“Good vibes” return to Kelowna’s main street with Meet me On Bernard

Kelowna, BC: Meet me On Bernard returns to Downtown Kelowna this summer, bringing patios, public art, local retail and more to Kelowna’s main street throughout July and August. To help maximize the summer season, the 200 Block opened to pedestrians early, on May long weekend, with the full program and 300 Block opening to pedestrian traffic starting Saturday, July 1.

“Patio season is already in full swing, and we’re excited to bring events and vibrancy Downtown through the Meet me On Bernard program,” says Mark Burley, Executive Director of the Downtown Kelowna Association. “Meet me On Bernard is all about the nostalgic feel of a classic Kelowna summer with plenty to see and do when you come Downtown.”

Initiated in 2020 as a temporary patio expansion program to support the resiliency of businesses during some of the most difficult months of the pandemic, Meet me On Bernard has grown into a summer-long initiative with patios, performances and events. In addition to patios and shops to visit seven days a week, several events will take place throughout the summer as part of Meet me On Bernard, including:

• Parks Alive! musical entertainment: July 7 – Aug 26
Enjoy weekly music in Kerry Park every Friday & Saturday from July 7 through August 26. Established in 1997, Parks Alive! is an award-winning, multi-venue, 9-week concert series that energizes Kelowna’s parks and public spaces through live cultural performances each summer. Produced by Festivals Kelowna.
• Arts on the Avenue: July 11 & Aug 3 Come discover artists across multiple visual art disciplines as they take over Bernard Ave to showcase and sell their work. Produced by Festivals Kelowna.
• Downtown Kelowna Block Party: July 22 Block Party is a free, family-friendly event in Downtown Kelowna that fuses community, culture, art, food, shopping, and entertainment.
• Show N Shine on Bernard, presented by Indigo Park: August 19 Show N Shine on Bernard is a free, family-friendly event for auto enthusiasts of all ages. Classic cars, hot rods, and genuine collectibles are available for viewing along Bernard Avenue.
• The Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Satellite Market: Sundays. Enjoy wares from local vendors and artisans in Kerry Park at the Satellite Market every Sunday.

Meet me On Bernard runs seven days a week throughout the summer along Bernard Avenue, from The Sails to Pandosy Street. The two blocks of Bernard Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic but open to pedestrians and cyclists. A new City bike valet will also be available to cyclists to safely store their bikes while enjoying shops, patios and more throughout Downtown Kelowna. The bike valet is supported by the Kelowna Cycling Coalition and will be located in Kerry Park on select summer dates, primarily weekends and event days.

Visitors can peruse “pop-ups” hosted by local businesses, artisans, and non-profit organizations. Visit meetmeonbernard.com to learn more about how your organization could be featured on Bernard this summer.

Meet me On Bernard officially begins Saturday, July 1 and runs through the Labour Day long weekend.

To learn more and get involved, visit meetmeonbernard.com.

Traffic Impacts/Schedule:
Beginning Thursday, June 29, Bernard Avenue between Water and Pandosy Street will be closed to motorists to accommodate the final installation of infrastructure for Meet me On Bernard. The closure comprises Abbott to Water Street and Water to Pandosy Street, and will be closed seven days a week until September 7. All businesses along Bernard Avenue will remain open during set-up and throughout the initiative. Cross streets, including Water and Pandosy, will remain open to vehicle traffic throughout the summer. Motorists are advised to watch for pedestrians and cyclists when crossing Bernard.

Temporary accessible parking stalls will be in place on cross streets near Bernard Avenue for motorists’ convenience. There will also be designated PayByPhone 15-minute pick-up and drop-off zones along Abbott and Mill Streets. Nightly, from 9 pm to midnight, these loading zones will serve as taxi areas.

Bernard Avenue is within walking distance of several Parkades in Downtown Kelowna, including the Library Parkade (1360 Ellis), Memorial Parkade (1420 Ellis) and Chapman Parkade (345 Lawrence). All three provide short and long-term parking options. To view real-time availability, visit kelowna.ca/parking.