Canada Day 2025 in Kelowna, BC: Fireworks, Folkfest, and Much More

Over 60,000 people pack downtown Kelowna every Canada Day. That's a LOT of red and white!

Canada Day 2025 in Kelowna promises to be the biggest celebration yet. You'll find amazing food, live music on multiple stages, and the best fireworks show in the Okanagan Valley region. Plus, most events happen right in downtown's best neighbourhoods.

Here's everything you need to know to make the most of July 1st in Kelowna.

Quick Kelowna Canada Day Checklist

• Festivities start at 11 a.m. (not 10 a.m.!)
• Bring cash for food vendors and markets
• Pack sunscreen or visit the FREE wellness station
• Find your fireworks viewing spot before 9 p.m.
• Use bikes or walk - Water Street closes to cars
• Check the weather and dress for the day

What Is Canada Day & Why Do We Celebrate It?

Canada Day is the national holiday of Canada, celebrated every year on July 1st. It marks the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act united three colonies into the single nation of Canada.

The day celebrates the country’s history, culture, and diversity with patriotic events from coast to coast. Communities large and small host festivities including parades, live music, food fairs, and fireworks.

It's one of the most patriotic and fun summer activities in Kelowna. Let's discover why this Okanagan Valley city does Canada Day so well!

Celebrating Canada Day in Kelowna

Canada Day in Kelowna kicks off at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 1st. But some special events start earlier!

The celebration spreads across several key downtown Kelowna locations:

• Waterfront Park (the main hub)
• Prospera Place (50th Annual Folkfest!)
• Jim Stuart Park
• Pioneer Gardens
• Tugboat Beach

Most activities happen within walking distance of each other. Perfect for exploring different areas throughout the day.

Complete Kelowna Canada Day Schedule

Early Morning Special Events (10 a.m)

• 50th Annual Kelowna Folkfest begins at Prospera Place (runs until 3:30 p.m.)
• Kelowna Art Gallery, one of the best museums in Kelowna, opens with free admission and family activities (until 4 p.m.)

Main Festivities Begin (11 a.m.)

• Century 21 Family Zone opens at Pioneer Gardens (until 4 p.m.)
• Kiwanis Family Stage starts at Pioneer Gardens (until 4 p.m.)
• Made in Canada Marketplace opens at Rhapsody Plaza (until 6 p.m.)
• Canada Day Bazaar begins near Concession Plaza (until 9 p.m.)
• Taste of Canada Food Fair starts at Concession Plaza (until 10 p.m.)

Official Ceremonies (12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

• Canada Day ceremonies and cake cutting at Prospera Place

Afternoon & Evening Entertainment

• TD Beach Stage at Tugboat Beach (1 p.m. - 9:50 p.m.)
• Parks Alive! Power Stage at Stuart Park (1:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)

Grand Finale

• Fireworks over Okanagan Lake—one of the best lakes in British Columbia—at 10 p.m. sharp

The schedule flows perfectly. Start with morning activities, catch the official ceremonies, grab lunch at the food fair, browse the markets, then find your fireworks spot.

NEW This Year: London Drugs Wellness Station

FREE sunscreen, bottled water, and health information! Perfect for staying comfortable during the long celebration day.

The wellness station is sponsored by London Drugs, which has a presence throughout the Okanagan Valley. London Drugs has locations in Kelowna's Glenmore neighbourhood and West Kelowna, among others.

Family-Friendly Canada Day in Kelowna

Century 21 Family Zone - The Kids' Headquarters

The Family Zone runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pioneer Gardens. Your kids can enjoy:

• Drop-in games (no sign-ups needed!)
• Hands-on craft stations
• Interactive demos
• Fun activities for all ages

Just show up and join the fun. No planning required.

50th Annual Kelowna Folkfest - A Special Milestone

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Kelowna Folkfest, one of the most fun experiences in Kelowna! From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Prospera Place, you'll experience:

• Cultural performances from around the world
• Traditional ethnic food booths
• Live demonstrations of cultural arts
• A celebration of Kelowna's diverse community

The Folkfest adds an international flavour to Canada Day. It's like travelling the world without leaving downtown.

Free Art Activities

The Kelowna Art Gallery opens its doors for free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Perfect for families wanting a creative break from outdoor activities.

Kids can create Canada Day crafts while adults explore local artwork. Air conditioning is a bonus on hot July days!

Official Kelowna Canada Day Ceremonies

Don't miss the official ceremonies and cake cutting from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. While Prospera Place is home to some of the most expensive condos in Kelowna, it welcomes everyone on Canada Day!

This is the "official" part of Canada Day—complete with speeches, the national anthem, and, of course, birthday cake for Canada!

Live Music - Five Stages of Non-Stop Entertainment

You'll find live music and entertainment on FIVE different stages:

• 50th Annual Folkfest Stage (Prospera Place, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
• Kiwanis Family Stage (Pioneer Gardens, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• TD Beach Stage (Tugboat Beach, 1 p.m. - 9:50 p.m.)
• Parks Alive! Power Stage (Jim Stuart Park, 1:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)
• Official ceremonies (Prospera Place, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.)

Music and Entertainment for Every Taste

The lineup includes local bands, cultural performances, and family-friendly shows. You'll hear:

• Traditional folk music from various cultures
• Local rock and pop bands
• Family-friendly performances and demos
• Cultural music and dance

Music and entertainment run from 10 a.m. until almost 10 p.m. That's 12 hours of live shows!

Each stage offers a different experience. The Folkfest stage celebrates cultural diversity. The beach stage has a relaxed vibe. Family stages focus on kid-friendly content.

Move between stages throughout the day. Discover Kelowna's cultural diversity while enjoying great entertainment.

