April 2026 Events round-up

NIGHTLIFE

April 11 @ 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Nightshift on 5th: Over 30s Daytime Clubbing. An afternoon dance event featuring 80s and 90s club anthems, with a mix of early 2000s hits. The event is geared toward a 30+ crowd, with guests aged 25+ welcome. Last entry is at 6:00 pm, with ID required. A daytime alternative to traditional nightlife with a focus on nostalgia and familiar tracks.

MUSIC

April 17 @ 7:30 pm at The Effie Arts Collective: Garret T. Willie “Bill’s Café Tour.” A live performance blending blues, rock, and roots influences with a strong focus on storytelling. Known for expressive vocals and guitar-driven arrangements, Garret T. Willie delivers a focused, intimate set in a small venue setting that emphasizes connection and live musicianship.

April 19 @ 7:00 pm at The Effie Arts Collective: Shaun Kirk Live. Australian blues and soul artist Shaun Kirk brings a high-energy performance built on intricate guitar work and dynamic stage presence. The set combines original material with rhythm-driven arrangements, offering a polished live show that balances technical skill with audience engagement.

April 23 @ 12:00 pm at TRU Clocktower Alumni Theatre: Live at TRU Chamber Music Concert – “Mostly Baroque.” A free one-hour concert presented by a volunteer committee featuring violin, viola, and classical guitar. The program highlights Baroque-era works performed by local musicians, including former KSO concertmaster Cvetozar Vutev. The midday format offers an accessible live music experience in an intimate campus setting.

April 25 @ 7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church: Jazz Sweets. Presented by Chamber Musicians of Kamloops, composer and jazz pianist Karel Roessingh performs suites of well-known pieces and original compositions. The program connects selections through shared themes such as title, meter, key, or sentiment. Tickets are available online and at the door.

THEATRE

April 24 @ 7:30 pm at Paramount Theatre: Bound (1996) – Queer Film Series. Part of a new Queer Film Series, this screening marks the 30th anniversary of the Wachowskis’ neo-noir thriller. Starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon, the film follows an ex-con and a mobster’s girlfriend as they attempt to steal Mafia money. A stylish, character-driven feature presented in a theatre setting.

April 26 @ 6:00 pm at Sagebrush Theatre: Breaking Ground – 50 Years of Western Canada Theatre. A 70s-themed fundraising celebration featuring signature cocktails, food, live music, and a silent auction in the Sagebrush Lobby. The evening continues with a one-night-only concert showcasing highlights from past WCT productions, performed by local and returning artists. Tickets are $125, with a portion eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

COMEDY

April 16 @ 8:00 pm at The Effie Arts Collective: Open Mic Comedy. Hosted by Kamloops Comedy Society, this recurring event provides a platform for local comedians to test new material. The format includes short sets and a mix of emerging and experienced performers, with a focus on experimentation and audience interaction.

April 13 @ 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Stock Pot Café: Monthly Improv Comedy Jam. A casual, drop-in improv session featuring group games and audience participation. No experience is required, and participation is optional, with a focus on a relaxed and supportive environment. Entry is by donation. The format is informal, encouraging attendees to join in or observe while enjoying a light, community-driven comedy event.

DANCE

April 15 @ 7:00 pm at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre: Live Band Lindy. A social dance event featuring swing-style partner dancing and live music. Open to all experience levels, the evening includes opportunities to learn, practice, and enjoy dancing in a structured but welcoming environment.

April 19 @ 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm at St. Paul’s Cathedral: Kamloops Social Club Dance featuring The Journeymen. A live music dance event featuring a mix of country and rock and roll. Open to all, with a focus on social dancing in a welcoming, community setting. Admission is $15 at the door, with door prizes included.

ART

April 19 @ 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Kamloops Art Gallery: Pleasure Viewing – An Embodied Approach to Viewing Art. A guided movement-based workshop inviting participants to engage with artwork through embodied practice. Led by dancer and facilitator Vanessa A. Woulfe, the session explores connection between physical sensation and visual experience within Rajni Perera’s exhibition Futures. Open to ages 16 and up, with pay-what-you-can registration available.

