Art Galleries
Kelowna Art Gallery
Kelowna
THE CITY · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA
Kelowna’s vibrant arts scene shines year-round, from the downtown Cultural District to lively festivals and stages across the Okanagan. This is your guide to it all.
25 venues · Updated September 2026Culture guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Kelowna Art Gallery · Kelowna Art Gallery
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Kelowna's arts and entertainment scene is centred around the downtown Cultural District, a walkable hub of galleries, theatres, and museums. Major venues like Prospera Place and the Kelowna Community Theatre host large-scale concerts and shows, while a vibrant festival scene, including Canada Day and Kelowna Pride, brings energy to the city's parks and public spaces all year long.
- Main Hub
- Cultural District
- Big Shows
- Prospera Place
- Summer Music
- Parks Alive! series
- Art Walk
- First Fridays
01CULTURE GUIDE
Galleries & museums
The Cultural District and beyond.
Museums
The Laurel Packinghouse
Kelowna
Museums
Okanagan Heritage Museum
Kelowna
Museums
KF Centre for Excellence
Kelowna
Art Galleries
Rotary Centre for the Arts
Kelowna
Art Galleries
Hambleton Galleries
Kelowna
Museums
Okanagan Military Museum
Kelowna
Museums
Sncewips Heritage Museum and Gift Store
West Kelowna
Museums
Westbank Museum
West Kelowna
Art Galleries
Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery
Kelowna
Art Galleries
Gallery 421
Kelowna
Art Galleries
Lake Country Art Gallery
Lake Country
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•CULTURE GUIDE
Stages & screens
Theatre, concerts, big games and movie nights.
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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Your Guide to Arts & Entertainment
Discover the creative heart of the Okanagan, where live music, art, and culture thrive in every season.
The short answer
For major concerts and sporting events, Prospera Place is the city's premier venue. The Kelowna Community Theatre hosts a variety of touring productions and local performances, while the Rotary Centre for the Arts offers a more intimate setting for music, theatre, and visual arts.
01Downtown Hub
The Cultural District
Kelowna's Cultural District is the vibrant heart of the city's arts scene, concentrated in a compact, walkable area downtown. This six-block neighbourhood blends historic brick buildings from the fruit-packing era with modern artistic spaces. Here you'll find a cluster of galleries, museums, theatres, and studios, all connected by streets dotted with public art, cafes, and unique shops. It’s the perfect place to start your cultural exploration of Kelowna.
Begin your tour on Water Street, home to the Kelowna Art Gallery and the Rotary Centre for the Arts. From there, it's a short stroll to the Okanagan Heritage Museum and The Laurel Packinghouse, which houses the BC Orchard Industry Museum and the BC Wine Museum. The entire district is designed for discovery on foot, with maps available at the Kelowna Visitor Centre to guide you through the public sculptures and murals that bring the streets to life.
The district is not just a daytime destination. In the evenings, the area buzzes with energy as locals and visitors head to performances at the Kelowna Community Theatre or the Mary Irwin Theatre inside the Rotary Centre. Whether you're catching a symphony performance, a professional theatre production, or a community arts event, the Cultural District offers a rich and diverse lineup of evening entertainment throughout the year.
Local tips
- Parking can be found in several parkades, including the Library Parkade on Doyle Avenue.
- Many galleries in the district offer free admission on Thursdays.
- Look for the free self-guided tour maps to discover hidden public art.
- The area is flat and easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
02Get Inspired
Visual Arts & Galleries
Kelowna's art scene is anchored by the impressive Kelowna Art Gallery. Located in the heart of the Cultural District, it features a permanent collection of over 800 works and a dynamic schedule of contemporary exhibitions by local, Canadian, and international artists. The gallery also hosts artist talks, workshops, and family-friendly events, making it an accessible and engaging space for all ages. Don't miss their satellite gallery at the Kelowna International Airport (YLW).
Just next door, the Rotary Centre for the Arts is a community hub with constantly changing exhibitions in its atrium and hallways. It's a fantastic place to discover emerging local artists and see a wide variety of media. For those interested in artist-run culture, the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art presents more experimental and alternative works. Beyond the Cultural District, you'll find excellent private galleries like Hambleton Galleries, Gallery 421, and SOPA Fine Arts scattered throughout the city.
