NimbleFingers is comprised of two separate weeks of camp-style workshops with a small but mighty festival on the middle weekend. A typical day includes: a morning class, lunchtime activities, afternoon open workshops, an afternoon class, evening performances, square dances and lots of songs and jamming and extra activities.
A highlight of the week is the Wednesday night big hall party and dance, followed on Thursday by the student concert. Week #1 wraps up on Friday morning, and some folks head home, and others stay for the weekend festivities. Friday evening is the Honky Tonk Dinner & Dance, and Saturday is the public festival day. And then it starts all over again for week #2!
There are a variety of accommodation options, from camping to cabanas to lodge rooms. Most people sign up for the meal plan, to leave as much time as possible for music!
Join in the fun for one, or both, workshop weeks! Check out the workshop lineup to choose your class and instructor. There is something for everyone…or if you would like to hangout and enjoy the good times, without the pressure of taking a class, the Picker & Grinner option may be for you!
Originally founded as the British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop, NimbleFingers 2025 will be in its 36th year!
From the beginning, NimbleFingers has provided an environment rich in musical history and steeped in the acoustic traditions of bluegrass and old-time music. Bringing together people from across BC, western Canada, the U.S., and beyond,
NimbleFingers has built a community that comes together and continues to share this music!
The Sorrento Centre
NimbleFingers happens at the Sorrento Centre, located about 5 hours from Vancouver and 7 hours by car from Calgary. It is a beautiful retreat by the shores of Shuswap Lake. The site contains two lodges plus lots of cabins and campsites. Other facilities include a covered amphitheatre, a private beach, and beautiful trails. The kitchen specializes in delicious, healthy, camp-style meals.
Bursary Program
The NimbleFingers Bursary Program helps people who might not otherwise be able to participate due to financial circumstances. It is funded largely by generous donations from community members who have the capacity to give a little extra.
We know that many members of our community have been impacted financially over the past few years. The cost of the basics have continued to go up and our dollars are not going as far as they used to. While we believe that NimbleFingers offers a very valuable experience, we also understand that the costs can make it prohibitive for some folks.
If you are struggling with the costs of attending NimbleFingers and could use some help, we hope to help offset some of the financial challenges with support from the bursary fund! The fund offers support to a wide range of applicants including NimbleFingers newcomers and those who have been attending for many years, as well as all ages and skill levels.
Bursary applications will open in April. If you would benefit from assistance, check back in April and fill out the bursary application. If you have any questions, email us at bursary@nimblefingers.ca.
If you are able to help support the bursary fund, donations are greatly appreciated! The bursary fund relies on the generosity of those who are able to help others. NimbleFingers also contributes to the bursary fund each year, and we strongly believe this helps us become a more resilient and diverse community. Donations can be made at the time of registration or can be sent at any time throughout the year.