The Okanagan Valley has seen its share of landmark moments, but this summer brings something the region has never experienced before. From June 26 to July 4, 2026, Kelowna becomes the centre of the Canadian Football League (CFL) universe as the BC Lions bring two regular-season home games to the Apple Bowl Stadium. Throw in nine days of live concerts, waterfront celebrations, and community events, and the calendar is packed from the first concert to the final whistle.

Whether you're road-tripping from Vancouver or Calgary, flying in from Vancouver Island, or simply making the most of your own backyard, this guide will help you squeeze every bit of fun out of Touchdown Kelowna.

What Is Touchdown Kelowna?

The BC Lions are playing their first two home games of the 2026 CFL season in Kelowna, with Vancouver's BC Place unavailable while the city hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rather than treat it as a logistical workaround, the Lions and the City of Kelowna have built something special around it.

Touchdown Kelowna spans nine days and features two official BC Lions home games at the expanded Save-On-Foods Field at the Apple Bowl, which has been reconfigured to hold 17,500 fans. The games are real Lions home games — everything fans love about a CFL night, staged in the Okanagan Valley.

• Game 1: BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders, Saturday, June 27, 4:00 p.m. PT
• Game 2: BC Lions vs. Edmonton Elks, Saturday, July 4, 4:00 p.m. PT

Tickets are limited. If you haven't secured yours yet, check availability now.

Surrounding the games is a full festival built for summer, with headline concerts at Waterfront Park, free community events, watch parties, family programming, and one very memorable gala. Much of it is open to all, meaning you don't need a game ticket to be part of the celebration.

The Full Festival Schedule at a Glance

The games are just the beginning. Here's how the nine-day celebration unfolds:

Fan Fest presented by TELUS Map

Local Tip: Planning to hit both headline concerts? Take advantage of the Concert Bundle Offer and save! Ticket types must match. Discount applies automatically at checkout, no promo code needed.

Planning Your Visit during Touchdown Kelowna

Most Touchdown Kelowna activations are centred in and around the downtown waterfront, making the area easy to navigate on foot, by bike, or by rideshare. Waterfront Park and Stuart Park serve as the main festival hubs, all within walking distance of Bernard Avenue, and a short bike, scooter, or rideshare to the Apple Bowl.

A few things to keep in mind: book accommodations as early as possible, as Kelowna draws visitors quickly during major summer events. Several local hotels are offering special rates for Touchdown Kelowna — see below for current accommodation packages and promotions. There are also plenty of accommodation options, from lakeside resorts to budget-friendly and short-term rentals. If you're driving in, plan for busier parking near the Apple Bowl on game days and consider arriving early.

Getting to and from the Apple Bowl is straightforward, with a number of options to choose from:

• Parking near the stadium is limited and can be reserved in advance at select lots
• A shuttle service is in place from select lots outside a 2 km radius — more details to be announced through City of Kelowna and Touchdown Kelowna.
• Two dedicated Lime Scooter/Bike docking and secure bike parking will be available at the Apple Bowl
• Kelowna Transit will be increasing bus availability on game days
• A dedicated pickup and drop-off area will be in place at the stadium
• For Game 2 on July 4, consider parking downtown near Lombardy Park and joining the Fan March to the Apple Bowl

Late June and early July in the Okanagan is peak summer. Expect warm days, long evenings, and the valley's patios, beaches, restaurants, and wineries all in full swing. It's genuinely one of the best times of year to be here.

Local Tip: Keep an eye out for football-themed specials from local restaurants, breweries, guided tour companies, and other Kelowna and Okanagan Valley businesses getting into the spirit of the season.

Beyond the Games: Explore More of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley

Downtown Kelowna will have plenty going on for all nine days, but the region surrounding it is well worth exploring. Summer in the Okanagan means open patios, weekly farmers' markets, prime golfing conditions, lake activities, and summer activities in full swing.

If you have a free afternoon between events, West Kelowna is just a short drive across the bridge and is home to a strong concentration of wineries, fantastic hiking trails, and stunning Okanagan Lake views. Lake Country, about 20 minutes north, offers excellent wineries, great beach options at three different lakes, and access to the Okanagan Rail Trail. Head about 30 minutes south to Peachland for one of the most scenic main streets in the valley, perched right on the lake.

Closer to home, Kelowna's own neighbourhoods each offer their own character. The North End is a natural base for craft brewery fans and casual dining to the beaches and green spaces of the Mission. Southeast Kelowna's orchard roads, farm stands, and wineries are a short drive from downtown and a nice contrast to the buzz of the festival footprint. (Add Mission Neighbourhood guide/blurb).

As Canada's first and only UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Kelowna has been internationally recognized for its deep connection to food, drink, and the land it comes from. Make a reservation at one of the valley's acclaimed farm-to-table or winery restaurants, linger over a wine tasting on a sun-soaked patio, or explore the breweries, cideries, and farm stands that make this region so distinctive.

Whether you're a foodie, a wine lover, or simply someone who appreciates a great meal after a big day, Kelowna delivers. Check out our Must-Visit Spots guide for the best in local food, wine, craft beverages, farms, and culture to help plan your time between events. Or, consider booking a guided tour to explore the region fully and gain a deeper understanding from a local expert (without worrying about who's driving!).

Make the Most of Touchdown Kelowna

Touchdown Kelowna is a historic moment for this city and the Okanagan Valley. It's the first time CFL football has been played here, and the festival built around it reflects everything the region does well: big energy, warm hospitality, great food and drink, and a community that knows how to celebrate.

Whether you're here for both games and every concert, or simply passing through and catching the atmosphere on a festival day, there's something in this for everyone.

Plan early, explore widely, and let Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley show you what summer looks like here.

For more information on events, accommodations, dining, and to build your itinerary, visit tourismkelowna.com or stop by our Visitor Centre.

^{Cover Image: BC Lions}