Summer Events in the Okanagan – July
So you’ve got to your La Casa Cottage and you’re wondering what to do next? There’s a lot happening across the Okanagan this summer, especially in nearby locations such as Kelowna and Vernon. Check out our guide on where to go and what to do.
The Arts
- Fancy spending your evening at the theatre? Well there is a production of The Glass Menagerie at the Kelowna’s Actors Studio until July 22nd. Evening performances also include a four course meal so why not be decadent!
- If you’re into art, then Kelowna Art Gallery has some excellent exhibitions on display at the moment. We recommend A Legacy of Canadian Art from Kelowna Collectionswhich celebrates Canada’s 150th Anniversary with a showcase of marvellous historical Canadian artwork. While you’re at the Gallery, perhaps pop into The Games We Play exhibition which is all about our love for games! The kids are sure to enjoy this one too. Join their special games night on July 20th between 6.00pm and 9.00pm where they are inviting everyone to come and play some well-loved favourites.
- What about taking a stroll through the streets of Kelowna on the Walking Through Time: Secrets of Early Kelowna outdoor walking tour? This begins at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, features past stories and interesting facts, and operates daily between 10.00am and 11.30am. What a great way to learn about the city!
Wine & Music
- Every Saturday afternoon you can watch local musicians at the Vibes @ the Vine event at The Vibrant Vine. This is sure to be a lovely treat between 1.30pm and 4.30pm – just sit back and relax whilst tasting some new wines. If you’re not around on a Saturday, then they also have various other events happening throughout the week all summer.
- Have you ever wanted to learn a second language? This summer might inspire you to start! At Summerhill Pyramid Winery, every Wednesday you can learn Spanish whilst drinking wine. Drop ins are welcome so why not try something new and make some friends while you’re at it – the perfect holiday past time.
- If you’re keen to try out some singing yourself, then Monday nights is Karaoke Madness at O’Flannigan’s Pub. Arrive at this traditional Irish pub for 8.30pm, grab a Guinness and be prepared to stay until you know all the words to Celine Dion.
Fitness & Sports Activities
- Craving a sports fix? Well why not get tickets to see the Kelowna Falcons take on the Wenatchee Applesox on July 14th, 15th or 16th. There’s nothing like watching a good game on a hot sunny day after all.
- If you didn’t already know, there’s a new quirky fitness trend in town – Yoga with Goats. We’re not quite sure how this has become so popular so quickly, and if you are as intrigued as we are, why not take a class at Hoof Prints Barnyard in Kelowna. They offer classes with these inquisitive animals every Sunday between 12pm and 1pm. What’s also lovely is that you are offered a complimentary beverage after class and a chance to see the petting zoo. Give this a try!
- For those that would rather get fit by practising those dance moves, then we’ve found just the activity for you. Every Wednesday in July and August there is free Dancing in The Park at Stuart Park in Kelowna between 7.00pm – 8.30pm. Check out their website for details of the dance schedule – this is something for everyone!
Family Favourites
- For the young ones in the family, the Okanagan Science Centre is showing Dinosaurs Unearthed – an interactive exhibition with animatronic dinosaurs. The exhibition aims to unlock the fascination surrounding these majestic creatures and is sure to keep the whole family entertained! Who doesn’t like learning about dinosaurs? This special exhibit is on until August so make sure to see it while you can.
- If you’re more interested in seeing some live animals, then why not take a trip to watch the Raptor Flight Demonstrations at Allan Brooks Nature Centre. These demos, beginning on July 18th, are offered at various times during the week and are an awesome way to see these beautiful birds of prey take flight metres in front of you.
- Bored of watching re-runs on TV in the evenings? Well if you’re wanting to get the kids outdoors but they insist on watching a movie, you could go check out The Starlight Drive-In. This is one of North America’s largest drive-in screens and there are a range of current releases on show this summer. The only thing to note here is that it is up to an hours drive away and located in Enderby.
Free Events
- On July 22nd there is the 28th Annual Downtown Kelowna Block Party. This is a free community event with art, food, shopping and entertainment in downtown Kelowna. There will be three stages and over 100 vendors so definitely enough to keep you busy! The event is on between 10.00am – 4.00pm and is a fantastic opportunity to meet the locals.
- Need to stock up on some groceries? Take a wander down to the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market – every Wednesday and Saturday from 8.00am – 1.00pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to scout out new tasty produce and bag some handmade bargains! In addition to the original market, they are also running a Cherry Festival on July 22nd which features cherry tasting, cherry pip spitting and lots of prizes. Don’t skip this one!
And that’s all for now! Be sure to check out the Tourism Kelowna and Tourism Vernon websites for up to date information on local events. What takes your fancy?
Written by Hannah Poaros