July in Kelowna

July and August arrive in full stride, with Kelowna at its most vibrant. Long, sun-filled days stretch into lively evenings, and the valley hums with people making the most of the season. It’s our busiest time of year, when patios fill, trails stay active, and the lake becomes a constant draw.

While spontaneous moments are always part of the experience, planning ahead can make all the difference. If there’s a stay, table or tasting, or can’t-miss event on your list, booking early helps you secure your spot, so you can relax into the rhythm of summer without missing a beat. Read on for a glimpse of what you can discover and what to expect in and around Kelowna when visiting at this time of year.

Get Set for Fun in the Sun

Part of Spring 2022 Shoot with Andrea & Cara ^{Kayaking on Kalamalka Lake. Photo by: Ken Hagen}

July is the perfect time to take advantage of the more than 30 beaches in and around Kelowna and to spend lots of time in Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, or one of the area’s smaller lakes.

In addition to boating, parasailing, and jet skiing, you can take a Tiki-themed lake tour with Tiki Time Tours, explore the Kelowna Paddle Trail, or test your skills with Okanagan Flyboard. Find boat rental options and explore more lake activities here.

If you’re looking for local expertise and lots of fun, why not take a guided tour? There are options for food and wine lovers, adrenaline junkies, nature explorers, and more. You can even hop on Smile Cycle Tours’ 15-passenger big bike for a beverage tour of downtown Kelowna.

Celebrate Summer in and Around Kelowna

Meet_me_on_Bernard_Aerial_8_ ^{Meet me on Bernard. Photo by: Nic Collar Film}

The summer festival season kicks off on July 1 with free Canada Day celebrations hosted by Festivals Kelowna, with interactive and drop-in activities. Canada Day celebrations are also held in Central Okanagan’s other communities, West Kelowna, Lake Country, and Peachland. Kelowna Made also returns to City Park from August 14 to 16, 2026.

Head to Memorial Park in West Kelowna from July 9 to 12, 2026, to take in the fun and entertainment at Westside Daze! The free, family-friendly festival includes amusement park rides, carnival games, food trucks, and more, including a drone show and free pancake breakfast.

Throughout the summer, Parks Alive! also brings free, family-friendly concerts to outdoor spaces in and around Kelowna.

Savour Local Flavours

Crowd Strolling Through a Sunny Farmers Market Lined with Vendor Tents
^{Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market. Photo by: Matt Ferguson Photography}

Summer means that you can find the freshest local flavours at area farmers’ markets on several days of the week:

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, discover the best of the region at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market outdoor market.
On Fridays, travel north of Kelowna to the Lake Country Farmers’ Market.
Every Saturday until the end of September, head to the Westbank Farmers’ Market.
On Sundays, check out the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market satellite location in Kerry Park or visit the Peachland Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market.

Local Events

2026 BC Summer Games Torchlighting ^{BC Summer Games torchlighting ceremony.}

Special Events

Kelowna will welcome thousands of young athletes for the 2026 BC Summer Games, which celebrate sport and community from July 22 to 26. This will be the fourth time the city has hosted the event, having previously welcomed it in 1980, 1994, and 2008.
Rock the Lake is back for its 9th year with performances from AlexisOnFire, Finger Eleven, April Wine, and more. The event takes place from July 10 to 12, 2026.
On the same weekend, you can also cheer on the competitors at the annual Kelowna Classic Lake Water Polo Tournament, at Cold Sands Beach in City Park.
Swimmers of all abilities will face the challenge of crossing Okanagan Lake by participating in Across the Lake Swim on July 18, 2026. If you’re not ready to make the swim yourself yet, cheer on the participants from shore.

Arts & Culture

Mission Hill's Summer Concert Series returns for 2026 with performances from Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, Burton Cummings and his Band, and Amanda Marshall.
Caravan Farm Theatre's outdoor musical storytelling revue, Voice of the Valley, will run from July 21 to August 2, 2026.
Arts on the Avenue returns to downtown Kelowna on July 30, 2026, with interactive demonstrations, live music, and local artisans.

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

Weather

July is the clearest month of the year, with the sun typically shining bright all month long and few clouds in the sky. Temperatures average 28°C / 80°F and 11°C / 52°F. July and August are the hottest months of the year, so be sure to pack lots of sunscreen, beach umbrellas, and water to make the most of Kelowna’s sunny days. And if you need to cool off quickly, Okanagan Lake is ready and waiting.

Helpful Planning Resources

Part of Spring 2022 Shoot with Andrea & Cara ^{Photo by: Ken Hagen}

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

Use our itinerary-builder to keep track of things to do and to plan out your schedule.
Learn more about Kelowna’s array of accommodation options.
Discover more about summer in Kelowna.

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

Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more inspiration and share your adventures using #exploreKelowna.