B.C.

4 Festivals to Celebrate Springtime in Osoyoos

Canada's only desert is ready for its close-up in the springtime

By Amy Watkins /

Celebrating everything from food to film and, of course, wine, here are four festivals to check out in the South Okanagan this spring

 

The South Okanagan usually takes a starring role in the summer, but thanks to unique events like Devour! Osoyoos the Food Film Fest and the Half Corked Marathon—Canada’s only desert is ready for its close-up in the springtime.

Check out the hot lineup of fun festivals happening in the coming months…

 

1. Devour! Osoyoos – Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7

Devour!, the world’s largest culinary film festival, returns to the South Okanagan for its second consecutive year from May 5 to 7. In 2009, Devour! The Food Film Fest was created by Chef Michael Howell in Nova Scotia as a celebration of cinema, food and wine culture—and in 2016, made its first cross-country stopover in Okanagan wine country at Watermark Beach Resort. New for this year, the event is expanding across the South Okanagan to celebrate the bounty of the region.

Top events include a film-inspired gala dinner featuring leading B.C. chefs, tasting tours, a champagne brunch, cocktail reception and more. In addition to artsy attractions, festival-goers can also soak up the stunning surroundings of the lakeside destination at various properties by taking advantage of special Devour! Osoyoos packages and rates.

 

2. Osoyoos Medieval Faire – Sunday, May 21 & Monday, May 22 (May Long Weekend)

Visit the Osoyoos Medieval Faire over the May long weekend, where the past is present. Watch knights joust in in full metal armour, and enjoy the old-world games of skill. The event includes village vendors, artisans, wandering entertainers, live Celtic music by Vazzy, and a medieval pub. Tickets can be purchased online for $15 (for Saturday or Sunday) or $20 at the gate. Tickets for kids aged 7 to 12 are $10 online (for Saturday or Sunday) or $15 at the gate. Children under six are free.

 

3. Half Corked Marathon – Friday, May 26 to Sunday, May 28

Tickets for this hotly anticipated race through the wineries sold out during the November lottery, but visitors can still join in the fun at the Party at the Finish Line on May 27th. Check out the crazy costumes and cheer on the runners who have completed the 18k route, which winds through Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country. Tickets for the Party at the Finish line are $23 and include a souvenir glass and three wine-tasting tokens.

 

4. Cactus Jalopies – Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4

Admire hundreds of classic and unique cars on display at Gyro Beach on the waterfront of Osoyoos Lake. A show ‘n’ shine, onsite beer garden, extreme motorcycle stunt show, and drag racing at the Osoyoos Airport will round out the weekend.
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