As we gear up for another Canada Day celebration, it鈥檚 a perfect moment to reflect on how lucky we are to call this country home. Canada isn鈥檛 just known for its breathtaking landscapes and open-hearted people, it鈥檚 a place that champions diversity, creativity, and the true spirit of community. This year, excitement is building as Vancouver prepares to help host the FIFA World Cup, putting BC on the global stage. Here in the Okanagan Valley, we鈥檙e surrounded by rolling vineyards, orchards bursting with summer fruit, and a food scene that rivals anywhere in the country. Add in a vibrant, ever-growing community of artists, makers, and dreamers, and you鈥檝e got a region that鈥檚 as rich in inspiration as it is in beauty. Happy Canada Day, everyone! Give thanks and celebrate where you are.
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Tonight marks the opening night for Crossing Creek Community Theatre鈥檚 production of 鈥淭ooth & Tail,鈥 a perfect excuse to gather friends and family for a magical evening at Kalala Organic Estate Winery, 3361 Glencoe Road, West Kelowna. This lively fantasy play by Elizabeth A.M. Keel whisks audiences away on an epic adventure filled with heart, humour, and just the right amount of chaos. Set against the stunning backdrop of the vineyards and performed outdoors at 7 p.m., the story unravels as deep friendships are tested by jealousy and misunderstanding plus pirates, witches, dragons, sock monsters, and magic spells to keep things delightfully unpredictable. 鈥淭ooth & Tail鈥 boasts high-energy performances and a playful spirit, making it a treat for all ages. Picture yourself sipping award-winning organic wine, sampling eats from local food trucks, and getting lost in a magical world as the sun sets. Kids 16 and under can join in for just $10 with an adult, making this an accessible summer outing. The show runs nightly through Sunday, June 29 and tickets are through
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Also tonight, June 25, in Penticton, is a powerhouse stand-up night at The HUB on Martin with Train Wreck Comedy, are Four of Canada’s funniest comics; Chris Gordon, Chris Griffin, Efthimios Nasiopoulos, and Dave Merheje as they hit the stage for big laughs and wild stories. From Just For Laughs, CBC, Netflix, and more, these comics bring national cred and outrageous charm. Tickets .
Tomorrow night, my favourite West Kelowna speakeasy turns into the heart of country with local star Ben Klick and Mariya Stokes. Catch these award-winning artists live at Crown & Thieves鈥 Broken Hearts Club (3887 Brown Rd) June 26 at 8 p.m. Expect Ben鈥檚 modern, heartfelt country sound and Mariya鈥檚 witty Americana flair in an intimate, unforgettable setting. Doors at 7 p.m. to wet your whistle with wine, cocktails, and beers to let your inhibitions flow all night. Tickets at
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Get your summer reads autographed when two of our favourite local authors, Darcy Nybo and Angela Douglas, visit Mosaic Books on Saturday, June 28 from 12:30鈥3:30 p.m. Both will be signing their brand-new crime/thriller novels. Nybo鈥檚 鈥淐leansing
Water,鈥 a deep dive into the mind of a female serial killer, and Douglas鈥檚 鈥淓very Fall,鈥 a suspenseful exploration of trauma in a cop鈥檚 family. Meet the authors, chat about the craft, and snag a signed copy. If you love gripping, atmospheric reads, don鈥檛 miss this chance to discover your next favourite page-turner!
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The glow of summer is at Grizzli Winery鈥檚 Golden Hour Summer Series, starting this week with outdoor live events and vineyard views. With only three dates: June 28 (The Out Seer), August 2 (The Heels), and August 30 (Alex Maher) and $10 tickets, you鈥檒l want to snag your spot early. Music is from 7鈥9 p.m. Book dinner at on-site restaurant 31 Charkay (www.31charkay.com), and make it a full night out!
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Looking for a Canada Day plan that鈥檚 a little off the well-worn jazz path? The Okanagan Arts Award-nominated Skin And Bones Music Series is serving up something extraordinary: world-renowned percussion wizard Sir
Kahil El鈥橺abar pairs up with red-hot sax phenom Isaiah Collier for a night of musical magic. It all goes down July 1 at Summerhill Pyramid Winery, so you can celebrate Canada Day in pure, soulful jazz style. Even if you鈥檙e not a die-hard jazz head, this is the kind of show that鈥檒l convert you. The vibe is anything but your average gig in a bar because the magic unfolds inside Summerhill鈥檚 iconic Pyramid (4870 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna), with doors at 6:30 p.m., and the show starting at 7p.m. Tickets are $40 at the door or grab yours in advance through: Eventbrite. This concert marks the forty-fifth installment (and ten years strong!) for Skin And Bones, a series that鈥檚 made a name for itself by pushing musical boundaries in the Okanagan. Whether you鈥檙e a jazz devotee or just jazz-curious, this is the place to catch world-class talent and a deep eclectic groove.
With gratitude and kindness,
Anna Jacyszyn