Good morning, Kelowna! 🌈🏀

Summer is arriving with a vengeance — 32°C by Monday and a packed week ahead. A Kelowna fundraiser has gone national, a major country star is at Prospera Place tonight, and the Chamber of Commerce is turning 120. The city keeps delivering. Let's get into it.

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🌊 Kelowna's autism paddle fundraiser becomes a national movement

What started as a local idea has quietly become a national phenomenon. Making Waves for Autism, founded by Kelowna's Chantelle Inglis in memory of her cousin Tyler, has now raised over $110,000 for autism support and attracted 457 paddlers from across Canada. In 2026 the program has already received 134 applications for $150,000 in support from families needing therapy, assessments, and respite services. Throughout June the Kelowna Paddle Centre is logging kilometres during Thursday night races and community sessions — drop-ins welcome. A Kelowna idea making a real difference coast to coast.

🎉 Kelowna Chamber of Commerce turns 120

One of Kelowna's most enduring institutions marks a major milestone this week. The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1906 — one year after the City itself — when the population was just 600 people and horse-drawn carriages ruled the roads. Tonight at the Laurel Packinghouse, the Chamber celebrates its 120th Anniversary with live music, small bites, drink vendors, and a cake cutting. A remarkable testament to how far this community has come. Details and tickets at kelownachamber.org.

Source: KelownaNow

🌹 Rosé Disco returns to Waterfront Park — Saturday July 18

One of Kelowna's most talked-about summer events is back. Rosé Disco returns to Waterfront Park on Saturday July 18 from 2–8pm, featuring over 30 rosé wines from Okanagan wineries, food from local chefs, and headliner Vandelux alongside Canadian DJ Felix Cartel. Already 75% sold out with the final ticket release opened June 9. GA tickets from $45, VIP from $85 — prices increase as the event gets closer. Pink and white attire required. Book now at rosedisco.com/kelowna.

🌿 New Syilx Traditional Plant Use tours launching this weekend

The Okanagan Heritage Museum is launching a new Nakulamen walking tour series this weekend — guided walks exploring traditional Syilx uses of local plants for food, medicine, and cultural practice. Running Saturday June 14 and again June 27. A deeply meaningful and educational experience rooted in the land we live on. Registration at kelownamuseums.ca.

🐾 Paws It Forward summer fundraiser — Saturday at Red Bird

Local dog rescue Paws It Forward hosts its Summer Kick-Off Fundraiser at Red Bird Brewing on Saturday June 14 from 12–5pm — adoptable dogs, contests, live pet portraits, and community fun for all ages. This is the same organization whose charity flower baskets were stolen from Okanagan Veterinary Hospital last week, with the community rallying immediately to replace them. A chance to give back to a genuinely good local cause. Free to attend.

📆 This Week in Kelowna

🎭 Entertainment

Tonight · Thurs · Prospera Place
Bailey Zimmerman — Different Night Same Rodeo Tour
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St · Thursday June 11 · 7:00pm · ticketmaster.ca

One of country music's fastest-rising stars brings his tour to Prospera Place tonight with support from Hudson Westbrook and Blake Whiten. Multi-platinum, TikTok-to-arena success story. Tickets on Ticketmaster.

Tonight · Thurs · Rotary Centre for the Arts
Ivan Decker — Just For Laughs Presents
Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave · Thursday June 11 · downtownkelowna.com

JUNO Award-winning stand-up Ivan Decker is in Kelowna tonight — Netflix special, CONAN, The Debaters. If you want a great night of comedy outside of Prospera Place, this is it. Buy tickets here.
Source: Downtown Kelowna

Friday · Free · Barn Owl Brewing
Live Singer-Songwriter Night
Barn Owl Brewing, Kelowna · Friday June 12 · 6:30–8:00pm · Free

Free live singer-songwriter music at Barn Owl Brewing Friday evening — local talent, great craft beer, zero cover. A relaxed way to start the weekend.
Source: Live Music Kelowna

Friday · Free · Vice & Virtue Brewing
Live Singer-Songwriter Night
Vice & Virtue Brewing, Kelowna · Friday June 12 · 7:00–9:00pm · Free

Another free Friday night option at Vice & Virtue Brewing. Two venues, same night — a great excuse to make a full evening of it across two of Kelowna's best craft taprooms.
Source: Live Music Kelowna

Sunday · Free · Kelowna Events Centre
The Bibidi Bop — Local Market Meets Carnival
Kelowna Events Centre, 2041 Harvey Ave · Sunday June 14 · 11:00am–5:00pm · Free

A brand new Kelowna event — local vendors, hands-on activities, community organizations, and a street-fair atmosphere. A great free Sunday outing to discover local businesses and enjoy a family-friendly day out. Learn More!

Mon–Tue · Rotary Centre for the Arts
Matriarchs Uprising — Indigenous Dance & Performance
Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave · Monday June 15 & Tuesday June 16 · rotarycentreforthearts.com

A powerful mixed bill of contemporary Indigenous dance performances, workshops, and a public conversation presented by Inner Fish Theatre Society and O. Dela Arts. One of the most meaningful arts events to hit Kelowna this month — running two nights only. Check rotarycentreforthearts.com for show times and tickets.

Wed · The Vibrant Vine Winery
Ellen Froese — Live at The Vibrant Vine
The Vibrant Vine Winery, 4683 Lakeshore Rd · Wednesday June 17 · livemusickelowna.ca

Singer-songwriter Ellen Froese plays an intimate evening show at The Vibrant Vine Winery on Lakeshore Road — lake views, local wine, and live music on a Wednesday night. A beautiful mid-week reason to get out. Details at livemusickelowna.ca.


