Kootenay Festival

KOOTENAY FESTIVAL - LET'S CELEBRATE! is a multi-faceted event encouraging the recognition and appreciation of our community diversity through entertainment, cuisine and interactive educational activities, displays and performance. The festival will provide our residents and summer visitors an outstanding opportunity to experience and celebrate the heritage, culture, ethnicity and artistic expression that enriches the Kootenay region and makes us proud to call it our home.

LOCATION: The festival grounds are situated on gorgeous green space along the banks of the Columbia River at Millennium Park, 100 5th Street, in downtown Castlegar, British Columbia.

ENTERTAINMENT: Positioned front and centre, festival goers will be treated to an incredible day of open-air entertainment live from the main stage. With a wide range of musical genre and dance troupe performances showcasing cultural and creative expression through movement and song, Kootenay Festival highlights the truly amazing talent that our friends and neighbours are already sharing across the province and throughout the nation.

EDUCATION: Local non-profit organizations will participate through a variety of cooperative exhibitions. The festival committee has stressed the importance of providing hands-on activities; all organizations involved in the Kootenay Festival are encouraged to deliver interactive educational displays.

CULTURE & HERITAGE: In addition to all the onsite facilities local cultural and ethnic groups and organizations will also be invited to share their impression of heritage within the Kootenay region.

CUISINE: While our Canadian appetites will not be forgotten with traditional western fare, the festival committee has a dedicated team specifically focused on ensuring representation from the wide variety of ethnic flavours prepared throughout our region. Attendees will be tantalized by numerous culinary delights; Doukhobor, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Greek and more.

ACCESSIBILITY: The Kootenay Festival – Let’s Celebrate! encompasses the true spirit of community. The festival committee maintains a strong commitment to ensuring this event remains accessible to all, with focus toward participation by families, youth, aging and low income residents.

PARK & RIDE: Think green! Free shuttle services, sponsored by Mountain Transport Institute Ltd, will begin at 10:15 am and continue throughout the day to the Kootenay Festival grounds at Millennium Park. Pick up and drop off points are available in the downtown area at the Station Museum (400 13th Avenue) and the uptown area at the Castlegar Recreation Complex (2101 6th Avenue).