Best spots to catch World Cup fever in Okanagan, Kamloops

We’re getting into the thick of the FIFA World Cup fever and there are a lot of great places for football fans to catch some matches in Kamloops and the Okanagan.

Whether you’re an avid soccer fan or you just want to find somewhere to check out some matches and get in on the fun, we’ve got you covered.

We didn’t get every single great spot in the region so let us know if we missed your favourite in the comments or email news@infonews.ca.

Kelowna

Golf Evolution has temporarily rebranded to Football Evolution for the World Cup with daily watch parties. Every match will be live, there’s no cover charge and there’s a keep-ups challenge.

The City of Kelowna is hosting a World Soccer Watch Party on July 2 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park. There’s going to be two big LED screens, food trucks and it’s free to attend.

Pretty Not Bad is opening at noon for every game day, sound on for every match and a special menu inspired by the bar’s favourite teams.

Kelowna Beer Institute is having watch parties for England matches, and tickets include your first pint of the night.

Kamloops

Riverside Park has been going all out with watch parties at the Rotary Bandshell for Canada matches. There’s going to be music, food trucks and activities. So far the dates are June 24 and July 19 but there could be additional dates depending on whether Canada advances.

Shark Club is putting on Canada match watch parties and it’s going to be playing every match so you won’t miss a goal.

Rock’n Firkin Pub is playing every match and doesn’t charge cover, plus it has happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The Canadian Brewhouse is playing every match and fans can reserve seats online.

Penticton

Britbar, unsurprisingly, is putting every match on the telly and orienting the seating appropriately so you won’t have to strain your neck to see the game.

The Underdog is playing every match on every TV with sound and specials for the games. There’s no cover charge and everyone’s encouraged to wear their team colours.

Station House Pub and Grill is getting in on the action and showing every weekend game and it opens at 10 a.m. if you want to start pregaming before noon.

Vernon

There’s going to be a watch party at the Vernon Rec Centre Auditorium on July 19, hosted by the Vernon Soccer League. People have been asked to register online but the event is free to attend. There’s no booze allowed but plenty of pop and pizza.

There’s another watch party at the White Valley Community Centre in Lumby for the Qatar and Canada match at 3 p.m. on June 18.

You could also venture to some classic spots like The Kal, The Winston Pub or The Rooster.