What's Up in Wells

Holding the Door Open for Famous People
2024-08-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
On August 18 we are hosting a staged reading of a New Play created through our Sunset Theatre Exploration Series.
August 18th • 7 PM – Holding the Door Open for Famous People – Written and Performed by Karen Planden • Dramaturgy and Direction by Camille Mitchell.
The Sunset Theatre Exploration Series is supported by the BC Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Roots: a look at the permanent collection of Island Mountain Arts
2024-08-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Join us on Thursday, August 22nd, 2024 at 7:00 pm for the opening reception of “Roots”, a look at the permanent collection of Island Mountain Arts, curated by Jessica Peachey. This reception will be accompanied by a draw night led by Miss Peachey, exploring topics of place and reflection.
This exhibition is from the permanent collection of Island Mountain Arts. The exhibition follows four parts, such as four seasons, and takes the audience down a path of reflection and exploration. The viewer will go through the topics of settling, standing, rest, and guidance, in relation to the idea of roots. Posing the audience to think about; What nurtures the love for art in wells? How does art nourish the people of wells? What are our feelings surrounding these thoughts?
The “Roots” show will run from August 22nd to September 22nd, and showcases the artwork of artists Al Colton, David T. Alexander, Eliza Fry, Esther Colton, Leya Tess, Linda Dayan Frimer, Michael Kluckner, Peter Von Tiesenhausen, Pnina Granirer, Sayake Suzuki, Shaela Kinting, and Nelson Hughes.

Kelsey Schmode in Concert
2024-08-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
All original tunes from a Wells local.
We’d hoped to feature this concert debut of all-original songs from Kelsey last year, but a wave of COVID prevented her from taking the stage. The good news is that she’s back for another swing this summer!

Moonrise Film Festival
2024-08-23 - 2024-08-26 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Our once annual Moonrise Film Festival is back for the first time since 2019!
ANNOUNCEMENT:
This year at The Moonrise Film Festival, we continue to celebrate BC filmmakers from across the province, with 9 new award-winning short and feature films, spotlighting areas from the Cariboo, Okanagan, Kamloops, Pender Island, Greater Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. And with three traveling directors in attendance participating in candid Q&As, we’re beyond proud to share these visionary and accomplished films, once more in our beautiful Sunset Theatre in Wells, BC.
DAY 1
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 @8PM
MOONRISE ALUMNI FILMS + Q&A
A collection of new works by Moonrise alumni filmmakers, including a special in-progress preview of the upcoming feature film “Legacy” with director Q&A by Devan Scott.
Wok-Hei by Joel Salaysay (10min)
An Asian-Canadian mother reflects on her heritage after uncovering a forgotten family wok.

Smoke Eater by Gloria Mercer (12min)
In 1981, a young girl spends a day at the fire station with her mother, the only female firefighter on the force, and witnesses what a typical day of work looks like, for better and for worse.

SNEAK PEEK: Legacy by Willa Ross & Devan Scott (62min)
A man becomes engrossed in an audiobook while walking home on a summer night.

+ Director Q&A with Devan Scott!

DAY 2
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 @4PM
CARIBOO FILMS + Q&A
Films from the Cariboo! Starting with a special sneak peek of Sarah Genge’s in-progress Wells documentary, and ending with two new works and a Q&A by director and historian Richard Wright, this block is dedicated to films that intimately explore the past, present, and future of the Cariboo as home.
SNEAK PEEK: In-Progress Wells Documentary by Sarah Genge (~45min)
Once a booming mine town in the 1930s, now a population of 200 people remain artists, independent prospectors, those who prefer to live in the bush, and the recently moved-in employees of the new mining development. This documentary aims to portray a snapshot of the contemporary dwellers who reside in the historic town of Wells, with all its diversity and contradictions, through a series of intimate and honest portraits of those who call it home.

The Pond: The Peace of Wild Things by Richard Wright (5min)
Images of life in a small wild pond where we can recreate and relax.

Long Road to Cariboo by Richard Wright (21min)
This is the story of the great Cariboo Waggon Road in British Columbia, and its multicultural beginnings, told through music and song.

