4 Free Holiday Activities to Do in the Southern Okanagan that Won’t Hurt your Wallet  

No matter what season it is, the list of things to do in Penticton is endless! Trying out a new restaurant on Main Street, renting a snowboard at one of the many regional resorts or shopping at a downtown boutique are all great local options. However, in December, spending extra money on Christmas shopping is unavoidable. Rather than spending your hard-earned cash on costly attractions, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to explore the valley instead. Don’t break your budget. Make these activities your “must-do’s” this December:

Munson Mountain Hike

Summer hiking isn’t your only opportunity to climb up mountains! This winter, bundle up the whole family (hot chocolate filled thermoses optional!) and head up Munson Mountain for breathtaking views of the Southern Valley and Okanagan Lake. Some people call this local attraction “the Grand Canyon of Penticton,” so you know it has to be good! Plus, you’re saving money and getting exercise by visiting a local attraction.

Wine Touring! 

Often when visiting South Okanagan wineries, you’re looking at spending a bit of money. A little hint to reduce costs when sipping this December? Visit the smaller vineyards as they usually offer free tastings. But, supporting the winery and purchasing from their selection is still highly recommended. I’m sure you’ll forgive the extra spending when you’ve experienced award winning Penticton wineries complete with astounding views that you won’t soon forget.

Christmas Lights Viewing  Looking for December events in the Okanagan? The most beloved activity of all is finding out where to find the best Christmas lights in Penticton! Over the years, some popular homes showing off festive holiday lights have been found on Huth Avenue, Edna Avenue, Carmi Avenue, and Dewdney Crescent, just to name a few. And of course, driving through downtown is a great way to see all of the Christmas spirit within the city.

 

 

 

Volunteering

  When searching for inexpensive family activities in the Okanagan Valley, Penticton has volunteer opportunities that you should really consider over the Christmas season. A great idea when looking to give back? The Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign. Every December, the Salvation Army is on the lookout for volunteers to help out those in need year-round. You can also find more places in need of help here.

No matter what’s on your winter bucket list, there’s all sorts of winter and Christmas events happening all over the Okanagan that don’t cost a thing. Markets, public skating, visits with Santa… there’s never a shortage of affordable attractions when living in the valley.

Loving where I live is all a part of the fun when selling homes to real estate buyers like yourself! When you choose me as your REALTOR, you aren’t just buying a new property in the valley, you’re also investing in the beautiful lifestyle associated with owning a gorgeous house in Penticton. Invest in where you live. Get in touch today!

JUST ANNOUNCED: Penticton to Welcome KIDZ BOP, the #1 Music Brand for Kids, in March 2020!

KIDZ BOP World Tour

Saturday, March 7, 2020
South Okanagan Events Centre – Penticton, BC
Doors: 6:00PM | Show: 7:00PM

Tickets: Start at $35.00 (additional fees apply)

GET TICKETS

KIDZ BOP, the #1 music brand for kids, in partnership with Live Nation, announced today The KIDZ BOP Kids first-ever headlining Canadian tour with a stop in Penticton on Saturday, March 7.

The KIDZ BOP Kids, Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kids’ Artist” for nine consecutive years, are bringing their interactive family-friendly concert experience to new cities and will perform some of today’s biggest global pop hits live on stage. The concert features awesome set design, costumes, exciting choreography, and tons of cool surprises! Dads even have the chance to show off their best dance moves on stage during the “Daddy Dance Off.”

Tickets start at $35.00* and go on sale Friday, September 27 at 10:00AM. Tied to the fall leg of the KIDZ BOP World Tour 2019, KIDZ BOP will release their new album, KIDZ BOP 40, on November 15.

KIDZ BOP World Tour 2020 Canada Dates

21-February – London, ON – Centennial Hall
22-February – Kitchener, ON – Centre In The Sqaure
23-February – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Concert Hall
28-February – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
29-February – Regina – Conexus Arts Centre
1-March – Saskatoon, SK – TCU Place
6-March – Calgary, AB – Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
7-March – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Events Centre
8-March – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

About KIDZ BOP
KIDZ BOP connects with kids and families through its best-selling albums, music videos, consumer products and live tours. In the US, KIDZ BOP is the No. 1 music brand for kids, featuring today’s biggest hits “sung by kids for kids.” KIDZ BOP has sold over 20 million albums and generated over 3 billion streams since the family-friendly music brand debuted in 2001. The best-selling series has had 24 Top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 Chart; only three artists in history—The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand—have had more Top 10 albums. For more information, visit www.kidzbop.com.

