Free and Fabulous: Arts & Culture Edition
4 FREE (or by donation) ways to immerse yourself in Kamloops’ Arts & Culture scene
After a full day of sessions and screens, a dose of colour, creativity, and live music can be exactly the reset you need. In Kamloops, you can tap into a rich arts and culture scene for free (or by donation) by exploring our alleyway murals, local art galleries, markets, and summer concerts in the park.
Whether you love contemporary art, local makers, or simply wandering through vibrant downtown streets, there are plenty of ways to experience Kamloops culture between conference sessions. Think of this as your DIY arts and culture crawl. Easy to walk, easy on the budget, and big on local flavour.
1. Check Out Public Art & Downtown Murals
Kamloops has a thriving public art scene, and much of it is outdoors. The Back Alley Art Gallery is a self-guided tour of murals scattered throughout the downtown core. From bold abstracts to detailed wildlife scenes, it’s a fantastic way to see the creative energy of the city.
Download the mural map or just wander and see what you find. This is perfect for a lunch-hour break or post-conference wind-down.
2. Explore the Kamloops Art Gallery (By Donation Thursdays)
Okay, technically this one isn’t always free but if you're in town on a Thursday, you’re in luck. The Kamloops Art Gallery offers admission by donation every Thursday, meaning you can see top-quality exhibitions without spending a fortune. The gallery regularly features contemporary Canadian artists, thought-provoking installations, and local Indigenous work.
Mary Putnam
3. Tour the Farmers’ Market (Seasonal)
Whether your conference lands in spring, summer, fall, or the heart of winter, the Kamloops Farmers’ Market is worth adding to your free time. From spring through fall, the market spills into downtown with stalls full of local produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music, then in the colder months it shifts indoors while keeping the same community feel and local flavour. Even if you are not shopping, it is a great place to wander, sample what is in season, and experience Kamloops culture in a really authentic way, you might even end up chatting with locals who share their favorite hidden gems around town.
SherriKing-girlonthego.ca
4. Take in Free Live Music in the Park (Seasonal)
During the summer, Kamloops delivers one of the best free perks around: Music in the Park, a nightly live music event hosted at Riverside Park’s bandshell in July and August.
Grab some food, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy everything from jazz and folk to rock and country, all while watching the sun dip behind the hills.
Kim Anderson
Final Thoughts
Building a little arts and culture into your conference schedule does more than fill empty time, it helps delegates connect to the Real Kamloops Experience. A mural wander at lunch, a quick stop at the gallery, or an evening listening to live music in the park can turn a routine work trip into a story they will share. All of these experiences are simple to add to an agenda, welcoming for first time visitors, and best of all, free.
