Football fever is coming to the Okanagan. From June 26 to July 4, 2026, Touchdown Kelowna transforms the city into a nine-day celebration of the Canadian Football League (CFL), including live music, community events, and everything the Okanagan does best. The BC Lions will host two regular-season games at a transformed Apple Bowl, and the energy will extend well beyond game day into the streets, patios, and waterfront of downtown Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.

Whether you're travelling in for the games or making it a longer summer getaway, here's everything you need to plan your visit.

About Touchdown Kelowna 2026

The BC Lions are bringing CFL football to Kelowna for two regular-season games: Game 1 on Saturday, June 27, against the Calgary Stampeders, and Game 2 on Saturday, July 4, against the Edmonton Elks. The Apple Bowl Stadium, just outside the downtown core, will be expanded into a temporary stadium with seating for over 17,000 fans, offering a range of unique viewing experiences that go well beyond a standard game day.

But Touchdown Kelowna is more than two football games. A full week of festival programming surrounds each kickoff, including a Kickoff Concert ft. Alan Doyle and a Boots on the Beach Concert ft. The Road Hammers, a Fan March, community breakfast with the BC Lions, a one-of-a-kind Flip Flop Gala, and the Touchdown Kelowna Fan Fest presented by TELUS — a free, all-ages hub running throughout the entire event at Waterfront Park.

For the full event schedule and fan event ticket information, visit the City of Kelowna's website. 

Where It's Happening: The Apple Bowl and Downtown Kelowna

The Apple Bowl sits just outside the downtown core, making it easy to pair game days with everything Kelowna's waterfront and Bernard Avenue have to offer. Most Fan Fest activations are centred at Waterfront Park, and the majority of the festival footprint is walkable from the city centre.

Expect downtown to feel festive throughout the nine days. Patios will be full, the waterfront will be buzzing, and the energy of a city celebrating something together will be hard to miss. Keep an eye out for themed menus and activations at local businesses across the city.

Getting around is straightforward. Downtown Kelowna is compact and walkable, and taxis, ride-share apps, and public transit make it easy to move between the Apple Bowl, the festival site, and the surrounding neighbourhoods. If you're planning to explore wineries or the surrounding communities, consider renting a car through Budget Car & Truck Rentals or booking a guided tour.

Where to Stay

Booking early is essential. Kelowna fills up quickly during major events, and a nine-day festival drawing fans from across BC and Alberta means accommodations will go fast. Whatever your travel style, there's a base in Kelowna that works for you.

Downtown Hotels

Staying downtown puts you within easy distance of the Apple Bowl and Waterfront Park. Look for hotels near Bernard Avenue and the waterfront. Many offer lake views, on-site dining, and an easy walk to pre-game dinners and post-game celebrations — no car required.
 

Lakeside and Resort-Style Stays

For a more relaxed setting, lakefront hotels and resorts offer a beautiful counterpoint to the festival energy. Start the morning with coffee overlooking Okanagan Lake, then head into the action. These properties are ideal for families or visitors, turning Touchdown Kelowna into a longer summer vacation.
 

Accommodations Beyond Downtown

Kelowna's other neighbourhoods — including Pandosy Village, the Lower Mission, Rutland, and Glenmore & Dilworth — offer comfortable stays within a short drive or rideshare. Pandosy Village and the Lower Mission in particular have a relaxed lakeside character, with beaches, waterfront parks, and walking trails nearby.

Across the bridge, West Kelowna is an excellent option for visitors who want to pair the festival with wine touring. Award-winning wineries, sweeping lake views, and a quieter pace make it a great base for those looking to extend their stay. 

Further north, the Airport District offers a convenient home base between Kelowna and Lake Country, making it an ideal choice for those travelling through Kelowna International Airport (YLW). From here, you’re just minutes from Lake Country, where a relaxed, nature-forward setting awaits with easy access to Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and Wood Lake. Spend your days by the water, on scenic trails, or exploring boutique wineries and local dining spots, all while staying within a short drive from the action.
 

Vacation Rentals

For groups travelling together, vacation rentals offer space and flexibility. A great option if you're planning to explore wine trails, orchards, or surrounding communities during the week between games.

To compare all accommodation options, visit our Stay page. Or, take advantage of these Packages & Promotions for Touchdown Kelowna listed below.

Where to Eat

Kelowna is Canada's only UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and summer is when that identity is fully on display. Farmers' markets are in full swing, patios are open, and local producers — from orchards to vineyards to craft breweries — are at their most vibrant. You'll have no trouble savouring the best of the Okanagan while you're here!

Near Downtown and the Apple Bowl

Downtown Kelowna has no shortage of dining options within easy reach of the stadium and festival grounds. Reservations are strongly recommended on game days and during peak festival evenings.
 

Craft Beer and Casual Bites

Kelowna's North End has become a hub for craft breweries and relaxed, casual dining — ideal for pre-game afternoons or post-game unwinding.
 

Beyond Downtown

If you're open to venturing a little further, Kelowna's surrounding neighbourhoods and communities reward the effort. Restaurants outside the downtown core may offer more flexibility for walk-ins during the games and festival, though booking ahead is always the safest approach during a major event.

