Event |
Date |
Description |
Snowfest | early January | The weekend is chock full of wild and wacky events guaranteed to take some of the chill out of winter. (Unless of course you're a participant in the polar bear dip!) Starting at 7:15 p.m. the annual Snowfest Light-Up Parade will take place downtown. Since 1979. various locations 763-5427 or 763-7656 |
International Midget AAA Hockey Tournament | realy Jan | various locations 250--861-5358 |
Ski to Sea Race | late April | From the slopes of Big White to the shores of City Park in Kelowna, teams of two to seven athletes and soloists race each other and the stopwatch in a six legged race spanning 95 kilometers. These dedicated athletes and fun seekers spend three hours or more relaying from alpine skiing to nordic skiing to mountain biking to road cycling to running to canoeing/kayaking. Big White Resort to City Park |
Kelowna Kiwanis Music Festival | April | One of the largest performing art festivals in BC, enjoy performances in dance, music and speech arts. various locations 250--860-5033 |
Okanagan Film Festival | late April | Celebrating cinema in the Okanagan Valley since 1999, this event showcases films from creators local & beyond. Paramount Theatre 250-769-1603 |
Okanagan Spring Wine Festival | early May | The Spring Wine Festival has wine, food & entertainment for all during grape budbreak in the Okanagan. Education, touring, fabulous accommodation & dining are all part of the fun. various locations 250-861-6654 |
Black Mountain Rodeo | mid May | Variety of rodeo events. Admission. Black Mountain Rodeo Grounds 764-0896 |
Rutland May Days | late May | 3 days of family fun & activities from a parade to Tai Chi exhibitions for all to enjoy. Centenial Park 250-765-7220 |
Knox Mountain Hill Climb | late May | The longest annual running paved hillclimb event in North America; 3.5 km (2.2 mi) of paved public roadway, climbing approximately 244 m (800 ft), through 9 major corners. All classes from go-kart & 4x4 to Formula Ford, Formula Atlantic & even Indy cars. Knox Mountain Park 250-862-4997 |
Okanagan Classic Show & Shine Thunderbird Show | late May | Car show of vintage & classic thunderbirds. Free admission The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort. 762-0602 |
Fintry's Festival of the Falls | early May | Celebrate the excitement of spring & the exuberance of the 9.2 m (100 ft) waterfall. Events are planned to entertain the entire family & include music & guided nature tours. Concession available, admission includes barn & Manor House tours. Fintry Provincial Park 250-542-3461 |
Historica Regional Heritage Fair | mid May | An educational initiative of the Historica Foundation, the Historica Fair is an exhibition of student work on a Canadian theme, sharing information on Canadian people, places & events. Laurel Packinghouse 250-868-4836 |
Life & Arts Festival | early May | A fun, family oriented festival that offers an eclectic mix of visual & performing arts, music, live theatre, street performances & experiences that will appeal to a wide audience from young children to old. Cultural District (Downtown 250-762-3991 |
Old Time Fiddlers Contest | June | Competition, entertainment & dance. .Since 1997. St. Joseph Elementary School 604-763-4406 |
National Aboriginal Day Celebration | late June | Come enjoy a multicultural festival celebrating Canada's Aboriginal peopl The Ki-low-na Friendship Society. |
Annual Fat Cat Children’s Festival presented by Interior Savings Credit Union | early June | A children’s event with fun, games, roving performances & stage performances for all to enjoy. Since 1991. Waterfront Park 250-861-1515 |
Kelowna Pride Festival | late June | Out in the Okanagan; 10 days of activities from a dog show, picnic, bowling & talent show to a comedy festival, a chorus night & a cruise on the lake. Special Pride dance, Sunday afternoon party & Evolution Club Night. Various Locations 250-860-8555 |
National Aboriginal Day Celebrations | late June | Come enjoy a multicultural festival celebrating Canada's Aboriginal people hosted by The Ki-low-na Friendship Society. Kelowna City Park & Leon St 250-763-4905 |
Canada Day Celebrations in Lake Country | Jul 1 | Features a pancake breakfast by the Rotary Club & Root Beer Garden by the Lions. Entertainment includes the Lake Country Big Band, a variety of local talented musicians, games & rides for the youth, including demonstrations by the Fire Department. Beasley Park, Lake Country 250-766-5650 |
Kelowna Canada Day Celebrations | Jul 1 | Located along Kelowna's beautiful waterfront, the Canada Day celebrations feature live music, family entertainment, multicultural food fair & displays, childrens activity area, arts & crafts. Citizenship ceremony & fireworks at 10:30 pm in front of Tug Boat Bay. Waterfront Park 250-862-3515 |
Canada Day Pops Orchestra & Folk Fest | Jul 1 | Join in an eventful day celebrated by thousands with live entertainment, children's activities, food booths, patriotic displays, and fireworks held at Waterfront Park. Also take in Canada Day Pops Orchestra at the Prospera Place . Admission Prospera Place 764-0220 |
Annual Folk Festival | Jul 1 | Rejoice in Canada's ethnic diversity with a multicultural festival of music, entertainment, dancing and food. Ethnic Groups, dancing, singing, foods. Memorial Arena. Admission. Since1974. Prospera Place 250-717-5797 |
