These can't-miss events make Kelowna the perfect spring getaway

Mar 14 2019, 1:18 am

At last, the days are longer, we’re seeing more than a glimpse of sunshine, and we can finally leave our heavy parkas at home. Spring is here and it feels so good.

Sure, you’re happy in Vancouver, but you can’t help but want to escape the city, even just for a few days. We get that. And thankfully, our prime location in BC is the perfect base for setting out on impromptu trips.

You can hop in the car and reach the beautiful Okanagan gem of Kelowna in just four hours from Vancouver (or even by taking a quick 45-minute flight). As the hub of the Okanagan, surrounded by vineyards, the stunning Okanagan Lake, and mountainous terrain with vast hiking and biking trails, Kelowna has everything you need for your spring getaway within reach.

This season, Kelowna has a huge range of stellar events taking place which give you plenty of reasons to plan your next trip. Before you start researching all of Kelowna’s can’t-miss upcoming events, here’s a look at some of the ones you’ll want to attend.

The Great Okanagan Beer Festival

Crowd/Great Okanagan Beer Festival

Beer lovers, get ready for one of the biggest brew-inspired events you’ll ever experience. From May 9 to 11, the Great Okanagan Beer Festival will be taking place in Kelowna with a can’t-miss main event at the picturesque Waterfront Park featuring 60 craft breweries.

At least 3,000 festival-goers are expected to attend the three-day event with programming at local bars and pubs, and it’s easy to see why. The musical lineup has also been announced and includes Kelowna-based indie alt-rock band Ancient Engines, Whistler’s aprĂ©s sound masters Red Chair, and Vancouver’s high-energy six-piece band, Small Town Artillery.

Think food trucks, live music, events like beer + yoga and the rock, paper, scissors contest, as well as a lot of celebrating the best craft beers and ciders that BC has to offer. Sounds like your jam? We thought so. You can get your tickets to the festival here.

Make the most of your festival vacation with a stellar deal on travel and accommodation. Accommodation partners in Kelowna are offering amazing deals like 25% off one-bedroom suites at The Royal Kelowna. Check out even more deals via Gibbons Whistler.

The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival

Wine tasting/Spencer Lupul Photography

The Okanagan is renowned for its vineyards and the production of top-tier wine, so a visit to Kelowna would not be complete without experiencing the best that the Valley has to offer. Attending the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival is the perfect opportunity. Wine festivals take place in spring and fall in the Okanagan, bringing together wine-themed events for you to enjoy.

Growing in international recognition as one of the best wine regions, you’ve got to see what all the fuss is about at the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society (OWFS) spring festival happening from May 1 to 12. The OWFS began back in 1980 and since then, it has grown alongside the industry itself with over one million events every single year, as well as two wine judging competitions.

More than 200 BC wines will be under one roof for your tasting pleasure at The Spring WestJet Wine Tastings on May 3 and 4 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. You can join the Get Blissed Spring Lunch on May 4 on the patio at Meadow Vista Honey Winery, and party on Kelowna’s Lakeshore Wine Route on the same day (bring your pooch along to this event!). Spring Wine Fest is also hosting food and wine pairings at The View Winery from May 5 to 12.

Are you a fan of golf? You won’t want to miss the Putting and Bubbles event on May 11 where you’ll be sampling fine bubbly, rosé, and whites, all while you’re out on the green (bliss). Wine connoisseur or not, check it out for yourself this spring! Tickets are available via Okanagan Wine Festivals.

The GolfBC Championship

@bcgolfswing/Instagram

Fans of golf will know that Kelowna is a complete haven for this sport as its 19 pristine golf courses see more than 2,000 hours of sunshine every year. In late spring, three golfing events bring the excitement of The GolfBC Championship, an official Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada event, to BC. Each event is a week-long celebration of golf for all and it’s now affectionately called “The BC Golf Swing.”

Gallagher’s Canyon, a top Canadian course, is host to The GolfBC Championship. The course boasts well-protected greens, awe-inspiring vistas, and challenging fairways, all framed by forested mountains. Here, you’ll get to take in the action as over 150 players from around the world compete to win while fans, friends, and families, VIPs, TOUR officials, and sponsors enjoy from the side of the field.

Now for the schedule: The Monday Qualifier at the Okanagan Course is taking place on June 10, followed by the Sponsor Pro-Ams (Morning and Afternoon Shotguns) on June 11, the Golf Skills Competition and Opening Ceremonies on June 12, and the GolfBC Championship Tournament from June 13 to 16.

The GolfBC Championship TOURJECTORY swings through BC and raises funds for local charities along the way. In 2018, over $1 million was raised for charities across Canada. And this year you can help support local charities when you attend these memorable golf games. Find out more by visiting the GolfBC Championship website.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t end there

@okeatsfoodshow/Instagram

It’s not all about beverages and sports in Kelowna when it comes to festivals, and that’s what we love about the city — there’s something for everyone.

The highly-anticipated Okanagan Eats Food Show is taking place from April 26 to 27 where you can taste bites by all your favourite BC producers. BC’s Bacon and Cider Festival will be taking place in Kelowna on May 3, and there’s going to be a ton of events happening for Kelowna Pride from June 15 to 22.

Now that you’ve got all the inspiration for your next spring getaway, you can start planning your trip now. Check out even more events in Kelowna here.

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