Come check out the world’s best Wakeboard and Wakeskate athletes battle it out for thousands in cash and prizes.

As a forerunner to the fully integrated Wine Tourism business, a group of wineries and tourism operators saw the opportunity 25 years ago to develop a tourism event around the young wineries in existence at the time. The Annual event was originally focused on developing awareness of the wine industry among local Okanagan residents and to celebrate the harvest of grapes and pair fine Okanagan wines with food at a variety of culinary events.

In 2004, the City of Kelowna and Kelowna’s Cultural District created an annual signature event to enhance development and awareness for the Cultural District and to promote the arts in our Community. Along with our founding partners, the City of Kelowna, Kelowna’s Cultural District and Cultural Capitals of Canada, the Life & Arts Festival was created to celebrate all that life and the arts have to offer.

For over 32 years, the third week in January has provided Kelowna-area residents and visitors alike an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of events aimed at helping shake the winter blahs. Although some Okanagan Valley winters can be a lot milder than others (there have been years when Snowfest organizers prayed for snow and below-freezing temperatures) we usually get enough of the white stuff to go around. In fact, nearby ski areas are renowned for their 'Champagne Powder.'

The Kelowna Dragon Boat Festival has grown to be one of the most popular summer events in all of Canada. The festival presents exciting dragon boat races and inspiring teams combined with impressive community participation, live entertainment, delicious food and fun activities for all ages.

Truly a community event, the festival is funded locally and operated by volunteers. With an exciting array of free activities and entertainment, the festival attracts more than 15,000 children, parents, and grandparents every year.