Penticton boasts a full and varied list of lively festivals and extraordinary special events sure to delight no matter what time of the year you visit.
Tuesday, June 15th, 2004 by GetawayBC.com

May 14-18
12th annual Meadowlark Festival
Celebrate the unique wildlife habitat in Penticton and the South Okanagan with hundreds of other outdoor enthusiasts. For more information visit or call 492-5275.
May 21-23
Seventh annual Rotary Okanagan International Children’s Festival
This festival, which brings world-wide dancing, singing and performing arts to Penticton, is held for the first time at Okanagan Lake Park with both performance-style tents, outdoor events and workshops. There’s fun for the whole family during this event. For more information visit www.okchildrensfest.org or call 250-490-2426.
June 26-28
Ninth annual Peach City Beach Cruise
See hundreds of antique cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. There’s something for everyone at the beach cruise on Lakeshore Drive. For more information visit www.peachcitybeachcruise.com.
June 25-28
Seventh annual Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival
See Elvis tribute artists performing the King’s greatest hits, take in some of his gospel tunes and watch for other tribute artists from his era. For more information about the festival visit www.pentictonelvisfestival.com.
Every week in July and August
Penticton Sunshine Cabaret
See live entertainment in Gyro Park Friday and Saturday nights from 7-9 p.m.
July 23
The Penticton Art Gallery will be holding its 32nd annual Art Auction at the Ikeda Japanese Garden from 6-11 p.m. The evening starts at 6 p.m. behind the Penticton Art Gallery located at 199 Marina Way. Tickets information available by calling 493-2928.
July 6-Aug. 16
50 annual Okanagan School of the Arts summer school
The summer school offers courses taught by professional instructors in performing arts, music, fine crafts and visual arts. Classes on ffer will include many favourites such as; painting – oil, acrylic, encaustic and watercolours; drawing; cartooning; Creativity Camp; Rock ‘n Roll and much more. OSA classes are for all ages and stages. visit www.osarts.com for details and to register.
July 17-19
Fifteenth annual Beach Blanket Film Festival
See Canada’s only outdoor floating screen film festival with Canadian filmmakers screening their shows. Bring your blanket to Okanagan Lake. For more information visit www.beachblanketfilmfest.ca.
Aug. 2
Mr. Muscle Miss Bikini Contest
See Penticton and area’s finest in the Junior Chamber International Penticton Mr. Muscle/Miss Bikini contest held from noon-8 p.m. at Skaha Beach. Live entertainment, vendors and lots to see. No minors allowed.
Aug. 2
29th Naramata August Faire
Manitou Park is the venue for the Naramata August Faire, held the first Sunday in August every year. This day in the park is a family-oriented festival of live music, fun, food, games, and artisans. This annual party starts with a parade at 11 a.m. Free admission. Everyone welcome.
Aug. 5-9
62nd annual Penticton Peach Festival
Originally created to celebrate the area’s peach harvest, the Peach Festival has taken off in popularity. Take the time to enjoy all the entertainment competitions, concerts, parades, food vendors, crafts and more all offered during the festival. For more information about Peach Fest visit www.peachfest.com.
Sept. 11-13
13th annual Pentastic Jazz Festival
Three days of entertainment for the jazz enthusiast with bands from Canada, the United States and around the world at six different venues. For more information visit www.pentasticjazz.com.
Oct. 30
Pumpkin Patch Halloween Carnival
Children 11 years and under and their families can play over 35 different carnival games and win “Boo Bucks” to be cashed in for a bag of goodies. Live dance music by Shakewood Annie, photo booth, Pumpkin Lane and more. Held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Advance tickets only at the Penticton Community Centre.
Oct. 1-11
28th annual Okanagan Fall Wine Festival
Celebrate the South Okanagan’s speciality – wine – and great food during this festival. There are a variety of wine-related events going on through the valley. For more information visit www.owfs.com.
Oct. 30
The Soup Bowls Project
Enjoy a beautiful pottery bowl filled with delectable soups prepared by the finest local restaurants. Add homemade bread, a glass of wine and some soulful jazz, and you’ve got a night to remember! Your personally selected, handcrafted bowl is your souvenir of this fabulous event. Tickets available by calling 493-2928.
Dec. 5
Santa Claus Parade
See Santa and all things Christmas at the parade which starts at 4:30 p.m. There will be food, clowns and carolers as well as live entertainment. For more information call 493-8540.;
