Busy festival season on the horizon
The City of Penticton is gearing up for another busy year of festivals and events, providing numerous opportunities for residents to get involved or enjoy the entertainment.
“We started off 2024 on a high, presenting Penticton’s first Frost Fest Winter Carnival, and now with the CSSHL Championships and next week’s return of Ignite the Arts Festival, followed by many other high-profile events, we’re ready for a big year ahead,” says Mayor Julius Bloomfield.
“Behind each of these events is a team of volunteers and organizers who work hard to bring them to life, and we’d like to thank everyone for their passion and dedication to adding vibrancy to our community.”
This year, the city has partnered with the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre Society to hold an appreciation event on April 20 for community volunteers at Gyro Park. More details will be released in the coming weeks.
The city has confirmed the following major events, with a full list and further details available to view at penticton.ca/ events. More details about each will be released closer to the dates, including information about road closures, transit, volunteer opportunities and more.
Ignite the Arts Festival (March 2231):
This creativity extravaganza offers two full weeks of activities and events, including many free sessions during Community Week. Festival Weekend (March 29-31) features more than 50 musical acts, theatre, dance, workshops and activities for the whole family. ignitethearts.ca
Penticton Farmers’ Market (April 20Oct. 26): This much-loved event attracts crowds in the thousands each Saturday, keen to snap up the freshest vegetables, fruits, specialty foods and homemade delights. pentictonfarmersmarket.org
Duel in the Desert (May 11-12): Organized by Penticton Paddle Sports, this boat race based at Skaha Lake is attracting teams from throughout B.C. and Alberta. pentictonpaddlesports.com
Downtown Community Market (May 18-Sept. 7): Adjacent to the Penticton Farmers’ Market, these two events make for a bustling, fun environment. This market showcases handcrafted goods, arts, artisan foods, live music and entertainment. downtownpenticton.org/community-market
Ha Ha Ha Kidz Festival (June 6-8):
Get ready to laugh, play, create and be amazed. This festival fills Gyro Park with live performances, music and activities that are sure to induce childish smiles – parents included. hahahakidzfest.com
Peach City Beach Cruise (June 2123): Hundreds of show cars including hot rods, antiques and classics stage themselves along the Okanagan lakefront for this display, also including food, live entertainment and other festivities. peachcitybeachcruise.ca
Elvis Festival (June 27-30): Celebrate the king of rock ‘n’ roll at this tribute artist competition deemed to be the largest Elvis festival in Canada. This is a ticketed event, with affordable entry to watch Elvis take to the outdoor stage at Okanagan Lake Park. pentictonelvisfestival.ca
Canada Day (July 1): Oh Canada! It’s your birthday. Let’s celebrate at Gyro Park, with a full day of activities and entertainment, with free transit available. downtownpenticton.org
Penticton Scottish Festival (July 5-6): Crowd favourites include Highland dancing, bagpiping, drumming and caber toss. Enjoy pipe band competitions, a beer garden and other live entertainment at Kings Park. pentictonscottishfestival.ca
Peach Classic Triathlon (July 7): Ranked among the oldest triathlons in Canada, this event attracts everyone from beginners to professional triathletes and Olympians. peachclassic.ca
Okanagan Granfondo (July 13-14): Thousands of riders will take part in this mass cycling event, which ranks among the best in North America. Kids also get their kicks in the Kids’ Piccolofondo. okanagangranfondo.com
Peach Festival (Aug. 7-11): This mustdo event of summer is one of the largest free family festivals in Canada, dating back to 1947. Highlights include the Peach Bin races, Shooting Star Amusements, sport and dance competitions and shows, live concerts, parades and more. peachfest.com
IRONMAN Canada (Aug. 24-25):
Soak in the energy of this triathlon event by joining the thousands of people lining the streets to cheer on the athletes. The fun starts with the IRONKids event on Saturday, plus plenty of other opportunities for residents to get involved. ironman.com/ im-canada
Dragon Boat Festival (Sept. 7-8):
Cheer on the 80+ teams as Millennium boats take to the water off Skaha Lake Park. The festival will have a vendor’s market, food trucks and a beverage garden, attracting participants in the thousands. pentictonpaddlesports.com
Magic on Main Street (Dec. 1): Ho, ho, ho! Ring in the festive season with this magical event featuring a Santa Claus Parade down Main Street, capping off with the official Light Up at Gyro Park. penticton.ca/holidaymagic