Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Canada Day Celebrations, 2025 (Image Credit: City of Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters Staff
July 1st celebrations

Busy Canada Day in Kelowna with fireworks, large crowds, and closures

Jun 30, 2026 | 10:34 AM

The city is preparing for one of its busiest days of the year as Canada Day celebrations return to downtown Kelowna, bringing live entertainment, cultural events, fireworks and significant traffic impacts.

The 27th annual Celebrate Canada Day Festival runs July 1 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. across Waterfront Park, the Cultural District and Prospera Place, featuring multiple stages of live music, cultural showcases, family programming and a fireworks finale over Tugboat Bay.

Highlights include performances on the TD Beach Stage and Valley First Power Stage, Folkfest at Prospera Place, the Made in Canada Marketplace, a family zone and the Touchdown Kelowna Fan Fest.

The day is expected to draw large crowds, with Kelowna RCMP, Bylaw Services and the fire department increasing their presence throughout the downtown core, including added patrols on foot, bike and boat.

Officials say safety remains a key focus, with fireworks permitted for the official show but subject to weather conditions such as wind and wildfire risk. Personal fireworks and sky lanterns remain prohibited within city limits.

Weather alerts
Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan
1h ago
Fatal Collision
One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby
20h ago
2025 Annual Report
Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting
Jun 28, 2026

Several road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect, including Water Street between Cawston Ave. and Sunset Dr. closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and waterfront promenade closures beginning June 30 for event setup.

The Dolphins parking lot will also be closed throughout the day, while drivers are being encouraged to use parkades, transit or active transportation options.

A free Bike Valet service will operate at Mill St. and Bernard Ave. with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. to help reduce congestion.

The city is encouraging residents to plan ahead for delays, road closures and limited parking availability.

by Vernon Matters Staff
View Comments

Other Matters

Weather alerts
Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for the North and Central Okanagan Tuesday.Environment Canada said "conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain."The agency urged people to seek shelter "when the...
1h ago
Read More
July 1st celebrations
Busy Canada Day in Kelowna with fireworks, large crowds, and closures
The city is preparing for one of its busiest days of the year as Canada Day celebrations return to downtown Kelowna, bringing live entertainment, cultural events, fireworks and significant traffic impacts.The 27th annual Celebrate Canada Day Festival runs July 1 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. across Waterfront Park, the Cu...
1h ago
Read More
July 1 Celebrations
Free parking available for Canada Day
Canada Day celebrations goes at Polson Park Wednesday, and the city will make it easy for people to come out and enjoy the festivities.For July 1, the City of Vernon will offer free public parking in the downtown core, and will also open more public spaces at the City Hall east and west lots.There will also be a bike v...
1h ago
Read More
24km Trail Network
Work underway to build new Vernon Hill mountain bike area
A new area will be developed over the summer for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.The North Okanagan Cycling Society announced that it had begun work developing the Vernon Hill recreation area Tuesday, June 30.The area will feature 24 kilometres of trails for riders to explore and enjoy, and the initi...
1h ago
Read More
West Kelowna Fire
Kalamoir Park wildfire officially out
The wildfire near Kalamoir Regional Park that prompted evacuation orders earlier this month has now been declared out, according to West Kelowna Fire Rescue.Fire Chief Jason Brolund said the decision was made in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service and regional partners after no smoke or fire activity was detected...
2h ago
Read More
Fatal Collision
One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby
A youth was killed after being hit by a vehicle near Lumby Saturday.Police responded to a rural property near the North Okanagan community for a report of a crash involving a pedestrian at around 11:50 p.m. June 27.Officers arrived on the scene and learned that two youths had been hit by a pick up truck. One of the vic...
20h ago
Read More
Netting Results
Kelowna RCMP expanding Community Liaison Officer program to downtown
The City of Kelowna and Kelowna RCMP are expanding their Community Liaison Officer program into the downtown core, following what officials say is strong uptake and positive results in Rutland.The move is aimed at increasing police visibility, improving response connections and strengthening relationships between offic...
21h ago
Read More
New Charging Ports
EV charging stations expanded on the Coquihalla
Electric vehicle owners have more opportunities to keep their batteries charged while travelling between the Interior and the coast.BC Hydro expanded its charging station at the Britton Creek rest area on the Coquihalla Highway.The utility installed two new 400-kilowatt chargers and two new 350-kilowatt chargers, each ...
21h ago
Read More
Leadership Team
Area MLAs named to B.C. Conservative Caucus
The Conservative Party of B.C. has released its new caucus, featuring some local names.Under Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the new leadership team also includes Macklin McCall, MLA for West-Kelowna Peachland, as the Official Opposition Whip, as well as David Williams, MLA for Salmon Arm-Shuswap, as the Okanagan and Interior Lie...
Jun 29, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Weather alerts
Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan
1h ago
Fatal Collision
One youth killed, another injured in crash near Lumby
20h ago
2025 Annual Report
Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting
Jun 28, 2026
Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
Jun 26, 2026
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
Jun 26, 2026