Watch for increased foot traffic throughout downtown Penticton this week as several outdoor events bring activities for all ages over multiple days.
Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest takes place Thursday, June 4 to Saturday, June 6 at Okanagan Lake Park, attracting thousands of children and families over the three-day event. New this year is the Big Top Tent featuring indoor entertainment, performances and activities.
To support school bus loading and pedestrian safety, Lakeshore Drive between Front Street and Veterans Way will be closed June 4-5 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Drivers travelling throughout the area are reminded to slow down, follow posted signage and obey directions from traffic personnel.
While weekday programming is largely geared toward school groups, Saturday is open to the public. The festival is ticketed, and the site will be fully fenced, with all details available at hahahakidzfest.com.
Also on Saturday, the Kidzfest Rhythm Parade begins at 9 a.m. at Nanaimo Square and travels along Main Street to the festival site. Participation to this parade is free and open to all ages, with costumes and instruments encouraged.
Residents are reminded of the street closures also taking place Saturday on Main Street as part of the Penticton Farmers’ Market and Downtown Community Market.
Also, new this year is the Penticton Night Market, starting tonight (Thursday) at Gyro Park from 5-9 p.m. This will feature approximately 40 vendors, including food trucks and live music, running until Sept. 17.
On Sunday, June 7, the Kidney Walk, hosted by the Kidney Foundation (BC & Yukon), will follow a 2.5 km route starting and ending at Gyro Park, using sidewalks along Lakeshore Drive. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:30 a.m.
Also on Sunday, the Walkin’ and Rollin’ Pride Parade, hosted by the South Okanagan Similkameen Pride Society, will begin at 1 p.m. at the S.S. Sicamous. Participants will walk, roll or ride along the boardwalk to Gyro Park, where a community celebration will take place at the outdoor rink featuring food trucks, music and live performances.
For more events, visit penticton.ca/events.
Map of Ha Ha Ha Kidzfest Road Closure
