Festivals & Events
No matter the season, there are events for everyone in the Columbia Valley.Take a look at our featured events including winter festivals, summer art features, and more!
Upcoming Events
Fall Things to Do & Thanksgiving in the Columbia Valley
Fall Gather with family & friends this fall at Fairmont Hot Springs or Panorama Mountain. Enjoy time unwinding and reconnecting in the mountains - soak in the hot springs, hike among the golden larch trees or relax by the fire with a book. Here are some ideas to celebrate Thanksgiving in the Columbia Valley: Hike local trails such as; the Hoodoos, Mount Swansea or the BugaboosEnjoy a leisurely ride through the town of Fairmont or hit the woodland slopes for some mountain action. Rent bikes at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort or Columbia Cycle in Invermere.Visit the Arrowhead Brewery in Invermere, BCPick up a fresh turkey, sides and pumpkin pie for a fantastic Thanksgiving meal at Fairmont Mountainside Market or Sobeys; or save the dirty dishes and go out to eat.Get in a round or two of golf before golf season is over. Hit the links with a friend at Copper Point, Fairmont Hot Springs Golf Courses or Eagle Ranch. Or the whole family can join in the fun at Windermere Valley Golf Course or Fairmont Hot Springs’ Creekside Course. Thanksgiving Activities at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort: Great Pumpkin Festival - usually Thanksgiving Sunday in the courtyard from 1:00-4:00pm. Enjoy pumpkin carving, hot chocolate, crafts, games and so much more!Thanksgiving Weekend Feasts - Enjoy a delicious brunch at one of the restaurants in Fairmont. Annually Fairmont Resort offers delicious Thanksgivings dinner.
Salmon Run
Fall View the spectacular bright red Kokanee Salmon on their annual run! The fish can be viewed at several locations throughout the Columbia Valley, some of our favourites include:Spruce Grove campground in Fairmont Hot Springs by the riverColumbia Lake Provincial Park along the riverStand up paddle board anywhere along the Columbia River (rentals can be found here) for an amazing birdseye viewBrisco Falls - see the salmon right at the trail head, a short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall
Fall Fun in Fairmont Hot Springs
September through November, annually Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Website There's so much to do this fall in Fairmont Hot Springs! Make the most of your trip by checking out the many activities from hiking, biking, and relaxing.
Christmas Parade & Light Up, Invermere
Late November, Annually Downtown Invermere, BC Website This event kicks off the holiday season in the valley with an official "Light Up" the downtown. Stroll the downtown shops - who often have great deals and gifts on this night, and pick up a hot cup of cocoa. You can warm yourself by one of the sidewalk bonfires and wait for Santa to arrive at the end of the Christmas parade. Great for people of all ages. Shopping stays open late. This event includes a Snowball and Gumball Drop with amazing prizes, live music, photos with Santa, official lighting of the town lights and much more!
Winter Things to Do in the Columbia Valley
Late December to early April, annually Hot Springs, skiing and snowboarding; skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling, OR cozy around the fire. We've got winter all bundled up!Here are some ideas to enjoy winter in the Columbia Valley: Grab a coffee at Fairmont's newest coffee house (The Local!) and take a wintery evening walk around the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort property to enjoy the lights. Walk, skate or cross-country ski along the Worlds Longest Skate Path - The Lake Windermere Whiteway. Just 10 minutes from Fairmont and 20 minutes from Panorama. (Top tip: rent skates in Invermere at Inside Edge) Soak in the Hot Springs at Radium, Fairmont (restrictions apply) or enjoy an authentic wilderness experience at Lussier Hot Springs or our local warm waterfall! Panorama is an exceptional ski area for families and all abilities. 40 minutes from Fairmont, the parking area makes it a breeze to access the slopes. Buy your lift passes with Fairmont Creek and go straight to the lift! Fairmont Ski Area is a small family hill prefect for beginners and a short drive from our Fairmont vacation rentals. Cut your own cross-country ski tracks around the Riverside Golf Course (rent skis in Invermere). Visit a brewery, distillery or both! With low-season rates and the quieter pace of the valley, the winter is a great time to visit - check out our WINTER STAYCATION FREE NIGHTS DEAL with rates starting from $90/night!
Holiday Lights Tour of the Columbia Valley
December Columbia Valley Communities in the Columbia Valley are beautifully lit up in the holiday season! Grab a hot chocolate and go for a tour of the holiday lights through the towns of Fairmont Hot Springs, Invermere, Wilmer, and Radium Hot Springs.
Village Sleigh Rides
Late December, annually Radium Hot Springs, BC Website Experience the magic of a Sleigh Ride in the Village! Your group will cozy up in a horse-drawn sleigh for a tour of the Village of Radium. Must be reserved in advance.
Winter Wonderland Market
Dec 27, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024 Radium Hot Springs Centre Website Join us at the Radium Hot Springs Centre for a festival winter market.December 29, 11:00am - 3:00pmDecember 30, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Snowflake Festival & Taste of the Valley
January 2025 Kinsmen Beach, Invermere BC Website A local tradition, the Snowflake Festival is a “must-do” event of the winter season. Join the celebration of winter at Kinsmen Beach in Invermere for an evening of food, entertainment, outdoor bonspiel curling, and fireworks. Events include:Kick-off to the annual Bonspiel on the Lake weekend curling eventFamily skating and outdoor bonfires start at 5 pm Live entertainmentSnowflake Lounge (cash bar) for winter warm-up drinks Fireworks at 8 pmThis is one of the most popular events year-round and the fireworks are always very impressive!