Taste of Canada Food Fair

The food fair features over 19 vendors at the Concession Plaza near the beach. It runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

These aren't just any food trucks. You'll find some of Kelowna's best restaurants plus specialty Canada Day treats. Let's explore some of the specialties you'll find at the Taste of Canada Food Fair.

Traditional Canadian Dishes

• Poutine (obviously!)
• Maple syrup treats
• Canadian bacon specialties
• Fresh salmon from BC waters

International Flavours from Folkfest Vendors

• Authentic ethnic cuisines
• Cultural specialties
• Traditional recipes from around the world

Festival Favourites

• Ice cream (perfect for hot July weather)
• Funnel cakes and carnival treats
• Canadian maple cookies
• Fresh fruit from Okanagan orchards

Pro Tips for Food Fair Success

Bring cash - some vendors don't take cards. Food prices stay reasonable for a festival this size.

The Concession Plaza location puts you steps away from Tugboat Beach. Grab lunch, then walk to the beach for a break.

Visit the ethnic food booths at Folkfest for unique cultural dishes you won't find anywhere else in Kelowna.

Save room for dessert! Most of Kelowna's best ice cream shops are within walking distance of Foklfest.

Local Artisan Markets

Canada Day revellers in Kelowna are encouraged to take the time to visit two great artisan markets.

Made in Canada Marketplace

• Where: Rhapsody Plaza
• When: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• What: Canadian-made goods and crafts

Canada Day Bazaar

• Where: Near Concession Plaza and marble sculpture garden
• When: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• What: Local artisan booths and crafts

What Makes These Markets Special

You'll find handmade items you won't see anywhere else:

• Custom jewelry designed by local artists
• Hand-crafted home decor pieces
• Original artwork from Okanagan Valley artists
• Unique clothing and accessories
• Canadian-themed souvenirs and gifts

Support small businesses while finding one-of-a-kind Canada Day treasures.

Perfect Downtown Locations

Both markets are in prime downtown spots, with easy access to food, music, and other activities—as if there weren't enough reasons to love living in Downtown Kelowna!

Browse the Made in Canada Marketplace, then walk to the Concession Plaza for food and the second market. Everything connects perfectly for a full day of exploration.

Fireworks Display: The Okanagan Valley's Biggest Show

The fireworks start at 10 p.m. over Okanagan Lake. This isn't just any fireworks show - it's the BIGGEST display in the entire Okanagan Valley.

The show creates intricate patterns against the night sky. Vibrant colors reflect off the lake water, doubling the visual impact.

Best Viewing Spots

Tugboat Beach - Prime lakefront viewing on one of the best beaches in Kelowna (with no obstructions!)

Waterfront Park - Multiple viewing angles along the waterfront

Stuart Park - Elevated views with plenty of space for families

Any downtown waterfront location - The fireworks are visible from most lakefront spots

Arrive at your viewing spot before 9 p.m. With 60,000+ people attending, the best spots fill up fast.

Family-Friendly Finale

The fireworks create a perfect ending to Canada Day. Kids love the colours and patterns, and adults appreciate the show's professional quality.

The display typically runs 15-20 minutes. Long enough to be impressive, short enough that little ones don't get restless. With popular viewing spots in some of Kelowna's best parks, there's also plenty to do while you wait for the show to start.

Kelowna Canada Day Transportation and Logistics

Road Closures You Need to Know

Water Street closes to vehicle traffic from Cawston Avenue to Sunset Drive between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on July 1.

As anyone living in Kelowna knows, this is the MAIN downtown street. Plan alternate routes or better yet, don't drive at all.

Parking Restrictions

These lots are CLOSED from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 1:

• Dolphins parking lot
• Parts of City Hall parking lot

Downtown parking fills up fast, even in open lots.

Smart Transportation Tips

Walk or bike - Most downtown hotels and neighbourhoods are within walking distance

Public transit - Use Kelowna's public transit to avoid parking hassles

Drop-off strategy - Have someone drop you off and pick you up later

Arrive early - Come before 11 a.m. for the best parking options

Boat Access Note

The boat locks at Waterfront Park close at 6 a.m. on July 1 and 8 a.m. on July 2. If you're arriving by boat, plan accordingly.

Weather and Comfort Tips

Beat the July Heat

July in Kelowna can be HOT. Here's how to stay comfortable:

Visit the FREE London Drugs Wellness Station for sunscreen and water

Bring your own supplies: Hat, sunglasses, and extra water

Take breaks indoors: The Art Gallery offers free air-conditioned relief

Find shade: Many activities happen in parks with tree coverage

Dress for Success

• Comfortable walking shoes (you'll cover lots of ground)
• Light, breathable clothing
• Canada-themed gear for photos
• Layers for evening (it cools down after sunset)

Check the weather forecast before leaving home. Kelowna weather can change quickly.

Resident-Approved Kelowna Canada Day Strategy

Start at 10 a.m. with Folkfest and Art Gallery activities

Join main festivities at 11 a.m. - food fair, markets, family zone

Attend official ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. for the "real" Canada Day experience

Explore different stages throughout the afternoon

Claim your fireworks spot by 9 p.m. for the grand finale

Community Spirit That Lasts All Year

The community spirit you'll experience on July 1st reflects what makes Kelowna special year-round.

The downtown neighbourhoods, waterfront parks, and lake views that make this celebration amazing are here every day. No wonder Kelowna is one of the best cities in the Okanagan Valley!

Whether you're visiting for Canada Day or considering making Kelowna home, this celebration shows you the heart of one of BC's most vibrant communities.

If the opportunities in Kelowna excite you, contact the agents at KelownaHomes.ca at 250-999-9844 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find the perfect home in Kelowna today.