Kelowna's reputation as a premier destination for sport event hosting continues to grow, generating increased visitation, significant economic impact, and positive community spirit. As a four-season destination with welcoming hospitality, inviting landscapes, and first-rate facilities, sporting organizations, including those profiled below, are choosing Kelowna as their ideal place to host events.
Canadian Premier League (CPL) "On Tour" Series
Kelowna hosted the first game in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) "On Tour" series at the Apple Bowl Stadium on June 16, with Vancouver FC playing against Calgary's Cavalry FC. The series sees Canada’s top flight of men’s professional soccer stage competitive games at neutral sites across the country.
This was the first time a CPL match was held in Kelowna, and it felt like a celebration of Canadian soccer. The teams arrived in Kelowna a few days before the match to engage with the community. Vancouver FC coaches, players, and personalities were on hand to visit local schools and participate in guest coaching opportunities with local clubs.
On match day, over 6,000 fans came out to watch Vancouver FC and Cavalry FC battle it out at the Apple Bowl, the largest crowd ever at the stadium.
2025 Montana's Brier
We are now only 7 months away from the 2025 Montana's Brier! The week-long tournament and celebration, hosted at Prospera Place, will see the country’s best men’s curling teams going head-to-head for the national title.
The Brier is more than curling; it also features the world’s most famous curling party at The Patch! Located at the Delta by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, right across the road from Prospera Place, fans can meet face-to-face with the athletes and enjoy live music, dancing, drinks and food, and interactive activities for the entire family. Access to the Patch is free and open to the public. It’s been more than 50 years since the Brier was staged in Kelowna, so demand is expected to be extremely high.
There are several ways to get involved with the Montana's Brier in Kelowna:
- Be a spectator! Get your tickets now for Curling's most prestigious event.
- Be a part of the magic and become a Brier volunteer.
- Partner with Curling Canada on a sponsorship package and leverage the excitement around this event. Contact me directly at sara@tourismkelowna.com to be put in touch with Curling Canada.
Bid for the 2026 Memorial Cup
On June 13, during a press conference at Prospera Place, the Kelowna Rockets announced their intent to bid on the 2026 Memorial Cup. As part of the Canadian Hockey League’s rotation of the event, the Western Hockey League is scheduled to host the Memorial Cup in late May 2026.
The Rockets were set to host the 2020 Memorial Cup before it was cancelled due to COVID-19. The 2026 Memorial Cup will be the 106th edition of the tournament, which features the playoff champions from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League (WHL), and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, in addition to the WHL host team.
If the bid is successful, the event would generate significant economic impact for Kelowna. The 2019 Memorial Cup Presented by KIA, hosted in Halifax, contributed $12.3 million in GDP to the Canadian economy through direct and spin-off impacts.
Tourism Kelowna's Major Event Strategy
In 2018, Tourism Kelowna established a Major Events Strategy to further our destination’s national and international exposure, and become competitive as a host city for major events. A significant driver of overnight visitation and economic activity, sport tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry with over $7.4 billion in annual spending by domestic and international visitors. Through this strategy, Tourism Kelowna has been involved in securing major events such as Skate Canada International 2019, BreakOut West Music Festival in 2018 & 2023, Montana's Brier 2025, and Country Music Week and the CCMA Awards 2025.
Other Sport Events Taking Place This Summer and Fall
Though not secured through Tourism Kelowna's Major Events Strategy, the following sport events are being held in Kelowna this summer and fall, and being promoted through our website:
Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim
On Saturday, July 20, the annual Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim returns. The event is Canada's largest and longest continuously running open-water swim event. Swimmers complete a 2.1 km swim from the Old Ferry Docks in West Kelowna to Hot Sands Beach in City Park. This year, there is also a 1.5 km swim.
Click here for more information.
Apple Race Series
The Apple Race Series brings back two of Kelowna’s high-profile sporting events: the Apple Triathlon and Apple Marathon. The Apple Triathlon will take place at City Park on August 11, with a Kids Race, Super Sprint Race, and Spring Race. The Apple Marathon, formerly known as the Kelowna Marathon, will take place on September 29 and includes several running distances: an 8km run, half marathon (21.1 km), and full marathon (42.2 km).
Click here for more information.
Spartan Kelowna Trifecta Weekend
Spartan is back in Kelowna for its second year (after 2023 was cancelled) at Big White Ski Resort. The event takes place August 24 & 25 and this year includes a Kids Race 1-3K, Sprint 5K, Super 10K, Beast 21K, and Ultra 50K. You can now complete a Sprint, Super, and Beast in one weekend to conquer Spartan's ultimate challenge!
Click here for more information.
Play On! Kelowna
Canada’s Largest Street Hockey Festival returns to Kelowna over the September long weekend, from August 31 - September 1. The event takes place on Water Street, in the heart of downtown Kelowna, and includes the street hockey competition, interactive games, food options, and entertainment.
Click here for more information.
To learn more about Kelowna's offerings, visit our Sports & Events page or contact me at sara@tourismkelowna.com.
