"There's nothing to compare to live music, there just isn't anything."
– R&B chart-topper and legendary disco queen Gloria Gaynor
It's true. There really isn’t anything quite like live music.
The good news is that Penticton is on the forefront of a live music renaissance of sorts. Look around the city and you'll find no shortage of spots to experience in-person musicians and the magic they create.
Sitting atop the charts is a pair of downtown venues known throughout the region for their ambience and top-level sound. One is the premier spot in the South Okanagan for songwriters and their original compositions. The other is all about skilled cover bands playing the best tunes of the rock era in front of one of the biggest dance floors around.
The Dream Café
We start our journey at the Front Street melody mecca known as The Dream Café.
"Next year will be our 25th anniversary," said GM Kevin Rose. "We've been run as a co-op since 2015, meaning we have a board and many owners.
"So there's no one looking to make a ton of money here. The one purpose of this venue is to bring incredible original music to Penticton and support Canadian artists."
Currently, the Dream averages 15 shows a month. The vast majority feature up and coming touring artists, most with an album or more already to their credit.
"And we host a really wide variety of genres," said Rose.
"If you're into blues or country or world music or folk or rock or indie rock, chances are you'll find one of those genres and something you love."
But the all-ages venue at 67 Front is also a restaurant, with a full roster of munchables courtesy Summerland gourmet caterer Flambé at Home, beers from every brewery in town and copious offerings from an assortment of local wineries.
Shows are priced individually. Check here for the lineup.
The (party) Hub
Want to dance? In Penticton, there's perhaps no better spot to do just that than The Hub on Martin.
Founded in 2023 by two women with a combined 29 years in the industry, the big space at 260 Martin St. has quickly gained an impressive all-ages following.
"Every weekend we host big cover bands," said co-owner Kori Iceton, formerly of the Barley Mill Brew Pub. "It's familiar music that gets you up on the dance floor, and we have a giant dance floor."
They also have a giant sound system.
"Our system comes from (premier audiovisual rental biz) Skaha Sound," said Iceton. "It's out of this world, and bands are really excited to play here because we have the sound to support their music."
The really big shows kick off every Friday and Saturday night.
"And on Sunday we support original music with our Sunday Sessions," added Iceton, "and then on Tuesday we have karaoke, where anyone can come sing their hearts out through our wicked sound system."
In September, the venue will launch a "Blues Night," hosted by Juno-nominated artist David Barber.
Iceton recommends potential patrons download the Hub on Martin app to skip extra fees.
A musical tour of Ellis Street
Over at the entertainment intersection of Ellis Street and Westminster Ave. E., both Cannery Brewing (198 Ellis) and the adjacent Hwy 97 Brewing (200 Ellis) have ramped up their programs.
At the former, says Cannery co-owner Ian Dyck, there's a "mix of everything."
"We have free local live music twice a week," he said. "It happens Thursday in our Backyard patio space and Sundays in our taproom. The taproom is year 'round. The back yard will be open through early October."
According to the Cannery events calendar, there are nine shows in the month of July alone, with a solid mix between bands, duos and solo performers.
Things are looking up right across the street too, where Hwy 97 co-owner John Kapusty says there's live music every Saturday night all year long (and oodles of live comedy too).
"We have lots of touring artists so our locals get to see a nice variety," said Kapusty. "And we also try to feature one local artist each month."
And there's more live music just up the road at the Elks Lodge (343 Ellis St.), where we're told every Saturday night throughout the year they serve up a great meal and a great band.
The venue favours 70s and 80s rock and pop. For more into on the next show, check the Elks' Facebook page here.
But wait, there's more!
If the waterfront is more your thing, you can’t do much better than the Barking Parrot Bar at the Penticton Lakeside Resort (21 Lakeshore Dr. W.).
Virtually every weekend from the start of June through the end of August, the Parrot patio is a live music showcase. Bands, duos and solo acts keep the good times rolling through the warm months. Check here for details.
Occasional nights of live music can also be found at spots like Britbar (67 Nanaimo Ave. E.), Barley Mill Brew Pub (2460 Skaha Lake Rd.) and Clancy's Pub & Grill (333 Martin St.). At the latter, metal and punk vie for top spot.
Headliners at the SOEC and Cleland
Of course, the biggest concert hall in the region is the massive South Okanagan Events Centre at 853 Eckhardt Ave. West.
July 5 it hosts Canadian country-rockers Blue Rodeo. Oct 8 it's hard-edged Halestorm and electric violinist Lindsey Stirling. A triple bill featuring Tea Party, Headstones and Finger Eleven hits the SOEC Nov. 5.
Bridging the gap between Penticton's night spots and the colossal SOEC is Cleland Community Theatre, a 443-seat performing arts venue known for its quality sound. Upcoming Cleland shows include a Beach Boys tribute on Sept. 19 called "Let's Go Surfin" and a quick-witted evening of laughs on Oct. 24 courtesy of "The Comic Strippers."
The city of festivals
Last but certainly not least is the city's wealth of festivals, many of which carry substantial live music components.
Stuff like the Penticton Peach Festival, which for 2025 presents artists like Safety Dance legends Men Without Hats (Aug. 6), trending country singer-songwriter Jojo Mason (Aug 7) and veteran Toronto-based rockers Sloan (Aug 9).
In the spring, there's Ignite the Arts, a three-day music and arts opus that unfolds at multiple locales throughout downtown Penticton and serenades guests with a magnum collection of diverse acts that runs the gamut from mild to wild and back again. Think outside the mainstream.
Okanagan Fest of Ale, Penticton Elvis Festival and Penticton Ribfest also feature live music. And all are right here in the city between the lakes.
Did we miss your favourite live music venue? Email us! communications@penticton.ca
Love Local
This blog post is part of the City of Penticton's Love Local series, designed to shine spotlights on local businesses and encourage people to shop and support local. Do you have a local story or business to tell us about? Email communications@penticton.ca. And share your photos over social by tagging the City of Penticton and #lovelocalpenticton!
