There are several events througout the year in the West Chilcotin but since many are often dependant on weather, dates are rarely consistant year to year. Check with locals in the area you plan to visit to get firm dates for events.

In the spring, usually around May shortly after ice off, there is the annual canoe race on the Dean River. Competitors leave from the public boat launch, paddle on Nimpo Lake to where the Dean exits the lake, and follow it down to the Stampede Grounds in Anahim Lake. It can be very challenging some years, loads of fun, and there are often dunkings. Anyone is welcome to participate.

Usually in May but sometimes in June if the Dean River is too high from spring runoff, the Ulkatcho Band holds its annual Waterskipping race. This involves riding a snowmobile on the river (yes, you heard right) as fast as you can go around several bends, (very tricky) for a couple of miles down to the Stampede grounds where the river widens out enough to get turned around and back up to the start point. Few make it. Most machines end up drowning and have to be recovered while the rider, also in the water, hangs onto a tether to identify where the machine is in the bottom of the river. Anyone can participate but it's more fun and very advisable to just watch.

Anahim Lake and Nimpo Lake areas and Tatla Lake have an annual snowmobile poker run mid winter to March but dates vary according to conditions.

Anahim Lake always holds its Annual Anahim Lake Stampede one week after the Williams Lake Stampede anywhere from the second to third weekend in July. It's a three day event with a parade and lots of riders arrive from all over BC and Alberta to compete.

The BC Floatplane Association usually has an annual fly-in to Nimpo Lake in the middle of July. Anyone with a plane is welcome but only BCFA members can attend the AGM.

Tatla Lake holds a film festival in April created to show works that highlight the Chilcotin places and people.

The Bella Coola Valley Rodeo is held on the same weekend as the Williams Lake Stampede (end of June this year), the Discovery Coast Music Festival in mid July and the Fall Fair and Logger Sports Festival is usually held around the first week of September at the Bella Coola Fair grounds. See below for a list of events in the West Chilcotin. See Here for more detail on some events and festivals in the Chilcotin region.