Lake Country is where countryside charm meets creativity. It has cerulean lakes, scenic wineries, and orchards, but outside of what it's best known for, its arts and culture scene stands out. It documents the district's heritage and beautifully captures its character, providing a way to connect more meaningfully with the people and land.

Expand your visit to Kelowna with a trip to Lake Country, where you can explore public art, community events, and local spots like the theatre, museum, and gallery.

Local Heritage

^{Lake Country Museum & Archives. Photo: Ken Hagen}

Lake Country was formed in 1995 by uniting four wards: Carr’s Landing, Okanagan Centre, Oyama, and Winfield. But as you’ll learn from the Lake Country Museum & Archives, this is nowhere near the start of the district’s story. The town has undergone a transformation over thousands of years and is now one of the fastest-growing communities in BC. 

The museum shares the area’s local history from early settler life and agricultural roots to stories of the Syilx/Okanagan Peoples, the Applebox Belles, and the South Asian settlement in the Okanagan. With so many collections and exhibits, a guided historical tour can help you better understand how it all fits together. 

Pair your visit to the Lake Country Museum & Archives with a relaxing stop at Lake Country Art Gallery to go deeper into Lake Country’s cultural identity.

Visual Art

The heart of visual art in Lake Country is the Lake Country Art Gallery, an accessible contemporary art gallery that gives space to both established and emerging artists. Though smaller in scale, the gallery is carefully curated, with a steady rotation of exhibitions that consistently impress. 

Once you’ve had a wander through the gallery, the gift shop is a good spot for finding used art books, as well as select local art and wares. 

Public Art

Lake Country’s public art is spread out across the four wards in such a way that you might come across it while walking, driving, or spending time in one of Lake Country’s parks.

Some pieces creatively honour the tree-fruit orchards that shaped Lake Country into what it is today, such as Funky Pear (2006). Others connect the landscape to its original stewards, like the trio of sculptures depicting the Four Food Chiefs, a canoe and a feather, along Pelmewash Highway, which is connected to the Okanagan Rail Trail, each sharing a different syilx/Okanagan teaching.

Murals throughout the area invite moments of reflection. Gratitude, on Winfield Memorial Hall, asks the viewers “to reflect on interconnectiveness, harmony, diversity in community and gratitude for beauty that surrounds the district,” according to a Kelowna Capital News article.

You can see the full collection of Lake Country’s murals, sculptures, and installations on a map using ArcGIS StoryMaps.

This creative spirit continues in Lake Country’s seasonal festivals and community events, where art is social and celebrated.

Seasonal Festivals

Another way to experience Lake Country’s community culture is by timing your visit with a local market, outdoor concert, or seasonal celebration.

From mid-June through September, the Lake Country Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market brings Swalwell Park to life with fresh produce, handmade goods, food trucks, and local vendors. It’s the ideal place to browse, snack, and connect with locals and vendors.

That same park becomes a gathering place on Friday evenings in the summer, when The Live! in Lake Country concert series fills the air with music. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for free, open-air performances featuring local talent.

For a Nashville-style experience in Lake Country, there’s Boots N' Boats Singer / Songwriter Festival. Live music and storytelling are woven into each set so you can connect with artists and experience their work at the same time.

And finally, the big celebration of the district’s creative community is the Lake Country Artwalk Festival. It brings together over 200 artists and attracts over 7000 attendees for a two-day event showcasing original work, alongside live music and hands-on art workshops.

Visit our events calendar to get a bird’s eye view of what’s on in Lake Country during your time in Kelowna.

Live Music and Performing Arts

Lake Country’s close-knit community supports a vibrant live music and performing arts scene, and Creekside Theatre is right at the centre of it all. The 250-seat community theatre hosts local productions, as well as local or touring jazz, country, bluegrass, pop, and folk musicians. Have a look at the Creekside Theatre calendar to browse upcoming performances. 

Round out the evening with a visit before or after the show to one of Lake Country’s upscale winery restaurants, Peak Cellars Garden Bistro, Row 188 or BLOCK ONE Restaurant.

Experience Lake Country’s Arts and Culture Scene

Lake Country’s history, art, live music, and theatre performances are casual and meaningful experiences that enhance your Okanagan getaway while still fitting nicely between everything else on your list. 

Dive into the full Arts & Culture Guide to explore what’s happening and plan a visit that goes beyond the expected.