Festivals in Penticton
A vibrant arts scene year-round in the South Okanagan
Penticton punches well above its weight when it comes to arts and culture. From film to jazz to dance, there's always something happening in our community. Here are some of the festivals that make this region special.
Snakebite Film Festival
Jan 29 - Feb 1, 2026Penticton's largest winter festival brings independent cinema and the 5-Day Film Challenge to the South Okanagan.
Founded in 2017, the Snakebite Film Festival has grown into a celebration of independent film featuring galas, screenings, wine tours, and the popular 5-Day Film Challenge where local teams write, shoot, and edit short films in just five days.
The festival celebrates diversity and inclusion, sharing stories that represent the diversity of Canada and communities whose stories often go untold. Screenings take place at Landmark Cinemas and the Four Points Convention Centre.
Ignite the Arts
March 27-29, 2026A 10-day celebration of art and culture featuring over 70 musical and performing acts across nine downtown venues.
Since its 2022 debut, Ignite the Arts has become one of Penticton's most popular shoulder-season events. The festival kicks off with Community Week and culminates in a three-day Festival Weekend featuring everything from folk and electronic music to spoken word, hip hop, live theatre, dance, workshops, and programming for kids.
The festivities begin with the legendary "Parade for No Reason" through downtown, led by the giant brass band Balkan Shmalkan. It's an amazing extravaganza that brings the entire community together.
Est. 1926
Kiwanis Music Festival
April 7-30, 2026A century of nurturing young talent in music, dance, and speech arts.
Founded as the Okanagan Valley Music Festival in 1926, the Penticton Kiwanis Music, Dance and Speech Arts Festival has been celebrating young performers for nearly 100 years. Today, the festival hosts over 1,600 competitive and non-competitive entries annually across nine disciplines.
Young artists compete in strings, guitar, piano, classical voice, musical theatre, speech arts, dance, woodwinds, and brass. Respected adjudicators from Western Canada and the United States critique each performance, with numerous scholarships and awards presented at Highlight Concerts.
Elvis Festival
June 26-28, 2026Canada's largest and longest-running Elvis Festival, sanctioned and licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
The Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival is one of only a few events in the world officially licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. Elvis Tribute Artists from across North America compete for the chance to enter the Memphis "Ultimate Elvis Finals" and be recognized as the #1 ETA in the world.
Beyond the competition, the festival offers tribute shows, after-parties, and events throughout downtown Penticton and Okanagan Lake Park. It's a must-see for any fan of the King.
Peachfest
August 5-9, 2026Western Canada's largest free festival, celebrating the peach harvest since 1947.
The Penticton Peach Festival is a cherished annual tradition in the South Okanagan Valley. Now approaching its 79th year, this five-day celebration offers free family fun centered around Okanagan Lake Park, with concerts on the Peter's Bros. Paving main stage, amusement rides, vendors, and activities throughout Penticton.
Past headliners have included Canadian rock legends like Sloan, and the festival continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors each August. There's no admission fee to any of the parks, making it one of the most accessible festivals in the country.
Pentastic Jazz
Sept 11-13, 2026"The best Jazz Party in the Northwest" brings world-class jazz bands and performers to Penticton for three days of great music.
Now in its 28th year, Pentastic Hot Jazz & Music Festival was launched in the late 1990s and has grown into a beloved September tradition. Held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and Elks Lodge, the festival showcases not just jazz, but also zydeco, rockabilly, funk, Western swing, and more.
September is the perfect time to visit Penticton, with warm weather, fall foliage, vineyard wine tastings, and scenic hikes all complementing the musical festivities.
Experience Live Music at The Dream
While you're exploring Penticton's festival scene, don't miss the intimate concert experience at The Dream.
See Upcoming Shows