Kelowna is hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota from May 21 to 31, marking the first major event in what's shaping up to be a landmark year of sport for the city. Whether you have tickets to a game or you're just planning to soak up the atmosphere, there's a lot happening across Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, and this guide will help you make the most of it.

What Is the Memorial Cup?

^{Photo: Kelowna Rockets}

The Memorial Cup is the national championship of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), the top level of junior hockey in Canada. Four teams compete for the title: the champions of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), plus the host team, the Kelowna Rockets.

The tournament runs as a round-robin followed by semifinals and a final, with up to nine games across ten days. All games are held at Prospera Place in Downtown Kelowna.

Did you know? The Memorial Cup has a meaning that goes well beyond hockey. The trophy was donated by the Ontario Hockey Association in March 1919 to honour the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War, and in 2010 it was rededicated to the memory of all fallen Canadian military personnel. When Kelowna hosts this May, it will mark the 106th time the Cup has been presented, making it one of the longest-running traditions in Canadian sport. Learn more about its history here.

The Full Event Schedule at a Glance

The action runs from Thursday, May 21, through Sunday, May 31, 2026. Here's how the game schedule breaks down:

• Friday, May 22: Game 1, OHL vs. Kelowna Rockets, 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23: Game 2, WHL vs. QMJHL, 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 24: Game 3, Kelowna Rockets vs. QMJHL, 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 25: Game 4, WHL vs. OHL, 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 26: Game 5, QMJHL vs. OHL, 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 27: Game 6, Kelowna Rockets vs. WHL, 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 28: Game 7 (tiebreaker, if needed), 6:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 29: Semi-Final, 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, May 31: Championship, 4:00 p.m.

Games are nearly sold out, with the arena expecting full capacity at 6,000 seats for each game. If you haven't secured your tickets yet, act quickly.

Don't Have a Ticket? There's Still Plenty to Do

Here's what makes this Memorial Cup special: the celebration extends well beyond Prospera Place. For the full ten days, Downtown Kelowna comes alive with activations, free events, live entertainment, and community programming designed for fans of all ages.

Planning Your Visit

Kelowna is easy to navigate during the tournament, with most Memorial Cup activations clustered in and around the downtown core near the waterfront. The Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort serves as the official host hotel, conveniently located steps from Prospera Place.

A few tips to keep in mind: Book accommodations as early as possible, as Kelowna fills up quickly during major events. If you're driving in, plan for busier-than-usual parking around Prospera Place on game days. Many of the festival zones are walkable from the downtown core, making it a great opportunity to explore Bernard Avenue and downtown on foot.

The month of May is a wonderful time to visit the Okanagan, with warm spring temperatures, blossoming landscapes, and the valley's patios and wine country just beginning to hit their stride for the season.

Beyond Downtown: Explore More of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

Downtown will be buzzing for the full ten days, but Kelowna and the surrounding region have a lot more to offer beyond the Memorial Cup footprint. Spring is one of the best times to explore, with patios opening up, farmers' markets getting back into swing, and the orchards and vineyards coming back to life after a quieter winter.

If you have a free afternoon or an off day between games, consider venturing a little further afield. Lake Country is just 20 minutes north and is worth the drive for its wineries, beaches, and the Okanagan Rail Trail. West Kelowna is a quick trip across the bridge, with a strong concentration of wineries and waterfront access along Okanagan Lake. And if you head about 30 minutes south, Peachland sits right on the lake with a charming main street and some of the best views in the valley.

Closer to home, Kelowna's own neighbourhoods each have their own character and are well worth exploring between events. From the craft breweries and eateries of the North End to the cafes and boutique shops of Pandosy Village, the farm stands and orchard roads of Southeast Kelowna, to the parks and local dining of Glenmore, there's something for every pace and interest.

Make the Most of the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna

The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota is a once-in-a-generation moment for Kelowna. Whether you're here for the hockey, the festival atmosphere, the food and wine, or simply the energy of a city celebrating something together, there is something for everyone. Plan early, explore widely, and let Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley surprise you beyond the rink.

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