Free Canada Day Events Throughout The Thompson Okanagan
By Marc Smith.
With so many things to do in the Thompson Okanagan over the Canada Day long weekend your biggest decision may just be where you want to celebrate Canada’s birthday. Of course, it will depend on where you are and how far you may wish to travel, but I’ve put together a list of some of the best free Canada Day celebrations throughout the area listed by City.
Osoyoos 71st Annual Cherry Fiesta
Dating back to 1948 the Cherry Fiesta draws thousands of visitors to the South Okanagan for an all-day celebration of Canada starting at 7:30 am with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast and ending with the largest Canada Day fireworks display set to music in Westin Canada at approximately 10 pm.
The rest of the day features the Cherry Fiesta Parade at 11 am, a beer garden/entertainment/meet draw & more at the Osoyoos Legion Hall from 11 am – 8 pm, and Gyro Beach hosts a beer garden, food and craft vendors and live entertainment from noon till 10 pm.
Get there early, park the car and enjoy Canada Day in the desert.
Penticton Canada Day Celebrations at Gyro Park
Starting at 8 am with the Elks Lodge Penticton #51 Pancake Breakfast, at Gyro Park is the place to be in Penticton.
The park will host bouncy houses, face painting, a petting zoo and a vendor’s market throughout the day. Live entertainment begins at 10 am with Kennedy Smith a15 year old singer/song writer and goes until 7:30 pm.
The evening ends with a spectacular firework display over Okanagan Lake at approximately 10 pm.
Celebrate Canada Day – Kelowna 2019
If Kelowna is where you want to spend the day you will have an abundance of festivities to choose from.
This annual free community festival is held in Waterfront Park, Jim Stuart Park, Kerry Park, as well as Prospera Place.
Events include but are not limited to:
• 46th Annual Kelowna Folkfest at Prospera Place from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Made in Canada Marketplace – an artisan showcase of handmade, Canadian arts and crafts
• Live music at 5 music venues including Rock to Country, Folk to Jazz, Reggae to Celtic, and all genres in between
• Fireworks display at 10:30 pm
Pick a park and settle in for a fun filled day for the whole family.
Canada Day EH! at Silver Star
Bring your family and spend the day in the mountains. There will be cake, pony rides, inflatables games for the kids, snow cones and FREE summer tube sliding at the top of the gondola.
PLUS there will be live music, beer gardens and BBQ, so spend Canada Day on the mountain!
Canada Day Fireworks Viewing Party @ The Rise Golf Club Vernon
View the Kin Beach Canada Day Fireworks from the spectacular location of the 18th hole at The Rise Golf Course, 1000ft above Okanagan Lake. Festivities begin at 8 pm with live music, food and drink at Freddy’s Patio. Then walk over to the lush grass at the 18th hole for bocce ball, glow sticks for the kids and more!
Bring your own chair and enjoy the evening. It is fun for the whole family! Tickets are free but they are limited so get them now online so you don’t miss out.
Canada Day Weekend at Sun Peaks Resort
The Canada Day fun takes place all weekend long at Sun Peaks Resorts culminating in a Kids Bike Parade, Laughing Loggers show, live musical performances, cake cutting at noon at the Clock Tower Square and a Lobster Fest from 3 – 6 pm on Monday.
If you’re looking to escape the beach crowds this may be the place to be.
Canada Day Celebrations Kamloops
Kamloops is pulling out all the stops with Canada Day celebrations taking place at Riverside Park, Red Collar Brewing Co and the Kamloops Heritage Railway.
Art in the Park at Riverside Park is the largest outdoor arts event in Kamloops and features an artist exhibition and festival of music, theatre and dance performances.
The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display. The Kamloops Heritage Railway fireworks viewing has already sold out so bring a beach chair and stake a spot in the park to enjoy the show.
Happy Birthday Canada! 152 years is the new 40 and you’ve never looked better!
Featured photo: Osoyoos Fireworks Canada Day Photo by Destination Osoyoos.