Cherry Fair | Mid July | Celebrate the harvest of the cherry with the BC Orchard Industry Museum's annual Cherry Fair.. Live entertainment, cherry tastings, hands-on activities for the whole family. This is your opportunity to sample a selection of over two dozen local cherry varieties. Visit displays and events for the whole family BC Orchard Industry Museum. 250-763-0433 |
Fat Cat Children's Festival | late July | It's a day just for kids! Beginning with a fun-filled parade, followed by loads of hands-on children's activities and live entertainment. No fee. City Park 763-3212 or 860-1479 |
Kelowna Regatta | mid July | On water and on land, an impressive variety of outdoor events for the whole family. Community street festival including entertainment and concessions. Free to attend. Since 1905. 862-3515 |
Mozart Festival | late July | A gala event of national and international guests, as well as The Mozart Festival Orchestra performing various locations around Kelowna. 764-0220 |
Kelowna Across the Lake Swim | mid July | Participate in this annual tradition & the only opportunity to swim all the way across in a safe & fun event. The course will be from the Old Ferry Docks on the Westside to Hot Sands Beach in City Park. Old Ferry Docks 250-860-7020 |
Mardi Gras Summer Festival Kelowna | early Aug | Join downtown merchants for a day of festivities, free admission for the whole family. Kerry Park bursts with fantastic entertainment, there is a childrens activity zone. The fun at the Mardi Gras Street Festival goes all day & all night. Downtown Kelowna & Kerry Park Downtown Kelowna & Kerry Park |
Annual Kelowna Apple Triathlon | late Aug | Annual Pushor Mitchell Apple Triathlon; swim, bike & run through the city of Kelowna. Also categories for kids, youth & novice. Please see website for registration information. Spectators welcome. Since1983. City Park 250-763-5287 |
Kelowna Clay Festival | early August | International event with participants & presenters coming from across North America & Great Britain. Our presenting artists join an illustrious group of master potters who have delighted us with their demonstrations & workshops. Rotary Centre For The Arts 250-717-5304 |
Ki-low-na Salmon Festival & Annual Friendship BBQ | mid Sept | Native drumming, dance, arts, crafts, theatre, & BBQ. Fee. 250-763-4905 |
International Dragon Boat Festival | mid Sept | Colorful and menacing boats are cheered on by spectators, while the whole family enjoys a festival of entertainment, food and crafts. Waterfront Park. 250--765-4536 |
Annual Peak to Peak Race | late Sept. | Run from Knox Mountain to Mission Hill Winery. Fee. Knox Mountain 764-4989. |
Lake Country Art Walk | eary Sep | This arts festival offers a stunning art show featuring paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, quilts & jewelry from Okanagan Valley artists. This huge & varied exhibition is accompanied by non-stop music on 4 stages, workshops, theatre performances & more. Lake Country Community Complex, Lake Country 250-766-4406 or250-766-5670 |
Apple Fair | mid Oct | Children of all ages will enjoy the variety of activities & live entertainment taking place throughout the day. The festivities centre on the Apple Tasting Booth & watch for the Apple Fairy as she makes her annual guest appearance. Also, the Boo Biathlon at the Athans Aquatic Center is a Swim/Run event. Fee. Call Louise Hyatte at 765-4191 Orchard Industry Museum & Laurel Packinghouse 250-763-0433 |
Okanagan Wine Festival | mid Oct | Consistently ranked as one of the top wine festivals around, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival is sure to leave a lasting impression on wine lovers. With over 100 events on-hand to help celebrate the fall harvest during this 10-day celebration, you’re sure to be impressed. various locations 250--861-6654 Fax:250--861-3942 |
Fall Wine Festival | start Oct | The annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival takes place over a 10-day period leading up to the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, early in October. This event has been listed on the American Business Associaton's Top 100 Events in North America for several years. The Festival has over 100 events that take place throughout the Okanagan. Various Locations 250 861-6654 |
BMO Okanagan International Marathon | early Oct | The BMO Okanagan Marthon begins in downtown Kelowna & heads south into the hills before looping back along the lake. various locations 780-905-5577 |
Christmas Light-up | early Dec | Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Join Towne Centre Mall for the beginning festivities then walk to Kerry Park for the light up. Towne Centre Mall & Kerry Park 250-860-3515 |
Oyama Fun Days | June | An active community family fun day. Kick-off with a parade followed by a full day of feasting, games, music & much more. Village Of Oyama, Lake Country 250-548-3776 |
Summer Jam | mid Aug | Considered to be one of the big events in the community. A day long event featuring many bands & musicians, a variety of food vendors, as well as games & events to suit the taste of all age groups. Swalwell Park, Lake Country 250-766-5670 |
Westside Daze & Celebrate Canada - | end June | Come & enjoy 4 days of free family fun. Pancake breakfasts, barbecue, fireworks, kids fair, parade, Canada Day cake, park dance, crafters, vendors, hot air balloon rides, car/motorcycle show & shine, tub racing & a concert. Johnson Bentley Memorial Park & Gallatly Ba, West Kelowna 250-768-3378 |