🏆Sports & Recreation

Opens today · Museum
Making Waves: Kelowna Regatta Exhibition
Okanagan Heritage Museum, 470 Queensway Ave · Opens June 11 · kelownamuseums.ca

A brand new exhibition tracing the Kelowna Regatta's 80-year legacy — from its 1906 debut to its heyday as the Okanagan's signature summer event. A fascinating piece of local sports and community history. Drop in any day this week.

Sunday · Knox Mountain · Free
Sunday Okanagan Hike Club — Knox Mountain Full Loop
Knox Mountain base parking lot, Ellis St · Sunday June 14 · 9:00am sharp · Free

The Sunday Okanagan Hike Club kicks off its 2026 season at Knox Mountain. Full loop through Ponderosa pine forest, Paul's Tomb cove, and up to a 360° summit view. 6.8km, moderate, ~2.5–3 hours. Dogs welcome on leash. Meet at base lot on Ellis St at 9am sharp — search Sunday Okanagan Hike Club on Facebook to RSVP.

All week · Elks Stadium
Kelowna Falcons Baseball
Elks Stadium, Gordon Drive · kelownafalcons.com

The Falcons' summer home schedule rolls on with warm weather all week — 27°C Saturday, 29°C Sunday, and 32°C Monday. Check kelownafalcons.com for this week's specific home game dates and times.

🍷Food & Drink

Friday · Red Bird Brewing · Free to participate
Making Waves & Raising Pints — Rowing Challenge
Red Bird Brewing, 1080 Richter St · Friday June 12 · 9:00am–5:00pm · Free

Drop in anytime Friday to row a stretch on one of six machines toward a collective 365km goal in support of Making Waves for Autism. Come for the cause, stay for the craft beer. All welcome.
Source: Kelowna Capital News

Sat · Lakeside tasting
Frind Winery — Lakeside Tasting Patio
Frind Winery, 4100 Lakeshore Rd · Open daily · frindwinery.com

With Saturday blessing us with 27°C sunshine, Frind Winery's lakeside tasting patio is the perfect afternoon plan. One of the most dramatic waterfront winery settings in the valley. Reservations at frindwinery.com.

All season · Open now
Arlo's Honey Farm — Open Through September
Arlo's Honey Farm, Kelowna · Open through September 6

Locally produced honey, mead, and a genuinely unhurried taste of Okanagan farm life. A perfect stop on a warm afternoon drive through the valley this week.


🌿 Outdoors & Wellness

Sat · Heritage Museum · Book ahead
Syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour
Okanagan Heritage Museum, 470 Queensway Ave · Saturday June 14 · kelownamuseums.ca

Guided nakulamen walk exploring traditional syilx plant uses for food, medicine, and cultural practice. Runs again June 27. A meaningful way to connect with the landscape we live in. Register at kelownamuseums.ca.
Source: Tourism Kelowna

Mon · 32°C · Get outside
Okanagan Lake — Hottest Day of the Year
Kelowna Waterfront · Monday June 15

Monday hits 32°C — the hottest day of the year so far. Paddleboards, kayaks, boat rentals, and beach time are all calling. If you can take an extended lunch or wrap up early, there's no better excuse to get on the water this summer.

🎉 Community

Tonight · Laurel Packinghouse
Kelowna Chamber 120th Anniversary Celebration
Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis St · Thursday June 11 · Evening · kelownachamber.org

The Kelowna Chamber celebrates 120 years tonight with live music, small bites, drink vendors, and a cake cutting. One of Kelowna's oldest institutions — 120 years in the making. Details and tickets at kelownachamber.org.

Sat · Free · Red Bird Brewing
Paws It Forward Summer Kick-Off Fundraiser
Red Bird Brewing, 1080 Richter St · Saturday June 14 · 12:00–5:00pm · Free

Adoptable dogs, live pet portraits, contests, and community fun in support of local dog rescue. Free, all ages welcome. Come meet some dogs who deserve a good home.

2 weeks away · Mark your calendar
Touchdown Kelowna — June 26 to July 4
Apple Bowl Stadium · Festival June 26 · BC Lions vs. Stampeders June 27 · BC Lions vs. Elks July 4 · touchdownkelowna.ca

Kelowna's Year of Sport rolls on — two CFL games at the Apple Bowl and a festival kickoff on June 26 with Allan Doyle of Great Big Sea. Tickets at touchdownkelowna.ca — don't leave it too late.

💎 Hidden Gem of the Week

📍 Frind Winery — 4100 Lakeshore Rd, Kelowna

With the hottest weekend of the year arriving, this is the perfect week to spotlight one of Kelowna's most visually stunning wineries. Frind Winery sits directly on Okanagan Lake on Lakeshore Road with some of the best water views of any winery in the valley. The tasting room and lakeside patio are open for summer — worth visiting even without a concert ticket. Check frindwinery.com for hours and tasting reservations.

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🥸 Dad Joke of the Week

I told my doctor I broke my arm in two places.

He told me to stop going to those places.

🏠 Home Tip of the Week

With summer heat arriving, check that your outdoor hose bib hasn't developed a slow drip over winter. A leaky hose bib can waste thousands of litres a month — a simple washer replacement from any hardware store fixes it in minutes.

Five minutes and a $2 washer saves a big water bill. 💧

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