The autumn is known for its rich, vibrant colours, and while the nights may be getting longer and colder, it’s also a striking and eye-catching time of year for Kelowna art and culture events! A number of Kelowna’s major cultural institutions kick off their seasons in the fall and keep the fun running through into the new year. Let’s take a peek at a sampling of Kelowna’s 2024/25 art and culture season together!


Ballet Kelowna


If you’ve attended a Ballet Kelowna performance over the past decade or so, chances are you’ve seen long-term company artist Desiree Bortolussi grace the stage. Ballet Kelowna kicked off its 2024/25 season earlier this month with a special homage to Desiree as she retires after thirteen years with the company. I’ve seen Desiree shine in many roles over the years, and I’d like to wish her all the best in this next chapter. The 2024/25 season continues with Ex Animo, which will take place on February 14 and 15, 2025 (what a great Valentine’s Day date idea!) and Vividus, which is scheduled for May 2 and 3, 2025. Earlier this year, the BC Touring Council recognized Ballet Kelowna as the province’s Artistic Company of the Year.


Okanagan Symphony Orchestra


The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (OSO) has been wowing audiences for over 60 years. In fact, the 2024/25 season is the Symphony’s 65th season (the OSO dates all the way back to 1959)! I was lucky enough to be in attendance with hundreds of others at the Kelowna Community Theatre for the season’s opening Holst and Mozart concert last month, and it was superb. A brilliant way to spend a fall evening! As an added layer of interest, the Symphony is also currently auditioning several high-calibre Music Director candidates, and each candidate will get to grace the stage as the season progresses. Feedback from audiences will help the OSO select its next Music Director, so grab a ticket and share your thoughts! Upcoming concerts include Beethoven & Saint-Saëns and Messiah, with even more coming in 2025. Visit their website for more information on upcoming events.


Rotary Centre for the Arts


My friend, Andrew Stauffer, is the Theatre Programming Director at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA), and he and the RCA team have booked a stellar lineup for their 2024/25 season! If Andrew recommends a show to me, I know it will be excellent. I’ve bought tickets for acts that I’ve never heard of before based purely on Andrew’s recommendation, and I’ve been delighted every time. Most recently, I thoroughly enjoyed the Jeremy Ledbetter Trio – a pure jazz delight – at a sold-out Mary Irwin Theatre in the RCA earlier this month. Upcoming highlights include Seffarine and Shane Koyczan. You can view a full list of upcoming events at the RCA here. 


Kelowna Art Gallery


When friends or family come to town, I always make a point of asking them if there’s anything in particular they’d like to do or see while they’re in Kelowna. Our most recent guest had only one request: a visit to the gallery. That’s a request that I’m happy to participate in, as a visit to the Kelowna Art Gallery (KAG) is always well worth it! KAG doesn’t have an official season per se, but there’s an ongoing rotation of new exhibitions on display. For instance, four new exhibitions have opened at KAG since the start of October. In other words, there’s nearly always something new to see! You can view their upcoming exhibits by visiting their website. 

 

Okanagan Heritage Museum


Across various sites, the Kelowna Museums Society always has something new to discover! The flagship location is the Okanagan Heritage Museum (OHM) at 470 Queensway Avenue. Guests will learn about how the Okanagan Valley was formed, the Indigenous people – the syilx – who have called this area home since time immemorial, the impact of traders and settlers and can even look through the window of a store from Kelowna’s once bustling Chinatown! The current main exhibit at the OHM is Old School: A Look Back at School Life in Kelowna, so sharpen your pencil and step into the past to discover a piece of Kelowna’s history.


Kelowna Actors Studio


From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Sweeney Todd, Kelowna Actors Studio will deliver a wide variety of musical theatre to audiences from now through 2025. While there’s loads of great stuff on the schedule, I’m most excited about their upcoming Singin’ in the Rain production, which will hit the stage in downtown Kelowna from April 23 to May 11, 2025. Singin’ in the Rain is one of my favourite movies, and I’m excited to see how they will bring the iconic musical to life! For more information on upcoming shows, check out their website.


Art Lovers Gallery

 

Tucked away in the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort in downtown Kelowna, you’ll find a boutique art gallery called Art Lovers Gallery. Art Lovers features Okanagan artists as well as the art of Dr. Seuss. In December, they will be hosting their very first “Grinchmas” event! Attendees can take photos with Santa Grinch and Max and enjoy Dr. Seuss storytime and other special activities. Mark your calendar, and don’t let it pass; lots of fun awaits at the Grinchmas bash! (I’ll get my coat).

 

If you’re on the hunt for even more art and culture events in Kelowna, visit the Tourism Kelowna events calendar here. I also highly recommend signing up for the Heard About Harold newsletter. Each Tuesday, you’ll get The Weekly Harold – a rundown of upcoming cultural events in the Central Okanagan – delivered straight to your inbox, and it’s totally free (it’s the best email you’ll get all week). See you around town!