Discover Penticton’s Events: A Guide to the City’s Top Cultural Festivals

Located between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, Penticton is known for its lively cultural festivals. These events not only highlight the city’s rich heritage but also bring locals and visitors together in celebration. In this blog, we explore some of Penticton’s major festivals, including the Peach Fest, Dragon Boat Festival, Fest of Ale, and wine festivals.

Peach Festival

The Penticton Peach Festival has been a community staple for over 70 years, celebrated every August. Originally founded to celebrate the region’s agricultural roots, it has grown into a large-scale event that draws thousands of attendees. The five-day festival is a mix of free family-friendly activities, parades, and live entertainment.

Key Highlights include the Peach Parade, a beloved local tradition featuring floats, bands, and performers. The event also offers free concerts by well-known Canadian artists, attracting music lovers to the main stage at Okanagan Lake Park. Beyond music, the festival includes a carnival, food vendors, and, naturally, peach-themed activities that celebrate Penticton’s agricultural past.

The Peach Festival fosters community spirit, with local businesses and organizations participating each year. The event showcases the region’s hospitality and provides a platform for Penticton to demonstrate its agricultural and cultural pride. If you’re in Penticton in August, attending Peach Fest is a must.

Penticton Dragon Boat Festival

Held every September on Skaha Lake, the Penticton Dragon Boat Festival is a thrilling cultural and sporting event. Teams from across Canada and beyond compete in dragon boat races, a sport with ancient Chinese origins. What started as a small competition has grown into a major event, combining athleticism with cultural celebration.

While the focus of the festival is the dragon boat races, it’s also a community-driven event featuring food trucks, local vendors, and live music. The races themselves are exhilarating, with paddlers in synchronized teams powering long boats across the water. However, the festival isn’t just about competition; it emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, and celebration of tradition.

The Dragon Boat Festival has become a major draw for both athletes and spectators. Its scenic location on Skaha Lake makes it a visually stunning and enjoyable event for everyone, regardless of whether you’re competing or watching.

Fest of Ale

For those who appreciate craft beer, the Fest of Ale is a must-attend event each April. This two-day festival features over 70+ breweries, cideries, and distilleries from British Columbia and beyond, offering a unique chance to sample an array of beverages in one place.

The festival is held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and offers more than just tastings. Key Highlights include food pairings from local restaurants, live music performances, and games. The event provides an opportunity to explore the diverse flavours of the craft beer industry, particularly those local to the Okanagan Valley.

The unique aspect of Fest of Ale is its community focus. Many participating vendors are small, local businesses that take pride in their craft. Moreover, a portion of the proceeds from the festival is donated to local charities, making it a feel-good event that supports the community.

---

Wine Festivals

Penticton is known for its world-class wines, and the city’s wine festivals are a testament to its place in the heart of the Okanagan wine region. These festivals occur throughout the year, with the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival being a particular highlight. Held every October, this festival aligns with the grape harvest and offers a variety of events, including wine tastings, vineyard tours, and gourmet dining experiences.

During the wine festivals, visitors can sample award-winning wines while enjoying the beauty of the vineyards. Local wineries offer curated experiences such as wine and food pairings, allowing attendees to taste the region’s best wines alongside specially designed menus.

The wine festivals not only appeal to seasoned wine lovers but also to those looking to learn more about the industry. With tours and tastings, visitors can meet winemakers and gain insight into the wine-making process, making it an enriching experience for all.

Other Notable Festivals

Penticton is home to a variety of other cultural events throughout the year. One standout is the Penticton Arts Council’s Art Walk, which showcases the work of local artists. The event features art exhibitions, workshops, and live demonstrations, making it an excellent opportunity to engage with Penticton’s creative community.

The city also hosts several Indigenous cultural events, celebrating the heritage of the Syilx Okanagan people. These events often include traditional art, music, dance, and storytelling, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the area’s Indigenous culture.

Enjoy Penticton

Penticton’s cultural festivals are a vibrant reflection of the community’s rich traditions and creativity. From the iconic Peach Festival to the Dragon Boat Festival, the craft beer-filled Fest of Ale, and the wine festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These festivals not only attract visitors but also strengthen community bonds, making Penticton, British Columbia, a destination that celebrates its heritage year-round.

For more information about Skaha Hills and how you can become a part of this vibrant residential community, contact us. We’re here to help you find your perfect home and experience all that Skaha Hills has to offer!