Avoid Okanagan FOMO, 2026 Travel Guide
March 1, 2026 by Stacey Lust | Lust 4 Luxury Tours
Your 2026 Kelowna & Okanagan Valley Travel Guide
If the Okanagan is even remotely on your radar for 2026, I want you to have the inside scoop.
Every year I help guests plan unforgettable escapes throughout Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley — and 2026 is already shaping up to be BIG. With major events, limited accommodation, and record-breaking travel numbers through Kelowna International Airport (over 2.3 million passengers in 2025 alone), early planning will make all the difference.
My goal? I want you sipping wine, soaking in lake views, and enjoying seamless plans — not scrambling for accommodation, reservations or missing out on something special.
🌸 Spring Highlights – Events (April-May)
Spring brings fresh vineyard blooms, mild weather, and exciting events.
*Sample BC’s Best Craft Beer & Cider:
The Okanagan Fest of Ale (April 10 & 11) — Celebrating their 29th anniversary showcasing the best of BC craft beer and cider at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Music, food, craft beverages and good vibes.
* Wedding planning in the Okanagan:
The Kelowna Bridal Extravaganza (April 11) — 65+ vendors for anyone dreaming of an Okanagandestination wedding.
*The Okanagan's Top Spring Wine Event:
The Spring Okanagan Wine Festival (May 2) — Enjoy a day at the beautiful Okanagan Golf Club as you sip and savour the season’s best, all unlimited and included in your ticket.
*Let’s Feast:
The 2026 Pig Out (May 2) — Local, guest chefs and BC’s top butchers will unite in Oliver, BC to showcase their many talents. Festivities ranging from winery station themes to unique culinary menu twists, family activities and more.
*Move Your Body:
The Cherry Blossom Triathlon is happening (May 3) — Swim, bike, or run through stunning scenery.
*Dance In City Park:
Kelowna’s finest Garden Party (May 9) — Set in the heart of City Park, where open-air house music, delicious Okanagan beverages and community come together.
*High-Octane Weekend:
The legendary Knox Mountain Hill Climb (May 16–17) — Canada’s most iconic uphill race is thrilling, loud, and uniquely Kelowna.
* Hockey Fans, This Is Your Moment:
The Memorial Cup (May 21–31) — Elite junior hockey draws fans from everywhere.
* Beer, Beer, & More Beer:
Take part in Kelowna Beer Fest (TBD) — 50+ breweries downtown in Kelowna City Park.
Best downtown accommodation for these events:
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
☀️ Summer Energy – Events (June-September)
Summer is vibrant, lively, and books quickly.
* Football Under the Sun:
Are you a fan of the BC Lions, Edmonton Elks, Calgary Stammpeeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Totonto Argonauts, Ottawa Redblacks, or Montreal Alouettes? This is your chance to support your team at the Kelowna Apple Bowl (June 27 & July 4) — Expanded stadium, with 17,000+ fans you won't want to miss this event.
* Canada Day Celebrations:
One of the busiest, most vibrant times to visit the Okanagan is during the Canada Day (July 1) — Long weekend with events and celebrations happening throughout the Okanagan.
* Magical Outdoor Music:
Mission Hill Family Estate Winery hosts its annual outdoor concert series (July 8 & 22 & August 6) —Artists announced March 5, with members getting priority access too tickets.
* Let’s Rock & Roll:
Rock the Lake (July 10-12) — Takes place in the Prospera Place parking lot, think classic rock and Canadian artists packed into a 3-day festival downtown Kelowna.
* Where Funk & Everything Pink Collide:
Rosé Disco in Waterfront Park (July 18) — Outdoor DJ, sunshine, and as much Okanagan rosé as your heart desires.
* Multi Sport Event:
Get ready for the Argus Apple Triathlon taking place in Kelowna (August 9) — Offering both Adults and Youth an opportunity to compete. Standard distance triathlon, standard distance aqua bike, sprint distance triathlon, BC super series, and kids or youth races.
* She’s Gone Country:
Denim on the Diamond (TBD) — Country music by the lake, fun fact Kelowna hosted the CCMA Country Music Week in 2025.
* Harvest Celebration:
Okanagan Feast of Fields (TBD) — Farm-to-table deliciousness.
Best downtown accommodation for these events:
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort
🍂 Fall Fun - Events (September-December)
Harvest in the Okanagan is absolutely magical.
* Okanagan Wine:
Okanagan Fall Wine Festival (TBD) — Picture wineries coming together from every corner of the Okanagan Valley under one roof to offer attendees a night to remember. Join their email list to get first access to every event!
* Local, Craft Beer:
Kelowna Beer Week (TBD) — Sip BC Beer from local craft producers keen on capturing your tastebuds during this weeklong event.
Winery events and harvest experiences are often limited capacity and typically announced in spring. This is one of my favourite times to curate private wine tours — the energy in the vineyards is unforgettable. If you are keen on joining a winery, I always recommend viewing their events list on their individual website or joining their mailing list for timely updates.
A Quick Accommodation Note
BC’s short-term rental regulations have reduced Airbnb inventory in Kelowna. Larger groups may find more spacious home and condo rentals in West Kelowna.
If you’re unsure where to stay — walkable downtown, lakeside luxury, or vineyard views — just ask me. I’m happy to guide you.
It’s More Than Wine 🍷
Yes, I specialize in Private Custom Luxury Wine Tours — but my experiences go far beyond tastings.
Imagine:
• A romantic vineyard dinner at sunset
• Playing viticulturist for the day — helping harvest grapes
• A carefree ladies’ paint-and-sip night
• A fully curated weekend itinerary designed just for you
If something is on your bucket list, tell me. I’d love to help you make it happen — at the right time, in the right place, without stress.
Helpful Event Resources Throughout The Okanagan:
VIP Reward Member Perks 💛
If you’re a VIP Rewards Member and booking in 2026, here’s your perks:
*Tuesday offers special rates sitewide, returning guests receive 10% off, when you book 3 tours you receive 15% off, refer a booking and receive 15% off your next tour, receive a complementary bottle of wine when you celebrate a special cccasion with us.
Your support means everything to me — and these are my way of saying thank you.
If 2026 is your year to experience the Okanagan, let’s start planning early. The best dates always go first — and I would love to host you.
With excitement for what’s ahead,
Stacey Lust 💛
Lust 4 Luxury Wine Tours