Festivals & Events
Nelson and Kaslo are renowned for exciting festivals and events for all ages. In summer months, the streets are populated with buskers and performers, and in winter, spring and fall, you can always find something worth the trip. From art and antique shows to outdoor markets, celebrations of food and wine, music and races, both competitive and fun, there’s something for everyone. Check out the Calendar of Events for up-to-date listings.
Annual Events
Kaslo May Days & Logger Sports - For over 100 years Kaslo villagers have celebrated Queen Victoria’s birthday with a rollicking spring festival. Celebrate fun and competition with logger sports, ball games, games for kids and all sorts of great activities.
Nelson's Art Walk - A celebration of the beauty in art that this area inspires. Runs during the summer.
Starbelly Jam - Starbelly Jam is a special festival; great entertainment, great food, great people, lots of happy kids and room to play. This Eastshore Music Festival takes place in Crawford Bay Park in mid July.
Columbia Basin Culture Tour - Explore artists' studios, museums, art galleries, and heritage sites through this free, self-guided tour within the Columbia Basin. Meet the artists, shop for fine art and craft, view demonstrations, special exhibitions interpretive displays or chat with local historians during this two day cultural celebration taking place in August.
Shamhala Music Festival - Cutting edge Talent, Lights and Sound come togethor in Paradise to give life to a non-sponsored family run anomaly. Canada's premiere Electronic Music Festival takes place in Salmo in mid August.
Hills Garlic Festival - With the theme Homemade - Homegrown - Organic this event features over 150 vendors selling local products. Celebrate the fall harvest in New Denver's Centennial Park.
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250 352 5592
Website: none
Unique and artistic floral and plant creations, inspired by nature. Local knitwear and pottery. Original artwork and cards. Mink chocolates and 1000 Flowers Perfume from France. Weddings, Corporates, Everyday. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-354-6363
Website: http://www.capitoltheatre.bc.ca
The Capitol Theater enriches the community through the arts. The theatre presents an annual season series of performances encouraging a broad spectrum of theatre events. The Capitol Theatre serves as a performing arts resource and referral facility for the community making the theatre available to the community as a venue for the performing, film and visual arts. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-505-5241
Website: http://www.kootenaylitcomp.com
The Kootenay Writers Society is a non-profit organization committed to supporting and promoting Kootenay writers and the literary arts within the Kootenay region. Read more...
Kaslo, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-353-7577
Website: http://www.kaslojazzfest.com
Big mountain, small village, floating stage.
August 2,3,4 2013 in Kaslo BC. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 250-352-3582
Website: none
The Nelson Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Nelson, British Columbia, the cultural and recreational heart of the West Kootenay region. The Nelson Brewing Company strives to bring you Certified Organic, hand-crafted, traditionally styled beers. Read more...
Nelson, British Columbia
Phone #: 2503527623
Website: http://www.shambhalamusicfestival.com
Nelson-based award winning electronic music festival held at the Salmo River Ranch annually in August since 1998. Read more...