+ Director Q&A with Richard Wright!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 @8PM
THE DUMMY FACTOR + DIRECTOR Q&A
by O. Corbin Saleken (81min)

After two neighborhood children go missing and another is followed home by a strange man, 12-year-old Noel and his friends launch an investigation. Winner of Best Feature Film (Twister Alley ‘21) and Best Director (Deep In The Heart ‘20), Corbin Saleken’s sophomore feature astutely navigates mystery, suspense, and comedy through the lens of his own childhood, with some embellishment.
Watch the trailer here.

DAY 3
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 @4PM
UNTIL BRANCHES BEND
by Sophie Jarvis (98min)
Set in the seemingly peaceful Okanagan, a distraught cannery worker discovers an invasive insect that could threaten the livelihood of her entire town. Winner of Best BC Film (VIFF ‘22), Until Branches Bend is a compelling debut drama from writer-director Sophie Jarvis that examines how nature can interrupt our best-laid plans.
Watch the trailer here.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 @8PM
SEAGRASS
by Meredith Hama-Brown (110min)

A Japanese-Canadian woman grapples with the death of her mother as she brings her family to a retreat. When her relationship with her husband begins to impact the children’s emotional security, the family is forever changed. Winner of Best BC Film and Best Director of a BC Film (Vancouver Film Critics Circle ‘24), Meredith Hama-Browne’s “mesmerizing Canadian drama tugs at the tensions we can’t bring ourselves to untangle.” -The Globe and Mail

Watch the trailer here.

Wells Disc Golf Weekly League Game
2024-08-25 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-08 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-29 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Wells Disc Golf Course
A weekly meet-up on disc golf enthusiasts to play a round or two. All ages and abilities welcome. Meet at the gazebo at the end of the Community Forest Boardwalk Trail.
Need a disc? There are some available for purchase at the Wells Hotel

Dangerous Curves 3rd Annual Toy Run
2024-08-31 - 2024-09-01 | Jack O’ Club Restaurant & Pub, 12383 Hwy 27 E., Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Join Us for the 2024 Dangerous Curves 3rd Annual Toy Run!🧸🚂
Jack O’ Clubs is proud to co-host this year’s Toy Run! Join them for a great ride, then stop by the pub for a Silent Auction and Half & Half Draw.
All proceeds support local families through Holiday Hampers. Stick around for karaoke in the pub at 9PM🎶. See you there!!

LABOUR DAY CABARET
2024-08-31 20:00 - 21:30 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
A Labour Day cornucopia of amazing music, hilarious sketch comedy, poetry, and possible nudity.

Live Music with "As Is"
2024-09-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Becker’s Lodge, 4480 Bowron Lake Park Rd, Bowron Lake, BC
Join us for live music with ‘As Is’ and enjoy our special of the evening – 5 layer lasagna with toss salad and garlic toast, as well as all menu items.

Osisko Community BBQ and Mine Site Presentation
2024-09-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Wells Community Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Osisko Development and the Cariboo Gold Project would like to invite Wells and Area residents to a Community BBQ Dinner and presentation of the Preliminary Mine Site Complex 3D Model, along with a Corporate Update, on September 5 from 5:00-8:00 pm.We look forward to seeing you there!

Folky Strum Strum live at SARRAS
2024-09-06 20:00 - 21:30 | SARRAS, 2338 Bowman Cres, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Northern Rockin’ Banjo FOLK
SARRAS Wells BC
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 @ 8:00 pm (doors: 7:30)
Pay-what-you-can ($15 suggested)

Wells Works Wednesdays
2024-09-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Do you have an art project you’ve been neglecting? Do you want to meet up with other folks in Wells and share what you know? Looking to get crafty this fall? Then join us for Wells Works Wednesdays!
IMA will be hosting workshops starting Wednesday September 11 until November 20. Workshops will be held at 2323 Pooley Street (the IMA Gallery) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. All ages are welcome. Materials, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and snacks by donation.
Dates are:

