September in Kelowna

While fall officially arrives towards the end of September, the month acts as an extra bit of summer for those living in or visiting Kelowna. With warm temperatures, it is easy to continue enjoying the best of Kelowna’s outdoor playground, including its lakes, beaches and parks, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and more.

Though the crowds lessen slightly from the peak summer months, September can still be quite busy, so it’s always recommended to secure bookings or reservations in advance for any accommodations, activities, or attractions that are a must during your visit.

Read on to find out more about what you can discover and what to expect in and around Kelowna when visiting at this time of year.

Honour Indigenous History and Culture

^{Chief Sw'kn'cut Sculpture at Kelowna Visitor Centre. Photo by: Ken Hagen} 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed on September 30, offering visitors and residents an opportunity to honour residential school survivors and those who never made it home, along with their families and communities.

The day is also recognized as Orange Shirt Day, a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission Residential School Commemoration Project and Reunion events, which took place in 2013 and were designed to "commemorate the residential school experience, to witness and honour healing journey of the survivors and their families, and to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation." Those looking to support the day and the ‘Every Child Matters’ movement are encouraged to wear official Orange Shirt Day merchandise. 

Throughout September, the Okanagan Heritage Museum is hosting several events focused on syilx culture and the nsyilxcen language. Locals and visitors in the area for long-term stays can attend Cultural Competency Training, a four-part weekly workshop hosted by Sncewips Heritage Museum that kicks off on September 4, 2024.

Sncewips Heritage Museum is also hosting a special event in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. x̌spuʔus sckʷul—Works of HeART will honour survivors of residential schools, Indian day schools, and the Sixties Scoop. The event will take place at the museum on September 30, with the opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. Through this art exhibition, Sncewips invites attendees to reflect on the colonial injustices of the past, acknowledge the present, and look toward a future of reconciliation.

On Truth and Reconciliation Day and beyond, we encourage visitors to:

• Read the various reports available from the National Centre for Truth & Reconciliation, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
• Visit Sncewips Heritage Museum for a guided or self-guided tour to learn more about syilx culture and heritage.
• Discover the public art in Westbank First Nation, taste Indigenous-inspired flavours at Kekuli Cafe, and support Indigenous businesses in the area.
• Explore the Okanagan Heritage Museum's permanent gallery, which was transformed with guidance and support from the Sncewips Heritage Museum and contains Indigenous artifacts, including a traditional qʷćiʔ (Okanagan winter home).

Keep the Summer Fun Going

^{Kayaking on Kalamalka Lake. Photo by: Ken Hagen}

After the peak summer months, Okanagan Lake is warm and ready to enjoy throughout September. Lake activities and attractions are open seasonally, usually from the May long weekend until Thanksgiving weekend in early October (depending on the weather), so September offers one of the last chances to take advantage of the warm weather and get out on the water. Make the most of outdoor adventures off the water, like ziplining, ATVing, hiking, rock climbing, and more. 

The Labour Day long weekend is the last chance to enjoy Meet Me on Bernard, with activations and extended patios along Bernard Avenue, which is pedestrian-only for the summer. 

Get Festival Ready

^{Feast of Fields, Okanagan Chefs Association.} 

September in Kelowna offers the best of summer and fall rolled into one, with loads of festivals and major events to attend.

Food and drink lovers can soak up the sun while tasting the best of Kelowna and BC at Okanagan Feast of Fields, which this year brings its three-hour gourmet harvest festival to Niche Wine Co. in West Kelowna on September 15, 2024. Those who want to explore some of the best brews and spirits from BC and around the world will want to get tickets for Silver Star Beer & Cider Festival on September 7, 2024.

September is also a prime time for arts and culture fiends. The 31st annual LakeCountry Artwalk, the Okanagan's largest art show, takes place on September 7 & 8, 2024, with original art from more than 200 artists and live music, workshops, and hands-on activities for the whole family. Opportunities to celebrate arts, culture, and heritage continue towards the end of the month, thanks to Culture Days BC, kicking off on September 20, 2024, and running for three weeks. Visit the Culture Days website to discover what's happening in and around Kelowna. 

Local Events for September 2024

Arts & Culture

• The Kelowna Art Gallery’s Stories that Animate Us exhibition is on display until September 22, 2024, showcasing a diverse selection of works from Canadian and international artists. 
• On Friday, September 13, The Broken Hearts Club at Crown & Thieves presents Prohibited: A Freida Whales Drag Show.
• The final iteration of The Poetry Burlesque variety show will be held on September 20 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Live Music

• Several of the area's wineries, breweries, distilleries, and craft beverage makers regularly host live music. In September, you'll find live music at spots like Freddy's Brew Pub, Grizzli Winery, Off the Grid Winery, Red Bird Brewing, and The Vibrant Vine.
• The Kelowna Community Theatre is presenting several tribute shows:
  • Who Made Who - AC/DC Tribute on September 14
  • Queen: It's a Kind of Magic on September 18
  • Take it to the Limit - Eagles Tribute on September 21
  • Prince Again on September 22
  • Taylor Tribute Show & Listening Party on September 29

Food & Drink

• Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School offers a variety of hands-on and demonstration classes throughout the month, including a Whiskey Cocktail-Paired Dinner on September 7, in collaboration with Okanagan Spirits.
• Fall means harvest time for the last of the area’s fruit and produce. Indulge in the freshest local flavours at area farmers’ markets:
  • Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market.
  • Fridays until the end of September at the Lake Country Farmers’ Market.
  • Saturdays until September 28 at the Westbank Farmers’ Market.
  • Sundays until the end of September at the Peachland Famers’ & Crafters’ Market.

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

Weather

While the summer heat dies down a bit in September, the month is still quite warm and comfortable for partaking in all your favourite Kelowna outdoor activities. It is also one of the driest months of the year, with minimal precipitation or clouds. Over the course of the month, temperatures reach an average high of 22°C / 71°F and an average low of 6°C / 43°F, though it’s often warmer than this during the first couple of weeks of the month. It can cool down in the evenings, especially towards the end of the month, so you may want to pack layers to stay warm.

Helpful Planning Resources

^{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 things to do and to plan out 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.

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