West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Summer Lovin’ FREE Thursdays
2025-06-26 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-03 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.

TROPICAL GETDOWN
2025-06-26 19:00 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

“Uno” by Raul Pous Facha
2025-06-27 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Meet Raul: Architect, Artist, and Digital Fabrication Visionary

“I’m Raul, an architect and artist of Mexican origin, now based in Canada since 2022. My lifelong fascination with materials and manufacturing techniques has deeply influenced my approach to design. While I’ve always appreciated the artistry and individuality of handmade products, I’ve also recognized the challenges they face in achieving precision and consistent quality.

This curiosity led me to digital fabrication, where I discovered the power to translate complex designs into reality with precision and control. Through the fusion of technology and craftsmanship, I am able to create pieces that retain the unique essence of handmade work while elevating their quality and accuracy.”

Exhibition Dates: March 10 – 20, 2025

Opening Reception: Thursday, March 13 from 4:00pm-5:30pm

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 12pm-4pm

To learn more, visit us at: https://visacgallery.com/exhibitions/#unoraulpousfacha

Live Music at the Hume Hotel Beer Garden
2025-06-27 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-06-28 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-03 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-07-04 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Hume Hotel Beer Garden Stage, 422 Vernon Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E5, Canada
Live Music, through the week.
The Beer Garden has its own stage that features local musicians and DJs on select nights of the week! Check out our lineup for upcoming shows that are featured 6-9pm.

ArtWalk 2025 Opening Night
2025-06-27 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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 (America/Vancouver) | 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

KITTY AND THE ROOSTER w/ SPENCER JO
2025-06-27 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-06-28 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)

Family Beach Party on Soul’s Paradise Beach
2025-06-28 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Soul’s Paradise, 16961 Pilot Bay Road, Kootenay Bay, BC, Canada
Enjoy a family beach party/potluck 🙂 Lady V & Bass Cat will play classic hits and beats for all the family. Valéry & Sadie will teach a basic choreography so that everyone can dance together. Park on Pilot Bay Road. Bring a chair, food & drinks. Free for everyone under 18 years old. $10/Adult

Shambhala Pre-Party
2025-06-28 12:00 - 2025-06-29 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Salmo River Ranch, Highway 3, Salmo
As the sun sets over Salmo River Ranch, the night awakens. On Saturday, June 28th, bring the farm to life early at the Shambhala Pre-Party, an intimate prelude to Shambhala Music Festival in the heart of the picturesque Riverside Campground. Feel the energy of the Farmily and the anticipation of what’s to come.
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Catch gentlemens Club, Truth, Smoakland and more

It’s about to go down on the Salmo River Ranch ⚡️⚡️⚡️ Turn the bass up with Gentlemens Club, Truth, Smoakland, K+Lab, SkiiTour, VEIL, Abstrakt Sonance, Carissa Gem, Chimp It, Dolla Hilz, Dubconscious, and Kato at the Shambhala Pre-Party. Find yourself lounging by the river by day, and lighting up the 300-degree dancefloor by night.
Early Bird and General Admission Pre-Party Tickets go on sale Friday, March 28 at 12:00 PM (PDT) and include free tent camping and free parking. Seeking a dreamier stay? Explore lodging packages.

kt̓kmin uɬ c̓ik̓ʷm (mark and make light) Opening Reception
2025-06-28 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
The public are invited to attend the Opening Reception of kt̓kmin uɬ c̓ik̓ʷm (mark and make light), on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The artists will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be provided. Admission is free.
Axel-Strain and Van Stone will be in artists-in-residence at Oxygen Art Centre from June 22, 2025, to June 28, 2025, in preparation for their exhibition kt̓kmin uɬ c̓ik̓ʷm (mark and make light), which will be on view at Oxygen Art Centre from July 2, 2025, to August 23, 2025. The Opening Reception is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Everyone welcome to attend.
Oxygen Art Centre is an artist-run centre located at #3-320 Vernon Street along the alleyway behind Baker Street. All events are free to attend.
This program is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Regional District of Central Kootenay ReDi program.
Learn more information about the artists, the program and event at Oxygen’s website.

HEAVY AIRSHIP – ZEPPLIN TRIBUTE
2025-06-28 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada

Lardeau Valley Museum 25th Anniversary Celebration
2025-06-29 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Lardeau Valley Museum, 13435 Highway 31, Meadow Creek, V0G1N0
Don’t miss the fun! It’s been 25 years since our community’s museum opened its doors, and we’re in for a delightful celebration. There will be fun for all ages: live music, a free barbecue lunch, children’s games, a local vendor market, museum tours and more. A highlight of the day will be the much-anticipated opening of a time capsule sealed in the year 2000. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a special display of handmade indigenous artifacts created by Yakan Nukiy Council member Robin Louie. Come join the community celebration!

