October in Kelowna, BC | Things to do in October

October is when fall truly unfurls in Kelowna. The mornings carry a crisp snap, vineyards buzz with the energy of harvest, and golden larches light up the trails. While you explore Kelowna, you'll find markets brimming with fresh bounty, fall colours framing all your outdoor adventures, and the valley settling into a slower, generous rhythm. From sipping the season’s newest vintages to indulging in the bounty of the season at area restaurants, this is a time to savour. Read on to discover all the ways October invites you to explore, taste, and celebrate in and around Kelowna.

Celebrate all Things Fall

Couple taking in the view at Myra Canyon Trestles during Golden Larch Season 1
^{Myra Canyon Trestles Trail. Image credit: Ken Hagen}

Fall in Kelowna comes alive with experiences you’ll only find this time of year. In September and early October, the Kokanee salmon make their upstream journey—a powerful sight best viewed at Hardy Falls Regional Park and Mission Creek Regional Park, where the rushing water glows with flashes of red. Framing the scene, the trees shift through amber and crimson, amplifying the drama of the season.

By mid- to late October, the valley’s larch trees steal the spotlight. Their needles blaze gold against evergreen backdrops, creating trails and viewpoints you’ll want to linger on. Find out more about where you can discover the golden larches here.

Harvest season also fills the air with abundance. At Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park, delight in the sights and scents of chestnuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts fresh from the orchard. At Davison Orchards, climb aboard a tractor for a tour through rows of pumpkins and apple-laden trees, or stock up on gourds and produce at local markets. Add a playful twist with a wander through one of the region’s corn mazes—Kelowna Corn Maze, McMillan Farms (which also has a pumpkin patch), and Kelowna Fruit n Veggies—where the crunch of leaves underfoot and the laughter of discovery complete the season’s soundtrack.

Savour Seasonal Eats and Sips

Group_Dining_at_Home_Block_Restaurant_CedarCreek_Estate_Winery_2_
^{Home Block at CedarCreek Estate Winery. Image credit: Darren Hull Studios}

Fall in Kelowna is made for savouring. Cozy corners and comfort foods meet their match in seasonal menus, where chefs showcase the valley’s harvest with dishes built around just-picked produce, rich autumn flavours, and newly released reds and stouts.

Beer lovers can raise a glass during Kelowna Beer Week in early October, when local brewers come together to share their craft. Keep an eye on the Central Okanagan Brewers Association website for the latest details on events and tastings.

October is also BC Wine Harvest Month. The vineyards hum with activity as grapes are gathered, and the season’s energy flows straight into the glass. Visitors can join guided tours, taste new releases, and participate in fall celebrations, such as the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival, where events like the Sunset Drive Fall Outdoor Wine Tasting pair comfortable afternoons with unforgettable pours.

Discover the Spooky Side of Kelowna

Halloween Witches Paddleboarding
^{Image credit: Bler Rusha}

In October, Kelowna offers spooktacular experiences for Halloween lovers. Kelowna Actors Studio will present Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with shows taking place from October 16 to November 2, 2025. Around the same time, New Vintage Theatre will have two shows running:

Dial M for Murder, running October 22 - 26 at the Black Box Theatre.
Rocky Horror Show—The Musical at the Kelowna Community Theatre on October 29 and 30.

You’ll find fun for all ages at:

Don-O-Ray Farm Adventure’s family-friendly Haunted Farm
The Black Mountain Haunted House, with separate family-fun, kid-friendly hours
Westbank Museum's Haunted House
The Family Monster Bash at the MNP Centre.

Plus, don't miss Caravan Farm Theatre's events taking place throughout the month in nearby Armstrong:

Labyrinth: An immersive, site-specific performance featuring binaural audio with professional voice artists and spectacular live performance, which unfolds over a 4km walk through the woods and fields.
Horse-Drawn Halloween: A Halloween-inspired wagon ride adventure.
The Walk of Terror Spectacular: Spanning fifty acres and concluding in the great Timber Barn, this year’s event features multitudes of community performers, the fire spinning, stilt walking wizardry of KINSHIRA, Kelowna’s Circus ensemble, and FREAK MOTIF, the Calgary-based, nine-piece funk sensations.

Local Events

^{Photo by: BreakOut West & Matt Lucas}

Arts & Culture

The annual Culture Days celebration promotes arts and culture in communities across Canada, with free events happening between September 19 and October 12, 2025.
Nuit Blanche, a multidisciplinary art event organized by the Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan (CCFO), returns to the heart of Kelowna on October 11, 2025.
Okanagan Heritage Museum will host several events in October, including Spanish tours of the museum as well as its popular syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour.

Concerts

The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and Guest Conductor, Maria Fuller, will kick off the 2025/26 season with Anna & Wolfgang at the Kelowna Community Theatre on October 17, 2025.
Canadian legends Blue Rodeo and Sarah McLachlan will both be performing at Prospera Place in October.
Creekside Theatre in Lake Country has several shows happening throughout October; more info is available here.

Live Comedy, Theatre, and Dance

On October 2, stand-up comedians Natalie Cuomo and Dan LaMorte will bring their live show to the Mary Irwin Theatre at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. The following night, on the same stage, catch Charlie Demers—JUNO-nominated, award-winning, comedian, author, actor, and a star of CBC’s smash hit, The Debaters—host Faris Hytiaa, and local comedian, Alison Lujan, for a night of comedy.
Ballet Kelowna’s LAUNCH returns to the Rotary Centre for the Arts on October 8, 2025. The one-hour, informal showing allows guests to get a sneak peek at what’s in store for Ballet Kelowna’s 2025/26 season, the company of dance artists, and learn about upcoming performances at the RCA.

For more events in and around Kelowna, visit our online Calendar of Events.

Weather

October in Kelowna is classic sweater weather. Days can remain surprisingly mild through Thanksgiving, with crisp mornings and cooler evenings inviting you to add a layer or two. On average, temperatures reach highs of 13°C (55°F) and dip to lows around 1°C (34°F). While most of the month is dry, late October can bring more cloud cover and the season’s first rains. Layers are your best friend—pack sweaters, a good jacket, and be ready for cooler air along the lake or higher up on the trails. With the right gear, you’ll be perfectly prepared to make the most of the season outdoors.

Helpful Planning Resources

Kelowna Visitor Centre - Aerial (5) ^{Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography}

Plan a purposeful and rewarding trip to Kelowna by using the resources available on our website:

Use our itinerary builder to keep track of your activities and plan your schedule.
Learn more about Kelowna’s array of accommodation options.
Discover more about fall in Kelowna.

Have more questions about your trip to Kelowna? Connect with our team at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.

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