Spring Break in Penticton is brimming with activities, and we're here to guide you through what’s on offer from March 16 until classes resume on April 3, 2024. Whether you're a local or visiting, there's plenty to keep you entertained. Bookmark this page and stay updated as more activities are added.
Arts for All! Ignite the Arts Festival Returns
The Ignite the Arts Festival is back for its third year, offering a two-week creativity extravaganza from March 22 to March 31, 2024. The festival is divided into Community Week (March 22-29), with a huge range of free-to-ticketed events, and the Festival Weekend (March 29-31), accessible via a wristband pass.
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Ignite the Arts: Community Week
Community Week is jam packed with activities, many of which are free. Here's a selection of some highlights.
- Community Art Walk (Free): Discover hundreds of artists across the city on March 23rd, 11:00 am - 4 pm.
- Martin Street Sculpture Walk (Free): Enjoy live sculpting and music outside Aurora Matheson Art Gallery on March 23rd, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Kids “Mini” Mural Forgeries: A guided painting session for kids at Cannery Brewing on March 23rd, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. A $10 donation benefits OSNS.
- Creative Kids Spring Art Camp (Ages 5 – 12): Cartoon, Comic Mania (Week 1) , and Fantastical Worlds (Week 2) at Penticton Art Gallery, March 18-22 and March 25-29.
- Children and Youth Songwriting Camp (Ages 12 - 17): A musical journey at Holy Cross School from March 25-29, ending with a performance at the Dream Cafe.
- The Confluence Conference (Free, Virtual): A knowledge-sharing event on March 26th, 10 a.m. - 4 a.m., focusing on Indigenous culture and music.
- Adult Song Writing 3-Day Bootcamp: Challenge yourself to write a song a day and boost your confidence as you establish the structure needed to achieve musical freedom. Musicians of all levels are welcome. Bring an unfinished song, poem, melody, or idea to work on the first day. At the end, join the Songwriters Circle Festival performance during the Ignite the Arts Festival Weekend. March 27–28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Ignite the Arts: Festival Weekend
- Watch (or better yet, join) the beloved Parade for No Reason starting at Cannery Brewing at 6 p.m. on March 29. This activity is free to attend and open to all (no tickets required).
- Then delve into over 100 acts across 9 stages & 8 venues for the weekend. Learn more online here.
Wristband passes, including a $25 option for kids, are available early March on the festival's website.
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See Something Old and New
The Penticton Museum & Archives is truly one of the most fascinating museums you'll ever visit. Kids love the interactive exhibits, from the animals and drawers filled with insects to historical displays portraying times gone by. There's so much to see and do, with entrance by donation.
Lots of Family-Friendly Activities
Here’s a few more suggestions to get you thinking about ways to enjoy each others’ company this holiday.
- Swimming or fitness programs at the Community Centre (view the Spring Break pool schedule here)
- Bowling, billiards and darts at Roll ‘n Stones Fun Centre
- Virtual reality experience
- Play a round of disc golf
- Downhill skiing and boarding at Apex Mountain Ski Resort or cross-country skiing at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre
- Hop on your bikes and explore the trails
- Visit the skate park, which is one of the largest of its kind in B.C.
- Beat the clocks to escape from Exit Escape Room
- Cheer on the Penticton Vees at an upcoming home game and feel the energy of thousands of fans
Look for a New Job
Are you looking for a new job? Or do you have a teen who's interested in a summer job or future career? Don't miss the Start Here Penticton Job Fair on Wednesday, March 20, featuring 57+ employers all in one room. It's at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and it's free to attend.
Go to the Market
The Hello Spring Market is at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on March 23-March 24 will feature 75+ local artisans and small businesses. There will also be a special booth dedicated to children's Easter activities. Admission is $3 for the day; kids 12 and under are free. For more information, please visit: ArtisansShowcase.com
Spring Break Camps
For those seeking additional activities, check out these camps:
- Penticton Community Centre: Variety of day camps
- Hoodoo Adventures: Spring Adventure Camps for ages 5-12, with sessions from March 18-22 and March 25-28.
- Springers Gymnastics: March 18-22, offering half and full-day options.
- Kids Connection: Day camp at Uplands Elementary School, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Meraki Kids Club: Art classes at Art Up Studios from March 18-22 and March 25-29.
- Kathleen Murphy Pottery Camp: A week-long camp playing with clay.
- Also check out this roundup of even more Spring Break camps, brought to you by Okanagan Family Fun.
Did we miss your favourite? Tell us about it! Email communications@penticton.ca
Spring Break in Penticton offers an array of activities for everyone. Whether you’re into arts, sports, or just exploring, there’s something here for you. Keep this guide handy and make the most of your Spring Break!
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