It's hard to understate the excitement that takes over ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç when the summer season finally hits.
As a growing community, we not only welcome visitors from all over to experience the Okanagan, but our local residents also take full advantage of everything the city has to offer.
Our strong tourism market continues to grow as our region attracts more businesses that offer more activities to both residents and visitors alike.
Last season, reported close to a million overnight visitors between the months of June and August, translating to thousands of jobs, increased spending and over $2 billion in annual total economic output.
Their 2024 projections have placed us in a similar spot for this coming season.
Whether you're an adventure seeker, a culture enthusiast, or looking for family fun, ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç truly has something for everyone.
Sports Events
There is still a palpable excitement in the air following the highly anticipated that was hosted at the Apple Bowl on June 16, 2024.
By packing the venue with record breaking numbers, we showed the rest of Canada that we are ready to welcome more major events, and that our residents and visitors have an appetite for more.
This summer, I encourage you to keep this excitement going by attending upcoming events and games like the , the , and the , the , , and more!
Arts and Entertainment
ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç’s arts and entertainment scene truly comes alive in the summer season.
The and the each host an array of performances, including live music, theatre, concerts and dance.
Museum and culture enthusiasts can take in new art and constantly changing exhibitions at and .
Music lovers should mark their calendars for You can also catch a live show at venues across the City like the Eldorado, , , and , in anticipation of bigger events like and !
I’ve only mentioned a few here, knowing the full list of fantastic venues and events is too long for this editorial’s word limit.
Wineries
We are a city that is renowned for its world-class wineries and summer is the perfect time to explore them all.
With over 40 wineries in ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç alone, the Central Okanagan is the focal point of one of the world's most exciting wine regions.
Many of these wineries can be visited in a number of ways such as by bike, boat, and even through curated wine touring companies.
Family and Kid-Friendly Events
Summer is all about creating lasting memories with loved ones and families do not need to search far to find .
You can easily access family friendly events happening across the city through
From Sunset Yoga to Roller Nights, and Dancing in the Park to Knox Mountain Park Interactive Challenges, there is something for everyone to take part in.
Throughout summer, the downtown core comes alive with free activities and events like and .
For weekday fun, , which animates parks throughout the city, starts up this month and runs until the end of August and on the shores of City Park is always a family favourite.
Outdoor Activities
ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç is a four-season playground for adventure seekers of every caliber, but the summer is when we really shine.
You can explore all of the , take a ride on ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç’s paddle trail and other routes via our , and hit up the on Wednesdays and Saturdays at its new landmark location.
Residents can take in everything the region has to offer by taking in some breathtaking views of the valley through countless local trail networks – like Knox Mountain and – and taking advantage of the , connecting downtown ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç to Coldstream, with lakes, parks, and sites along the way.
With 19 pristine courses in close proximity to one another, ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç is also a golf haven for enthusiasts who travel here from all over the world to experience the greens.
Tourism ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç has a fantastic , allowing golfers at any skill level to discover more of what the valley can offer.
Nightlife
As the sun sets, ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç’s nightlife heats up. The city not only boasts a variety of bars, pubs, and nightclubs to suit all tastes, but there are also events running through the summer that keep the energy high throughout the community.
The new animates Kerry Park and the 200 block of Bernard Avenue every Thursday night from 4 to 9 p.m.
Be sure to take advantage of the downtown bike valet program, which now runs Thursday to Monday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This summer, I encourage you all to take advantage of all that ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç has to offer.
Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, there’s no better time than now to explore and enjoy the incredible experiences that make ÁðÁ§ÉñÉç Summer’s best destination.