With Elvis performances, markets, Canada Day celebrations and the Scottish Festival all scheduled in the coming days, Penticton residents will have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, connect and join in the fun.
The City is reminding the public to expect crowds, particularly downtown, and that parking may be limited. The City is offering free bus services through BC Transit on Canada Day (July 1), as well as free bike valet services at many upcoming events, with more details listed below.
Elvis Festival (June 27-29)
Celebrate the king of rock ‘n’ roll at this tribute artist competition deemed to be the largest Elvis festival in Canada. Tickets are available at the gate of Gyro Park to watch the outdoor performances, with more details at pentictonelvisfestival.ca.
Canada Day (July 1)
Family-friendly activities: The celebrations begin at 11 a.m. at Gyro Park, brought to you by the City of Penticton and organized by the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association. Activities continue until 3 p.m., including performers, face painting, a market, food trucks, bouncy castle, inflatable racecourse and more, with details at downtownpenticton.org.
Citizenship ceremony: Canada’s newest citizens will be honoured with a certificate presented by local dignitaries at 12 noon on July 1 at Gyro Park. This special event is organized by the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS).
Fireworks show: Penticton Lakeside Resort is hosting a fireworks show above Okanagan Lake, starting at 10 p.m. Roll out a blanket or pack some lawn chairs to take in the fireworks display over the water. Be aware that boaters on Okanagan Lake will not be allowed to enter the designated safety zone marked around the barge on the water.
Options to get around: The City is offering free bus services through BC Transit on all Penticton routes, which will be operating on a regular weekday-level basis, providing more frequent connections. Fares are free for handyDART as well. Visit bctransit.com for schedules and maps. Also, the City is providing a free bike valet service at Gyro Park from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Penticton Scottish Festival (July 4-5)
This event combines traditional Scottish Highland Games of musical and athletic competitions with Celtic cultural entertainment and family fun, taking place at King’s Park. Crowd favourites include the Highland dancing, bagpiping, drumming and caber toss. Enjoy pipe band competitions, a beer garden and other live entertainment. Want to avoid driving? The City is offering a free bike valet service for this event on Saturday, July 5, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Get more event details at pentictonscottishfestival.ca.
Other upcoming events
- Penticton Farmers’ Market & Downtown Community Market (Saturdays)
- Okanagan Trestle Tour (July 6)
- Okanagan Granfondo (July 12-13)
- Peach Classic (July 20)
- RibFest (July 25-27)
- Ultraman Canada (July 26-27)
- Peach Festival (Aug. 6-10)
For more events, visit penticton.ca/events.