Tour Sponsors
Subway Fresh Fit for Kids® and KIDZ BOP Radio on SiriusXM’s Channel 77 are official partners of the KIDZ BOP World Tour 2019. Subway Fresh Fit for Kids® is a leader in offering on-the-go families balanced, customizable meals, and better-for-you kids’ meals. SiriusXM’s KIDZ BOP Radio (Ch. 77) features The KIDZ BOP Kids hosting a 24/7 party, which includes today’s biggest hits, sung by kids for kids.

Johnny Reid’s “My Kind of Christmas Tour” ❄️⛄

Seating Map:
December 13 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Tickets go on sale: September 27, 2019 10:00 am
Doors Open: 6:00 pm
Ticket Prices: Tickets start at $39.50 (additional fees apply)
https://ev6.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=REID19&linkID=global-penticton&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=&RSRC=WEB_VEN&RDAT=scroll

 

Widely known for his energetic stage performances, Johnny will embark on a national cross-Canada My Kind Of Christmas Tour that will cover 23 dates including a stop in Penticton at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Friday, December 14.

Already a chart-topping, multi-platinum selling artist in Canada, Johnny’s songwriting resonates with audiences across the globe and that will continue with this new Christmas EP, a perfect mix of originally penned ‘soon to be holiday favorites’ including “My Kind Of Christmas” with a Johnny Reid take on some hidden holiday gems including “Merry Christmas Everyone”, a classic brought back to life in the 80’s UK pop phenom ‘Shakin’ Stevens. See the full track listing below.

Since arriving on the music scene over 10 years ago, critically acclaimed singer songwriter, Johnny Reid has captured the hearts of fans and audiences around the world. Born and raised in Lanark, Scotland, the blue collared soul singer is widely known for his lyrical honesty and musical ability, as demonstrated by album sales totaling over 1 million units, countless awards and multiple SOLD OUT national arena tours.

Tickets for the tour start at $39.50* and will go on sale to the general public on Friday, September 27 at 10am. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Valley First Box Office, over the phone 1-877-763-2849 or online at www.ValleyFirstTix.com. Fans can also visit Johnny Reid’s website for exclusive presale details.

5 of My Favourite South Okanagan Events

With the Penticton Peach Festival just around the corner, I got to thinking about all the outstanding events we have here in the South Okanagan. Festivals, car shows, concerts… even through the winter, there always seems to be something fun happening every weekend. I swear they keep adding more every year. Even though it’s getting hard to keep track of them all, here are five of my personal favourites.

Peach City Beach Cruise

Even if you’re not into cars, it’s hard not to be impressed by this event and the passion of the people who take part. Usually held in late June, the Peach City Beach Cruise sees hundreds of glistening, gleaming, and painstakingly restored classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles line up along Lakeshore Drive for the interior’s biggest auto show. Wear your comfy shoes because there’s a lot to explore, including a ton of vendors, food trucks, and concerts. Who knows, you might even spot an Elvis or two because that weekend is also the…

Penticton Elvis Festival

Yep. You read that right. We have an Elvis Festival. A big one in fact! People travel here from around the world to celebrate The King and his music. This event usually happens in late June at the same time as the Peach City Beach Cruise because is there any better match than Elvis Presley and classic cars? For a couple days the city is filled with Elvis impersonators and to be honest, most are pretty convincing. This one’s a unique event and a lot of fun.

Peach City Beach Cruise

Much like we celebrate our juicy peaches here in Penticton, Osoyoos holds a yearly festival for the fruit they’re best known for. Taking place on Canada Day weekend, the highlights of the Osoyoos Cherry Fiesta include great bands, fun events for kids, and a delicious assortment of cherry themed foods. Seriously, you have to try the homemade pies. And since it takes place on our nation’s birthday, the festival puts on an incredible fireworks show too. I’ve heard it’s the second largest in Canada after Ottawa and it doesn’t disappoint.

The Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival

Dubbed “The Best Jazz Party in the Pacific Northwest”, this annual three day festival takes place the weekend after Labour Day. Featuring live music from more than a dozen world class jazz bands, the Pentastic Hot Jazz Festival is guaranteed to get your toes tapping no matter what kind of music you’re into.

Okanagan Fest of Ale

Our region is famous for world class wines but did you know we’ve also got a heck of a selection of excellent craft beers too? Every April since 1996, dozens of the best breweries from BC and beyond have gathered in Penticton for the Fest of Ale, making it one of the biggest and longest running events of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. This two day festival is your chance to sample some of the top beers in the world and celebrate the almighty ale with friends, food, and music!

Obviously this is just a small sample of what goes on here. I haven’t even touched down on all the bands the play at the South Okanagan Events Centre, The Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Classic hockey tournament, the Spring, Fall, or Winter Wine Festivals, or any of the other smaller, local events in Penticton and the surrounding area.

If the idea of living in an area where the summers are long, the winters are mild, and there’s always something happening that interests you, contact me today!