Anticipate crowds and road closures as Penticton welcomes the full return of Peach Festival

Service Announcement

Peach Festival returns to Penticton next week, providing five full days of free entertainment and attracting visitors from near and far. Residents are encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly experiences, and are reminded to exercise patience and give themselves extra time to move around the city. 

This event, running from Aug. 3-7, marks its 75th year in Penticton and is expected to draw crowds in the tens of thousands. Residents are encouraged to leave the car at home and walk, ride bikes or take transit wherever possible. BC Transit has expanded its route 5 during the duration of the festival, with further details listed below. 

All City updates involving road closures will be posted online at penticton.ca/peach-festival and to the City’s social media channels. Please be aware of the following.

Wednesday, Aug. 3
  • Performances by the Canadian Forces Skyhawks (5 p.m.) and Snowbirds (6 p.m.) are anticipated to attract extra foot and motor vehicle traffic to the Okanagan Lake waterfront area. If you plan to drive, expect congestion on the roads and parking lots, with parking options available at penticton.ca/parking. Consider walking, riding bikes or using transit.
  • A section of Okanagan Lake will be closed to boat traffic for the 2022 Snowbirds air display on Wednesday from 5:40-7 p.m., with a map of the area available to view at penticton.ca/peach-festival.
  • The 100 block of Main Street will be closed from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to allow for the Peach Bin Races. 
Wednesday, Aug. 3 to Friday, Aug. 5
  • A section of Lakeshore Drive across from Okanagan Lake Park, from the east side of Veterans Way to the north side of Lakeshore Drive at Front Street, will be closed starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and ending at 6 p.m. on Friday for the Mega Motocross show.
Saturday, Aug. 6
  • Expect extensive closures throughout the downtown area on Saturday morning due to the Penticton Farmers’ Market, Community Market and the Peter Bros. Construction Grand Parade. 
  • The parade closure is from 5 a.m. until 2 p.m. starting on Main Street from the north side of Edna Avenue, running to the north side of Wade Avenue, along Winnipeg Street and then Lakeshore Drive to Riverside Drive. 
  • The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Main Street and Eckhardt Avenue, before turning left on Wade Avenue, right on Winnipeg Street and left on Lakeshore Drive. Not sure where to watch? See the route map at peachfest.com.
  • Watch for on-site signage and be aware that street parking will not be permitted along the parade route during the closure.
Sunday, Aug. 7
  • A section of Main Street from the north side of Wade Avenue to the north side of Lakeshore Drive will be closed Sunday morning between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for the Minuteman Press Kiddies Day Parade. (The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. from Wade Avenue & Main Street)
  • Access to the Lakeside Resort will be provided from the west side of Lakeshore Dr. at Main St.
Transportation Options 
  • For bike route information, visit penticton.ca/cycling. A free bike valet service will be available on Saturday, Aug. 6, during the Penticton Farmers’ Market, provided by Penticton and Area Cycling Association (PACA).
  • BC Transit (bctransit.com) has added additional services during the festival, including:
    • Additional service on route 5 Main Street. 
    • The addition of a late night bus service leaving the site at 11:40 p.m. each night of the festival. 
    • Temporary bus stop set up at Okanagan Lake Park, on Veterans Way. 
    • Saturday-level services are provided on Sunday. 
  • For parking locations, visit penticton.ca/parking.
Where to find out more

All performances are free and will take place at Okanagan Lake Park, with some activities also being held at Skaha Lake Park and Gyro Park, with Shooting Star Amusements in Rotary Park from Aug. 3-14.