What’s happening this weekend in the Okanagan & Kamloops | July 17-19, 2026

Summer weekends in the Thompson-Okanagan are packed with festivals, markets, live performances and activities for every interest.

Whether you want to swim across Okanagan Lake, browse locally made art, try square dancing, see classic cars or spend an afternoon at a community festival, plenty is happening from Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19.

Here are some events to check out in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops this weekend.

PENTICTON

Peach Classic Triathlon

One of Canada’s longest-running triathlons returns to Penticton this weekend.

First held in 1983, the Peach Classic offers events for a wide range of ages and abilities. The 2026 competition includes standard and sprint triathlons, sprint relays, a SuperSprint, Try-a-Tri, AquaBike, Aquathlon and children’s races.

When: Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19
Where: Rotary Park, Lakeshore Drive West, Penticton
More information: Peach Classic Triathlon

Art in the Park

Meet artists from throughout the South Okanagan-Similkameen during the fourth annual Art in the Park sale.

Visitors can stroll beneath the trees in Gyro Park while browsing a variety of original works. The event offers an opportunity to find a unique gift or new piece for your home while supporting local artists.

When: Saturday, July 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Gyro Park, 55 Main Street, Penticton

Try square dancing

The public is invited to try square dancing for free as part of the Canadian National Square, Round and Clog Dance Festival.

Dancers, callers and cuers are travelling from across Canada and around the world for the international event. All ages are welcome to participate, and spectators can also stop by to watch.

When: Saturday, July 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power Street
More information: Canadian National Square, Round and Clog Dance Festival

Many Hats Theatre presents The Long Weekend

Many Hats Theatre is bringing friendship, tension and uncomfortable truths to the stage with The Long Weekend.

The comedy explores the lies and animosity hidden within the friendship between two couples during one weekend visit and another gathering two years later.

When:
Friday, July 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19, at 2 p.m.

Where: The Cannery Stage, 1475 Fairview Road, Unit 306, Penticton
Tickets: $35
More information: Many Hats Theatre

KELOWNA & AREA

Across the Lake Swim

Swimmers will make their way across Okanagan Lake during one of Kelowna’s longest-running summer traditions.

The Across the Lake Swim is described by organizers as Canada’s largest and longest continuously running open-water swim event. Participants can complete either a 1.5-kilometre or 2.1-km route from Old Ferry Wharf Road to Hot Sands Beach in City Park.

When: Saturday, July 18, beginning at 8 a.m. Participants must arrive earlier for transportation to the starting area.
Where: Okanagan Lake, finishing at Hot Sands Beach in Kelowna
Registration and schedule: Across the Lake Swim

Howdy Partner Vintage Friday Night Market

Grizzli Winery is hosting a western-inspired outdoor market in its courtyard and pavilion area.

The curated market features vintage finds and local vendors in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Admission is free.

When: Friday, July 17, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Grizzli Winery, 2550 Boucherie Road, West Kelowna

Live! in Lake Country

Lake Country’s free outdoor concert series continues at Swalwell Park.

GES Music will perform commercial music beginning at 7 p.m., followed by Oktopus at 8 p.m. The Lake Country Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market will also offer extended hours alongside the concert.

When: Friday, July 17, beginning at 7 p.m.
Where: Swalwell Park, 10090 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country
More information: Live! in Lake Country

West Kelowna World of Wheels Show and Shine

Classic and specialty vehicles will fill Kinsmen Athletic Park during the West Kelowna World of Wheels Show and Shine.

Visitors can admire the vehicles, meet fellow automotive enthusiasts and enjoy live music and food throughout the day.

When: Saturday, July 18, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Kinsmen Athletic Park, 3170 Shannon Lake Road, West Kelowna
More information: West Kelowna World of Wheels

VERNON & NORTH OKANAGAN

DIY fused-glass suncatcher workshop

Participants can create their own fused-glass suncatcher during a two-hour workshop hosted by Carly of Coastal Breeze Glasswork.

The class will guide attendees through planning, trimming, cutting and arranging the glass for their finished creation.

When: Friday, July 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Planet Bee Honey Farm and Honeymoon Meadery, 5011 Bella Vista Road, Vernon
Cost: $55
More information: Tourism Vernon event listing

Ghost Tours of Vernon presents Boos and Booze

Downtown Vernon may look ordinary during the day, but its darker stories come out after sunset.

Boos and Booze takes guests through the city centre to hear tales of spirits, haunted businesses and unsettling events connected to familiar downtown locations.

When: Saturday, July 18, at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $40
More information: Ghost Tours of Vernon

Schubert Centre Summer Market

More than 40 vendors will gather at the Schubert Centre for a summer market featuring unique and locally made goods.

The family-friendly event will also include a barbecue, colouring contest and door prizes.

When: Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Schubert Centre, 3505 30 Avenue, Vernon
More information: Schubert Centre Summer Market

Armstrong MetalFest

Armstrong MetalFest returns for its 16th year with two full days of heavy music, camping, moshing and headbanging.

Fans can purchase tickets at the door, and overnight tent and recreational vehicle camping will be available.

When: Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where: Hassen Arena, 3315 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong
More information: Armstrong MetalFest

KAMLOOPS & AREA

Monte Creek Night Market

Monte Creek Winery is bringing together local makers, artisans and food vendors for an evening market overlooking the Thompson Valley.

Visitors can browse handmade products, discover small businesses and sample food from participating vendors.

When: Friday, July 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Monte Creek Winery, 2420 Miners Bluff Road, Monte Creek
More information: Monte Creek Night Market

Theatre Under the Trees

Project X Theatre is presenting two family-friendly productions in Prince Charles Park as part of its annual Theatre Under the Trees season.

Audiences can choose between performances of The Paper Bag Princess and Robin Hood.

The Paper Bag Princess: Friday, July 17, at 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Robin Hood: Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: Prince Charles Park, 1145 Nicola Street, Kamloops
Tickets: $30
More information: Project X Theatre

Kamloops Flea Fest Market

Treasure hunters can browse clothing, toys, jewellery, vintage goods and other finds during Kamloops’ annual outdoor flea market.

When: Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 448 Tranquille Road, Kamloops

Overlanders Day Community Festival

Brocklehurst Park will be filled with vendors, entertainment, food and family activities during the Overlanders Day Community Festival.

The event will feature more than 100 vendors, live entertainment, a Paws ’n Claws Expo, corgi races, a watermelon-eating contest, a children’s painting competition, prizes and giveaways.

When: Sunday, July 19, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where: Brocklehurst Park, 2470 Fleetwood Avenue, Kamloops
More information: Overlanders Day Community Festival

FIFA World Cup watch party

Football fans can gather at Riverside Park to watch Spain face Argentina during a FIFA World Cup 2026 watch party.

The community activation day will include a beer garden, food trucks, football-themed activities, live music, giveaways and family-friendly programming before and during the match.

When: Sunday, July 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park Bandshell, 100 Lorne Street, Kamloops
More information: Tourism Kamloops watch parties

Event details may change. Readers should confirm schedules, ticket availability and registration requirements with organizers before attending.