What to Do Beyond the Games

Nine days in the Okanagan in peak summer is a gift. Here's how to make the most of the time between kickoffs.

Explore Okanagan Lake

Summer in Kelowna naturally revolves around the lake, and in late June and July, it’s at its peak. Spend time along the Waterfront Promenade on foot or by bike, take to the water with a paddleboard, kayak, or boat, or simply claim a spot on the beach and soak it all in. Waterfront Park, home to much of the Fan Fest, places you right in the heart of the action while staying close to the shoreline.
 

Discover Wine Country

With long, sun-filled days and vineyards in full leaf, summer brings a lively energy to Kelowna’s wine country. Tasting rooms are at their busiest, and patios offer the perfect setting to linger over a glass. Discover Kelowna’s Wine Spots, the birthplace of BC wine, throughout Downtown, Lakeshore, and Southeast Kelowna, where everything from urban wineries to sprawling vineyard estates offers a unique perspective on the region’s wine culture.

Just across the bridge, West Kelowna's Wine Spots feature a concentrated collection of wineries, many with sweeping views over Okanagan Lake. About 20 minutes north, Lake Country's Wine Spots offer a more relaxed pace, where vineyard-lined roads lead to quiet beaches and a short drive to the Okanagan Rail Trail. Across the region, wineries welcome visitors with guided tastings and scenic outdoor spaces that invite you to slow down and savour the moment.

Book a Spot to Spot Guided Tour to comfortably explore multiple Wine Spots throughout the Okanagan, allowing you to take in the region’s wineries, views, and tasting experiences without worrying about the drive.
 

Get Outside

Summer in the Okanagan is made for getting outside. Long, sunny days set the stage for hiking and biking, with options that suit every pace. Just north of downtown, Knox Mountain Park offers sweeping views over the city and Okanagan Lake, all within minutes of the core. For those on two wheels, Kelowna’s network of separated pathways and scenic waterfront routes makes it easy to explore at your own pace, whether you’re cruising along the lake or venturing further into surrounding neighbourhoods. Bike rentals are widely available, and the City of Kelowna's Bike Map is a great place to start planning your route.
 

Take in Arts & Culture

Between games, take some time to explore Kelowna’s arts and culture scene. Start by checking out some of Kelowna's Culture Spots, where you’ll find a collection of art galleries, museums, and creative spaces that showcase the region’s stories and talent. The downtown Cultural District is an easy place to wander, with many of these experiences just steps from the waterfront. Throughout the summer, you’ll also come across outdoor concerts, pop-up performances, and community events that bring the city to life in unexpected ways. It’s a great way to experience a different side of Kelowna while staying close to the action.

Getting Here and Around

By Air

Kelowna International Airport is a short drive from the city centre and offers direct flights from many Canadian cities. Renting a car from the airport with Budget Car & Truck Rental is a convenient option if you plan to explore the Okanagan Valley during your stay.
 

By Road

Driving to Kelowna is a convenient option for those coming from Vancouver, Calgary, and other nearby centres. Highway conditions are typically smooth and reliable in the summer months, making for an easy and enjoyable journey. The route itself is part of the experience, with the Okanagan Valley at its most vibrant in early July. Expect rolling hills, orchards, and lake views along the way, all best enjoyed at your own pace with the flexibility of having your own vehicle. Check in with Drive BC for the most current road conditions.
 

Getting Around Town

Downtown Kelowna is highly walkable, and much of the Touchdown Kelowna festivities are accessible on foot. Taxis, ride-share services, and public transit cover the rest. If you're planning to tour and explore, consider booking a guided tour.

Plan Ahead for Parking & Getting There

Parking at the Apple Bowl will be very limited during the games, so it’s best to plan ahead and consider alternative ways to arrive. Here are a few easy options:

• Bike or scoot to the venue
  • Ride your own bike or take advantage of Lime e-bikes and e-scooters available throughout the city. Bike parking and lock-up areas will be available at the Apple Bowl.
• Park downtown and ride the Okanagan Rail Trail
  • If you’re coming from further out, park in the downtown or North End area and make your way along the Okanagan Rail Trail. It’s a scenic, low-stress route that avoids traffic and gets you close to the venue.
• Join the Fan March (July 4 – Elks Game)
  • Starting from the Railside area, this group walk or ride is a fun way to head to the game alongside other fans.
• Take transit
  • BC Public Transit options may be available, with potential free service for ticket holders. Be sure to check event details closer to your visit.
• Watch for shuttle services
  • Additional shuttles from designated parking areas may be offered. Keep an eye on event updates for routes and schedules.

Make the Most of Touchdown Kelowna

Touchdown Kelowna is a summer moment unlike anything Kelowna has hosted before — nine days of football, music, and community celebration set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in Canada. Plan early, book ahead, and give yourself the time to discover everything the Okanagan has to offer beyond the Apple Bowl.

For more on events, accommodations, dining, and trip planning, visit tourismkelowna.com.