Peter’s Day
2025-06-29 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Doukhobor Discovery Centre, 112 Heritage Way, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4M5, Canada
Peter’s Day at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre will feature a traditional Doukhobor moleniya in the morning starting at 10am. A community vegetarian potluck lunch will begin at 12pm and an afternoon speaker segment will start at 1pm.
There is no cost to attend Peter’s Day or to view the DDC’s grounds and exhibit spaces on June 29, 2025 (donations are appreciated). Peter’s Day is a great opportunity to learn more about the Doukhobors’ culture and history in British Columbia.
It is also a great opportunity to take part in a free vegetarian potluck lunch with members of the DDC and our region’s Doukhobor community.
**Please bring your own chair as we will only have seating for 40 people.**

Can Jam Link Up Jamaican Food and Music Festival Fundraiser for KERPA
2025-06-29 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-06-29 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

Tea & Textiles
2025-07-02 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.

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-07-02 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!

Open Mic Night at The Angry Hen
2025-07-02 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.

SUMMER KICKS CONCERT SERIES - TINA LEON
2025-07-02 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Keith King Park, 1501 Maple Dr., Golden, BC
Kicking Horse Culture is proud to present the Summer Kicks 2025 season.
Every summer, people from all over gather in Golden to enjoy free Wednesday evening Summer Kicks concerts . The lineup includes both touring bands and local talent, providing a lively atmosphere with great music. The concerts take place at Keith King Park from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Attendees are advised to bring a chair or blanket as seating is limited but fun is guaranteed!
About The Event
Having already sung and collaborated with Stevie Wonder, DJ Champion and Garou under the artist name Marie-Christine Depestre, she now appears in a new light, more authentic and full of life than ever. In reference to the nickname given to her by her family and in homage to her maternal grandmother, this choice of a new stage name is a way for her to fully express her personality, to assert her art and thus to find a form of balance.
The concept for EP’s Push and Pull is partially inspired by what she describes as her “duality”— off the stage she is more shy and introspective, but when she performs she is able to let loose her “inner beast.” When reflecting on this new work’s intent, she says, “It takes some time to figure out what you want and don’t want. There comes a time when you ask yourself certain hard questions and you decide to take action towards what you truly want for your future. That is when you begin to bloom into who you want to be.”
Tina Leon uses her music to reconcile between the fluctuating nature of seemingly conflicting emotions, desires, likes and dislikes. Her work confronts the difficult questions we might ask ourselves: “Where am I in my life?”/“What do I want?”/“Who is the person I have become?”

Kootenay Savings Music in the Park
2025-07-03 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Trail Gyro Park, 234 Park Rd, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4X7, Canada
Kootenay Savings Music in the Park
Gyro Park, Trail
The Trail & District Arts Council is excited to present a range of great musicians at Kootenay Savings Music in The Park. With two acts per night, it’s the perfect opportunity for all the family to get together outside and listen to great live music in beautiful Gyro Park from June 26 to August 14. Regular Music in the Park Nights start at 6:15 with the headliner at 7:00 pm.
To make the season even more fun, we will see the return of the popular Night Markets on July 17 and August 14 as we once again collaborate with Trail’s Incredible Farmers Market. These awesome events bring the community together for Music, Food, Beer Garden and Farmers Market. These special events run from 5-8:30 pm.
And we have two new events. The Friday night Music in the Dark Beach Dance Party on August 8 will feature DJs and dance-heavy music from Apollo Suns our headliners. Happening from dusk ‘til dark from 7-9:30 pm admission is $10 at the door for this no alcohol event recommended for ages 15 and up.
On July 24, RemarkABILITY Fest, in partnership with Diverse Family Roots, will provide unique experiences to engage the public and celebrate inclusion and diverse community..
FREE shuttle buses run from 5:30 -9:00 from Trail Safeway and Trail Arena for the July 17, 24 and August 14 events.

Music in the Park Schedule
Thurs. June 26:

Trail Maple Leaf Band’s 30 to 40 band members will play tunes that delight everyone including concert band pieces, show tunes and movie medleys and marches
Trail Pipe Band will engage the audience playing pipe band favourites from their huge repertoire. They will be joined by guests the B. McJones Highland Dancers for Scottish piping and dancing.

