It has hard to believe that we have just crossed the halfway mark of August already!
Although it feels like summer is flying by, there is still a ton of fun to be had before the leaves start changing and the fall season arrives.
Here are six notable events in the Osoyoos region that are worth circling on your calendar that will help you get the most out of the last stretch of summer!
The Sheepdogs Live @ District Wine Village
Friday, September 8th at 7 p.m.
These rock and rollers from Saskatoon will be jamming out at the District Wine Village as part of the venue’s signature summer concert series for 2023. With hits such as Feeling Good and Please Don’t Lead Me On, the outdoor setting — wine glass in hand — on a warm South Okanagan evening will be the perfect vibe to close out the season.
Lobster On The Beach @ Gyro Park
September 9th at 6 p.m.
Join the Rotary Club of Osoyoos as they serve up fresh Nova Scotia lobster at Gyro Park on Saturday, September 9th. Gather friends to enjoy the great food, music, door prizes, and live auction. Tickets are $100 per person. Doors open at 6 pm, Dinner at 7 p.m. and the event will run until midnight.
This event serves as the Club’s major fundraiser supporting youth, health, and other important services in the Osoyoos community and surrounding region.
Osoyoos Dragon Boat Flag Race @ Legion Beach
Saturday, September 16th – All Day
Osoyoos Lake Paddling Club will host the 4th Annual Osoyoos Dragon Boat Flag Race at Legion Beach and Safari Beach Resort. This is the only dragon boat race in Canada where you not only have to cross the finish line, but you must be the first to draw the flag.
This is a fabulous spectator sport. Two teams at a time race in heats for fast-paced action, with team members paddling all out, in unison, in a race to the finish line and the flag. In the past, we have hosted teams from the Okanagan, Kamloops, the Fraser Valley and Alberta. After a fun day of racing, including knockout rounds and a 2km challenge in the afternoon, the event continues into the evening with dinner, entertainment, and wines from the Similkameen Independent Winegrowers, who are on-site at Safari Beach Resort for the event.
Pig Out Festival – “Porknic” @ Cellar Door
Saturday, September 16, 2023, between 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Taking place at Cellar Door & More, home to award-winning Jackson-Triggs and Inniskillin, just north of Oliver, the Pig Out Festival will feature local and guest chefs showcasing their culinary talents, while the region’s award-winning wineries will be pouring wine for guests, creating an elegant yet relaxed outdoor setting for attendees to uncork together and enjoy some entertainment + local musicians.
The star of the show? Pork. Talented chefs will be stationed throughout the location, preparing delectable pork-themed dishes that perfectly complement the exceptional wines of the region. Expect mountains of juicy ribs, flavorful pulled pork, local sausages fresh from the grill, a hot sauce contest and delicious sides and salads.
Wine Capital Weekend ft. Cask & Keg, Festival of the Grape
September 22nd – 24th @ Oliver Community Park
The highly-anticipated Wine Capital Weekend brings wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisans, musicians and eateries together for 3-days of family-friendly fun, hosted by Oliver Tourism — our neighbours to the north!
Saturday, September 23rd, will witness the 7th annual Cask and Keg event, a haven for craft beer, cider, and spirits aficionados. This tasting extravaganza will treat attendees to a wide selection of craft beverages, while team competitions like the Beer Olympics and the Oliver’s Amazing Raceadd a thrilling twist to the day’s proceedings. As a bonus, ticket holders will gain free access to the exclusive Firehall Brewery After-Party, ensuring a night of continued merriment.
On Sunday, September 24th, the Wine Capital Weekend will culminate with the illustrious 24th annual Festival of the Grape. Recognized as an iconic wine tasting event in the South Okanagan, this grand affair promises an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts. Guests can immerse themselves in the VIP section, where they will have the opportunity to learn from local wine makers and savor exclusive tastings. Additionally, attendees can’t miss the exhilarating chaos of the Grape Stomp Competition presented by Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country.
South Okanagan Pride Arts Festival @ Gyro Park
Saturday, September 23 – All Day
Osoyoos will once again be the host site for the 2nd Annual Pride Arts Festival, hosted by SOS Pride & Wide Arts National Association at Gyro Park on Saturday September 23, 2023!
This one-day festival is proud celebration of art, culture, and inclusion. Gyro Park will be filled with local musicians, dancers, speakers and performers, as well as visual art exhibitions under tents throughout the park. Food trucks, non-profits, local wineries, breweries, and businesses will all be welcome to partake, showing their support for the local artist community, and most notably, artists who identify within marginalized communities of 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, Black and/or People of Colour.
This is a family-friendly inclusive event to celebrate PRIDE!