September 11
September 23
October 7
October 23
November 6
November 20

Additionally, we’re encouraging workshop participants to submit their work made in these sessions to the 2024 Wells Works Exhibition (running Nov. 28- Jan. 5). We love this annual exhibition, which celebrates work from folks living in the Wells/Barkerville/Bowron areas. If you cannot participate in the workshops, but would like to submit to the Wells Works Exhibition, we encourage you to submit as well.
Contact info@imarts.com for any other questions.
IMA’s Public Gallery operations are made possible through the support of the Province of British Columbia. Wells Works 2024 is supported through a generous donation made in memory of Caroline Murphy, a talented visual artist and dearly-missed mother who would have been happy to see people coming together to make art.

Courtin vs. Keaton - Silent Film as it was meant to be heard!
2024-09-13 20:00 - 22:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Join us at The Sunset Theatre in Wells on Friday, September 13, 2024 @ 8PM for one of our favourites.
This Hybrid Soiree of Silent Film with Live Piano Accompaniment and original music by Patrick Courtin is an evening you will thoroughly enjoy.
The Evening will be 2 Acts including one 15 minute intermission.
Act 1 @ 45 minutes
The Buster Keaton Silent Film – SHERLOCK JNR. with Original Live Piano Accompaniment by Patrick Courtin
Act 2 @ 30 minutes
The Buster Keaton Silent Film – ONE WEEK w/ Original Live Piano Accompaniment by Patrick Courtin.
Tickets $20/$18/$10 or PWYC
#seeyouatthesunset
Original Music/Show Conceived by Patrick Courtin
Films by Buster Keaton

Mid-Autumn Moon Feast
2024-09-14 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wells Hotel, 2341 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Celebrate the harvest season and the full moon by gathering and giving thanks with a Chinese Buffet Feast! This event is also an end-of-season celebration for the many workers and entrepreneurs who make the summer season happen in here! A complimentary drink ticket will be provided to all attendees who work or own businesses in the hospitality and cultural sector in the Wells, Barkerville, Bowron, or Troll areas.
We’ll be adorning the Pub in lanterns, hosting some fun activities, and going all out with the food, making the all-you-can-eat feast from scratch in-house to celebrate the authentic flavours of China. The Cariboo Chinese Choir will also be joining us for the event.
$10 for every ticket sold will go to support the Friends of Barkerville in the preservation of local Chinese culture and history.
Date: Saturday September 14, 2024
6 pm to 8 pm: Buffet service for ticket holders only
8 pm: Cariboo Chinese Choir
8:30 pm: Pub will open for general entry (no ticket required)
9:00 pm: Toasts and recognitions
until late: mingling and celebrations
Price: $45 per person. $20 for children 12 and under.
Due to the high interest in the event, tickets should be purchased in advance. Visit our online store to purchase yours or call to book: 250-994-3427
The Buffet Menu: to be announced!
Special cocktails available at the bar

Ian Skorscha and Naomi Kavka
2024-09-18 08:00 - 22:00 | SARRAS, 2338 Bowman Cres, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
We have one more scheduled concert at SARRAS to finish off our summer programming. If you haven’t made it to a SARRAS show yet, here’s your chance. Back by popular demand…

Coronado Classic Disc Golf Tournament
2024-09-28 - 2024-09-29 | Wells Disc Golf Course
Registration is open! Head to the ticket link to Disc Golf Scene to secure your spot in our inaugural tournament.
Register online:
https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/Coronado_Classic_2024
Schedule:
Friday, September 27 is a social event and a random doubles game for anyone arriving early.
Saturday, September 28 @ the Wells Community Forest Gazebo
– Players meeting at 8:30am.
– First start time: 9:00 am
– Second start time: 11:00 am (tentative if more than 20 people register for the tournament)
– 5:00 pm, awards and prizes
Tournament format: 2 rounds. Each round consists of 2 plays of the 9-hole course.
Divisions:
– Mixed amateur 1
– Mixed amateur 2
– Mixed amateur 3
Insurance provided by B.C Disc Golf Association.

