latin Fusion (11+ yrs) – 5:30–6:30 PM
Thursdays
👶 Little Movers (3–6 yrs) – 3:00–3:45 PM
💃 Latin Fusion (8–10 yrs) – 3:45–4:45 PM
All classes finish with a final show, dancers are invited to take part in a final show—participation is optional but always lots of fun!
Here’s the best part—your child can try their first class for free before committing. No pressure, just fun, movement, and music. And dancing is always better with friends, so feel free to bring a buddy along!

Your Story, Your Stage Performance Workshop Series
2025-09-06 - 2025-09-07 | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
September 6th & 7th at Oxygen Art Centre
A weekend of performance workshops that culminates in a live showcase. Come to hone your skills or simply have fun.
Want to get on stage? Sign up for the showcase to share a poem, dance, song, scene, comedy bit… soliloquy? lol. Anything goes. *performing is optional*
💫 Workshops:
* The Art of Acting with Val Campbell
* Embodied Storytelling with Shayna Jones
* Hosting 101: Drag & Comedy – Ella L’Amoureux
💫 Accessible pricing:
* Full series: $20
* Individual workshops: $10 each
* Limited funded (free) spots available
A supportive environment that encourages play, experimentation, and building community
💫 Register here:  https://tinyurl.com/yourstoryyourstage
Hope to see you there!

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

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/

"Natural Geometry" Solo Art Exhibit by Michael Hepher
2025-09-04 - 2025-09-28 | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
Kimberley, BC — September 4–28, 2025 — Art Gallery Kimberley is proud to present “Natural Geometry,” a solo exhibition of hand-printed artworks by Fernie-based interdisciplinary artist Michael Hepher. Known for his vibrant sense of colour, thoughtful interpretation of the everyday, and abilities across mediums, Michael’s series pushes the boundaries of abstraction while using the historic art of letterpress printmaking.
For more than a decade, Michael has explored the intersection of the natural and the abstract. “Natural Geometry” translates organic shapes and landscapes into layered compositions of bold colours, overlapping forms, and rhythmic patterns. Each work invites viewers to see the world around them in a new way—where the familiar vanishes into geometry, and where the mechanics of nature are revealed in uplifting, unexpected ways.
“Letterpress printing is both ancient and tactile,” says Michael. “It offers a human touch to abstraction—each impression carrying the honesty of an analog process while reimagining the natural spaces we move through every day.”
Working from his Clawhammer Press studio in Fernie, BC, Michael combines traditional wood and linoleum block techniques with modern design sensibilities. His limited-edition prints touch the intersection of history, craft, and contemporary vision.
Michael’s career spans printmaking, oil painting, and illustration, with a portfolio of acclaimed public art projects, private commissions, and exhibitions including All Kinds of Beauty, a 16 x 96’ mural celebrating Fernie (2019), Backroads BC (Fernie Museum Gallery, 2018; Smithers Art Gallery, 2019), and In This Together, a touring exhibition shown across the Kootenays (2021–2022).
Please join us in celebrating this bold and intimate exploration of how we see, feel, and interpret the natural world at the closing reception on Friday, September 26, 2025 between 6 and 8 pm with an artist talk and interactive demonstration at 7 pm.

Open Mic Night at The Angry Hen
2025-09-03 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Angry Hen Brewing, 343 Front St, Kaslo, V0G1M0
Open mic night at The Angry Hen in Kaslo.
The first Wednesday of every month. All live music is presented in conjunction with Propel Studios, a full-production recording studio with accommodation directly across the street from The Angry Hen.

Tea & Textiles
2025-09-03 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.
