Your Ultimate Guide to July Long Weekend Celebrations

July is here, school is out, and it’s time to officially kick-off summer with a long weekend full of exciting celebrations. 

Throughout Kamloops and Sun Peaks you’ll find events for everyone, featuring arts, culture, athletics, and of course – some incredible eats. There’s a lot going on, but never fear—we’ve pulled together our Ultimate Guide to the July Long Weekend to get you started.

Celebrating the July Long Weekend in Kamloops

Kamloopa Powwow & Indian Days

Join the Kamloopa Powwow Society June 28th to 30th at the beautiful Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) within Secwepemcúl’ecw for 3 days of celebrating Indigenous culture! This year’s event promises to be a powerful and vibrant experience, with nearly 500 dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States. Come enjoy the drumming and dancing, eat some great food, and explore the artisan vendors. Please note that this is a drug and alcohol-free event. Everyone is welcome, and tickets are available at the gate.

 Photo: Mary Putnam

On the 28th and 29th, you can also join the Kamloopa Powwow Society for Kamloopa Indian Days. They’ve partnered with the Elite Relay Association, Kamloops Race Central, and S&E Bucking Bulls for some thrilling Indian Relay Race and Bull Riding events. 

Kamloopa Powwow & indian Days event details 

Cactus Classic Nationals

Photo: Kamloops BMX

From June 28th to 30th you can catch some of the best BMX riders from across Canada in Kamloops! Join the Greater Kamloops BMX Association on Ord Road for three days of high speeds, massive jumps, and heart-pounding challenges. Riders ages 5 to 50 will step up to the competition and test their skills. This event is free to watch, so if you’ve ever been curious about BMX, this is your chance.

Cactus Classic event details

Music at Monte Creek Winery

Photo: Wines of BC

Enjoy music in the vineyard on June 28th at Monte Creek Winery, just 30 minutes east of Kamloops. This popular series returns for 2024, kicking things off with Jeremy Ryan on Saxophone. Bring a lawn chair, picnic blanket, and get ready to dance through the sunset.

Monte Creek Event Details & Tickets

Find Art In The Park In Kamloops

On July 1st, Riverside Park is the ultimate hub of family-friendly festivities in Kamloops. Art in the Park is an iconic Canada Day event in Kamloops, showcasing the city's thriving arts scene. Every year the park is filled with artisan booths from some of our most talented painters, potters, jewellers, woodworkers and more. You’ll also find a variety of performances, including dance, music, theatre, and maybe even a princess or two! For over 40 years, Art in the Park has transformed Riverside Park into a colourful tapestry of creativity and community. 

At the other end of the park, the Kamloops Multicultural Society provides food, drinks, performances and booths celebrating the range of cultures that make Kamloops shine.

Art in the Park Event Details

Get Outside in Kamloops

Photo: Kathryn McLaren Photography

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and take it easy, Kamloops offers an abundance of summer activities. Paddle one of our many beautiful lakes or hit the links on one of our award-winning golf courses  – Kamloops is home to 7 excellent courses with championship layouts. If you want to get out and NOT take it easy, explore the mountain biking trail network – early summer is prime time for biking in the region!

Celebrating the July Long Weekend in Sun Peaks

Sun Peaks photos captured by Kelly Funk

Just 45 minutes from Kamloops, head up the hill and join the July Long Weekend celebrations in the charming village of Sun Peaks. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the schedule for this weekend offers a delightful experience for families and visitors of all ages from Saturday, June 29th, right through Monday, July 1st. 

Sun Peaks July Long Weekend Events Book Lodging

Sun Peaks July 1st Event Highlights  |  10:30am - 9:30pm

The festivities kick off July 1st with the Kids Bike Parade at 10:30am, where littles are invited to show off their creatively decorated bikes while biking through the upper village. Prizes await the best-decorated bikes, adding a dash of competition and fun.

Children can unleash their creativity with Face Painting and Balloon Twisting by Silly of the Valley, where skilled artists transform little faces and vibrant balloons into colourful masterpieces. The Big Bubble Show by Matt Henry is a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates audiences with bigger-than-life bubbles. 

Families can explore Sun Peaks’ pedestrian village through the afternoon with the annual Harry Bear Scavenger Hunt, with free prize bags available while supplies last.

The Village Stage and Live Entertainment

The Village Stage becomes the centre of live performances throughout the day, complete with free July 1st celebration cookies. Prepare to be entertained by Kirst & Doug performing Maple Melodies, an acoustic tribute celebrating the mighty musical legacy of Canada, and Silly of the Valley’s stage performance.

Live Music

As the sun sets, the Village Stage becomes the backdrop for live music performances that will get your toes tapping and your spirits soaring. The Maritime Kitchen Party fills the air with the lively tunes of traditional East Coast music, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of an Atlantic Canadian kitchen party. Later in the evening, Five Alarm Funk takes the stage, offering a high energy horn-powered, percussion-fuelled show rocking the Clock Tower stage.

Other Things Happening at Sun Peaks Canada Day Weekend

June 28th and 29th Weekend Events: Check out free family activities and live entertainment on Saturday and Sunday, too! Bouncy castles, games, face painting, musical performances, a firetruck display, and more. Full weekend event schedule

Sun Peaks Sunday Brunch: Enjoy Sunday brunch with a change of scenery this summer. Check out special mid-morning culinary creations from cafes and eateries through the Sun Peaks village.

Sun Peaks Market Day: Stroll through the village and browse products from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags to the market. Market Days details

Sun Peaks Bike Park: Are you a thrill seeker looking to hurtle down a hill on your bike? The Sun Peaks Bike Park offers 2,000 feet of lift-access vertical on Tod Mountain and an additional 1,559 feet of lift-access vertical on Sundance Mountain!

Hiking & Trail Running in Sun Peaks: Explore the 17 designated hiking trails in Sun Peaks. Choose from low-grade, sightseeing strolls to a breathtaking summit and a stop at Tod Lake. Start in the village or take a ride up the Sunburst chairlift and start at mid-mountain, at 6,000' above sea level. 

Sun Peaks' July 1st Weekend Celebration is a joyful gathering where memories are made against the stunning backdrop of Sun Peaks' village and mountains. Join in the fun, soak up the festive atmosphere, and embrace the inclusive spirit of the July long weekend.

Extend Your Long Weekend With a Round (or 2) of Golf

Experience a week of family fun at Sun Peaks Golf Course with the Take a Kid to the Course event. From July 1 to 7, kids aged 6-16 can enjoy free golf* when accompanied by a paying adult. This special offer includes a complimentary round of golf and cart seat, ensuring a memorable experience!

Take a kid to the course details Tee Times & Course Info

But the Sun Peaks Golf fun doesn't end there! Kids aged 6-12 can continue playing for free alongside a paying adult throughout the season. Valid from Monday to Thursday after 10:00 am and Sundays after 4:00 pm (excluding holidays), ensuring everyone can tee off at this one-of-a-kind golf course.

*Please note that club rentals and power carts are excluded from the offer.

You Don’t Have To Choose

There’s a lot going on this July Long Weekend, but one of the best parts of Kamloops and Sun Peaks is that they’re only 45 min apart, meaning you don't need to pick! Spending the morning in the valley and the afternoon on the mountain – or vice versa – means you get the best of both worlds.

So, let’s kick off summer with an unforgettable July Long Weekend in Kamloops and Sun Peaks – we can’t wait to see you here! Be sure to tag us @tourismkamloops & @sunpeaksresort and use the hashtags #explorekamloops and #sunpeaks to be featured on our feeds.