EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Home to over 30 annual major events and festivals, there is a variety to experience from cultural showcases, world-class sporting and endurance events, beer and wine festivals, live entertainment, seasonal fairs and so much more. Check the seasonal highlights below.

The region comes alive with blossoms in the orchards, wildlife awakens from their winter slumber, and fresh produce starts popping up at the local farmers’ markets. The arts scene comes to life with the Ignite the Arts Festival. Then the Meadowlark Nature Festival is host to events that connect visitors to nature and learn about the diverse habitats and species in our region. The Okanagan Fest Of Ale is one of the longest running annual beer festivals at over 25 years and is traditionally one of the first BC beer events of the year. Enjoy a live concert or special event at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC) or take part in the Peach City Bridge Tournament.

The busiest time of year in Penticton with events and festivals happening almost every weekend. Major family friendly cultural events such as the annual Penticton Peach Fest, Elvis Festival, Peach City Beach Cruise, Pow Wow Between the Lakes, Ribfest, Penticton Scottish Festival and the 97 South Song Sessions Festival highlight the calendar this time of year. Also, benefiting from our regions warm dry conditions, we see several major sporting events such as IRONMAN Canada, Okanagan Granfondo, Okanagan Trestles Tour and the Peach Classic Triathlon in Penticton through the summer months.

Fall is a great time to be in Penticton as a number of large and smaller events come together to enjoy the extended summer weather and celebrate the harvest from surrounding vineyards, orchards and farms. The Okanagan Fall Wine Festival and Penticton Beer Week celebrate our local producers and highlight the unique flavours of the region. The endurance community continues to enjoy our iconic terrain with the annual Dragonboat Festival, Kettle Mettle Gravel Fondo and the BCBR Mega Volt. Other fall highlights include the Pentastic Jazz Festival, Penticton Curling Classic, and the Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Classic hockey tournament.

Cozy up to intimate live music at a local cafe, catch a live concert or event at the SOEC, enjoy seasonal feature menus, holiday markets, and more during the winter months. Experience diverse cultures and entertainment at the OneWorld Multicultural Festival. Hockey has deep roots in Penticton with the Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club of the BCHL being one of the hottest tickets in Penticton all winter long. In March, the CSSHL Ice Hockey Championships sees more than 70 teams hit the ice as they compete for the Western title. It is also a great time to try our local ice wines or to check out the Okanagan Winter Wine Festival.

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