Sports, music, arts on the list of things to do in Penticton this weekend

PENTICTON – Join the granfondo of dirt track bicycle races, or take part in the rural obstacle course known as the Freak'n Farmer race this weekend in the South Okanagan.

If you’re not into sports, take in the concerts, live art, live plays, arts and crafts that make up the Arts Rising Festival, which takes place through to Sunday, Sept. 24 in downtown Penticton.

Event cost ranges from $2 to $50, depending on the event, or get a four-day pass for $140. Tickets are available through Eventbrite. For more information, see the Penticton Arts Council website.

Many Hats Theatre Company presents the play “Real Estate” this weekend. Showtime is 8 p.m. today and tomorrow with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee at the Cannery Stage, 1475 Fairview Rd. in Penticton. Ticket cost is $19 to $22. For more details, see the Many Hats Theatre website.

Roy Forbes performs at The Dream Cafe tonight, Sept. 22 with a vast repertoire of original songs created from is in-depth knowledge of jazz, blues, country, rock ’n roll and folk music. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $39. For more information, see The Dream Cafe website.

Join Jack Garton & The Demon Squadron at The Dream Cafe tomorrow, Sept. 23, starting at 8 p.m. Jack Garton is a singer, songwriter, accordionist, trumpet player and dancer. He has a new band mixing musical styles and approaches in a squeezebox dance party. Tickets are $39. For more information, see the Jack Garton website.

The historical nature of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail is showcased tomorrow, Sept. 23, with Kettle Mettle, a Penticton to Kelowna gravel road cycling event. Billed as “the dirt track that takes you back,” riders will witness amazing scenery on the challenging 100-plus kilometre ride on the Kettle Valley trail, starting in Penticton and ending near the lake in Kelowna. Choose you participant category and distance of 50, 100 or 120 kilometres. Cost depends on distance and time of signing up. For more details, contact Kettle Mettle.

Race through fields and vineyards, working through obstacles that re-create farm jobs in the Freak’n Farmer event at Covert Farms in Oliver tomorrow, Sept. 23, from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a day of fun and adventure topped by an organic feast with Okanagan wine and beer. The race comes in different lengths, so pick the one that suits you. Lunch is provided. For more information, see the Hoodoo Adventure Company website.

The Penticton Community Market and Penticton Farmers' Market continue tomorrow, Sept. 23, with the Farmers' Market in operation from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Community Market from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Friends of the Gardens Fall Plant Sale takes place at Summerland Ornamental Gardens tomorrow, Sept. 23. A limited selection of drougbt tolerant perennials and trees will be up for sale at the gardens, located at 4200 Highway 97 South. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring a picnic for lunch in the gardens.

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