Kelowna’s public Canada Day celebrations have been ditched for 2020.

It was announced today that the annual ‘Celebrate Canada Day - Kelowna’ would not be taking place in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.



“Despite our hope that we could still hold a modified version of ‘Celebrate Canada Day-Kelowna’ or even a large community celebration later in the summer, it’s clear that won’t be possible,” said Renata Mills, Festivals Kelowna’s executive director.

“Our team is quite disappointed but completely understands the importance of supporting efforts to minimize exposure to the coronavirus, and that includes cancelling large public events.”

Kelowna’s Canada Day festivities are traditionally held on July 1 each year in multiple locations along the city’s lakefront.

Typically, the full-day event attracts more than 60,000 visitors and features multiple stages for live outdoor entertainment, interactive games, artisans, community group displays and food stations.

The festivities wrap up with a fireworks celebration at night as long as the summer’s fire danger rating allows it.

“We’d like to express our tremendous appreciation and thanks to the many sponsors, participants, and event partners who have been very patient and supportive through this unusual time,” added Mills.

“Ever optimistic though, we will begin our planning for next year and look forward to welcoming everyone to ‘Celebrate Canada Day-Kelowna’ on July 1, 2021.”