Summer is in full swing in Kelowna, and there’s no shortage of great events happening across the city! Here’s a sampling of some noteworthy art and culture events for your calendar.
Downtown Kelowna Block Party
Where: Bernard Ave., Kelowna
When: Saturday, July 22, 2023. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
The Block Party is a free, family-friendly event that takes place in Downtown Kelowna. The giant party fuses community, art, culture, food, live entertainment, shopping, and more. You’ll want to ‘block’ July 22 in your calendar for this event!
Rock the Lake
Where: Exterior of Prospera Place (1223 Water St., Kelowna)
When: Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13, 2023. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. on August 11.
Admission: $80 to $489
Rock the Lake is Kelowna’s classic rock festival! The 2023 lineup includes Collective Soul, Everlast, Burton Cummings, Big Wreck, Finger Eleven, Bran Van 3000, Prism, and more. The annual three-day festival will run August 11 to 13.
Arts on the Avenue
Where: 400 Bernard Ave., Kelowna
When: Thursday, August 3, 2023. Starts at 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
Enjoy a free visual arts festival and market in downtown Kelowna on August 3! Arts on the Avenue will feature 25 artisans, four interactive demonstrations, eight live performers, and a chance to explore the working process of two featured artists.
Kelowna ComiCon 2023
Where: Capital News Centre (4105 Gordon Drive, Kelowna)
When: Saturday, August 19 to Sunday, August 20, 2023. Starts at 9 am on August 19.
Admission: $15 to $100
Kelowna ComiCon is a pop-culture event featuring a range of local and national exhibitors, as well as celebrities, cosplayers, and creators from around the globe. KCC 2023 will include a lip-sync battle, Super Smash Bros tournament, kids’ cosplay parade, Warhammer tournament, and more.
Kelowna Made 2023
Where: 3 Locations | Primarily City Park (1600 Abbott St., Kelowna), but there will also be activations in Kerry Park (1480 Mill St., Kelowna) and Stuart Park (1430 Water St., Kelowna)
When: Saturday, August 26, 2023. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free (although some activities, such as the Pancake Breakfast, may have a small fee)
After a successful launch in 2022, Kelowna Made returns for year two! With over sixty activities, this all-ages festival has something for everyone. Experience live music, sports, kids' games, art workshops, the unforgettable Belly Flop Championship, and so much more. Mark your calendar for FREE fun on August 26.
2023 Kelowna International Fringe Festival
Where: 4 Locations | Creekside Theatre (10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd., Lake Country), Grizzli Winery (2550 Boucherie Rd., West Kelowna), Kelowna Community Theatre/Black Box Theatre (1375 Water St., Kelowna) and the Rotary Centre for the Arts (421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna)
When: Sunday, August 27 to Sunday, September 3, 2023. Starts at 5 p.m. on August 27.
Admission: $15 to $18 (plus a $5 Fringe Pin fee)
Expect the unexpected at the 2023 Kelowna International Fringe Festival! Modelled after Fringe Festivals all over the world, Kelowna’s Fringe Fest will take place over the course of August 27 to September 3. Artists are chosen by lottery, and the festival is entirely uncensored, meaning anything can happen.
Denim on the Diamond
Where: King’s Stadium (531 Gaston Ave., Kelowna)
When: Friday, September 1 to Saturday, September 2, 2023. Gates open at 3 p.m. on September 1.
Admission: $74 to $500
Denim on the Diamond is celebrating its fifth year in 2023. Taking place over the Labour Day weekend, Denim will feature a variety of musical acts, including Nate Smith, Bryce Vine, MacKenzie Porter and more.
OKGN MELA | South Asian Arts Festival
Where: 2 Locations | Creekside Theatre (10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd., Lake Country) and the Innovation Centre (460 Doyle Ave., Kelowna)
When: Saturday, September 16 to Sunday, September 17, 2023. Event starts at 5 p.m. on September 16.
Admission: $25
OKGN MELA is a festival celebrating South Asian cultures, identities and artists. Held across two sites, Creekside Theatre and the Innovation Centre, the event will feature poetry, visual arts, musical performances, an artisan market and more.
To see even more Kelowna events, visit the Tourism Kelowna events calendar here. See you out and about!
