Wondering what to do in the Kootenays this Spring? You’re not the only one. Between the different towns in the area there’s plenty to do at this time of year. Make sure you subscribe to get our recommendations straight to your inbox!

Check out these five Spring events for something fun to do, arranged by date. By the way these are all recurring annual events, so if you can’t get to them all this year you’ll have another opportunity next Spring 🌸

14 Days of Poutine (April 14-28th)

📍Nelson, BC

We look forward to showcasing this year’s 29 contestants in the Nelson Star 14 Days of Poutine competition when the competition kicks off April 14th!

Bringing a flurry of All-Canadian poutine goodness to the Kootenays, the annual poutine competition is a fun way to regroup with friends and family at one of Nelson’s many fabulous restaurants as they compete for the title of Nelson’s best poutine.

While we’ll miss poutine champion Chez Serge this year, there’s sure to be plenty of awesome entries into this year’s poutine competition, including a few surprises and entries from nearby Kaslo and Slocan Valley.

It was a fierce competition last year, check out the 2024 winners here to get an idea what’s in store for 2025!

Castlegar Spring Fling (May 3-4)

📍Downtown Castlegar

The Kootenays are filled with community events this time of year, and one of the earliest is Castlegar’s Spring Fling!

It’s a good ol’ fashioned community romp featuring live music, food and drinks, and a classic car show. There’s activities and entertainment going on all day for all ages – with games and face painting available for kids!

In between live performances on the main stage, shop at over 40 local vendors featuring an assortment of handcrafted goods, snacks, and gifts.

It’s a lovely way to spend a weekend, and a great way to connect with the community. Grab a lawn chair and head on downtown for the first of many awesome community celebrations across the Kootenays this Spring.

Flower Festival (May 11-12)

📍Winlaw, Slocan Valley

The 4th Annual Flower Festival at Hummingbird Farm returns bigger and better than ever! This free, two-day event (May 11th & 12th, 10am-3pm) offers a rare opportunity to for members of the public to explore one of the Kootenays’ beautiful flower farms. 🌷🌷🌷

A Floral Celebration Awaits

The festival features a self-guided walking tour. Guests can wander through vibrant annual and perennial flower fields, peek into the ranunculus hoop house, and learn about the importance of natural pollinators in the gardens.

While the farm is generally closed to the public, serving as a working flower farm, it is available for private weddings, so this is a great opportunity to tour their stunning wedding venue.

Capture Memories & Find Treasures To-Go

A vintage furniture photo booth provides a charming backdrop for capturing family memories (bring your camera or phone). Delicious food and refreshments will be available, along with unique offerings from artisan vendors. Take home a piece of Hummingbird Farm with a selection of cut flower seeds, dried flower creations, flower and vegetable plant starts, and of course, fresh-cut tulips – a perfect gift for Mother’s Day!

Kaslo May Days (May 17-19)

📍Kaslo, BC

If you’ve been feeling cooped up and isolated this Winter, May Days is just what you need. A celebration of the return of Summer, Kaslo’s May Days celebration is a vibrant tradition dating all the way back to 1892! Held over three fun-filled days around Victoria Day long weekend, it’s a chance for the community to come together and kick Summer off with music, food, and friends.

May Days is an event that runs throughout the Kootenays. Some events have grown into their own thing, and are titled differently, but ALL are super fun events for all ages, and well worth visiting! Get out and explore some other communities in the Kootenays, they’re really not that far away!

• Trail Silver City Days: May 7-11
• Kaslo May Days: May 17-19
• New Denver’s May Days: Sunday May 17-18
• Beaver Valley May Days: May 23-25
• Castlegar’s Sunfest (see below): June 6-8

These music and food-filled events all feature a community pageant where the May Queen is crowned, and contestants participate in the parade. It’s a special small town tradition that’s filled with charm and brings the community together in celebration.

Timberrrr! Competitive Logger Sports

A crowd favourite, Kaslo’s May Days wouldn’t be complete without logger sports. This exciting competition features events that test various lumberjack skills, including log rolling, tree climbing, axe throwing, and the internet famous springboard chopping!

It’s something a little different, and the whole crowd gets into it. With participants from all corners of the continent, it’s always a pretty impressive showing!

Show & Shine

Polishing up their prized rides both old and new, car enthusiasts come together at the Show and Shine. It’s a fantastic opportunity to admire polished classic vehicles and chat with fellow car lovers. If that won’t get your dad out of the house, throw in a drink at the historic Kaslo Hotel to seal the deal.

Must-Sees at Kaslo May Days

Longest Maypole Dance: Kaslo holds the title for the longest consecutive Maypole dance in North America, performed by local children. The dancers weave an intricate pattern, decorating the Maypole – symbolizing fertility and rebirth as the land awakens from Winter.

Arts and Crafts Marketplace: Stroll through a vibrant marketplace filled with local artisans showcasing their work, from paintings to pottery.

A Culinary Adventure: Enjoy delicious treats and refreshing craft beers while listening to live music throughout the festivities.

Old-School Parade: A classic downtown parade, complete with candy-throwing. This really ought to be the only kind of parade, if we’re honest.

Family Fun: There’s something for the whole family at May Days! Aside from the competition and live music, there’s also a softball tournament, skate park demos, a rubber duck race, shopping, and a garden show.

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Love visiting Kaslo? Check out our day trip itinerary for a perfect visit to Kaslo here!

Sunfest (June 6-8)

📍Castlegar, BC

As Summer beckons, Castlegar comes alive with the three-day Castlegar Sun Fest. Similar to the May Days celebrations that take place in Kaslo and New Denver, Sun Fest is a fun-filled way to kick off the warmer months with the whole community.

A Celebration for All Ages

Sun Fest has a program packed with activities that cater to people with different interests. Car enthusiasts can marvel at gleaming vehicles displayed at the Show and Shine. Music lovers will be treated to live performances by talented musicians throughout the weekend, filling the air with joyful melodies. Stay for the fireworks to cap off your Sun Fest experience with a dazzling display of colours!

Family Focused Fun

Sun Fest isn’t just a good time for the adults – kids will have a blast at the different activities that run throughout the event. The rubber duck race promises a splash of fun for little ones, and the garden show can be interesting to kids curious about the natural world. The athletic ones in the family can test their skills at the softball tournament, creating friendly rivalries and memories with friends and family.

Shop Local

No festival is complete without delicious food and some casual shopping. Sun Fest brings in an impressive selection of vendors offering treats that range from classic fairground fare to local specialties. Explore vendors’ booths for a handcrafted souvenir or a one-of-a-kind gift.

Spring in the Kootenays is a blast! From lively festivals to local food competitions, this is a season brimming with possibilities. So slip on your Blundstones, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the Kootenays at their most fun.

Bored this weekend? Here’s a list of other awesome things to do in the Kootenays!