Year-Round
Kelowna Farms and Crafters Market
Although the outdoors market from April – October is larger, this marketplace offers something to see and do year-round! Known as the largest farmers’ market in the province, people enjoy exploring the plethora of vendors who bring homegrown and homemade goods to market. The market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays at the corner of Springfield Road and Dilworth Drive, while the winter market is held at Parkinson Rec Centre with select dates. Check the website for details.
JAN
The vineyards may seem to be quiet this time of year, but during the Winter Wine Festival, things perk up with special tastings, seminars and a generally fun time at Sun Peaks Resort, about 3 hours north of Kelowna. Make a weekend of it and join other like-minded oenophiles to celebrate your favorite beverage.
MAY
Local BC wineries open their doors for spring during this annual festival. All kinds of events are held at more than a hundred area vineyards, and you can taste local productions as well as enjoy food and entertainment.
JUN
Held at Waterfront Park in downtown Kelowna, Fat Cat Children’s Festival has been growing stronger every year for the last two decades. The highlight is a parade of marching bands, community groups, floats, and kids dressed up. You can also enjoy stage and street performers, hands-on activities and lots of food!
Jun-Jul
Mission Hill Winery Summer Concert Series
Each summer, Mission Hill Winery offers a few big-name concerts in its beautiful setting. Check the website for schedule and ticket information, as well as nice package deals.
JUL
This free community fest is held in Prospera Place and Waterfront Park. The entire family can participate in dozens of activities and performances, including concerts, arts and crafts markets, a food fair, kids’ zone and evening fireworks display.
Enjoy the beautiful Okanagan Valley summer weather at this yearly fest, when local vineyards offer a variety of events including beach parties, tailgate parties and a celebration of the fruit of the vine.
This annual event features traditional boat racing at Waterfront Park. If you’ve never been to a dragon boat festival, now’s your chance!
Jul-Aug
Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm boasts a celebration of its harvest of intoxicating lavender. Demonstrations are available showing how to create wreaths and bouquets, and you can learn how to make herbal teas and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Scavenger hunts and self-guided farm tours are available, too. Check the website for exact dates.
AUG
Billed as “Canada’s Hottest Beach Festival”, this annual festl boasts 3 stages of entertainment, villages of exhibitions and plenty of food. There’s a great line-up of music waiting for you, plus beach volleyball, basketball, wakeboarding, skateboarding, freestyle mountain biking and BMX. The 2011 attendance was 25,000; the venue is Hot Sands Beach at City Park, right on Okanagan Lake and in the heart of downtown Kelowna.
Aug-Sep
Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede
This annual event is more than a century old and is held in Armstrong, BC, about an hour north of Kelowna. Agricultural exhibits, a huge rodeo and lots of live entertainment make this fair one of the best!
SEP
An annual showcase of artwork and live performances from local artists, ArtWalk is held at Lake Country Community Complex, less than half an hour north of Kelowna. Over 300 artists’ works are featured and musical entertainment is offered as well.
Sep-Oct
Head to one of the multitude of Okanagan Valley wineries for this fall celebration of the grape. More than 165 events take place during this festival, including seminars which will teach you about wine pairings. Enjoy the harvest season at one of your favorite vineyards!
