Sun Peaks Events & Festivals: A Year-Round Look at What's Happening
Winter Events
Sun Peaks Holiday Kick-Off (December 2025)
The Holiday Kick-Off marks the official start of the winter season in Sun Peaks, typically held in early December. The event features a ceremonial tree lighting, live music, and themed activities throughout the village.
Families gather for photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, and outdoor entertainment. Local shops and restaurants extend their hours, and resort services offer early season promotions. It sets the tone for the festive season ahead and encourages early visitors to the slopes.
TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic (January 24-25, 2025)
The TELUS Nancy Greene Alpine Classic brings together corporate teams, amateur racers, and local instructors for a weekend of sport and fundraising. The event highlights both community involvement and athletic development.
Timed races are held on set courses, with spectators lining the base areas to cheer on participants. Award ceremonies and social gatherings round out the weekend, creating an inclusive atmosphere for everyone involved.
Alpine Fondue & Starlight Descent
This evening event offers a combination of dining and skiing. Guests take a chairlift to a mountain lodge for a fondue dinner, then participate in a guided descent down a lit ski run.
The descent is paced and supervised, designed for intermediate skiers seeking a unique nighttime experience. The event is scheduled for select weekends through early 2025, with bookings typically opening in the fall.
Australia Day (January 26, 2025)
Australia Day draws a strong crowd thanks to the presence of Australian seasonal workers and international visitors. On-mountain bars host themed parties, and the day includes live music, costume contests, and menus that highlight Australian food.
Events are spread across multiple venues, making it easy for visitors to take part. Although informal, the celebration has become a consistent feature of the winter calendar and brings extra energy to mid-season nightlife.
Spring Events
Nancy Greene Festival (March 2025)
Named after Olympic gold medallist Nancy Greene, the Nancy Greene Festival brings young skiers together for a season-ending race series that emphasizes participation over competition. Children take part in friendly races and obstacle courses, while families have the chance to meet ski icons in a relaxed setting.
The festival attracts regional ski clubs and school programs, with Sun Peaks’ snow sports instructors and resort staff working together to keep things running smoothly. Held over several days, it celebrates the end of the ski season and the beginning of spring break.
Easter Festivities
Easter weekend features outdoor activities, indoor crafts, and themed dining. The main attraction is the children’s Easter egg hunt, which takes place in both the village and designated family ski zones.
The ski school runs holiday-themed programming, and local restaurants offer brunches and set menus for the occasion. Families from nearby communities visit to enjoy late-season snow and springtime celebrations.
Summer Events
5K Foam Fest (June 7, 2025)
The 5K Foam Fest transforms the base area into a playful obstacle course with foam pits, inflatable slides, and muddy paths. Designed to be accessible and fun rather than competitive, it encourages group participation.
The course winds through open terrain, with safety managed by event staff. Temporary structures are removed after the weekend, returning the area to its regular summer trail use.
Summersgiving Solstice (June 20-22, 2025)
Summersgiving Solstice blends wellness, live music, and food over three days. Yoga sessions are held outdoors, and local musicians perform in the evenings on a central stage.
Communal dinners and picnic-style gatherings encourage visitors to stay into the evening. With both scheduled and drop-in options, the event offers a laid-back format for enjoying the start of summer.
Canada Day (June 27 - July 1, 2025)
Canada Day in Sun Peaks extends across several days, featuring live music, vendor markets, and family-friendly tournaments. Fireworks light up the evening of July 1, capping off the week of celebrations.
The event draws people from the Kamloops region and Okanagan Valley. Businesses set up food stalls and artisan tents, while parades, kids’ games, and art workshops fill out the daytime schedule.
Rockin' in the Peaks (July 4-5, 2025)
Rockin' in the Peaks is a two-day music festival with headline performances by Big Sugar and 54•40. A stage is set up in the village centre, surrounded by seating areas and food vendors.
Daytime programming focuses on families, while evenings shift to licensed, adult-friendly concerts. The event boosts weekend visitation and supports regional tourism.
Sun Peaks Speed Week (July 18-20, 2025)
Speed Week brings a mix of road cycling, mountain biking, and time trials to the mountain. Races, demonstrations, and open ride sessions take place across designated trails and roads.
Workshops and equipment demos are integrated into the event schedule, encouraging both competition and hands-on learning for all skill levels.
Endless Summer Concert Weekend (August 8-10, 2025)
The Endless Summer Concert Weekend features three days of live music by Canadian performers across a range of genres, with food vendors and restaurants offer special menus tied to the event.
