2026 is going to be a landmark year for sports tourism in Kelowna, with plenty of events worth planning a trip around.

Building on the momentum of hosting the 2025 Montana's Brier and the 2025 Canadian Country Music Awards, we’re more than ready for this year’s lineup of major events spanning hockey, basketball, football, figure skating, and multi-sport games.

2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota — May 21 to 31

Junior hockey fans, assemble! For the first time in over 20 years, the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota will be hosted in Kelowna, with the Kelowna Rockets serving as the host team. Catch the CHL championship tournament at Prospera Place and join in on the 10-day celebration with fan festivals, live entertainment, and community events outside the rink. 

Expect electric energy in the stands and around the city, as many locals still remember the Kelowna Rockets’ win the last time Kelowna hosted in 2004. 

Full tournament ticket packages are now available through Select Your Tickets. Individual game tickets may go on sale closer to the event.

Kelowna HOOPFEST — June 5 to 7

Kelowna HOOPFEST is a brand-new festival bringing together professional players, emerging talent, and fans for an action-packed weekend.

Watch the Vancouver Bandits take on the Saskatchewan Mamba on June 6 at Prospera Place during Kelowna HOOPFEST. As the city’s first-ever Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) game, it’s bound to be thrilling.

Alongside the main event, there’s also a youth 5x5 tournament, coaching clinics, and community programming throughout the festival. HOOP, there it is.

Tickets to the game are available through Select Your Tickets.

Touchdown Kelowna — June 27 to July 4

Another first for Kelowna in 2026: hosting two regular-season CFL games. The BC Lions face the Calgary Stampeders on June 27 and the Edmonton Elks on July 4 at the Apple Bowl Stadium. 

Come for the games, and stay for Touchdown Kelowna, a 10-day football festival that keeps the excitement going with concerts, family programming, and a Canada Day celebration lakeside. The festival features major events at Waterfront Park and throughout downtown Kelowna—creating a can’t-miss atmosphere and a full slate of fan programming around the BC Lions’ two-game visit

Tickets for both games are available through the BC Lions website. You can purchase tickets to the Kickoff Concert with Alan Doyle on June 26, the Flip Flop Gala on June 29, and the Boots on the Beach Concert ft. the Road Hammers on July 3. These events are open to all and do not require tickets to the official BC Lions games.

Looking to get involved? Consider volunteering!

BC Summer Games — July 22 to 26

See young athletes from across the province in action at the BC Summer Games. With 20 different summer sports competitions taking place at venues across Kelowna, the city will be buzzing with a shared sense of energy and community. 

All competitions are free to attend, so you can drop in and catch competitions at your own pace.

BC Summer Games are looking for volunteers for various roles. Sign up today.

Skate Canada International — October 30 to November 1

World-class figure skating returns to Prospera Place with the Skate Canada International competition. As part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series, this event features top international talent, including recent and future Olympians.

If you loved watching the winter Olympics or missed your chance to see this event in 2019, this is your opportunity to experience the artistry and precision in person. 

Tickets go on sale starting on April 27, 2026, at Select Your Tickets.

Looking Ahead — Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2028

Kelowna is set to host the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in 2028, welcoming athletes from across the country here to compete.

Held every four years, the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games are one of Canada’s largest multi-sport events for athletes with intellectual or developmental disabilities. To add to the excitement, the Kelowna 2028 Games are the qualifier for athletes aiming to represent Team Canada at the 2029 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Switzerland.

Events will take place at venues in and around Kelowna and the Okanagan, bringing the community together in a shared celebration of inclusion.

While the Games are still a few years away, they offer a glimpse of what’s ahead as Kelowna continues to build momentum as a host for major sporting events.

Make a Trip of It — Exploring Kelowna and the Okanagan

A sporting event might be what brings you to Kelowna, but there are plenty of must-visit spots and things to do that will make your visit even more memorable.

Get a taste of Kelowna’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation by wine touring, learning about the traditions of the syilx/Okanagan people, trying some fresh Okanagan fruit, or tasting local cuisine.

If watching sports has given you the itch to get moving, there are plenty of outdoor activities that’ll scratch it, like hiking, cycling or paddling on Okanagan Lake. And with lake or mountain views almost everywhere you look, you’ll probably want to keep exploring.

Fortunately, getting around is easy, and with surrounding communities to visit— West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland—you can even add a day trip to your visit.

While you’re here already, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the Okanagan.

Look Out for These Kelowna Sporting Events in 2026

Kelowna has a standout year of sporting events ahead with big moments and lively crowds, and we’re just getting started. It’s a great time to plan a visit, or see what’s happening close to home.

Check Kelowna’s upcoming major events calendar to stay up to date with what’s happening, or start planning your 2026 visit.