Year of Sport
Year of Sport
We're all part of the home team as Kelowna hosts major sporting events in 2026!
Game on, Kelowna
Major sporting events are coming to Kelowna in 2026. Get tickets, join community celebrations, and find out what you need to know before game day.
Skate Canada
October 30-November 1, 2026
Why these events matter?
Hosting major sporting events helps boost our local economy, brings people together, builds community pride, and helps leave a lasting legacy for recreation and sport in our city.
In 2026, the major sporting events are expected to deliver a significant boost to Kelowna’s local economy by attracting visitors who stay in accommodations, dine at restaurants, shop downtown, and use local services. Combined with the hundreds of tournaments, races and sporting events the city hosts annually, the Memorial Cup, Kelowna Hoopfest, Touchdown Kelowna, BC Summer Games and Skate Canada International are forecast to generate over $150 million in total economic impact, supporting jobs and helping local businesses.
Beyond the games themselves, hosting major events strengthens social connections by bringing neighbours together, building civic pride, and showcasing Kelowna’s welcoming spirit. They also increase opportunities for volunteerism, inspire youth to get active, and help create inclusive community celebrations that leave lasting momentum for participation in local recreation and sport.
Community Celebrations
In celebration of these major sporting events, Kelowna is coming alive with concerts, parades, community events and art activations all across our city. Even if you don’t have a ticket to the big game, learn how you can celebrate Year of Sport in our community.
The excitement doesn’t stop at the rink… the Memorial Cup is a total celebration of hockey culture with events in our community throughout the festival! Even if you don’t have tickets to the big game, show off your home spirit pride as we showcase Kelowna’s vibrant spirit, warm hospitality, and passion for Canada’s favourite sport.
From ball hockey tournaments, community breakfasts, art installations and festival zones, refer to the full schedule of events for details.
Hoopfest is more than a game, it’s a celebration of basketball and community in the heart of Kelowna. With an electric game-day atmosphere and the pride of hosting a national sporting event, the city will come alive as we host fans, families, and visitors for an unforgettable experience on and off the court.
Hoopfest Details
Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) game
Youth 5x5 tournament
Coaching clinic
Touchdown Kelowna Festival is a multi-day celebration from June 26 to July 4 bringing CFL fans, families, and visitors together for concerts, community events, and football in the heart of the Okanagan.
The Festival gets underway with the Kickoff Concert featuring Alan Doyle (of Great Big Sea) presented by BCLC on Friday, June 26 followed up by Game 1, BC Lions vs the Calgary Stampeders, the next day.
The Touchdown Kelowna Fan Fest presented by TELUS starts on Saturday, June 27 and runs all week long with free and fun activities for fans of all ages. On Sunday, June 28, fans are invited to enjoy Breakfast with the BC Lions, a family-friendly event in Stuart Park that gives fans a chance to meet their favourite Lions players.
Monday, June 29 is highlighted by the Flip Flop Gala an exclusive celebration unlike any other the city has seen – where black tie meets beach party with a chance to savour the best tastes of the Okanagan, enjoy dishes from local chefs, and sample signature cocktails
On Friday, July 3, the Boots on the Beach Concert featuring The Road Hammers and presented by Leavitt Machinery welcomes another 4,000 fans to kick off the second weekend of Touchdown Kelowna.
A Fan March presented by Argus Properties takes place on Saturday, July 4 ahead the game against the Edmonton Elks that same day. The March begins at Lombardy Park through Clement and Rail Trail to the Apple Bowl.
Several other free events are set to take place as part of Fan Fest, including football clinics, tournaments, free concerts, and watch parties.
Community event planning is still underway! Check back for updates.
Community event planning is still underway! Check back for updates.
Volunteer Opportunities
Celebrate Kelowna’s Year of Sport by getting involved behind the scenes. From major tournaments to community festivals, volunteers play a key role in bringing these events to life.
- June 26–July 4, 2026
- A multi-day football festival and CFL games hosted at the Apple Bowl and across the city.
- Volunteers are needed for roles such as event support, guest services, ticket scanning, parking, and festival operations.
- Approximately up to 300 volunteers are required to support the games and festival.
- July 22–26, 2026
- One of the largest multi-sport events in BC, welcoming athletes from across the province.
- Volunteers are needed across sport operations, logistics, transportation, and guest services.
- Thousands of volunteers (2,000–3,000+) are required to stage the Games.
- Opportunity to support multiple major events (including Hoopfest, Touchdown Kelowna, and BC Summer Games activations).
- Roles focused on visitor experience and community engagement.
Feeling inspired?
Besides cheering on athletes, Year of Sport is all about inspiring our community to get moving, try something new, and be active together. Whether you’re looking to stay healthy, meet new people, or just rediscover the joy of play, the City of Kelowna offers many ways for residents of all ages to stay active and have fun.
From casual drop-in activities to recreation programs for all ages and abilities, the City offers seasonal programs at locations across Kelowna. Celebrate Year of Sport by signing up for a fitness class, learning a new sport or skill, or just dropping-in to use the pool or join an activity! Have fun, meet others and stay active with City recreation programming.
Spring programs are online now and summer registration begins June 2.
Get in the game with sports leagues! Whether you join with others or just yourself, have some weekly fun and meet new people with seasonal sports leagues at locations across Kelowna.
Summer league registration begins June 3.
Through the Building a Stronger Kelowna Initiative, the City is investing in key community, sport and wellness projects to support our active and growing city. From the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre and the surrounding park, new activity centres in Rutland, Mission, Glenmore and more, these projects will provide much needed recreation, wellness and community gathering spaces and support deeper community connections across our city.
Learn more about the Building a Stronger Kelowna Initiative and stay up to date with the latest plans and progress.
Active by Nature aims to provide seasonal inspiration and opportunities for residents to get outdoors and be active in our community. From outdoor programs and community events to local routes and wayfinding trails, be inspired to get outdoors and explore Kelowna's gorgeous backyard.
Find inspiration, including your new favourite route or trail, using the Active by Nature interactive map.
