October 28, 2024 by Emily Anderson

A Local's Guide to Arts, Culture and Nightlife in Kamloops

Opening Reception for Stories that animate us, Kamloops Art Gallery.
Photo: Kim Anderson

A night out in Kamloops can be many things, but we’re always at our best when local talent is on display. Between theatres, galleries, and live music venues, we’ve always got something to entertain and inspire.

Whether you want to relax and take in some culture – or just go dance your face off to live music – here are some of our favourite venues for arts and culture:

Western Canada Theatre

The Western Canada Theatre is always tackling ambitious productions. As the largest professional theatre company in the BC Interior, WCT has been entertaining and inspiring Kamloops since the 60s. With roots in youth theatre, Western Canada Theatre is still committed to creative learning. They host theatre classes and provide frequent opportunities for audience engagement and community enrichment. Check out their current calendar of events to see what’s on at the WCT.

Local Tip: From November 21st - December 8th, 2024 Western Canada Theatre invites you to their production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast for an enchanting evening at the Sagebrush Theatre. Visit the Western Canada Theatre website to purchase your tickets!

Kamloops Symphony Orchestra

Similarly, the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra has been performing professional orchestral concerts for the region since 1976. The KSO is committed to innovative, ambitious cross-genre musical programs that connect all-ages audiences with classical music. Whether you need a fancy evening out or something new for the kids, the Kamloops Symphony has an impressive calendar of events throughout the region.

Local Tip: Experience the magic of the season with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra! Join them for a festive Christmas Concert on December 13 & 14, 2024, or bring the whole family for a special family-friendly concert on December 15, 2024.

Kamloops Symphony Orchestra
Dylan Sherrard

The Effie Arts Collective

For something different, check out The Effie Arts Collective on Tranquille St. They regularly host comedy, improv and other fun performances. Try your hand at stand-up during open mic night, or leave it to the pros with one of their many hilarious guest comics. There’s more than just comedy on the bill here: the Effie hosts underground theatre, burlesque, live music, and much more.

Kamloops Art Gallery

If performance isn’t your thing, the Kamloops Art Gallery on 5th and Victoria has an impressive and diverse collection of art, sculpture, and other visual arts experiences. They boast 12 curated exhibitions yearly across three galleries, combining local, national, and international artists. The KAG is the largest public gallery in the BC interior and regularly hosts talks, tours, and other programs. Explore their all-ages, all-abilities studio programs and learn a new skill or just entertain the kids for an afternoon. While there, check out The Gallery Store for handmade local and Indigenous items, plus quality art supplies.

Local Tip: The current exhibits on display at the Kamloops Art Gallery include:

Every day is a day at the races when you’re mentally and physically ill by local resident Adrian Romeo
Available Sept 28 - Dec 28, 2024
Stories that animate us, works by multiple artists
Available Oct 4 - Dec 28th, 2024

Kamloops Courthouse Gallery

The Kamloops Courthouse Gallery prides itself on being “a place for every medium,” with a wide range of art and artisanal exhibitions. Run by the Courthouse Gallery Artist’s Collective, this is where you’ll find the grassroots art experience. Featuring both established and emerging local artists, you can find everything here, from photography and painting to pottery, glass works, and more. It’s always worth stopping at the historic Old Courthouse on First and Seymour St. for inspiring and delightful creative works.

Kamloops Museum & Archives

Curious about local history and culture? We recommend a visit to the Kamloops Museum & Archives on Seymour and 2nd. In the permanent gallery you can explore the ongoing riverpeoplenationstatepeople exhibition, developed in partnership with the Secwépemc Museum & Heritage Park and Stk’emlupsemc te Secwépemc Nation. The Museum is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all. Check out The Children’s Museum to get the kids engaged, and keep an eye on their website for upcoming temporary exhibits.

Local Tip: Explore Common Thread, the latest temporary exhibit at the Kamloops Museum & Archives, tracing wool’s path from the natural landscape to finished artifacts. This exhibit showcases the cultural, historical, and community connections woven into the process of wool production.

Common Thread, Kamloops Museum & Archives
Beth Taylor | OKGN Co

riverpeoplenationstatepeople, Kamloops Museum & Archives
Kathleen Fisher

Kamloops Film Society

The Kamloops Film Society always has something good hitting the big screen! Operating out of the Paramount Theatre downtown on Victoria and 5th, you’ll find showtimes for independent, international, and Canadian-made films. The Film Society runs local film festivals as well as ongoing events. Did you miss that big hit everyone is talking about? Keep an eye on the Paramount – there’s a good chance you’ll still get a shot at it. The Film Society is committed to bringing in the most interesting, creative, and relevant films, regardless of budget.

Local Tip: Want the theatre all to yourselves? You can rent the Paramount Theatre for a private screening of your favourite movie! Pick from their film library and enjoy a cozy night with family and friends, complete with popcorn and snacks, for a personalized movie experience.

Nightshift on 5th

If you’re looking for local nightlife, downtown Kamloops has you covered. Nightshift on 5th provides the classic nightclub experience. Regularly hosting live music and guest DJs, Nightshift is here for a good time. This is where you’ll find Back to School parties for the college crowd, Pride events, Bollywood nights, and every seasonal theme you ever wanted. Nightshift knows fun, with neon nights, moustache contests (Movember mo’ problems, am I right?) and costume parties. Nightshift can host up to 600 people, so this is the place to let loose and go with the vibe.

The Blue Grotto

If you prefer guitars to turntables, head down Victoria St. to local favourite The Blue Grotto. As a smaller, 21+ nightclub, the Grotto is more than just a bar: they’ve hosted Canadian legends like Trooper, Arkells, and DOA. With a priority on good music with good friends, they regularly appear on “Best Of” lists in the area. You can always count on the Grotto to have something fun going on.

There’s something for everyone in Kamloops, and we want to see what you’re getting up to! Tag us on social media @tourismkamloops with #explorekamloops to keep us in the 'Loop with your Kamloops adventures.