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

Part of Spring 2022 Shoot with Andrea & Cara

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 has also been recognized as Orange Shirt Day since 2013, honouring the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad and all the children harmed by the residential school system. Those looking to support the day and the ‘Every Child Matters’ movement are encouraged to wear official Orange Shirt Day merchandise. 'Every Child Matters' shirts are available locally at Sncewips Heritage Museum and the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society.

Locals and visitors in the area for long-term stays can attend K’west’lap ee Stethtatht (Truth Shows Itself), a four-part weekly workshop that kicks off on September 27. Presented by syilx Elders Grouse and Pamela Barnes, this workshop series will help attendees understand and progress on the Truth and Reconciliation journey.

The following events will be taking place on September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation:

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

  • Visit Sncewips Heritage Museum to learn more about syilx culture and heritage.
  • Taste Indigenous-inspired flavours at Kekuli Cafe, and visit the award-winning Indigenous World Winery.
  • 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

Part of Spring 2022 Shoot with Andrea & Cara

Kayaking on Kalamalka Lake. Photo by: Ken Hagen

After the peak summer months, Okanagan Lake is warm and ready to enjoy throughout the month of September. Lake activities and attractions are open seasonally, usually from 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

Okanagan Chefs Association Presentaion

Feast of Fields, Okanagan Chefs Association. 

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

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 Priest Creek Family Estate Winery on September 17, 2023. 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 9 or attend some of the events for the 2nd annual Kelowna Beer Week, which kicks off September 29.

September is also a prime time for arts and culture fiends. Mid-month, visitors and locals alike can join in the celebration of South Asian culture through poetry, visual arts, and music at OKGN Mela. Opportunities to celebrate arts, culture, and heritage continue towards the end of the month with Culture Days BC, coinciding with the official first day of fall on September 22 and running for three weeks. Stay tuned for more details about activities taking place in Kelowna.


Local Events for September 2023

Kelowna Art Gallery

 

Arts & Culture
  • The Kelowna Art Gallery’s recently opened exhibition, As Above, So Below, showcases Mary Smith McCulloch Intaglio printmaking that "touches on historical notes of humanity, civilization, land, and architecture."
  • The Okanagan’s largest art show, LakeCountry Artwalk, celebrates its 30th year on September 10 and 11, with original art from more than 200 artists and live music, workshops, and hands-on activities for the whole family.
  • On September 14, join Kelowna Museums for its nakulamen (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour, where you'll walk through the Rotary Marsh in downtown Kelowna to learn about Indigenous uses for plants native to the region. 
  • Get Swifty at Red Bird Brewing on September 15 as they host a sensational drag show celebrating Taylor Swift, hosted by Ella Lamoureux and featuring Jade Jolie, Sparkle, Khalora Form, and Bell Ini. 
Live Music
Food & Drink

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

Kelowna Visitor Centre - from the Water (22)

Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography

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

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

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

 

#exploreKelowna Blog

Spotlight on Kelowna