Courtesy of tourismkelownacom Nic Collar Film
Sports activities are popular in the region and add to the list of events along the Okanagan’s shores.
Words by Steve Fennell
Local farmer’s markets, social events at pubs, and long weekend celebrations are all summer staples in the Tri-Lakes. Major festivals and events, too, are scheduled through the season to provide added entertainment for your Okanagan destination. Here are a few to consider for 2023.
Okanagan Wine Festivals
The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival offers two weeks of sampling regional vintages.
Okanagan Spring Wine Festival
June 2-11
If you have never tasted the wines of the Okanagan or wish to sample new vintages from the region’s award-winning producers, The Okanagan Spring Wine Festival offers two weeks of regionally-inspired creations and culinary experiences. Re-imagined for 2023, the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival is poised to elevate your experiences with The Valley First Grand Tasting and the new TASTE Passport from June 2 - 4 in Central Okanagan.
The second weekend of the festival will be hosted across the Southern Okanagan, starting with the Valley First Grand Tasting on June 9 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. On June 10-11, the TASTE Passport will be available in Naramata and The District Wine Village on June 11. Tickets are currently available and for more information visit www.thewinefestivals.com.
Fiddle Fest
June 3
Kelowna, BC
The annual Fiddle Fest continues for 2023 in toe-tapping style June 3 at the Rutland Centennial Hall, approximately 15 minutes from the Kelowna Downtown Marina. Presented by the BC Old Time Fiddlers' Association, the event will showcase workshops, concerts, and a dance. Additional attractions this year include performances by JJ Guy of the North American Hall of Fame and Gordon Stobbe from the Order of Canada.
www.bcfiddlers.com/branches/kelowna
Ekaterina Bolovtsova
The Penticton Gem and Mineral Show will showcase a vast selection of gems, minerals, fossils, crystals, beads and jewellery.
Penticton Gem and Mineral Show by CanGems
June 9 - June 11
Penticton, BC
Whether they are used for personal adornment, personal well-being or simply appreciated for their aesthetics, there are many reasons why gem and mineral collecting is so popular. If you consider yourself an avid collector or just a casual hobbyist, the Penticton Gem and Mineral Show is scheduled from June 9 - 11 at Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. It’s scheduled to showcase a vast selection of gems, and minerals as well as fossils, crystals, beads, jewellery and more.
Sunshine Festival
Late June
Vernon, BC
From live entertainment on two stages and art showcases to more than 100 vendors and even sidewalk sales, the Vernon Sunshine Festival will kick off the vibes this summer in late June. The event is considered to be North Okanagan's largest street festival and sidewalk sale and will offer something for every member of your crew. For 2023 dates and information visit www.tourismvernon.com or www.downtownvernon.com.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21
Kelowna, BC
The National Indigenous Peoples Day is set for June 21 and celebrates the indigenous culture, heritage, and contributions made to Canada and its people. In addition to programming at Kelowna’s Okanagan Heritage Museum, visitors can enjoy children’s activities, a mini pow-wow, and the ‘traditional feast’ at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society’s Turtle Island Festival.
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com
Parks Alive! Will present public performances of many musical genres and live musical theatre from July and August.
Parks Alive!
July and August
Kelowna, BC
Music will once again ring through the city all summer with Parks Alive!, which presents 50 events at various parks and stages throughout the city. Ideal for all ages, expect to see and hear various musical genres, styles and even live musical theatre performed by local artists and world-class professionals.
Courtesy of tourismkelownacom Darren Hull Studios
Meet me on Bernard. Select streets in downtown Kelowna will be pedestrian-only to further enjoy local businesses and scheduled activities.
Meet Me on Bernard
July 1 - September 5
Kelowna, BC
To more easily access downtown Kelowna’s shopping, dining, and nightly entertainment options, the streets will be closed to traffic from St. Paul Street to Okanagan Lake with pedestrian-only access. A popular event throughout the summer, Meet Me on Bernard includes a variety of games, activities, art displays, and live entertainment as well as welcoming pubs and restaurants with outdoor patios. For more information, Tourism Kelowna will be on-site with a Mobile Visitor Centre on Bernard Avenue (at the Neighbourhood Plaza). Be sure to also visit www.tourismkelowna.com for updates.
Penticton Peach Fest
Aug 9-13
Penticton, BC
When a festival has a $3.6 million economic impact on a community over five days, you just know it's something special. The Penticton Peach Fest has been an annual tradition in the city since the late 1940s and today, it’s one of the most celebrated events in the Tri-Lakes region. Sports competitions, outdoor activities, live Canadian entertainment, and even a film festival are some of the highlights planned this year. For a complete lineup of entertainment visit www.peachfest.com.
Colin Smith Takes Pics
Rock the Lake is one of the most popular music fests of the season.
Rock the Lake
August 11 - 13, 2023
Kelowna, BC
After a sold-out crowd in 2022, Rock The Lake returns this year just outside of Prospera Place minutes from downtown Kelowna. A full gamut of live classic rock performers are scheduled to perform and over the years it has attracted famous Canadian rockers such as Loverboy, Kim Mitchell, and Honeymoon Suite. According to event organizers, Prospera Place will be open with full facilities including concession stands and a fully licensed restaurant. The grounds will also include food trucks, licensed facilities, and VIP access. For more information visit prosperaplace.com/rockthelake
Lake Country ArtWalk 2023
September 9-10
Lake Country, BC
In its 30th year, the Annual Lake Country ArtWalk will take place September 9-10 at the Lake Country Community Complex. This year’s event will showcase visual and performing arts from more than 200 Okanagan artists in addition to workshops, live artist demonstrations, an art auction, and children’s activities.