Celebrate the Okanagan This Summer

The Tri-Lake 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.

by Steve Fennell

May 9, 2019

12:00 AM

Words by Steve Fennell

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, BC

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 form the food trucks and experiencing a range of live entertainment.

For all the details visit https://www.tourismkelowna.com

tourism kelowna Matt Ferguson

Sippin’ some suds at the festival.

June 23

Wine Country Half Marathon

Kelowna, BC

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 the 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, BC

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 to addition to some great deals to be had, there’s live music on three stages, a variety of children’s activities, plus street performances and interactive workshops. It’s 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

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Perry Mack

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Perry Mack

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Perry Mack

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tourismkelowna.com Matt Ferguson

The Block Party is a great way to experience the shopping experiences in Kelowna.

August 7-11

Penticton Peach Fest

Penticton, BC

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 72^nd 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, BC

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