In summer, the mountains are alive with the sound of music. Nakusp Music Fest caters to classic rock lovers, while fans of old time accordion music head to Kimberley. Kaslo’s Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival offers a variety of choices.
In winter, celebrate the snow at festivals such as the Kootenay Cold Smoke Powderfest in Nelson and winter carnivals in Rossland and Fernie.
Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships (July): Put on some dancing shoes for the six-day Kimberley accordion festival. The event attracts competitors from across North America playing “old time” accordion music. Special guest artists perform nightly concerts.
Nakusp Music Fest (July): Local artists share the stage with international acts such as Blues Traveler, The Doobie Brothers and Smashmouth at the Nakusp Music Fest. Classic rock lovers are treated to three days of music that draws up to 5,000 people – that’s three times the population of Nakusp!
Lakeside Splashdown (August): Hang gliders and paragliders launch 1,724m/5,655ft off Mt. Swansea, near Invermere, and descend to targets on or near Lake Windermere during Lakeside Splashdown. Spend the day on the beach watching 100 gliders compete in Canada’s longest running light aviation meet.
Winter Festivals and Events (December – February)
Rossland Winter Carnival (January/February): The Rossland Winter Carnival is one of Canada’s oldest winter carnivals, and has been the highlight of winter in Rossland for more than 100 years. The festival’s signature event? A bobsled race down an incredibly steep street (participants can reach speeds of 85km/53mi per hour in custom-made sleds). Other activities include volleyball in the snow, an outdoor beer garden, wine tasting and learning to luge.
Griz Days (February): Fernie embraces winter with a myriad of races, family events and competitions. Don’t miss the Extreme Griz Survivor Challenge or the Raging Elk Dummy Downhill Race where participants enter (often hilarious) “dummies” on skis and launch them off an enormous jump.
Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest (February): Earn turns and find out how to reach fields of untracked powder at this backcountry ski celebration in Nelson. The majority of events are clinics (more than 30 are offered) that teach everything from telemark basics to skills for backcountry steeps. Competitions and social events round out the four-day event.
Spring Festivals and Events (March – May)
Wings Over the Rockies (May): Explore the unique ecosystems of the Upper Columbia Valley as more than 250 species of birds migrate back to the region. Wings Over the Rockies organizes a week of lectures, readings and workshops on birds and local wildlife. Birdwatchers also paddle, horseback ride or walk to look for eagles, owls, herons and more.
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