Nelson International Mural Festival returns Friday, August 9th, Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th for a dynamic weekend of free experiences.

We have an array of family-friendly and all-ages activities designed to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to:

Friday Night 7-9 PM: Mural Installations and Street Performances

Kick off the festival with our Friday night mural installations! Enjoy lively street performances that will captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the enchanting storytime with Berry Sweet, AFKO’s “When Art Meets History” puppets, and the acoustic band “The Honey Folk” all scattered throughout the murals in downtown Nelson.

Cycling Without Age Mural Tours

Experience the murals in a unique way with Cycling Without Age mural tours. Enjoy a leisurely ride through the mural sites and learn about the artists and their inspirations while soaking in the beautiful artwork. These tours are a great way for those with mobility limitations to experience all the artwork, but everyone is welcome to join. The Cycling Without Age team will ride from approximately 3:30-8:30 PM, picking up passengers throughout downtown Nelson. If you’d like to arrange a ride in advance, please email info@ndac.ca

Saturday: Festival Performances, Kids Activities, and more!

Saturday is a day packed with activities for the whole family.

Starting at 5:00 PM, head over to the Railtown Stage where you’ll find our kids activity tent run by Jessliyn Keely Clayton Leckie. Jessilyn is an interdisciplinary artist with a background in fibre art, theatre design, and most recently a social practice of early childhood education with a focus on forest school. Here, little artists can unleash their creativity with fun and engaging art projects. And, of course, no festival is complete without face painting! Facepainter Valerie May Evans will be painting faces from 5:30-8:30 PM. These activities are being offered free of charge.

We will also have a priority seating area and shade tent set up for maximum comfort. We will have misters going to keep you cool, and a water station where you can stay hydrated. The wheelchair accessible washrooms at the Visitor’s Centre will also be open until 10:30 PM.

Free Sunday Workshops

Join our free Sunday workshops and try something new! Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just love to belt out a tune in the shower, the community choir workshop is a joyful way to connect with others through music. If you’re looking to get active, the Zumba workshop is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Dance to the beat and have a blast while getting a great workout.

The Mural Festival is more than just art on walls; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. With so many activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you there!