After two years of cancellations, Kaslo Jazz Festival is set to return

Photo: Nicholas Johansen

Kaslo Jazz Festival in 2019.

After two years of cancellations due to the global pandemic, one of B.C.'s longest-running music festivals is scheduled to return in July.

On Thursday, Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival took to social media to announce the festival's return to Kaslo Bay Park from July 29-31.

“The iconic floating stage will once again be parked in Kaslo Bay over the August long weekend,” the festival posted online. “There is something for everyone with a wide variety of music, vendors, kids activities, workshops, and much more!"

The festival, which has run annually since 1992, was cancelled in 2020 and again in 2021, due to B.C.'s event restrictions that were in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Those event restrictions were lifted earlier this month, although at this time, event attendees in B.C. are required to show proof of vaccination.

Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival is unique in that the main stage floats on Kootenay Lake in Kaslo Bay, and attendees can listen to tunes while swimming around the stage, lounging in floaties, or anchored in boats in the bay.

With a permanent population of about 1,000 people, Kalso balloons in numbers for the one weekend.

In 2013, Reuters called Kaslo one of the Top 10 places in the world to see outdoor music, while USA Today gave the festival similar accolades in 2007.

No artists have been announced for this summer's event, but an initial lineup announcement is scheduled or 10 a.m. on March 3. Tickets, priced at $285 for the weekend, also go on sale March 3, while kids 7 and under can get in free.

In December, Salmon Arm Roots and Blues announced it would also be returning this summer after two years away. Founded in 1991, Roots and Blues is also one of B.C.'s longest-running festivals.