Good old fashioned summer fun: 10 free events to attend this season

Most residents know that experiencing a Kelowna summer is magical. With the Okanagan’s four-season allure, our city becomes especially vibrant during the summer months. Tourists fill the streets, while parks and beaches burst into activity under the endless sunshine.

For our recreation staff, summer signals the busiest time of year, with a calendar packed with more than ten complimentary events and activities for Kelowna families to nurture a sense of community, encourage residents to get together, and stay active for some good old fashioned summer fun. Many of these events have become Kelowna staples for many years, and we are so excited for you to join us!

1. Customer Appreciation Day
   June 13 | 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Parkinson Recreation Centre
   Join us for indoor and outdoor celebrations at PRC with free access to the pool and fitness centre all day long! You’ll also enjoy refreshments, games, prizes and more. Plus, learn more about City initiatives and upcoming events. Please note that free swims/workouts are not available from 3-5 p.m. due to scheduled swimming lessons.
2. Dancing in the Park
   Wednesday nights from July 10-August 28 | 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. | Stuart Park
   Dance along with a qualified instructor at Stuart Park - try a different style of dance every week. No advance registration is required. Just show up! All ages, abilities and experiences are welcome.
3. Sunset Yoga
   Wednesday nights from July 10-August 21 | 8 – 9 p.m. | Stuart Park
   Enjoy the sunset with a yoga practice taught by a qualified instructor at Stuart Park. All ages, abilities and experiences are welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat. This event follows Dancing in the Park, which runs from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Join us for both events or just one. No advance registration is required.
4. Roller Nights
   Tuesday nights from July 9-August 27 | 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Stuart Park
   Come roll with us at Stuart Park! Bring your inline or roller skates (plus your helmet) for an evening of skating with friends. No advance registration is required. All ages, abilities and experiences are welcome. No skates? No problem! Skate rentals are available on-site.
5. Park & Play
   Weeknights throughout July & August | 5 – 8 p.m. | Various parks
   Discover outdoor fun at Park & Play, a free event for all ages! Join us in various parks across the city to enjoy recreational activities like ladderball, inflatables, giant board games, and more. Bring your family, friends, and neighbours for an evening of fun. Plus, Festivals Kelowna’s ParksAlive! program will even be on-site six different times this summer with musical entertainment.
6. Meet me on Bernard
   May 17 – September 4 | all day | 200 & 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue
   Meet Me on Bernard is a vibrant outdoor pedestrian zone in downtown Kelowna. Find your groove with live music, connect with friends on a sun-drenched patio, shop exciting retailers or just stroll through and soak up the good vibes. Plus, there’s lots of free events happening to enjoy all season:
        - Thursdays from May 30-August 29: Downtown Kelowna Night Market
        - Fridays & Saturdays, starting July 7: Parks Alive! musical entertainment at Kerry Park.
        - Saturdays from May 11-August 31: Community Market & Artisans Showcase.
        - Sundays: Kelowna Farmers & Crafters Market at Kerry Park.
        - July 16: Arts on the Avenue.
        - July 20: Downtown Kelowna Block Party.
        - August 1: Arts on the Avenue.
        - August 17: Show N Shine on Bernard.
7. Kelowna Made
   August 24 | all day | Downtown
   Kelowna Made is an all-ages community celebration created by Kelowna residents for Kelowna residents. Enjoy face painting, a pancake breakfast, sports and cultural activities, sandcastle building and belly flop contests, live performances and more!
8. Cultural District Walking Tours
   Saturdays from July 8 – September 30 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 238 Queensway Avenue
   Follow a historical route of approximately two kilometers, highlighting the past and present of Kelowna’s cultural core, starting and ending at the Kelowna Visitor Centre. You can also take self-guided tours at your own convenience using the online tour brochure or pick up a hard copy at the Kelowna Visitor Centre. You can even take the mobile tour from the comfort of your own home! Please note that there is no tour on August 3 or August 31.
9. Neighbourhood Pulse Pop-Ups
   Last Thursday of every month from June to September | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Various parks
   Explore the vibrant and unique spirit of our neighbourhoods. From painting in the park to trivia, bingo, and outdoor movie nights, we're igniting connections among neighbours and celebrating the essence of our community at these monthly events this summer. All ages are welcome! Each event will feature a new activity in a different park, kicking off at Barlee Park (1886 Barlee Road) on June 27.
10. Knox Mountain Park interactive challenges
    Anytime | 450 Knox Mountain Drive
    Knox Your Sox Off! And the Knox Challenge – two interactive and fun ways to enjoy your hike up Knox Mountain Park along the Apex Trail. You just need your phone (GPS on), water and some good shoes. Whether you want to explore the history of the park and the flora and fauna it’s home to or want a timed fitness test, these challenges have you covered!

Plus, the Rec & Ride Summer Youth Pass is back this summer! Enjoy highly discounted passes for kids and youth in Kelowna to get active and stay connected with access to both local transit and Parkinson Recreation Centre throughout July and August.

Please join us this summer - we’re excited to see families, friends and neighbours gather for another season of fun events.

Find more information, schedules and other City events at kelowna.ca/calendar.