Public art is an integral part of Kelowna's landscape. As you walk, run, or cycle, you'll encounter numerous sculptures, murals, and installations. Key pieces are located along the waterfront promenade, in Stuart Park, and throughout the Cultural District. These works celebrate the region's history, culture, and natural environment, turning a simple stroll into an outdoor art tour. Keep an eye out for new pieces, as the city's public art collection is always growing.
Local tips
- Admission to the Kelowna Art Gallery is free on Thursdays.
- Many private galleries host opening receptions for new exhibitions; check their websites for dates.
- Pick up a public art map from the Visitor Centre on the waterfront.
- Look for artist studios open to the public at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.
03Turn It Up
Live Music & Venues
When major international artists tour Western Canada, they play at Prospera Place. This 6,000-seat arena in downtown Kelowna hosts the biggest names in music and comedy, as well as the WHL's Kelowna Rockets. For a more traditional theatre experience, the 850-seat Kelowna Community Theatre is the city's main stage for touring musicals, symphony concerts, and stand-up comedians.
The local live music scene thrives in smaller, more intimate venues. Pubs like O'Flannigan's Pub and the Blue Gator Bar are institutions, known for their regular rotations of live bands. Newer spots like Revelry and Red Bird Brewing have quickly become favourites, offering great tunes in a relaxed atmosphere. In the summer, many wineries, including Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, host outdoor concerts in spectacular settings.
Come summer, free live music fills the city's parks. The Parks Alive! program presents concerts in various neighbourhood parks throughout July and August, offering a perfect family-friendly evening out. For a unique experience, look for pop-up concerts on Bernard Avenue, which becomes a pedestrian-only street during the warmer months. These events showcase the depth of local talent and the community's love for music.
Local tips
- Buy tickets for major shows at Prospera Place well in advance.
- Check local listings for no-cover music nights at downtown pubs.
- Bring a blanket or lawn chair for Parks Alive! concerts.
- Winery concerts often sell out quickly, so book early in the season.
04City of Festivals
Festivals & Events
Kelowna's calendar is packed with annual festivals that draw locals and visitors alike. Summer kicks off with Kelowna Pride Week in early June, a vibrant celebration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that culminates in a lively festival and parade in City Park. On July 1, the waterfront comes alive for Canada Day, with free concerts, family activities, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display over Okanagan Lake.
Music festivals are a huge part of the summer vibe. Rock The Lake brings classic rock legends to the outdoor stage at Prospera Place for a weekend in July. NESTFEST at Red Bird Brewing showcases a more indie and diverse lineup in August. While the large-scale electronic music festival Centre of Gravity is no longer running, new events like The Summer Edit have emerged to bring a day of great music and food to the waterfront.
Beyond the summer, the city hosts unique cultural events. The Living Things International Arts Festival brings innovative puppetry, mask, and performance art to various venues in January. Throughout the year, you can find events celebrating everything from local craft culture to independent film. These festivals are a testament to Kelowna's dynamic and creative community spirit.
Local tips
- Plan for road closures and limited parking during major downtown festivals.
- Many summer festivals are free to attend, but bring cash for food trucks and vendors.
- Book accommodation well in advance for festival weekends.
- Check festival websites for schedules and volunteer opportunities.
05On Stage
Theatre & Performing Arts
Kelowna boasts a thriving theatre scene with options for every taste. The Kelowna Community Theatre is the city's largest performing arts venue, presenting a wide range of professional touring productions, from Broadway shows to international dance troupes. Inside the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the intimate Mary Irwin Theatre hosts local theatre companies, dance performances, and smaller touring acts. The nearby Black Box Theatre is a versatile space known for more experimental and independent productions.
For a unique night out, the Kelowna Actors Studio offers a dinner theatre experience, staging popular Broadway musicals and comedies. It's a fantastic option for a complete evening of dining and entertainment under one roof. The quality of their productions has made them a beloved local institution for years.
The performing arts in Kelowna extend beyond traditional theatre. The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at the Kelowna Community Theatre, and various dance schools and companies showcase their talent throughout the year. The city's commitment to the arts ensures a rich and varied calendar of performances, from classical music and ballet to contemporary plays and improv comedy.
Local tips
- Check for season tickets or multi-show packages for the best value.
- Kelowna Actors Studio offers show-only tickets if you prefer not to dine.
- Look for pay-what-you-can nights or student discounts at smaller theatres.
- Venues like the Rotary Centre offer arts education programs and workshops for all ages.