LITERATURE

April 11 @ 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Chapters: Book Signing with George M. Johnson and Dawn Burn. Award-winning author George M. Johnson and illustrator Dawn Burn will sign copies of their new picture book, Pinky’s Moving Story, inspired by the relocation of a Nicola Street house in Kamloops. Additional community-based titles will also be available.

April 23 @ 1:00 pm at North Kamloops Library: Book Club. A recurring daytime book club hosted by the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library. The session includes guided discussion of a selected title, encouraging shared interpretation and conversation in an accessible group setting.

COMMUNITY

April 5 @ 10:00 am at McArthur Island and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Riverside Park: Easter Drive and Vintage Car Show. Hosted by the Kamloops Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada, vehicles stage at McArthur Island before departing mid-morning. Cars arrive at Riverside Park for public viewing, with coffee and cookies available by donation.

April 18 @ 10:00 am at Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism: Chris Rose Walk for Autism. The 15th annual walk begins with registration at 10:00 am, followed by a warm-up and a community walk to McArthur Island and back. The event supports programs and services for children, youth, and adults through the Centre. Food will be available for purchase, with proceeds donated back. Registration is by donation, with a minimum contribution for a T-shirt.

April 18 @ 5:30 pm at Colombo Lodge: Spring Fling Dinner and Dance. A fundraiser sponsored by Excel Industries featuring cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Dinner begins at 7:00 pm, with ticket proceeds supporting local initiatives. Cocktail attire is encouraged, with wine included per table.

April 25 @ 2:00 pm at Kamloops Library: Helping Your Loved Ones Drink Less. An afternoon of discussion and support featuring author Maureen Palmer and a panel including Dr. Rachel Cook and Dr. Silvina Mema. The event includes audience Q&A and free alcohol-free mocktails as part of Alcohol Awareness Month.

April 25 @ 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at 422 Tranquille Road: Community Splash Event. Hosted by Propolis Housing Cooperative, this drop-in community art event invites participants to paint, share memories, and mark the final days of the building before redevelopment. All ages are welcome to contribute to the space and learn about the co-operative housing project planned for the site. Bring your own brush and drop in anytime.

BUSINESS

April 14 @ 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Open Door Group: NSBIA April Mixer. An afternoon networking event hosted by the North Shore Business Improvement Association, bringing together local business owners and community members. The event features catering from Spice India Cuisine, opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, and door prizes donated by NSBIA members. RSVP is requested in advance.

April 19 @ 4:00 pm at Paramount Theatre: Film Industry Networking Event. An evening for filmmakers and creatives featuring guest speakers Doryan Mash of Actsafe Safety Association, Kamloops Film Society producer Ana Monteiro, and programming manager Sam Theriault. Topics include on-set safety, festival production, and navigating film festivals. The event includes discussion and opportunities to connect with others in the local film community.

SPORTS

April 26 @ 8:00 am at Kamloops Bike Ranch: Dirty Feet Trail Races. A spring trail running event offering 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km distances through Kamloops grasslands. The course features single-track trails, rolling terrain, and rocky sections, with views of the Thompson River valley and surrounding sagebrush landscape. The event is open to a range of experience levels, from recreational runners to more competitive participants.

April 28 @ 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm, and May 2 @ 8:00 am and 9:30 am at Riverside Park: Dragon Boat “Give It a Try” Sessions. Hosted by the Kamloops Interior Dragons team, these free sessions invite adults aged 50 and older to experience dragon boating. All equipment is provided, with multiple session times available.

May 9 @ 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at McArthur Island Lawn Bowling Green: Try Lawn Bowling – Free. A drop-in introduction to lawn bowling, a low-impact sport similar to bocce or curling. Open to all experience levels, with a focus on accessibility, fresh air, and social play.