Visitors ride the gondola during the day and stay for concerts in the evening. With high attendance and limited accommodation, early planning is encouraged.
Retro Concert Weekend (August 22-24, 2025)
The Retro Concert Weekend features tribute bands performing well-known hits from the 1970s through the early 2000s, covering everything from classic rock to early pop punk. The weekend invites visitors to take part in themed events by dressing in styles that reflect the music of the era.
Afternoon performances take place in the plaza with food and drink service throughout. Evening sets often lead into dance parties and extended hours at local restaurants and pubs. The event draws both locals and destination visitors, appealing to nostalgic music fans and groups looking for a weekend of entertainment.
Alpenglow Arts Festival (September 5-6, 2025)
The Alpenglow Arts Festival fills the village with visual and performing arts over three days. Artists from across British Columbia, including names like Jesse Cook, present a mix of live music, installations, and creative workshops. Public art is staged throughout the pedestrian walkways, creating a walkable and immersive experience.
Workshops cover topics such as painting, sculpture, songwriting, and textile arts. Families, students, and casual visitors are encouraged to participate. The festival is designed to promote artistic engagement and celebrate the mountain setting as a space for cultural expression.
Paws in the Peaks (September 12-14, 2025)
Paws in the Peaks is a full weekend focused on dogs and their owners. Events include dog agility demonstrations, training seminars, grooming showcases, and a pet parade through the village. Animal shelters and rescue groups run adoption drives, and pet-focused vendors offer food, accessories, and gear.
Many lodging options are pet-friendly during the event, and hiking trails open to leashed dogs are highlighted for visiting guests. Photography booths and social spaces encourage owner-dog interaction throughout the village. The event fosters a strong sense of community and draws dog lovers from across the region.
Fall Events
Sun Peaks Fall Festival (October 2025)
The Fall Festival is a weekend event celebrating the transition from summer to winter with seasonal food, music, and community activities. Village vendors offer harvest-themed menus, and the market features fall produce and locally made goods.
The event includes guided hikes, pumpkin decorating, and family games. It appeals to visitors looking for a low-key getaway during the shoulder season while showcasing the changing alpine landscape and preparing the resort for winter operations.
Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving brings seasonal dining, local markets, and extended lift hours. Traditional meals are served at restaurants, and vendors offer fall produce and handmade goods.
Families often stay for the long weekend, combining outdoor activities with relaxed events. Hiking, biking, and sightseeing remain available through October.
Weekly Events
Sunday Market Days
Sunday Market Days in Sun Peaks brings together vendors from across the Thompson-Okanagan region each week. The event features a mix of fresh produce, preserves, baked goods, and crafts. Visitors can enjoy live music while browsing stalls, and food trucks provide ready-to-eat meals and drinks.
Taking place in the village core, Sunday Market Days has become a go-to experience for both locals and guests. It offers a casual way to spend the morning and sets a relaxed tone before an afternoon of exploring the area or attending other events.
First Fridays
First Fridays is a monthly community celebration taking place on the first Friday of each summer month. It features live music, street performances, and pop-up food and artisan vendors throughout the village.
Each First Fridays event creates a casual, social atmosphere where visitors can enjoy an evening of entertainment and local flavour. Restaurants stay open late, offering event-themed specials, and the village fills with guests looking to take in live performances and engage with local makers. It’s a relaxed and easy way to kick off each month of summer at the resort.
Sunday Brunch Series
The Sunday Brunch Series invites guests to enjoy fixed-price brunch menus at different restaurants throughout the resort. Specials often include local ingredients, and some venues feature live acoustic music to complement the setting.
The Sunday Brunch Series encourages extended weekend stays and supports local hospitality. With new offerings each week and limited seating, advance reservations are recommended for those planning to attend.
Planning Tips
Visitors can choose from hotels, lodges, and condos. Reservations can be made through Sun Peaks Central or directly with providers. Seasonal shuttle services connect the resort to Kamloops.
Tickets for larger events, such as Savour and concert weekends, are available online. Parking is limited during major events, so walking or cycling is advised.
Weather can shift quickly in shoulder seasons. Checking schedules ahead of time is important, as some events move indoors if needed.
Conclusion
Sun Peaks runs events across all seasons, offering something for nearly every type of traveller. From winter races and live concerts to weekly markets and food festivals, the calendar is shaped by the setting and supported by a strong local network.
Planning in advance is key, especially for weekends tied to major events. With consistent programming and open access, the events are designed to bring together day visitors, weekend guests, and long-term residents alike.
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