The Memorial Cup is HERE — plus Kelowna just made the world's best food list 🏒🌍

This is it. The week Kelowna has been waiting for. The Memorial Cup is here, the Night Market is back, Bernard Avenue is alive, and National Geographic just told the world what we already knew — this city has one of the best food scenes on the planet. What a time to live in the Okanagan. Let's get into it (after a quick word from our sponsor 👇)

☀ Good News Only

🌍 National Geographic calls Kelowna a top food city in the world

On May 19, National Geographic named Kelowna one of the top 15 places in the world for food right now — placing our city alongside destinations like Singapore, Cape Town, Crete, and London. The recognition is tied to Kelowna's UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation, which it received in 2025 as the first Canadian city to earn the honour. National Geographic highlighted the region's deep First Nations roots, vibrant immigrant food culture, and world-class wineries including Volcanic Hills, Little Straw Vineyards, Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate, and Mission Hill Family Estate. They even called out the Boucherie bike route as the best way to experience it all. We live in a very special place.
Source: National Geographic · Nanaimo News Bulletin

🏒 The Memorial Cup is officially here

After years of anticipation, the 106th Memorial Cup presented by Kubota opens tonight at Prospera Place — the first time Kelowna has hosted since 2004. The Kelowna Rockets face off against the OHL champion Kitchener Rangers in Game 1 at 6pm PT. The tournament is projected to generate over $22.5 million in economic impact for Kelowna over 10 days. Hockey history is being made in our city this week.
Source: CHL.ca

🍽️ Three Kelowna restaurants in Canada's Top 100 outdoor dining

OpenTable's annual Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada for 2026 was released last week — and Kelowna claimed three of the spots. Home Block at Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Kin & Folk on Lawrence Avenue, and Old Vines Restaurant at Quails' Gate Winery all made the cut, with Quails' Gate also earning a dog-friendly designation. The list is compiled from over one million verified diner reviews. Three of only 21 BC restaurants to make it — and the rest were in Victoria, Vancouver, and Langley. Patio season is officially on.
Source: Castanet · Kelowna Capital News

🌇 Meet Me on Bernard is back for summer

Now in its sixth year, Meet Me on Bernard officially launched last weekend with a packed block party on the 300 block. The 200 and 300 blocks of Bernard Avenue are now closed to traffic through September 7, giving locals and visitors an open pedestrian zone filled with expanded patios, local vendors, street entertainment, and summer energy all season long. The Downtown Kelowna Association calls it a celebration of everything that makes downtown Kelowna great — and after Saturday's kickoff, it's hard to disagree.
Source: Kelowna Capital News

📆 This Week in Kelowna

🏆 The biggest week in Kelowna hockey history
2026 Memorial Cup — Presented by Kubota
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St · May 22–31 · 6:00 PM PT each game

Four teams. One trophy. Ten unforgettable days. Here's this week's schedule:

Free · All ages
Real Canadian Superstore Hockey Hub
Outside Prospera Place · May 22–31 · From 4:00 PM daily

Live entertainment, game broadcasts, and a full festival atmosphere outside Prospera Place before and after every game. Free to attend — no ticket needed.

Family-Friendly
Hockey Hall of Fame Experience
Laurel Packinghouse, 1304 Ellis St · May 22–31

The world's largest travelling hockey collection comes to Kelowna, featuring priceless CHL and NHL memorabilia and interactive exhibits. A must-visit for any hockey fan of any age — and it's right downtown.

Free
Mini Memorial Cup Youth Ball Hockey Tournament
Kelowna Memorial Arena · Saturday May 23 · 9am–3pm

Over 200 local Grade 5-and-under players compete in a Memorial Cup–inspired ball hockey tournament. A great way to get the kids involved in the biggest week in Kelowna's sports history.

Free · Downtown Art Walk
Memorial Cup Public Art Installations
Downtown Kelowna · May 21–31

Hockey-themed public art installations by local Kelowna artists are scattered across downtown and the waterfront throughout the tournament. Interactive, eye-catching, and completely free — a great reason to explore the city on foot between games.

Memorial Cup Special
Fan Breakfast — Coast Capri Hotel
Coast Capri Hotel · Sunday May 24 · 8:30am

A community-led Memorial Cup breakfast open to all fans. Proceeds support local organizations. A great way to fuel up before Game 3 that afternoon.

Book Ahead
Lakehouse Kitchens Cooking School
510 Bernard Ave, Downtown Kelowna · Multiple classes weekly

With Kelowna just named one of the world's top food cities, there's never been a better time to sharpen your culinary skills. Lakehouse Kitchens runs hands-on and demo-style cooking classes weekly, led by some of the Okanagan's best chefs using fresh local ingredients. Classes fill up fast — check their calendar and book ahead. Learn More

Free - Family Friendly - Pet Friendly
May Day Awakening Indoor Market — Grizzli Winery
2550 Boucherie Rd · Sunday May 24 · 1:00–5:00pm

Celebrate spring at Grizzli Winery's indoor market this Sunday. Browse local vendors, enjoy the vineyard setting, and raise a glass — a relaxed and beautiful way to spend a Sunday afternoon during Memorial Cup week. RSVP here

Patio Season is on — don't wait on it this week!
Kelowna · All week · Best days: Today (Thurs) -Sat

With three Kelowna restaurants just landing on OpenTable's Top 100 Outdoor Dining list and Thursday through Saturday looking sunny and warm, this is the week to get on a patio — but don't leave it to Sunday. Home Block at Cedar Creek, Kin & Folk on Lawrence Ave, and Old Vines at Quails' Gate are all worth a visit. Book ahead as Memorial Cup crowds will be filling the city all week long.

