The day we have all been waiting for is here, the first official holiday of summer, Canada’s Birthday! However, it’s not just any old birthday, it’s our country's 150th, meaning the celebrations will be bigger and better than they have in past 50 years.
True patriots gather round, as we have compiled a list of 15 events you can attend around the Thompson-Okanagan to make the most of our maple syrup soaked, hockey playing, toque wearing country’s birthday.
*The list is in geographical order, starting from Kamloops and going all the way to Osoyoos*
Kamloops is celebrating Canada’s 150th with a festival at Riverside Park. The event will include a multicultural festival starting at 9 a.m., with live bands kicking off the evening at 7 p.m.
Sun Peaks is hosting a FREE concert featuring the iconic Canadian band 54-40! What’s better than a free concert?! Peter Ernst will be opening for them. The concert takes place at 1280 Alpine Rd, Sun Peaks.
Last but not least, find your favourite spot in town and enjoy a stunning fireworks spectacle that starts at 9:30 p.m.
A “Big Party in the Park” will be hosted at Polson Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with numerous events for the whole family. After that, you won’t want to miss the fireworks taking place at Kinsman Park on Okanagan Lake at 10 p.m.
Vernon is hosting a wicked slo-pitch tourney and music festival called Funtastic! Entry is $30 for the day or $60 for the whole weekend. You can spend the day watching some ball at the DND Grounds and then rock out to some great bands at night, including the Okanagan's own, The Wild!
This year’s Lake Country celebration will be taking place at Swallwell Park. Enjoy some tasty pancakes starting at 8 a.m. There will be live music, games, art activities, a photo booth, dancing, sports, rootbeer floats and fresh watermelon. To end the night, cozy up for a showing of the 2017 Beauty and the Beast.
We won’t let the lake levels and sleeping beaches ruin our Canada Day fun! Kelowna is open for business and full of fun activities for you and your pals to enjoy this weekend.
As always, there is much to look forward to in downtown Kelowna, and this Canada Day is no exception. The festive fun will span from Rhapsody Plaza to the Kelowna Art Gallery and all the way to Kerry Park.
With Festivals Kelowna hosting five stages of live music from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the 44th annual Kelowna Folk Fest happening at Prospera Place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the 20th annual Canada Day Festival happening in Waterfront Park from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., you can bet your lucky Canucks jersey that there will be no shortage of fun activities, delicious food and soothing sounds for the whole family to enjoy!
BNA and Okanagan Lifestyle are teaming up to host one killer “Part-eh!”, as they have deemed it. Starting at 6 p.m. on Canada Day, grab a buddy and head down to BNA to celebrate not only Canada’s Birthday, but Okanagan Lifestyle’s as well, by trying out BNA’s newly crafted brew OKGN. Tickets are $49 and available online.
Big White is getting involved by hosting a massive scavenger hunt across the whole mountain with 150 different presents to find! Starting at the top of the Bullet Chair at 1:30 p.m., you and your friends can set out on an adventure in search of these hidden gems! Sign up is at the Concierge Desk in the Village Centre Mall.
Kelowna’s own Planet Lazer is throwing a radical all-day lazer tagging party! All ages are welcome and for just $23, you can play as many games as your heart desires throughout the entire day!
Voted Best Annual Community Event, Westside Daze is back with a jam-packed Canada Day schedule. From 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. at Johnson Bentley Memorial, attendees will be able to catch a glimpse of the parade, a variety of booth concessions, a Canada 150 cake, an array of musical performances and much more.
Celebrations in Summerland start bright and early at 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Park. The Canada Day Picnic will feature a pancake breakfast, birthday cake, face painting and a lot of family friendly activities to participate in!
If you’re celebrating in Penticton, be sure to check out the concerts happening from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. downtown on Main St. You won’t want to miss the various Canadian artists performing.
Kick off the day with a pancake breakfast followed by some family entertainment and of course, cake! There will also be a beer garden from 1:30 p.m. until 9 p.m., and to top it all off you can finish the day off with fireworks at 10 p.m.
Join the Penticton Rotary in their largest annual fundraiser, Pentiction Rotary Ribfest! Held at Okanagan Lake Park, there will be three different stages with awesome live music. Admission is free for everyone, and there will be plenty of ribs to go around, as well as a beer garden. Don’t fret vegetarians, there are options for you too!
Osoyoos is hosting their 66th annual Cherry Fiesta Canada Day Celebration! The day begins with pancakes in Town Square at 7 a.m. until the parade starts at 11 a.m. on Main St. There will be a beer garden with live entertainment and food at the Legion Hall from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Children’s activities are on the beach from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Gyro Beach will be full of live performances, as well as a “Cherry Pit Spit” and cherry pie eating.
No matter where you may end up, the Okanagan will come alive with celebrations this coming Saturday, so be sure to get out and take it all in!
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