EVENTS

Summer - and increasingly spring and fall - in Osoyoos and area are chock-a-block with festivals celebrating everything from the allmighty grape to cherries, cars, and more traditional events like Halloween and Christmas. And let’s not forget the long weekends from Victoria Day, to Canada Day all the way up to Thanksgiving. The fun never stops! Many of the events are recurring on certain days each week.

April

Easter Eggstravaganza

April 8

A pancake breakfast kicks off a day of games for the kids, bike decorating contest and of course the highlight of the day – an easter egg hunt. osoyoosfestivalsociety.ca

Run Around Buckle Series Barrel Race

Desert Park

April 18 to October 3

(every other Tuesday evening) desertpark.ca

June

OSOYOOS MUSIC IN THE PARK

Gyro Bandshell

Fridays June to September

MEADOWLARK NATURE FESTIVAL

May 18 to 22

Guided nature tours ranging from Penticton to Osoyoos. Meadowlarkfestival.ca

OSOYOOS SPRING FESTIVAL

May 4 to 13

Free music performances at the pedestrian square.

HALF CORKED MARATHON

May 26 to 28

A highly anticipated event so popular that a balloting system is in place due to the overwhelming demand for places in the half-marathon. The event, which takes place every year in Osoyoos and Oliver Wine Country, is rather unconventional due to the fact that runners, typically in costume, run through vineyards stopping at stations along to way to taste wine. Oliverosoyoos.com

Wine Country Drag Racing

May to September

Winecountryracing.ca

Friday nights free concerts from June 30 to September 1. Features a mix of rock and roll, country, blues and broadway show tunes. Bring your lawn chair and beverages. osoyoosmusicinthepark.com

Cactus Jalopies

Gyro Park, Osoyoos

June 1-4

Cactus Jalopies is a very popular annual event, now in its 16th year. Based on previous years, in 2023 we are estimating the event will attract over 10,000 attendees and 500 vehicle entries. The event is now 4 days long over the first weekend in June. Car enthusiasts attend the Show n’ Shine on Osoyoos’ most stunning beach.

Show, Shine ‘n’ Wine (Nostalgia) participating in Jalopies

Cactusjalopies2023.ca | 250-495-6959

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre

June 21

To mark this day the Centre will host a market for local Indigenous artists to sell their artwork and will also feature singing and dancing as well as guided walks.

Nkmipdesert.com

July

CHERRY FIESTA, CANADA DAY CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS

Cherry Fiesta is one of Osoyoos’ favourite events - and biggest - in a unique celebration of Canada Day that is unlike anywhere else in the country. All day festivities kick off with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade down Main Street which is temporarily closed for the event. Entertainment and various events continue all day long, including the ever-fun cherry pie eating contest. The jam-packed day is capped off with an incredible firework display set to music on shore of the lake. osoyoosfestivalsociety.ca

August

Mount Kobau Star Party

August 12-20

The Star Party for serious star gazers. Gather atop Mt. Kobau, far above the light pollution of the valley on the only days camping is permitted on the mountain top. From beginner to grizzled sky-veteran, all are welcome. mksp.ca

September

Dragon Boat Flag Race Festival

September 16

The Osoyoos Lake Paddling Club hosts its annual Dragon Boat Flag Race which sees up to 15 teams competing. Teams from the Okanagan an occasionally Lower Mainland. Osoyoosdragonboat.weebly.com

Pig Out

Sept 15 to 17

Pig Out weekend begins with an outdoor sparkling wine reception before joining the winemaker or proprietor for dinner at one of Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country wineries. Dinner features a guest chef for each course, with wine pairings from the host winery and others from around the region. The Pig Out Trail takes place the next day with pick-ups from Oliver, Osoyoos or Penticton. Each bus group is taken to four carefully-selected wineries, for an outdoor experience pairing their wines with a pork-inspired tasting bite. oliverosoyoos.com

Fall Festival Weekend

Kick-Off Party - District Wine Village Sept 22

Cask & Keg Sept 23

Enjoy the hand-crafted flavours produced by a host of regional breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Browse the grounds sipping and indulging in mouth-watering morsels from various food trucks, with live music.

Festival of the Grape Sept 24 olivercaskandkeg.ca oliverfestivalofthegrape.ca

A solid one day celebration of the all mighty grape: wine tastings, live music, food trucks, an art market, kids’ one and barefoot grape stomping competition.

PRIDE ARTS FESTIVAL Gyro Park

September 23

Celebrating arts, diversity, and inclusion. The aim is to support and celebrate the local 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, black and/or people of colour. widearts.ca

October

ALL HALLOW’S EVE FESTIVAL

Gyro Park

October 28/29

Will see the witches return on their paddle boards and kayaks also featuring local artisans and vendors, food and a beer and wine garden. Entertainment will include circus performances and live music. widearts.ca

November

WINTER WITH WINE COUNTRY

November 24-26

Wineries of Oliver and Osoyoos put together special promotions for both weekends of Winter with Wine Country and throughout the holiday season. oliverosoyoos.com

December

WINTER WITH WINE COUNTRY

December 1 to 3

CHRISTMAS LIGHT UP osoyoosfestivalsociety.ca

OSOYOOS ARTISAN

CHRISTMAS MARKET

December 9-10

Experience the best of local craft people and artisans from handmade goods to food and beverages all in a European-style outdoor market.