Countdown mode is officially on for Touchdown Kelowna, presented by Okanagan College, a multi-day celebration from June 26 to July 4, bringing CFL fans, families, and visitors together for concerts, community events, and football in the heart of the Okanagan. With the historic event drawing closer, the BC Lions and City of Kelowna unveiled the festival lineup and roster of Official Festival Partners this morning at Stuart Park.
“Bringing high‑calibre sporting events like these to smaller communities is an important pillar of B.C.’s Tourism Sector Action Plan to double visitor spending by 2036,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “By supporting Touchdown Kelowna, we are helping strengthen the local economy, support local businesses, and create good‑paying jobs, helping build a strong, independent economy for British Columbians and their families.”
BC's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Anne Kang, speaking at the Touchdown Kelowna event on March 26, 2026
The festival features major events at Waterfront Park and throughout downtown Kelowna—creating a can’t-miss atmosphere and a full slate of fan programming around the BC Lions’ two-game visit.
“Touchdown Kelowna will be a historic celebration for our community. This week-long festival will energize our city, bring people together, and showcase the very best of Kelowna,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “Kelowna has a growing reputation as a world-class event-hosting city, and events like this continue to build on that momentum. This festival will create lasting memories that keep bringing people back to our city.”
"We can't wait to welcome the BC Lions and their fans to Kelowna this summer,” said Sara Correa Haslehurst, Business Development, Sports & Major Events Lead at Tourism Kelowna. “Events like Touchdown Kelowna are so important because, in addition to bringing game day excitement and amazing performances and activations to venues across the city, they give visitors a genuine taste of what makes Kelowna so special: the warmth of our community, the beauty of our region, and the kind of experiences you simply can't find anywhere else.”
Pictured (left to right): George Chayka, Senior VP, Business, BC Lions; Sara Correa Haslehurst, Business Development, Sports & Major Events, Tourism Kelowna; Kelly Watt, Board Chair, Tourism Kelowna; Tom Dyas, Mayor, City of Kelowna; Duane Vienneau, President, BC Lions
Festival Details
The celebrations get underway with the Kickoff Concert featuring Alan Doyle (of Great Big Sea) presented by BCLC on Friday, June 26, followed by Game 1, BC Lions vs the Calgary Stampeders, the next day.
- The Touchdown Kelowna Fan Fest presented by TELUS starts on Saturday, June 27 and runs all week long with free and fun activities for fans of all ages.
- On Sunday, June 28, fans are invited to enjoy Breakfast with the BC Lions On Bernard, a family-friendly event that gives fans a chance to meet their favourite Lions players before the official opening of the festival site.
- Monday, June 29, is highlighted by the Flip Flop Gala, an exclusive celebration unlike any other the city has seen – where black tie meets beach party with a chance to savour the best tastes of the Okanagan, enjoy dishes from local chefs, and sample signature cocktails.
- On Friday, July 3, the Boots on the Beach Concert featuring The Road Hammers, presented by Leavitt Machinery, welcomes another 4,000 fans to kick off the second weekend of Touchdown Kelowna.
- A Fan March presented by Argus Properties takes place on Saturday, July 4, ahead of the game against the Edmonton Elks that same day. The March begins at Lombardy Park, then heads through Clement and the Rail Trail to the Apple Bowl.
Several other free events are scheduled for Fan Fest, including football clinics, tournaments, free concerts, and watch parties. Stay tuned for more exciting details.
“Touchdown Kelowna is more than just two big football games—it’s a community celebration that brings fans from across the country together for local pride, live entertainment, and the very best that the Lions have to offer,” Duane Vienneau, BC Lions President. “We can’t wait to hear the fans roar with us.”
- For more Touchdown Kelowna Festival details, including the full event schedule and ticket info, visit kelowna.ca/touchdown.
- Presale for ticketed festival events opens on Monday, March 30, with regular sales to begin on April 9.
- For BC Lions game tickets, visit: bclions.com/touchdown-kelowna.
Touchdown Kelowna Festival announcement event. Image credit: City of Kelowna