Revelstoke, British Columbia, hosts events year-round, bringing together outdoor sports, arts, music, and local culture. Visitors and residents gather for competitions, performances, and celebrations that make the town an active place to be. Each season has its own events, drawing different crowds and offering unique experiences.
Winter Festivals
Revelstoke Winter Carnival
This Revelstoke Winter Carnival began in 1915, organized by the Revelstoke Ski Club. After a pause, it returned in 2024 with traditional activities and new additions. The event takes place in February and includes competitions, performances, and community gatherings.
The Riverside Rail Jam brings snowboarders to Centennial Park for an evening of jumps and tricks under the lights. The Historic Outhouse Races involve teams pushing custom-built outhouses down a snow-packed hill. The Great Revelstoke Quiz tests teams on local knowledge. A variety show features music, dance, and comedy performances. Local businesses and volunteers contribute to making this event possible.
The Winter Carnival attracts participants from across British Columbia, making it a regional attraction. Food vendors set up throughout downtown, offering warm meals and local specialties. Fireworks displays mark the end of the festivities, drawing crowds to the park for a final celebration. Hotels and lodges book up quickly during this period, as many visitors extend their stay to enjoy Revelstoke’s ski and snowboard scene.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
The Banff Mountain Film Festival tour stops in Revelstoke every February at the Roxy Theatre. The three-night event showcases films focused on mountain culture, outdoor adventure, and environmental issues. Attendees watch documentaries featuring climbers, skiers, and explorers in extreme locations. Tickets are available for individual nights or the full event.
The festival includes panel discussions with filmmakers, professional athletes, and environmentalists who share insights on storytelling, conservation, and expedition planning. The screenings bring together outdoor enthusiasts who use the festival as a launching point for their own mountain adventures. Many attendees combine the festival with a trip to Revelstoke Mountain Resort, taking advantage of the region’s winter sports offerings.
SPLIT//SKI Festival
The SPLIT // SKI Festival is a backcountry skiing and splitboarding festival taking place in January. The event emphasizes safety, skill development, and community engagement. The Arc'teryx Film Night presents films about backcountry adventures. The Community Night features educational talks, trade shows, and discussions on avalanche preparedness. An in-bounds touring partner meetup helps participants connect with others for future trips.
Workshops led by experienced guides cover essential topics such as route planning, terrain assessment, and emergency preparedness. Participants can demo gear from top brands, testing the latest technology in ski touring. The festival is a meeting ground for backcountry enthusiasts, fostering friendships and mentorships that last beyond the event itself.
Spring and Summer Festivals
Revelstoke Wildflower Festival
Held in July, the Wildflower Festival highlights the region’s beautiful alpine wildflowers. Guided hikes lead visitors through mountain trails to see blooms at their peak. Photography workshops focus on capturing the landscapes. Art exhibits feature works inspired by local flora. Family-friendly activities include educational programs and interactive sessions for children.
Botanists and naturalists offer presentations on conservation efforts and the ecological significance of the wildflower species in the area. Outdoor yoga sessions in the wildflower meadows provide a unique way to experience the scenery. Many visitors extend their stay to explore the wider network of trails surrounding Revelstoke, taking advantage of the prime hiking conditions.
Garlic Festival
Held in September at Queen Elizabeth Park, the Garlic Festival celebrates local agriculture. Vendors sell garlic varieties and related products. Culinary workshops teach cooking techniques and preservation methods. Live music, games, and “Chicken Bingo” provide entertainment. Children’s activities and educational sessions focus on farming and sustainability.
The festival includes a garlic-themed cooking competition where local chefs showcase their creativity using the ingredient in unique dishes. Attendees sample garlic-infused foods, from bread and sauces to desserts. The event also serves as a networking opportunity for farmers and food producers, strengthening the local food economy.
Arts and Culture Festivals
LUNA Fest
The LUNA Fest is a nighttime arts festival that takes over downtown Revelstoke with interactive installations, live performances, and workshops. Artists create exhibits that transform streets and public spaces into temporary galleries. Music and theatre performances take place throughout the night. Hands-on workshops invite attendees to participate in creative projects.
Local and international artists collaborate on site-specific installations that challenge conventional perspectives. Businesses and restaurants stay open late, offering special menus and experiences tied to the festival’s theme. The immersive nature of LUNA Fest creates an environment where attendees become part of the art, engaging with exhibits in ways that go beyond passive viewing.
Performance Series by Arts Revelstoke
Throughout the year, Arts Revelstoke presents theatre, music, dance, and film events. Upcoming performances include "Walter Ego," a show blending clowning and physical theatre, "Juliet, A Revenge Comedy," a modern take on Shakespeare’s character, and "The Last Show Girl," a play exploring the life of a stage performer.
Performances take place at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, providing a professional venue for artists and audiences. The series features both emerging and established performers, creating a mix of experimental and traditional productions. Talkbacks and artist Q&A sessions offer deeper engagement, allowing audiences to learn about the creative process and themes behind each production.
Conclusion
Revelstoke’s events bring together outdoor sports, art, food, and film. Each season has a mix of competitions, performances, and gatherings that reflect the town’s character. Visitors and residents participate in these events, making them a significant part of the community’s culture. Whether attending a backcountry ski festival, an arts showcase, or a food celebration, those who visit find something that connects them to the local way of life.
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