Life in the City Garden’s Neighbourhood: Culture, Entertainment & Community at Your Doorstep February 19, 2025

Photo Credit: Kamloops Symphony Society

As winter melts into spring, Kamloops begins its seasonal transition, a time when the crisp air softens and the days grow longer. But with the changing season often comes grey skies and drizzly afternoons. While sunny outdoor adventures may be on hold, there’s no shortage of indoor activities to keep you engaged, entertained and inspired, especially in the heart of the City Gardens neighbourhood.

Discover Hands-On Learning at the BIG Little Science Centre

A quick two-minute walk from City Gardens, the BIG Little Science Centre is a must-visit for families looking to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, this interactive science hub offers over 140 hands-on stations where kids (and kids at heart!) can experiment, discover, and explore the wonders of physics, chemistry, and nature. The Centre, founded by a retired science teacher, is dedicated to fostering a love for science through engaging demonstrations and educational activities. It’s a perfect way to turn a rainy day into a fun-filled learning experience.

Immerse Yourself in Art at the Kamloops Art Gallery

Only three minutes from City Gardens, the Kamloops Art Gallery offers an enriching escape into creativity and culture. Running until April 19, the current exhibition, ‘Ithin-Eh-Wuk We Place Ourselves at the Center’, features the collaborative works of James Nicholas and Sandra Semchuk. Their poignant photo installations and videos explore the complexities of colonialism through the lens of their intercultural marriage. Also on display this month, ‘Dream; Nàte’ by Casey Koyczan in The Cube brings together storytelling, technology, and Indigenous futurism inspired by a dream that led him from Yellowknife to Kamloops. The Kamloops Art Gallery is the largest public gallery in B.C.’s Interior, offering year-round exhibits and programs that celebrate diversity, inclusion, and artistic expression.

Kelson Group Pops: Louise Pitre – From Paris to Broadway

Experience an unforgettable evening with Canada’s Tony Award-nominated First Lady of Musical Theatre, Louise Pitre, as she joins the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra for From Paris to Broadway. Under the baton of conductor Dina Gilbert and accompanied by pianist Glenn Morley, Pitre will bring her signature passion and depth to a program featuring the timeless music of Edith Piaf, Charlie Chaplin, Stephen Sondheim, and Leonard Bernstein. From the haunting beauty of La Vie en Rose to the Broadway classics I Dreamed a Dream and Send in the Clowns, this 120-minute performance promises a journey through love, longing, and lyrical brilliance.

Experience the Kamloops Film Festival – March 6-15

Film lovers, get ready as the 29^th Annual Kamloops Film Festival is coming to Paramount Theatre, a three-minute walk from City Gardens. With over 20 screenings, opening and closing galas, and engaging workshops, this festival is the ultimate celebration of cinema. Expect a diverse lineup of award-winning international films, thought-provoking documentaries, and Canadian storytelling. This year’s festival also brings insightful industry discussions, including a talk with Web Series Canada board members Suzette Laqua and Rob Randall on the evolution of digital storytelling. Additionally, renowned film producer Kevin Eastwood will moderate a conversation with industry leaders on funding opportunities for emerging filmmakers. Whether you’re a cinephile or simply looking for an entertaining night out, the Kamloops Film Festival is an event you won’t want to miss.

City Gardens offers an unparalleled urban lifestyle where culture, entertainment, and community unite. Downtown Kamloops has something for everyone, even on the rainiest of days. Thinking about upsizing, downsizing, or right sizing your lifestyle? City Gardens puts you right in the heart of it all.

---