Things to Do in the
Okanagan This Week
Spring markets, a city-wide art walk, an Indigenous-led water forum, and the biggest arts festival in the South Okanagan — all in one week. Here’s what’s worth your time across the valley.
March 21 – 27, 2026
⭐ Don’t Miss
This Week’s Top Picks
The events worth planning your calendar around — from a spring market happening today to the festival that closes out March with a bang.
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday
This Weekend — March 21–22
Two strong options this weekend — a spring artisan market with a charitable angle, and the final games of the biggest hockey tournament in the South Okanagan this year.
Hello Spring Artisans Market
The 6th annual Hello Spring Market brings together a curated mix of local artisans, small businesses, and crafters from across the Okanagan Valley. This isn’t your typical vendor fair — expect DIY workshops, live painting, garden decor ideas, and pottery demos alongside the shopping.
Admission: $5 for the weekend or $3 per day. Kids 12 and under free. A portion of admission is donated to the Penticton Community Fridge & Pantry.
Official Event Page →CSSHL Western Championships — Final Games
The Canadian Sport School Hockey League Western Championships wrap up this weekend after 16 days of elite student-athlete hockey across three Penticton venues. 106 teams, 196 games — and Saturday is your last chance to catch the action. Admission for local kids 12 and under is free.
Event Details →Fireside Fridays — Backroads Brewing Co.
If you’re down in Osoyoos this weekend, Backroads Brewing does cozy Friday evenings all through the spring. Great craft beer, a relaxed atmosphere, and a warm way to kick off the weekend in wine country.
🎨 Monday – Thursday
This Week — March 20–26
A creative week in Penticton, an important community gathering in Kelowna, and the kind of midweek events that remind you why valley life is hard to beat.
We Create Penticton — ArtWalk Week
If you haven’t explored downtown Penticton‘s creative side, this is the week. We Create Penticton is a city-wide celebration of local arts — galleries, studios, and local businesses open their doors with exhibitions, workshops, and a walking art trail you can explore at your own pace. It’s also the creative lead-up to the Ignite the Arts Festival starting Friday.
Penticton Arts Council →siwɬkʷ Water & Climate Forum
One of the most significant community events happening in the Okanagan this month. Hosted by the Okanagan Nation Alliance in recognition of World Water Day, this two-day forum brings together Indigenous leaders, local government representatives, scientists, and international water experts to discuss watershed stewardship and climate-resilient governance.
Keynote speakers include Syilx scholar Dr. Jeannette Armstrong and global water governance expert Dr. Nuria Hernández-Mora from Spain. Over 130 elected leaders across the valley are involved. Registration is required and closing soon.
Info & Registration →Wine & Song Wednesdays — Maestro’s Mediterranean
Every Wednesday evening, Maestro’s offers 50% off bottles of wine with live music from local Okanagan talent. A solid midweek date night or a reason to try something new on a Wednesday.
Firehall Open Mic & Jam Night
Firehall Brewery’s weekly open mic and jam night is one of those low-key community staples that makes small-town life great. Local musicians, cold beer, and a welcoming atmosphere. Check with the brewery for this week’s exact schedule.
🔜 End of Week
Looking Ahead — March 27–29
The week ends with a festival, a sold-out punk show, and the wine industry’s biggest conference of the spring. Get your tickets now — this weekend is going to be big.
Ignite the Arts Festival 2026
The biggest event on this week’s horizon. Penticton’s signature 3-day multi-venue music and arts festival features 60+ musical and performing acts — folk, electronic, hip hop, spoken word, theatre, dance, and visual arts. It kicks off with the iconic Parade for No Reason on Friday evening at 6 PM.
This year’s lineup includes Fred Penner, Shane Koyczan, 3 Jack Generation Hand Drummers, Balkan Shmalkan, and dozens more across 10+ venues. Three days of choose-your-own-adventure culture in the heart of the South Okanagan.
Get Festival Tickets →Rise Against w/ Destroy Boys & Speed
Punk-rock legends Rise Against bring their high-energy, socially charged anthems to Penticton, joined by Destroy Boys and Speed. This show is sold out. If you missed tickets, keep an eye on resale — but don’t count on it. One of the biggest concert bookings Penticton has seen this spring.
Venue Info →Wine Growers BC — Insight Conference
The annual Wine Growers BC conference for winery owners, team leaders, and marketing professionals. Includes the BC Wine Industry Recognition Awards. If you work in wine, this is the industry event of the spring.
Conference Info →👥 Something for Everyone
Who This Week Is Best For
No matter your vibe this week, there’s something happening in the valley that fits.
💡 Before You Head Out
Planning Tips
A few practical reminders so your week goes smoothly.
- ✅ Check official event pages before attending. Dates, times, and pricing can change on short notice — every event linked above has an official source you can verify.
- 🎫 Some events require tickets or registration. The siwɬkʷ Forum requires registration (closing soon). Rise Against is sold out. Ignite the Arts passes are available online — don’t wait until the door.
- 🌤️ Weather is transitioning. March in the Okanagan swings between warm spring days and cooler evenings. Layer up for anything outdoors or walking between venues.
- 🅿️ Arrive early for popular events. The Hello Spring Market and Ignite the Arts Parade for No Reason draw solid crowds. Downtown Penticton parking fills up fast on event weekends.
- 📅 Full calendar available. For every event happening this month across the valley, check the full Okanagan Events Calendar.
🗺️ Keep Exploring
More from Living in the Okanagan
Curious about life in the communities mentioned in this post? Explore our town guides — each one covers history, weather, schools, recreation, food, dog parks, and real estate.
Back to top🏡 Find Your Place
Thinking About the Okanagan?
Weeks like this are a pretty good window into what life here actually feels like — markets, live music, community events, and a valley that comes alive as the season turns. I’m Riccardo Manazza, a licensed REALTOR® with eXp Realty based in the South Okanagan. Whether you’re exploring communities, ready to buy, or just want an honest conversation — I’d love to help you find where you belong.