Wings over the Rockies Festival
May 5, 2025 - May 11, 2025 Website Inspired By NatureBird. Hike. Experience. Learn. 2023 Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival May 6-12, 2024Our Festival is located in the beautiful upper Columbia River Valley centred around the mountain town of Invermere, British Columbia. Our schedule of events will be published online, March 30, 2023 and online tickets will be available for purchase on April 11, 2023. We plan to have over 100 events over 7 days, many new ones too! Please plan to come and join us in 2023!
Summer Things to Do in the Columbia Valley
Summer Enjoy time unwinding and reconnecting in nature - soak in the hot springs, hike amongst the pine trees or relax in your private, fully-equipped accommodation.Here are some ideas to things to do in Summer in Fairmont and the Columbia Valley: Hike local trails such as; the Hoodoos, Mount Swansea or the Bugaboos.Golf is ON! Get in a round, or two, of golf. Hit the links at the Fairmont Hot Springs golf courses (Riverside & Mountainside), Copper Point, or Eagle Ranch. Or the whole family can join in the fun at Windermere Valley Golf Course or Coy's. With so many golf courses on your doorstep you'll be spoiled for choice! Soak in the Hot Springs at Radium - click here for opening times and for other ways to enjoy the water in the valley. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the town of Fairmont, check-out the new paved trail Legacy Trail from Fairmont to Invermere or hit the woodland slopes for some mountain action. Rent bikes at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort or Columbia Cycle in Invermere.Experience adventure exhilaration! Zip your way over trees and rivers or enjoy a Segway Tour with Scootin' Kootenay Tours - these TripAdvisor 5 star rated adventures are fun, easy and an accessible way to experience the Columbia Valley. You'll be guided on this adventure through lush forests along the Kootenay National Park Border. Checkout our current deals and specials!
Invermere Art Walk First Fridays 5-8pm
Year Round Invermere, BC Website Art lover?! COME AND ENJOY ART WALK ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH! THE 7 ART SPOTS OF WILL BE OPEN TILL 8PM HOSTING A VARIETY OF FUN EVENTS.ART, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, DEMOS, AND MUCH MORE!View full details on their website link above.
Radium MARKET ON MAIN
Fridays in July & August, 4-7pm 7556 Main St E Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 Website Attend Radium’s annual Market on Main this summer. The market takes place every Friday from 4-7pm through July & August at the Radium Visitor Centre. The market has a variety of products from art, jewelry, knitwear, spices, woodwork and so much more! Find a treat (or two) when visiting Market on Main.
Radium MUSIC ON MAIN
Fridays in July & August, 6-8pm 7556 Main St E Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0 Website It’s time to groove the summer away! Located at Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre, stop by Friday evenings to listen to music, shop at Market on Main and maybe even dance. Music on Main will run on Fridays in conjunction with the Market on Main from 6- 8 p.m.
Fairmont Farmers Market
Every Sunday from 10am-2pm mid-June to September Long Weekend Fairmont Frontage Road, Fairmont Hot Springs The Fairmont Farmers Market is held every Sunday morning in the summer from 10am-2pm.Take your time and stroll through the vendor booths featuring freshly made food, locally grown produce, and handcrafted items.After the market grab a coffee or lunch at Valley Coffee Co. and take a hike or walk on one of the many trails around Fairmont or a relaxing float down the river.
Canada Day Celebrations
July 1, 2025 Parade. Food Trucks. Live Music. Fireworks. With celebrations taking place all day long, the Columbia Valley sure knows how to throw a Canada Day party! Invermere Canada Day morning kick-offs around 11am with Parade down Main Street. The celebrations continue at Kinsmen Beach with the Mountain Mosiac Festival of the Arts, Face Painting and Food Trucks. Finish of the evening with Fireworks near Eddie Mountain Arena. Fairmont Hot Springs This Canada Day, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort will be hosting an epic party with live music, Fireworks, Family Activities, Free Birthday Cake and more! Book your Family's Canada Day Long Weekend today!
Canada Day Celebrations - Invermere
July 1st 2025 Celebrations in Invermere, BCGather in downtown Invermere for the biggest parade of the year. The fun starts at 11:00 am starting downtown Invermere and ending at Kinsmen Beach where the Mountain Mosaic Festival of the Arts gets underway.This is a free Festival for the whole family at Kinsmen Beach. Enjoy the Festival Stage featuring live entertainment. Art Tents, Build a Boat & Float Contest, live music, dance performances, food tents and more. Participate in the Transformation Station with face painting.Fireworks at 12 midnight, June 30th in Invermere at Kinsmen Beach.
Locals Live Concert Series
Wednesdays through July - August Pothole Park, Invermere Website Live music returns to Pothole Park on WEDNESDAY evenings this summer! The District of Invermere presents a free concert series “Locals Live” featuring nine bands who are ready to take the stage! Join us every WEDNESDAY in July & August in Pothole Park from 6:30pm-8:00pm for a rocking good time!
Movies in the Mountains
Mondays, July - August Pothole Park Website One of Invermere’s great summertime traditions is Movies in the Mountains at Pothole Park. Running every Monday at dusk in July & August, this family-friendly, free event is quite popular and fills up fast. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and visit with neighbours until the movie starts. Cash concession onsite for theatre treats.
Bull Riding in the Rockies
Annually in July Across from Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Website The Columbia Valley Rockies are proud to present the 23rd Annual Bull Riding in the Rockies and Family Dance! Food truck dinner (Peppis Pizza) from 4:00 pm; live music 4-6pm followed by Bull Riding, Rodeo Clowns and Mexican Poker from 6.30pm.
Four Seasons of Events
Winter
Summer
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