Nelson - Book Launch: Interstitial by Leesa Dean
2026-03-29 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
Join author Leesa Dean for a celebration of poetry and the power of community as she launches her third book, Interstitial. The event features readings by six authors:
Sarah Beauchamp
Ana Camila Cano Bates
Cheryl Cook
Logan Hale
Kai Harwood
Renee Harper
Book signings at 6:45 and 8
Author readings at 7
This inclusive event is open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences.

Castlegar: Queen City Burlesque Expo
2026-04-10 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Old Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
Queen City Burlesque Expo Returns for Its 7th Season with “Step Into Your Power”
Three-Night Celebration Brings International Performers to the Kootenays, April 11–13
CASTLEGAR/TRAIL/SALMO, BC — The Queen City Burlesque Expo is back, and this year it’s going silver. Now in its seventh season, the landmark Kootenay burlesque event returns April 11–13 with a three-night run across Castlegar, Trail, and Salmo under the theme Step Into Your Power — a celebration of diversity, personal strength, and fearless self-expression.
Headlining this year’s Expo is the internationally acclaimed Jessabelle Thunder, joined by Canadian icons Bettina May and Jezebel Express, alongside performers from around the world converging on the region for one extraordinary weekend. Want to join in on the fun?
Character-driven workshops covering movement, modelling, and personal discovery will be offered at Bailey Theatre on Saturday, April 11th, at $25 each and open to everyone.
Show Schedule:
Friday, April 11 — Castle Theatre, Castlegar | 8:00 PM
Saturday, April 12 — Charles Bailey Theatre, Trail | 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 13 — Salmo Hotel Pub & Grill, Salmo | 12:00 PM
Tickets range from $17 to $45 (CAD) and are available now at queencityburlesque.ca.
“The Kootenays deserve world-class live art, and for seven years the Queen City Burlesque Expo has delivered exactly that. This season’s theme, Step Into Your Power, is an invitation to everyone in our community to show up, be seen, and celebrate what makes us distinct. We have an extraordinary lineup, and I cannot wait to share it.” Venessa Loubert, Founder and Artistic Director, Queen City Burlesque Expo
Trail business manager at Copper Magnolia, Dana Gould, echoes that sentiment: “The Expo is great for Trail and its surrounding area. It’s a fun crowd, presenting phenomenal showcases, and the influx of tourism during an otherwise quiet time of the year is a great reason to go out and support the show.”
Now in its seventh year, the Queen City Burlesque Expo has established itself as one of the Kootenays’ most distinctive live arts events, drawing audiences and performers from across Canada and beyond. The Expo is produced by Trail Arts Council along with its Founder and Artistic Director, a four-time Top 5 Canadian Burlesque Producer.
The weekend is sponsored by Trail & District Arts Council, ReDi Grants, Columbia Basin Trust, British Columbia Arts Council, Government of Canada, South Kootenay, and BC Live Performance Network.
For tickets and full event details, visit queencityburlesque.ca.

Salmo - Your Story, Your Stage Performance Workshops Day 1
2026-04-18 11:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Salmo Art Church, 304 Main St., Salmo, V0G1Z0
Improv, hosting, drag, dance, poetry, feedback (bring something to share and we’ll help you shine). A weekend to learn from performance pros. A stage to try something new (or just to have fun doing what you love). Suggested ages 15+
The Sunday showcase is optional but encouraged. It’s an open mic with a supportive audience. Priority stage spots go to workshop participants
$10 per workshop
$20 for the full two days of workshops
Free spots available (or by donation)
*REGISTER HERE*

All workshops and the showcase take place at the Salmo Art Church EXCEPT for the dance workshop with Fabiola Gascon, which will be held in the SVYCC multipurpose room.
Dates and times:
Saturday, April 18th
11 – 1 – THE CONFIDENCE TO FAIL – INTRO TO IMPROV W MICHELLE HART
1:30 – 3:30 – OWN THE MIC: HOSTING WITH DRAG, COMEDY, AND CONFIDENCE W ELLA L’AMOUREUX
4 – NO LIMITS: MAKE A DIY SHOW AT ANY LEVEL W KARMELLE AKA ALGORERHYTHM

Sunday, April 19th
11 – 1 – FUSION FLOW: LATIN & CONTEMPORARY DANCE W FABIOLA GASCON OF TAPATIA COLLECTIVE *this workshop only — takes place in the Salmo Valley Youth and Community Centre’s multipurpose room*
1:30 – FROM PAGE TO STAGE: THE ART OF SPOKEN WORD WITH KAI HARWOOD
3 – PRE-SHOWCASE FEEDBACK W KARMELLE AKA ALGORERHYTHM
6:30/7 – SHOWCASE HOSTED BY CHERYL COOK

A Super Normal Productions project
Generously supported by the CKCA.

Salmo – Your Story, Your Stage Performance Workshops Day 2
2026-04-19 11:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Salmo Art Church, 304 Main St., Salmo, V0G1Z0

Winlaw - Slocan Valley Threads Guild Yard & Yardage
2026-04-26 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Slocan Valley Threads Guild,, 7112 Perrys Back Road, Winlaw, V0G 2J0
Fabric, yarn, notions, equipment, plants and books for fibre-related activities for sale at reasonable prices outside under tents.
Lunch, snacks, coffee etc.
Display of members’ work inside the hall.
Lots of socializing too at this valued annual community event.

Slocan Valley Threads Guild
7112 Perry’s Back Road in Appledale. It’s a left turn off Highway 6, a few minutes north of Winlaw.

Creston Valley Bird Festival
2026-05-08 08:00 - 2026-05-11 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Rotacrest Hall, 230 19 Ave N, Creston, BC, V0B 1G5
Celebrate the birds, art, and the agriculture of the Creston Valley.
Get ready to spread your wings and join us for an unforgettable celebration of feathered friends and the vital wetlands they call home during their annual migration north.
The Creston Valley Bird Festival is an exciting event that takes place every second weekend in May, where you’ll get the chance to explore and deepen your appreciation for the great outdoors with presentations, hikes, field trips, and tours with our expert bird guides.

Paint It Black: on overcoming perfection in art with Nik Black
2026-05-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Opal Door, online only
Now in its fourth year, Nik Black will be hosting this online only event. Open to any artist who wishes to overcome the burden of perfection and make some really unusual work, in a safe and supportive environment.
It begins with a live opening chat with the artist, a review of the materials that could be used, and a first few marks. Nik will answer your questions and offer some tips on how to navigate the rush of art making/destruction.
The only supplies needed are ones you already have, and a tool of obliteration. Nik uses black paint and after 14 days of creating goes live to destroy everything. (These papers are then utilized in other projects, we will talk about this too!)
This process is based on an exercise found in Art and Fear a book by David Bayles. This is suggested reading before or during the event. Please focus on the many pots vs single pot discussion.
Discover how destruction can free you from perfectionism and reignite your passion to play

Creston Clay Fest
2026-07-11 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Eversfield Ceramics, 1522 Airport Road, Creston
Local Potters invite the public to learn, play, and explore the world of ceramics. Refreshments and interactive kids table available throughout the day. Fun for all ages!
