Arts, music and community festivals across the West Kootenays are receiving more than $98,000 in Columbia Basin Trust funding this year, supporting events that bring residents and visitors together while boosting local economies.
The Trust has awarded $234,375 through its 2026 Basin Festivals Grants program, administered by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council. Of the 20 festivals receiving funding across the Columbia Basin, nine are in the West Kootenay region, sharing $98,073.
“Each year, our communities are shaped and invigorated by these seasonal gatherings,” said Justine Cohen, senior manager, delivery of benefits at Columbia Basin Trust.
“Whether it’s a local outdoor concert series or a regional arts festival, these events contribute to the vibrancy of our communities by bringing people together, celebrating local creativity and showcasing what makes the Basin a welcoming place to live and visit.”
Among the largest West Kootenay grants, Balfour Daze received $6,600, while the Nelson International Mural Festival, LUNA Fest in Revelstoke and Music in the Park in Trail each received $15,000.
Balfour Daze, which serves communities along Kootenay Lake’s West Arm, including Longbeach, Harrop, Procter, Queens Bay and Ainsworth, brings together local organizations for a day of free family activities, live music and food.
“Balfour Daze reflects what makes small communities special,” said Julie Poetsch, administrator of the Balfour Recreation Commission. “It brings neighbours together, strengthens relationships among local organizations and gives residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the spirit of our community.”
In Trail, Music in the Park has grown from a small outdoor concert series into a summer-long program featuring weekly concerts, monthly night markets, Music in the Dark events for children and families, and RemarkABILITY Fest.
“Music in the Park has become one of Trail’s and the surrounding communities’ most beloved summer traditions,” said Amelia Ewart, executive director of the Trail and District Arts Council. “For TDAC, the series is about making arts and culture accessible to people of all ages and abilities and creating opportunities to bring community together through the experience of live music.”
Nelson organizations received funding for four events: the Nelson International Mural Festival ($15,000), the Polka Dot Dragon Lantern Festival ($12,500), ArtWalk 2026 ($9,900) and the Elephant Mountain Literary Festival ($3,645). The Massif Music Festival also received $9,000.
Other West Kootenay recipients include Music in the Park in Nakusp ($7,787) and Music in the Park in Silverton ($5,428).
The grants support community-based festivals that celebrate arts, culture and music while encouraging tourism and strengthening local connections.
West Kootenay recipients
| Community | Event | Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Balfour | Balfour Daze | $6,600 |
| Nakusp | Music in the Park | $7,787 |
| Nelson | Massif Music Festival | $9,000 |
| Nelson | ArtWalk 2026 | $9,900 |
| Nelson | Elephant Mountain Literary Festival | $3,645 |
| Nelson | Nelson International Mural Festival | $15,000 |
| Nelson | Polka Dot Dragon Lantern Festival | $12,500 |
| Silverton | Music in the Park | $5,428 |
| Trail | Music in the Park | $15,000 |