06Local History
Museums & Heritage
Step into the region's past at Kelowna's diverse museums. The Okanagan Heritage Museum, located in the Cultural District, offers a comprehensive look at the history of the valley, from the Syilx/Okanagan people to the arrival of settlers and the growth of the city. In the same building, you'll find the Okanagan Military Museum, which honours the contributions of local veterans.
For a taste of the industry that built this region, visit The Laurel Packinghouse. This historic building, once the heart of the fruit packing industry, now houses the BC Orchard Industry Museum and the BC Wine Museum. It's a fascinating glimpse into the agricultural roots of the Okanagan. Just north of downtown, the KF Centre for Excellence offers a stunning display of vintage aircraft and aviation history.
On the Westside, the Sncewips Heritage Museum and Gift Store provides a vital perspective on the history and culture of the syilx people, curated by the Westbank First Nation. The nearby Westbank Museum focuses on the history of the West Kelowna area. These institutions offer a deeper understanding of the people and stories that have shaped the entire Central Okanagan.
Local tips
- Check the Kelowna Museums Society website for special events and walking tours.
- The Laurel Packinghouse is also a popular venue for markets and special events.
- Allow at least an hour to fully explore the Okanagan Heritage Museum.
- The KF Centre for Excellence is located near the airport, making it a great first or last stop.
Cineplex Cinemas Orchard Plaza✳Landmark Cinemas West Kelowna, Xtreme✳Prospera Place✳Landmark Cinemas Grand 10 Kelowna✳O'Flannigan's Pub✳Kelowna Community Theatre✳Kelowna Art Gallery✳The Laurel Packinghouse✳Okanagan Heritage Museum✳KF Centre for Excellence✳Rotary Centre for the Arts✳Revelry✳Blue Gator Bar✳Kelowna Actors Studio✳Hambleton Galleries✳Okanagan Military Museum✳Sncewips Heritage Museum and Gift Store✳Mary Irwin Theatre✳Westbank Museum✳Geert Maas Sculpture Gardens and Gallery✳Gallery 421✳Black Box Theatre✳Lake Country Art Gallery✳SOPA Fine Arts✳
•BOOK A LOCAL
Make a day of it.
Tours, rentals, shops and stays run by Kelowna locals, all bookable from their profiles.
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•THE FULL LIST
All 25 venues.
Search by name, narrow by type or community, and sort by the most-reviewed or highest-rated. Every card opens a full profile.
See them on the map25 places
CinemasCineplex Cinemas Orchard PlazaMovie Theater in Kelowna.★ 4.2 (1,500) · Kelowna
CinemasLandmark Cinemas West Kelowna, XtremeMovie Theater in West Kelowna.★ 4.4 (1,284) · West KelownaLive Music VenuesProspera PlaceProspera Place is Kelowna's premier entertainment arena, hosting world-class concerts, major sporting events, and serving as home to the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.★ 4.2 (1,183) · Kelowna
CinemasLandmark Cinemas Grand 10 KelownaMovie Theater in Kelowna.★ 4.2 (1,055) · Kelowna
Live Music VenuesO'Flannigan's PubIrish Pub in Kelowna.★ 4.2 (1,024) · KelownaTheatresKelowna Community TheatreEvent Venue in Kelowna.★ 4.6 (849) · KelownaArt GalleriesKelowna Art GalleryArt Gallery in Kelowna.★ 4.5 (450) · KelownaMuseumsThe Laurel PackinghouseEvent Venue in Kelowna.★ 4.8 (430) · KelownaMuseumsOkanagan Heritage MuseumExplore the rich natural and human history of the Okanagan Valley at this engaging museum in Kelowna's Cultural District.★ 4.6 (363) · KelownaMuseumsKF Centre for ExcellenceThe KF Centre for Excellence serves as a dedicated hub for its specialized field, offering a focused environment for learning and innovation.★ 4.9 (309) · KelownaArt GalleriesRotary Centre for the ArtsAssociation Or Organization in Kelowna.★ 4.7 (302) · Kelowna
Live Music VenuesRevelryEvent Venue in Kelowna.★ 3.7 (218) · Kelowna•STORIES
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•FAQ
Good to know
Kelowna's Cultural District is a six-block downtown area where you can visit the Kelowna Art Gallery, Rotary Centre for the Arts, several museums, and theatres like the Kelowna Community Theatre. It's a walkable neighbourhood filled with public art, cafes, and shops.
