While Kelowna is very well known for its dozens of world-class wineries, its thriving arts and cultural heritage is equally captivating. In fact, there's quite a bit of overlap—the city's six-block Cultural District occupies the one-time fruit packing hub, perfectly blending history and modern-day. As you walk around the district visiting galleries and museums, you'll come across contemporary public art installations on display outside historical buildings.
Whatever brings you to the Okanagan Valley, consider adding one or two highlights from Kelowna's arts scene to your itinerary.
And if you want to stay close enough to the Cultural District that you don't even need a vehicle to explore, look no further than The Royal Kelowna. Nestled right between the bustling district and gorgeous Okanagan Lake, the all-suite resort is your gateway to not only an enriching arts and culture experience but also many of the hottest Kelowna attractions.
A Vibrant Hub of Arts & Culture
Kelowna's arts scene appeals to a wide range of interests, offering everything from live performances and visual arts to museums and galleries. In this guide, you'll learn about several must-see Kelowna activities, and venues focused on arts, culture & heritage, most within easy walking distance of The Royal.
Prospera Place
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Matt Ferguson Photography
Just across the street from The Royal Kelowna, Prospera Place is a large multi-purpose arena (the largest in Kelowna, actually!) that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Home to the Kelowna Rockets hockey team, it also serves as a venue for everything from concerts to comedy shows, bull riding events, and outdoor summer music festivals. Notably, every summer, Prospera Place hosts one of the Okanagan's most highly anticipated music festivals, Rock the Lake.
Kelowna Community Theatre
The Kelowna Community Theatre offers a diverse range of live performance arts. From improv comedy shows and musicals the whole family will enjoy to TED Talk-style niche business presentations and opera, this theatre truly has something for everyone. And as a smaller venue, there's really no 'bad' seat in the house. Three bars and concessions stand throughout the theatre serve patrons, and locals note that the theatre staff is well-organised and attentive.
Located just behind the community theatre, the smaller, boutique Black Box Theatre shows special film screenings, such as limited runs, independent films, and vintage movies.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com
Another lively hub for performance and visual arts, the Rotary Centre for the Arts hosts a vast variety of art programs and live performances. Really, saying that is just the tip of the creative iceberg!
The Rotary Centre has several studios for artists-in-residence, dance, and pottery; hosts documentary screenings and concerts; brings in local comedians for open mic and stand-up comedy nights; holds community drum circles; and so much more. One especially notable thing about the centre is that it offers numerous art and music programs for adults and children alike. These include summer art camps, jazz camps, and specialised classes throughout the year.
Kelowna Art Gallery
Near the Rotary Centre, the Kelowna Art Gallery showcases rotating exhibits of both historical and contemporary artwork, with a strong emphasis on Canadian artists. Many locals consider the gallery to be the beating heart of Kelowna's arts scene, with not just rotating exhibits but many other immersive educational programs. Much like the Rotary Centre, you can visit the Kelowna Art Gallery a dozen times and never have the same experience twice. Simply wander around and admire the current exhibits, enroll your child in an art camp, drop by to witness an Indigenous Beading Circle, or sign up for a class to hone your drawing or painting skills.
The art gallery also offers a few programs that are especially popular: on Family Sundays, all ages are welcome to come in and create a special take-home project based on either the season or current exhibits. The ART LAB provides a completely free studio setting where anyone can create with an array of supplied materials, and Studio Scribble offers activities specifically for kids aged five and under.
Okanagan Heritage Museum
The Okanagan Valley has a fascinating history, in terms of both its geology and how it was settled. At the Okanagan Heritage Museum, visitors get a up-close and personal look at its entire history, up to present day. Admission is by donation, making it accessible and informative for all visitors—not to mention one of the best Kelowna activities for families.
Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum
Courtesy of tourismkelowna.com - Colin Jewall Photo Studios Inc.
Housed in the historic Laurel Packinghouse, the oldest fruit packing house in British Columbia, the Okanagan Wine and Orchard Museum celebrates the area's rich (and tasty!) agricultural history. During your visit, you'll see authentic vintage machinery, colourful barrels, bottles, and fruit crates, and when in season (outside of the wintertime), a live beehive with thousands of bees busy at work. Visitors can drop into the museum Thursdays through Saturdays or book a guided tour in advance to learn more about the local wine and orchard industries.
Hambleton Galleries
Established in 1963, Hambleton Galleries is a fine art gallery that features both contemporary and historic Canadian artists. With such a long-running presence in the community, Hambleton is a tremendous part of Kelowna's arts, culture & heritage. You can always stop by to admire the ongoing exhibits, and make sure to visit during the quarterly seasonal shows.
Okanagan Military Museum
For a very, very different perspective on the area, a visit to the Okanagan Military Museum is a must. It highlights the contributions of Okanagan Valley locals to the armed forces, as well as important wars throughout history. The museum also boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of firearms in all of Canada, well worth seeing in its own right. Also onsite is the Vince Bezeau Military Library and Archives, a popular resource for genealogy research. Like other Kelowna museums, admission is by donation.
In Kelowna, every corner is an invitation to explore and celebrate the arts. Whether you're an avid art lover, a history buff, or simply someone looking for a memorable cultural experience, Kelowna's vibrant arts scene offers something for everyone. So, pack your curiosity and creativity and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Kelowna's arts and culture. Trust us, it's a journey you'll never forget!
