immerse yourself in the ultimate experience
Relish in the diversity of the communities along the West Koot Route by exploring music festivals, art festivals, food festivals, car shows, carnivals, heritage days and film festivals alike. No matter what you are looking for, there is bound to be an experience worth road tripping for.
Nelson & Kootenay Lake: Music Festivals
There is no shortage of events happening in the Nelson & Kootenay Lake region. The area is host to many local artists along with popular annual music festivals. Shambhala Music Festival is set along the scenic Salmo river and is home to over 10,000 electronic music lovers during festival week. If Jazz music is more your rhythm, head over to the North end of Kootenay Lake for Kaslo Jazz Etc Summer Music Festival.
On the East Shore is Starbelly Jam – a small and special festival; with great entertainment, great food, great people, lots of happy kids and room to play. Also staying small and community focused is the well curated Tiny Lights Festivals in Ymir. Balfour Daze puts the community first with live music and fun for all the family. No matter the playlist, summer in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is populated with live music for everyone, just check the local events calendar and the options will be endless.
Starbelly Jam, East Shore
Arrow Slocan: Family Fun & Dancing
If you’re looking to take a square dancing lesson or play carnival games, then look no further than New Denver May Days. This festival of endless fun and entertainment for the whole family doesn’t stop there, line the streets to watch the annual parade and soap box races. The music scene is thriving in every corner of the Slocan Valley with backyard jams, cafe performances, magical EDM parties and a rotating music festival scene. When it comes to dance, don’t even try to stop us. It breaks out at nearly every event and festival in the Valley thanks to dance collectives like In the Sticks.
Winter Carnival, Rossland
Rossland: Winter Celebrations
An historic event, Rossland Winter Carnival, has been held annually in Rossland since 1898, making it the longest running carnival in the West Kootenays. As a winter lover’s dream, you can lace up your skates and glide around the rink or zip up your jacket and venture down the snow slide. You are never too old to compete in the snow sculpture competition. Make sure you wander around town and you will see all the creative designs, forts, and professional ice sculptures.
Get in the Yuletide spirit and visit Rossland’s Heritage Downtown on the first Saturday in December for the Annual Rekindle the Spirit of Christmas Celebration. The day kicks off with the Rein(mule) Prance Parade, complete with Santa Claus and his Elves. Or get your groove on at the annual Blizzard Music Festival. Find out more about year around events in Rossland by visiting their events calendar.
Whatever the season, there’s sure to be amazing events happening year round in the communities along the West Koot Route
