Kelowna is renowned not only for its scenic beauty and exceptional wineries but also as a lively centre for arts and culture. In the heart of Kelowna lies the Cultural District, a vibrant area downtown that celebrates and showcases the creative spirit and history of the community. Here, you can enjoy a diverse range of artistic expressions, from captivating theatre performances to charming art galleries that feature the work of talented local artists. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a music fanatic, or just eager to explore, Kelowna's thriving arts and culture scene offers a broad selection of experiences to discover. Keep reading to uncover the best experiences of the Cultural District!
Kelowna Actors Studio
Do something different on your next night out and catch a show at Kelowna’s Actor Studio! Kelowna’s Actor Studio, Kelowna’s only dinner theatre, produces vibrant shows of Broadway’s most memorable and popular productions. Upcoming shows for the 2024 season include Mamma Mia and Matilda! You can purchase tickets on their website or by calling the box office at 250-862-2867. Recently released, the show schedule for 2025 is worth checking out! Some of the shows include The Da Vinci Code, Sweeney Todd, and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. They also offer a year-round performing arts school for youth ages 7-18, so the little performer in your life can take their skills to the next level.
Kelowna Art Gallery
Kelowna Art Gallery is where you can immerse yourself in both thought-provoking contemporary and rich historical art within their 5 exhibits. Kelowna Art Gallery makes it a priority to work with and display local artists whenever possible. Two exhibits you definitely need to check out are Stories That Animate Us and Okanagan Print Triennial. Stories That Animate Us runs from now until Sept 22 and features a thoughtfully curated collection of art pieces that shares the story and views of the respective artists. From July 20 to Oct 27, learn and admire some of the most creative printmaking across Canada and from around the world at Okanagan Print Triennial. You can check both of these exhibits out for FREE every Thursday!
Art Lovers Gallery
View, appreciate and purchase beautiful and uplifting pieces of art from the Art Lovers Gallery. Art Lovers Gallery is the one and only authorized Art of Dr. Seuss Gallery in Western Canada! They are available to visit year-round and often feature limited-edition pieces! From now until July 28, revisit your childhood memories and admire the evolution of Dr. Suess’s illustrations and paintings in the travelling art show “Discover the Cat Behind the Hat.” Gather up your friends or family (fur-babies are allowed!) and see for yourself at their location tucked away in the lobby of the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
The Rotary Centre for the Arts is an integral part of Kelowna’s arts community, providing a positive space to engage with local and emerging artists and enjoy the city’s multidisciplinary visual and performing arts scene. It’s always free to visit and wander the exhibits, which change 3 times a year. Currently, you can admire the galleries featuring pieces from The Thursday Group, The Orchard Valley Quilters Guild, and Gerald Siemens. Plus, the hallways and outdoor wall are decked out with art from local youth. With their range of offerings, including live performances and workshops, be prepared to get inspired when visiting the Centre! View the current list of events, call up your friends, and experience the vibrant community and let your imagination soar.
Kelowna Museums
Educate yourself in the history of the Okanagan at one of the Kelowna Museums- there’s three to choose from! The Okanagan Heritage Museum, the Okanagan Military Museum, and the Okanagan Wine Museum have a plethora of educational and interactive exhibitions that will spark your curiosity and enrich your knowledge in the histories and cultures of the Okanagan region. This summer, learn something new with their Syilx Traditional Plant Use walking tours, nsyilxcen language workshops, and other events rotating on a weekly basis. Or dive into the world of dinosaurs with the Dinosaurs of BC Exhibition, a new travelling exhibition from the Royal BC Museum. It’s not just for kids either, there's even an adult-only Wine & Dino Trivia event!
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra
Sharing the power of live orchestral music experiences with the Okanagan Valley for nearly 65 years, the talented and versatile Okanagan Symphony Orchestra will put on a show you won’t forget. Their musicians are highly skilled and perform anything and everything from classical Baroque to contemporary pieces. In addition to live performances, OSO also values community engagement and educates and entertains youth in interactive and unique programs, such as Symphony Storytime. View upcoming performances for their 65th Season in their online brochure and enjoy the sweet sounds of the symphony!
Public Art: Hidden Gems Around Kelowna
Bear Statue at Stuart Park. Photo: Shawn Talbot Photography
If you don’t have time to commit to a full activity, consider incorporating one of the many public art installments scattered across Kelowna. There’s plenty to see downtown, such as the iconic Spirit of Sail (lovingly called The Sails by locals), Rhapsody (aka, the Dolphins), and Bear. All across the city, you can see beautiful hand-painted murals. Some of my favourite murals are in Uptown Rutland and the Landmark District, such as “Lonesome Dove” and “Contact Waves”. I like to grab a coffee and go for a walk to admire the variety of murals! Plan to visit one of the many public art displays by using this complete list of locations and interactive map.
Header Image: Kelowna Art Gallery. Photo: Glenna Turnbull Photography & Kelowna Art Gallery