BOB MARLEY: How Reggae Changed the World
2024-09-28 20:00 - 21:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Written and performed by Duane Forrest, this enthralling show combines storytelling, music, and audience engagement, as Duane brings to life the spirit and essence of Bob Marley’s music.

Wells Economic Development Community Event
2024-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Wells Community Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Clear Course Consulting will be hosting a Community Event to discuss the District of Wells Economic Development Plan development and hear from the Community!
Dinner will be offered. Please confirm your attendance at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/FjC286Y0cE
Details below:
Date: October 24, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Wells Community Hall

Wells Volunteer Fire Brigade Anniversary Celebration
2024-10-26 11:00 - 13:00 | Wells Volunteer Fire Brigade Station, 2314 Baker St, Wells, BC, V0K 2R0, Canada
Join us at the WVFB Hall on Saturday, October 26th from 11am-1pm to celebrate the WVFB’s 90th Anniversary including a long-overdue Push-In Ceremony for our new fire engine and followed by an Open House.

Beetlejuice Halloween Party
2024-10-26 21:00 - 23:30 | Jack O’ Club Restaurant & Pub, 12383 Hwy 27 E., Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
It’s Showtime!

Join us for a spooktacular night of mischief and mayhem as we summon the spirit of Beetlejuice in the pub!

Saturday, October 26th.
9 PM ’til late.

Prepare to be whisked away into the strange and unusual! Whether you’re rocking a black-and-white striped suit or channeling your inner Lydia, come dressed to impress in your most hauntingly creative costumes.

Costume Contest with prizes!
DJ spinning eerie beats
Specialty “Beetlejuice” cocktails

Mark your calendars, and remember: It’s going to be a night so fun, it’s scary!

Wells Destination Highschool AGM
2024-11-06 16:30 - 17:30 | Wells-Barkerville Community School, Wells, BC, Canada
The Wells Destination School Society will be holding their first Annual General Meeting on November 6th at 4:30 pm upstairs at the school. All are welcome.

Watercolour Holiday Cards with Christina Watts
2024-11-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
November 10th, 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM (2323 Pooley Street)
Cost: $47.25 (including GST)
Kick off the holiday season with a cozy day of creating watercolour art cards for the holidays! Create 2-3 mini art pieces and use your favourite image to scan onto personalized greeting cards. In this step by step watercolour class you’ll learn great techniques and understand how to work with one of the most versatile art mediums. All supplies are included and you get to keep a specially designed Butterfly Forest Paint dot palette so you can keep on painting with pure watercolours. This workshop is perfect for beginner to intermediate painters and anyone who just wants to come have fun.
Artist Bio: Christina has instructed hundreds of in-person classes throughout the province and designed online courses reaching students around the globe. In addition to teaching she has also created her own watercolour paint brand, Butterfly Forest Paints sold online and in small stores throughout North America. Her passion lies with helping other artists succeed and assists the PG Community Arts Council as a part-time gallery/gift shop coordinator. She is a very down to earth individual and loves to play and laugh till she cries.
All ages included! Please contact info@imarts.com for any questions.
Registration closes by November 1st, so reserve your spot now

Piano Heist
2024-11-20 19:00 - 22:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Lifelong friends and colleagues Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin, shocked and appalled by the realization that piano just isn’t cool anymore, set off on a divine quest to redeem the keyboard and reinstate its reputation as the greatest instrument of ALL TIME!
Ever wonder what Patrick Courtin gets up to when he’s not tickling the ivories as resident musical director at the Theatre Royal?
Well, wonder no more!
Teaming up with his best friend Nico Rhodes, Piano Heist is a virtuosic comic tour of hundreds of years of piano history, evoking the brilliant humour of the Smothers Brothers and Victor Borge.

Wells Works Thursday
2024-11-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
FOLKS!
It’s the last Wells Works of November – my oh my, where has the time gone?!
So we don’t compete with @pianoheistcanada while they are performing in Wells at @sunset_theatre, we are moving Wells Works to Thursday, November 21st. Come join us for some acrylic pours in the Gallery. We have an excess of materials thanks to a generous donation from Diggy’s Diner 🙂
See you there!