Thurs. July 3

Truckvancar is a five-piece, Alt. Soul, Reggae, Rock band out of Rossland and Trail B.C. They play original music and cover tunes that they make their own for a groovy fusion of rock, reggae and everything in between.
Tina Leon is a singer-songwriter from Montreal who draws her inspiration from the Motown generation and the soul music of the last decades for a colorful musical journey through jazzy, funk, and pop rhythms with rich and enchanting melodies.

Thurs., July 10

Shuffle Demons have a unique and unmistakable sound. A trademark fusion of jazz, funk, blues, and rap with finely crafted compositions from all five band members.
Stubbs and the are rooted in Rossland. This 5-piece plays crowd-pleasing covers and independent original and theatrical music with lyrics in 10 different languages.

Thurs., July 17: The Night Market

Twin Fiddles and Friends have been Castlegar Fiddle camp Instructors and playing MITP for 20 years. Gordon Stobbe and JJ Guy and two more instructors (tbc) will play Canadian Old Time Fiddle Music. features favourites of the fiddling world JJ Guy and Gordon Stobbe, whose distinctive original tunes are written in the twin fiddle style with lead and harmony lines that reflect their shared love for traditional fiddle music,
Mimi O’Bonsawin is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Ontario of French Canadian & W8banaki (Abénaki) heritage. Her story-driven, ethereal music whisks you away with uplifting melodies that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments.
Meredith Moon plays unique, non-traditional folk with her finger-style guitar, piano, lap dulcimer and clawhammer banjo complementing her lyrical storytelling.

Thurs., July 24: RemarkABILITY (Celebrating Inclusion and Diverse community in Partnership with Diverse Family Roots)

Rock Squad is a 4-piece band covering classic rockers from the past that will rock your socks off! The band was formed after two members Luc Picard (drums) and Marshall (Guitar) met at Autism BC during one of their Awareness Events. Joining them in Andrew MacFarlane on lead guitar and dean on bass.

Rhythm by Nature will run 20-minute drumming workshops at 5:15, 6:00 and 6:45 where you will learn about and experiment with different drums and drumming techniques. No experience needed. All ages friendly.

Thurs., July 31

Kim Churchill is an Australian singer-songwriter who brings a distinctive presence to the stage. Kim is known for his laidback folk style, often described as “ocean-side blues.”
Shooglenifty was formed in 1990 by musicians from the Scottish Highlands, Orkney and Edinburgh. Its bright spark was the idea of fusing traditional and traditional-sounding melodies with the beats and basslines of a mixed bag of more contemporary influences.

Thurs., August 7

Tenise Marie Trio – Tenise Marie is a multi-instrumentalist based in Nelson, whose original music pairs soulful vocals with acoustic guitar, piano, and oud, crafting a unique blend of Western and Eastern folk music, reflective of her own heritage.
John Reischman and The Jaybirds play a stylish take on bluegrass that blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music.

Friday, August 8: Music in the Dark

DJ TBA
Apollo Suns is a 7-piece instrumental collective from Winnipeg, Manitoba that fuses jazz, rock and psychedelic music to create their own unique sounds with the dancefloor in mind.

Thurs., August 14: Night Market

Bella Cat is a dynamic and soulful vocalist whose electrifying performances blend R&B, funk, blues, hip-hop, and pop for an unforgettable, immersive and thrilling experience.
The Latin Lovers are seven extremely dynamic musicians from The Slocan who play Latin Fusion. With a mix of original songs and well-known Spanish covers, they invite the audience to participate by adding harmonies and playing shakers.

So, bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes for a Summer of live music in the park!
Admission is by donation – $3 per person minimum suggested. Or support the Trail Arts Council’s programming by buying a Season Pass for the whole summer for $30! You may buy a pass at trail-arts.com by clicking on any of the Music in the Park events and clicking the “Buy” button. Or buy them in person at Gyro Park with cash or credit card.
Please note that entrance for Music in the Dark is $10.
This show is made possible thanks to support from BC Arts Council, BC Live Performance Network, the Government of Canada, Kootenay Savings, City of Trail, Columbia Basin Trust, Pharmasave Trail, Teck Trail Operations, HUB International, Summit 95.7 FM and Tourism South Kootenay. We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.
Shows are moved indoors if the weather is not cooperative. Check our Facebook page by 2:00 pm on Thursdays for the exact location.

Taghum Hall Presents: Showman and Coole
2025-07-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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

BRETT CASSIDY, BEN VALEE, CHRISTIE MAE CASEY
2025-07-03 20:30 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada

PETUNIA AND THE VIPERS (FRIDAY)
2025-07-04 21:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada

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.
