Penticton is celebrating its comeback season of festivals and events – and it’s going to be action-packed. After kicking it all off with events such as the Ignite the Arts Festival and the CSSHL Western Championships in recent weeks, the stage is set for an exciting season ahead.
The City has released its outdoor events schedule, revealing a full agenda filled with festivals and events guaranteed to draw participants and athletes from near and far.
This list provides some highlights of the events coming up. For a full breakdown, check out the City’s Events page and Visit Penticton’s Events calendar.
Festivals & Events
Penticton Farmers’ Market, April 16 – Oct. 29 (Saturdays only): The much-loved market returns to the downtown core this weekend, where you can stock up on locally grown, baked and produced goods.
Penticton Kiwanis Music Festival (throughout April): This festival celebrates music, dance, speech and dramatic arts, featuring several events in April and a gala concert at Cleland Theatre on April 30.
Bighorn Bushwack Adventure Race, May 1 (also with a 24 hr Adventure Race Sept. 10-11): Competing athletes will choose from a 3-hour or 8-hour discipline, using maps to navigate to checkpoints throughout the region.
Downtown Community Market, May 7 – Sept. 24 (Saturdays only): This market makes its much-awaited return, featuring a multitude of vendors selling handmade goods, not to mention food vendors, live music and entertainment.
Okanagan Fest of Ale, May 14: This year’s event – featuring craft beer, food and entertainment – takes the festivities outdoors to Okanagan Lake Park.
Penticton Bike Festival, May 20-23: This new festival includes a range of events spread over the long weekend.
Meadowlark Nature Festival, May 20-23: Experience hiking, cycling, canoeing, bird watching, art walks, film screening, workshops and more at this nature festival.
Pop-up Picnic-ton, June 4 & June 18: This year’s picnicking event will feature pop-up ‘parklets’ on city streets on two Saturdays, creating temporary outdoor spaces for residents to gather, eat local takeout outdoors and enjoy some free entertainment.
Expedition Canada, June 3-11: Teams of four tackle a course on foot, bikes and canoes while using maps and compasses to make their way from checkpoint to checkpoint.
Ha Ha Ha Kidz Festival, June 9-11: Round up the family for a weekend of entertainment featuring performances for all ages, activity tents, music and more.
Peach City Beach Cruise, June 24-26: Hundreds of show cars including hot rods, antiques and classics convene in Penticton for this mesmerizing display, also including food, entertainment and other festivities.
Elvis Festival, June 24-26: Celebrate the king of rock ‘n’ roll at this hugely popular tribute artist competition deemed to be the largest Elvis festival in Canada.
Canada Day, July 1: Oh Canada! It’s your birthday. Let’s celebrate at Gyro Park, topping off with fireworks.
Ribfest, July 1-3: This tasty event features three days of food, entertainment, activities and a beverage garden at their new location in Skaha Lake Park, organized by the Rotary Club of Penticton.
Scottish Festival, July 2: Fun for the whole family, with music, events, activities and cultural experiences, taking place at Kings Park.
Okanagan Trestle Tours, July 3: This epic bike ride event along the KVR Trail ends at Penticton’s Okanagan Lake waterfront, greeted with live music, a BBQ and cold drinks.
Okanagan Granfondo, July 9-10: This cycling event ranks among the premier road cycling events in North America, attracting recreational, elite and pro cyclists.
Music in the Park, July 15, 22, 29 & Aug 12: The Downtown Penticton Association is organizing these free, family-friendly evening concerts at Gyro Park. More details to be released soon.
Peach Classic Triathlon, July 17: The Peach Classic started in 1983 on the shores of Okanagan Lake in Penticton. The course consists of sprint and standard distance triathlon events.
Ultraman Canada, July 22-24: Athletes from around the country and the world travel here to test their limits with this ultra distance triathlon.
Ultra 520K Canada, July 30-Aug. 1: Athletes travel from all over to compete in this 3-day ultra-distance, stage triathlon, a true test of individual endurance.
B.C. Day, Aug. 1: Head to Gyro Park to celebrate B.C., organized by the Downtown Penticton Association. More details coming soon.
Peach Festival, Aug. 3-7: This family-friendly event has long been one of the highlights of summer. Don’t miss these five days of free family fun at Okanagan Lake Park, with jam-packed events, live music, a parade and so much more.
Subaru IRONMAN Canada, Aug 28: Penticton is the hometown and birthplace of IRONMAN Canada, so it’s only fitting that this comeback event returns to where the action began – nearly 40 years ago.
Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival, Sept 9-11: A full weekend of live music spread across multiple venues.
Dragon Boat Festival, Sept 10-11: Cheer on the teams as the Millennium boats take to the water off Skaha Lake Park. The festival will have a vendor’s market, food trucks and a beverage garden.
BC Bike Race, Sept. 16-22: This multi-day mountain bike stage race is dubbed the ultimate singletrack experience.
Kettle Mettle Gravel Fondo, Sept. 17: The oldest Gravel Fondo in Western Canada, and deemed one of the most scenic Gravel Fondo courses in North America, this race attracts athletes for two days of events, including a 50K, 100K and 135K+ race.
BC Bike Race Gravel Explorer, 1-day race (LT) Sept. 25, 5-day race (XLT) Sept 24-29: Racers will compete in the 1- or 5-day race, zig-zagging through some incredible scenery.
Penticton Beer Run, Oct 15: This 10km walk/run covers eight breweries, five eateries and stunning views.
Nufloors Penticton Curling Classic, dates to be confirmed: Watch for updates, coming soon.
Penti-Con, Oct. 22-23: Penticton’s pop culture festival takes to the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre for a weekend of displays, gaming, comics, talent shows and discussions.
Tree Light Up Festival, November (date to be confirmed): Get into the festive spirit at this light-up event at Nanaimo Square, Main Street, organized by the Downtown Penticton Association.
Santa Claus Parade, December (date to be confirmed): The joyful man in red returns to downtown Penticton for this much-loved parade. Watch for updates later in the year.
For more events, check out the City’s Events page and Visit Penticton’s Events calendar.