February in Kelowna

February means making the most of the final days of winter while also taking advantage of Kelowna's plentiful indoor activities. Read on to learn more about what you can discover and what to expect in and around Kelowna when visiting this time of year.

Celebrate the Month of Love

^{Stuart Park Skating Rink. Photo by: Darren Hull Studios}

There are so many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Kelowna. It’s easy to plan a full day of activities for you and your significant other (or with your bestie or group of friends): have brunch at one of the many restaurants in the area, head for a scenic walk or hike, grab a coffee or hot chocolate (the final day of the Okanagan Hot Chocolate Fest is February 19), head out to skate at Stuart Park, then finish off the day with a delicious dinner. Many area restaurants will offer set menus specifically for Valentine’s Day, so stay tuned to our Calendar of Events and social media channels for details as they are announced. 

You can even make a weekend out of your celebrations or plan a staycation—stay tuned for Valentine’s Day promotions on offer from area hotels. 

Have Fun with the Family

The third Monday in February—February 19, 2024, to be specific—brings Family Day for most Canadians, including those in BC. With a long weekend to break up the winter months, it’s an excellent opportunity to get out and explore the array of family-friendly activities Kelowna and area offers.

If you’re craving snowy adventures, Big White Ski Resort and SilverStar Mountain Resort offer plenty of family fun. For those who prefer to stay indoors, the City of Kelowna is hosting a day of fun and games at the Capital News Centre. Activities include a bouncy castle, zorb soccer, free skating, and more. 

Some of the other indoor options that offer fun for the whole family and will help you burn off any pent-up energy include:

• Airhouse Sports Academy
• Energyplex
• H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
• McCurdy Bowling Centre
• Planet Lazer
• Scandia Golf & Games
• Simplex Sportszone

Find family-friendly accommodation options here.

Experience Live Music

^{Photo by: BreakOut West & Matt Lucas}

Fireside Festival, Kelowna’s Winter Arts and Music Festival, returns from February 2 – 4, 2024! Music lovers can indulge in three days of entertainment hosted at Red Bird Brewing and BNA Brewing Co & Eatery. The festival line-up features numerous local and BC-based performers, including Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Moontricks, Windmills, and many more. Diverse acts performing throughout the weekend include musical styles from hip-hop and rap to folk and rock and everything in between. Several DJs will be taking the stage, too.

On February 16, 2024, Juno award-winning jazz singer Sienna Dahlen and guitarist Bill Coon, recipient of the National Jazz Award, will take the stage in the Mary Irwin Theatre at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA).

The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra will present Kindred Spirits, with guests Erin Macdonald (viola), Martine denBok (violin), and the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra, at the Kelowna Community Theatre (KCT) on February 9, 2024. Later in the month, KCT will welcome several well-known Canadian performers to the stage, including Alan Doyle, William Prince, and Sam Roberts Band. 

Local Events

• February is Black History Month and there are several events taking place throughout the month including:
  • From February 9 to 25, visit the FINA Gallery at UBCO’s Creative and Critical Studies for the Black History Month Art Show, Transcendence, presented by the UBC Black Student Association. 
  • On February 9, Kelowna Museums will host a panel discussion, The Future of Black Histories, at the Laurel Packinghouse. 
  • Celebrating Black Creatives will be hosted on February 15, with a keynote address by poet Elliot Slinn, music by Malusi Mabaleka, Lady Dia & Trophy, and performances by UBCO students. 
  • On February 21, the Rotary Centre for the Arts will present Dominique Fils-Aimé, an award-winning Canadian jazz, R&B, and soul artist recently nominated for a JUNO Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Before the concert, guests can join in a free Kizomba lesson—Kizomba is a vibrant and free-spirited dance experience that pays homage to African and African American history. 
• Dine Around 2024 and the Living Things International Arts Festival kick-off in January but extend into February—make it a night out by booking dinner and then taking in a show. This year, the Kelowna Fringe Festival will also take place at the same time, running from January 28 to February 4, 2024. 
• SilverStar Mountain Resort will host the BC Snow Sculpture Competition as part of Vernon’s Winter Carnival, which runs from February 2 – 11, 2024, with artists from around the province competing with their best snowy masterpieces.
• On February 16 and 17, Ballet Kelowna presents Turning Point, including two world premieres: Robert Stephen‘s ballet adapted from Kat Sandler’s award-winning play Mustard and Simone Orlando’s reflective Delicate Fire dedicated to late composer Jocelyn Morlock.
• Hockey action continues through February, so gather your friends or family and head to Prospera Place to cheer on the Kelowna Rockets on home ice.

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

Weather

Like December and January, February in Kelowna remains cool, with average temperatures of 4°C / 39°F on the high end and -5°C / 23°F on the low end. As with the other winter months, February tends to be cloudy with a mix of rain and snow, most of which will melt quickly if the temperatures stay on the warm side of the averages. When packing, especially if you plan on adventuring outdoors, remember that it will be cooler near the lake and at higher elevations, where there will also be much more snow. You can monitor current conditions through the live webcam at the Kelowna Visitor Centre. 

Helpful Planning Resources

^{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 and browse available packages and promotions.
• Discover more about winter 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.