Thompson Okanagan Guide to Pride in 2026
Get ready to paint the Okanagan rainbow bright! Pride is a time to celebrate love, community, and inclusion – and the best part is that the festivities don't stop in June! While most of Penticton and Kelowna's events typically happen in late May and June, celebrate Vernon Pride Week, Kamloops Pride Week, and Osoyoos Pride Arts in the late summer and early fall. From the bustling city life of Kelowna to the laid-back charm of Osoyoos, the entire Thompson Okanagan is ready to celebrate.
Kelowna Penticton Vernon Kamloops Osoyoos
Updated as of July 6 to include all Pride events scheduled for July 7 onwards.
Dazzling Events in Kelowna
Immerse yourself in the magic of Pride as Kelowna comes alive with love, laughter, and a whole lot of rainbow-infused fun! Hosting an extraordinary lineup of events that celebrate the strength and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, prepare to be captivated by drag shows, pride dances, and thought-provoking workshops. Kelowna Pride Week is hosted during the first week of June, doubling down on Pride events for the entire month!
Big Gay Party – July 18, 2026, 5:00 PM. Head to DunnEnzies Pizza Mission for an evening featuring live DJs, drag and burlesque performances, and vendors.
See the full community events calendar: kelownapride.com/communityevents
Raise a Glass in Penticton
Love knows no boundaries in Penticton as the community comes together to celebrate diversity with open arms.
Pride in the Vines – Saturday, July 11, 2026, 5:00–8:00 PM. The 4th annual Pride in the Vines returns to See Ya Later Ranch in Okanagan Falls – a wild celebration of food, wine, and all things queer, with over 30 wines, culinary creations, drag performances, and a DJ. 19+.
A Glittering Time in Vernon
It’s time to swirl and twirl in Vernon, where Pride is celebrated with open arms! Vernon takes pride in its inclusive and accepting community, and during Vernon Pride Week the city shines even brighter.
Vernon Pride Week 2026 ran June 1–6, ahead of our July 7 cutoff – no additional events are currently scheduled for later this summer. Check back with Vernon Pride for updates: vernonpride.ca
A Rainbow of Events in Kamloops
Kick off the sparkly soiree in Kamloops, where a lively parade and vibrant celebrations fill the streets with love and inclusivity. Kamloops Pride Week runs each June, concluding with the Kamloops Pride Parade – and the community keeps the celebration going year-round with regular gatherings.
Rainbow Reads (Monthly) - The Rainbow Reads 2SLGBTQPIA+ book club meets monthly to explore queer narratives and writings by queer authors.
See the full events calendar: kamloopspride.com/events
Shine Bright in Osoyoos
Last but certainly not least, Osoyoos invites you to bask in the glow of Pride festivities. From silent discos to the Pride Arts Festival, Osoyoos invites you to experience its warm embrace during Pride. Celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ stories in an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued!
Pride Arts Festival – September 12, 2026
Osoyoos’ annual celebration of love, community, and culture, highlighting 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities through vendors, food and beverage, live performances, and fine artists. This free, family-friendly festival showcases a wide range of artistic disciplines.
Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of Pride in the Thompson Okanagan! This is your chance to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance with friends, family, and the entire community. Whether you’re headed to Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton, or Osoyoos, each destination shines through its vibrant pride events, leaving a lasting impact on both locals and visitors. Happy Pride, everyone! Stay tuned for more event details as they’re announced throughout 2026.
Resources
Pride Societies
South Okanagan Similkameen Pride
LGBTQIA2S+ Events Hosts and Companies
Founded in 2017, Rebellious Unicorns is a 100% 2SLGBTQ+ owned events, broadcasting and media production company, dedicated to leading positive change in the Okanagan and curating inclusive events, experiences, and programming that bring people together.
Whalemade Productions by Freida Whales produces events, drag shows, private parties, corporate functions and more in the Okanagan. Offering a variety of acts featuring a whole pod of performers from comedians to dancers, you’re guaranteed to have a whale of a time!
The Okanagan’s first LGBT2Q+ lounge – a delicious & delightful lounge where you can find signature cocktails, upscale dishes, and fabulous entertainment. Feel at home in a place that straddles a classy VIP experience and a zany, be-yourself atmosphere.
Femme Fatale Dance is known for its fun burlesque classes, workshops and events, performing 1-3 times a month across the Okanagan. Their shows showcase confidence and artistry, offering bold, empowering performances at private events, public showcases, and festivals. With locations in Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton, Femme Fatale continues to captivate audiences throughout Western Canada.
