Take in the 2026 Memorial Cup
The 2026 Memorial Cup, Canada’s biggest stage in junior hockey, will see the country's top four CHL teams, including the host Kelowna Rockets, compete for the prestigious trophy over 10-days of on-ice action at Prospera Place, culminating in the championship final on May 31.
Starting on May 21, downtown Kelowna will come alive as fans experience world-class hockey, live entertainment, and community programming, creating unforgettable memories on and off the ice.
Need help planning your Memorial Cup adventure? We've rounded up some helpful planning resources!
Explore Nature’s Playground
Myra Canyon Trestles. Photo by: Scott Bakken Productions
May marks the unofficial start of summer in Kelowna, when the valley begins to hum with energy and outdoor experiences return in full force. It’s a sweet spot in the season, where you can roam wide-open trails, paddle calm waters, and savour it all with a little more space to breathe.
Biking season at Myra Canyon Trestles Trail officially rolls in by early May. Set along the historic Kettle Valley Railway, this 24 km round-trip ride will see you cross 18 trestle bridges and pass through two tunnels along the way. The gentle, mostly flat grade makes it easy to explore for riders of all abilities, from families with strollers to seasoned cyclists. No bike? No problem! Local operators like Myra Canyon Bike Rentals, located right at the trailhead, make it easy to gear up and go.
By May long weekend, lake life begins to call. Warmer days set the scene for paddling, cruising, and taking it all in from the water. Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, soar above the shoreline with parasailing, or gather your crew for a day on the lake with a boat rental. Whether you’re exploring Okanagan Lake or one of the region’s quieter gems, this is when lake life starts to shine. Visit our Lake Activities page to plan your time on the water.
Attend Local Events
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra performing at the Kelowna Community Theatre, Spring 2025. Photo by: Kirsten Taylor
Asian Heritage Month
- Stay tuned to Asian Heritage Okanagan's website for details on Asian Heritage Month 2026 events and celebrations in and around Kelowna.
Festivals & Annual Events
- The inaugural Garden Party Festival, a 360-degree open-air house music experience, is set to take over City Park on May 9, 2026, with a headlining DJ set from Nora En Pure.
- The annual Spring Okanagan Wine Festival features a variety of events hosted by wineries, restaurants, and venues across the region. This year's festival is set to take place from May 1 to May 10.
- Watch as drivers compete to be named "King of the Hill" at the 2026 Leavitt Machinery Knox Mountain Hill Climb, which returns to Kelowna on May 16 and 17.
Live Performances
- Before the Memorial Cup gets underway, Prospera Place will welcome Old Dominion for its How Good is That World Tour on May 4, followed by the Stars on Ice Tour 2026 on May 10, celebrating Canada's Olympians live and up close.
- Ballet Kelowna's will wrap up its 2026/26 season on May 1 and 2 with the world premiere of Cameron sinkʷə Fraser-Monroe’s first full-length work, Cikilaxʷm: Controlled Burn, featuring an Indigenous-led team of collaborators.
- The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra will also conclude its 2025/26 season in May with performances of Beethoven's Fifth taking place in Kelowna on May 8 and 9.
- Several comedy shows will take the stage at The Rotary Centre for the Arts in May, including Tim Nutt & Friends on May 1, Steve Taddy and Bryan Moxon on May 9, and The Comic Strippers on May 29.
Browse our online calendar of events to see what else is happening in and around Kelowna this May.
Weather
Couple in the vineyard at CedarCreek Estate Winery. Photo credit: Nic Collar Film
May in Kelowna brings comfortably warm days, with average highs around 20°C (68°F) and a noticeable rise in temperature as the month unfolds. Evenings cool off to around 5°C (41°F), so it’s a good idea to keep a light jacket or sweater handy for those crisp, late-day moments.
Rainfall is typically light and spread out, averaging just 28 mm (1.1 inches) over the month. Between passing showers, sunshine returns quickly, helping trails dry out and conditions improve across the region. It’s all part of the season’s rhythm—fresh, green, and ready to explore.
Helpful Planning Resources
Photo by: Shawn Talbot Photography
Plan a purposeful and rewarding trip to Kelowna by using the resources available on our website:
- Use our itinerary-builder to keep track of things to do and to plan out your schedule.
- Learn more about Kelowna’s array of accommodation options and browse available packages and promotions.
- Discover more about spring in Kelowna.
Have more questions about your trip to Kelowna? Connect with our team at the Kelowna Visitor Centre.
Be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more inspiration and share your adventures using #exploreKelowna.