Don’t Miss - Weekend Run
Stand-Up Comedy — Dakoda's Comedy Lounge
Dakoda's Comedy Lounge, 1574 Harvey Ave · Thu May 21 (Open Mic, 7pm) · Fri May 22 (Stand-Up, 6:30pm & 8:30pm) · Sat May 23 (Stand-Up, 6:30pm & 8:30pm)

Kelowna's dedicated comedy room runs every weekend with a full lineup of stand-up shows. Thursday night is open mic — great for discovering new local voices — while Friday and Saturday bring two full stand-up shows per night. A perfect way to bookend your Memorial Cup weekend with some laughs. Check it out

Saturday Night
Stand-Up Comedy — Unleashed Brewing Co.
Unleashed Brewing Co., 880 Clement Ave #207 · Saturday May 23 · 8:00pm

Live stand-up comedy at one of Kelowna's craft breweries — the ideal combination. Grab a pint, grab a seat, and enjoy a night of laughs in a laid-back setting. A great Saturday night alternative if the Memorial Cup crowd isn't your scene. Learn More

Free - All Ages
Sunsets & Sets — Angie C & Rich Taylor B2B
Hot Sands Beach, Kelowna City Park · Friday May 22 · Volleyball from 5pm · DJs 6pm–10pm

Drop-in beach volleyball at 5pm, then house music DJs Angie C and Rich Taylor play back-to-back all evening as the sun sets over Okanagan Lake. Community, connection, and Okanagan sunsets — all ages welcome, bring your beach gear. Completely free.

Special event · Weekend only
Musical Revue — Kelowna Actors Studio
Kelowna Actors Studio · Saturday May 23 & Sunday May 24

Kelowna Actors Studio presents a special musical revue this weekend — billed as "the wrong songs, the right people, one unforgettable weekend." A one-time special event from one of Kelowna's most beloved local theatre companies. Check kelownaactorsstudio.com for show times and tickets.

Comedy Night — Bernie's Supper Club & Cinema
Bernie's Supper Club & Cinema, 353 Bernard Ave · Monday May 25 · 7:00pm

Wind down from the long weekend with comedy night at Bernie's — one of downtown Kelowna's most unique venues, combining dinner, cinema, and live entertainment under one roof. Right on Bernard Avenue in the heart of the Meet Me on Bernard zone. Almost full! More info

Free - All Week
Spring GoByBike Week
Kelowna · May 30–June 5 · gobybikebc.ca/kelowna

GoByBike Week kicks off across BC at the end of the month — the perfect nudge to dust off your bike and explore the city on two wheels. With Meet Me on Bernard in full swing and the waterfront alive with Memorial Cup energy, Kelowna is an especially great city to cycle through right now.

Myra Canyon Trestles — Peak Spring Hiking Season
Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park · ~30 min from downtown Kelowna · Free

May is one of the best months to hike the Myra Canyon Trestles — the summer crowds haven't arrived, the wildflowers are out, and the views across the canyon are stunning. The 18 historic wooden trestles along the Kettle Valley Railway trail make this one of the most unique hikes in BC. Get more info: Tourism Kelowna

Free
Climate Resiliency Workshop — City of Kelowna
City of Kelowna · Wednesday May 27 · 10:30am–12:00pm

A free workshop on climate resiliency for Kelowna homeowners and residents — practical information on preparing for heat, wildfire, and other climate-related challenges specific to the Okanagan. Registration recommended through kelowna.ca.

Free
KCMS 50th Anniversary Faculty Concert
Kelowna · Sunday May 24 · 1:30pm

The Kelowna Community Music School celebrates its 50th anniversary with a faculty concert this Saturday. A wonderful milestone for one of Kelowna's most beloved community arts institutions — free and open to the public. More info

Free - Tech Community
Startup Drinks at Minga
Minga Innovation Centre, 5th Floor · Thursday May 21 · 4pm - 6pm

Accelerate Okanagan's casual monthly tech community gathering — no pitches, no presentations, just good conversations between founders, builders, and supporters. Complimentary food and drinks provided. A great way to plug into Kelowna's growing innovation scene. Sign up

Multicultural Community Showcase — Coming May 31
Kelowna Event Centre · May 31

Coming up at the end of the month as part of Asian Heritage Month — a celebration of cultural diversity at the Kelowna Event Centre. Mark your calendar as Memorial Cup week wraps up.

Free - Opening Night!
Downtown Kelowna Night Market — First One of 2026!
Kerry Park & 200–300 Block Bernard Ave · Every Thursday · 4:30–9:30pm · Through September

Tonight is the very first Night Market of the 2026 season — and what a week to kick it off. Local artisans, crafters, food producers, downtown businesses, and community entertainment fill Kerry Park and Bernard Avenue every Thursday all summer long. Running right alongside Memorial Cup week, the downtown atmosphere tonight will be electric. No excuse not to be out there.
Source: Downtown Kelowna

📍 The Boucherie Bike Route — West Kelowna

National Geographic just told the world about it — so now you have no excuse not to try it. The Boucherie bike route is a three-mile stretch along the west side of Okanagan Lake passing restaurants, fruit stands, and vineyards with breathtaking lake and valley views at every turn. One of the most scenic rides in BC and it's basically in our backyard. Pack a picnic, stop at a winery, and see why the rest of the world is envious of where we live.
Learn More

Reach a growing number of Kelowna locals every Thursday at 6am. Please contact us at [email protected] for more info.

🥸 Dad Joke of the Week

I used to hate facial hair…

But then it grew on me.

🏠 Home Tip of the Week

With warm sunny days arriving, now is the time to check your window screens. A torn or missing screen means bugs inside all summer. Quick patch kits are available at any hardware store for just a few dollars.

Five minutes now saves a summer of swatting. 🦟