AN EVENT-FULL SEASON!
The region buzzes with excitement all year and when the warmer weather hits, a variety of events are hosted in Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton to make your season that much more exciting.
Local Events in the Okanagan are plentiful throughout the spring, summer and fall. It’s not uncommon for many to plan weekend trips for the larger ones or to have families take the day to enjoy all the festivities. While long weekend events such as Canada Day and The Civic Holiday always draw crowds, Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton have much to celebrate throughout the summer. Here are a few to mark on your calendar for 2019.
Great Okanagan Beer Festival May 9-11, 2019 Kelowna
Three days of suds, cider, and live music. What could be better? Held every May, the three-day event is hosted in Kelowna’s Waterfront Park where more than 60 craft breweries from across the province serve up to 3,000 thirsty attendees. With its perfect setting right along the shores of Okanagan Lake, downtown Kelowna, those in attendance will enjoy tasting the many unique, craft beer and ciders, nibbling from the food trucks and experiencing a range of live entertainment. For all the details visit gibbonswhistler.com
June 23 Wine Country Half Marathon Kelowna
Destination races are a great, active way to see the scenic region of Kelowna, and The Wine Country Half Marathon held every
June will allow you to do just that. Push your cardio to the limit or set a relaxed pace as the course meanders through wine country from East Kelowna, along the Mission Creek Greenway, and beside Okanagan Lake to the finish line at Waterfront Park – where the Wine & Music Festival is hosted. Limited to 2,400 entrants, the course stretches 21.1 km (point to point) and team competitions and two-person relays are also offered. Of special note, runners and fast walkers must be able to complete the course in 3 hours and 30 minutes and maintain a pace of 10 min/km (16 min per mi).
For more information visit www.kelownamarathon.ca
July 13, 2019 Downtown Kelowna Block Party Kelowna
Every year, locals and visitors check out the annual Downtown Kelowna Block Party, which is a great way for transient boaters to see and visit with many of the local businesses exhibiting their wares and services along Bernard Avenue. More than 150 local vendors combine to provide an eclectic mix of local culture, art, food, and shopping experiences. In addition to some great deals, there’s live music on three stages, a variety of children’s activities, plus street performances and interactive workshops. It also provides the chance to experience some of the downtown pubs and restaurants in the heart of Kelowna. Free to attend, the event is held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information visit www.downtownkelowna.com
August 7-11 Penticton Peach Fest Penticton
While the community is known for the popular Elvis Fest (the second largest in Canada) as well Canada Day celebrations, August is the time for The Penticton Peach Festival, which is hosted over five days following the Civic Holiday. In its 72nd year, the event commemorates the beginning of the peach harvest in the area and in addition to the live entertainment and several highlights throughout Penticton, attendees can enjoy a midway, a square dance festival, sandcastle competition, a skateboard and BMX competition and there’s even a kid’s zone. Other aspects of the event include The Grand Parade, which is considered one of the largest parades in BC, the crowning of Miss Penticton, peach barrel races and many forms of live entertainment.
For more information visit www.peachfest.com
Kalamalka Classic Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Festival August 22-25, 2019 Kalamalka Lake, Coldstream
This unique, multi-day event celebrates the joy and competition of stand-up paddle boarding. A pastime that has seen increasing popularity season after season, paddle boarding is the name of the game with a series of events for novice, intermediate, and experienced enthusiasts. Some highlights include a retro SUP Museum display, Hall of Fame, in addition to a 16 km (10 mi) Kalamalka Crossing, Wikiholo (Sprint Course), Keikiholo (Kids Race), and the Recreational SUP Challenge. A great aspect of the event is that it also supports the Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake.
For more information visit www.kalamalkaclassic.com
VERNON May 2-5
Vernon Bike Festival www.okcycling.com
June 7-9
Creative Chaos Craft Show Vernon Recreation Centre/Vernon Curling Club/Priest Valley Arena www.creativechaoscrafts.com
July 13
Vernon Dragon Boat Festival and Pledge Drive www.vernondbfestival.com
KELOWNA June 7-8
Fat Cat Children’s Festival Waterfront Park, Kelowna, BC www.fatcatfestival.ca
June 21
National Indigenous Peoples Day www.tourismkelowna.com
July 1
Canada Day Celebrations Kelowna’s waterfront parks/ Prospera Place www.tourismkelowna.com
July 20
Across the Lake Swim
Old Ferry Docks/West Kelowna www.acrossthelakeswim.com
August 9-11
Rock the Lake
Prospera Place www.prosperaplace.com
August 24
Kelowna Dragon Boat Festival Tugboat Beach www.kelownadragonboatclub.com
August 23-25
2019 RibFest Kelowna City Park www.ribfestkelowna.com
PENTICTON June 28–July 1
Penticton RibFest Okanagan Lake Park www.pentictonribfest.com
For details on all upcoming events in the region visit
www.tourismkelowna.com www.tourismvernon.com and www.visitpenticton.com
June 29-June 30
18th Annual Penticton Elvis Festival Penticton Trade and Convention Centre/Okanagan Lake Park www.pentictonconventioncentre.com
July 1
Canada Day Celebrations Gyro Park www.downtownpenticton.org
July 6
Penticton Scottish Festival
King’s Park www.pentictonscottishfestival.ca