When spring arrives all is well in the Okanagan and I can return to my outdoorsy habits. The snow has finally melted, the markets open and wineries begin to host events. We’ve had a wild and prolonged winter here in the Okanagan. Plenty of snow and chilly temperatures dominated and spring looked as though a distant mirage. Strange to think that April 2016 I already had my garden planted and basking in the twenty degree weather. But despite the slow start to spring April is plentiful with events and classes. Check them out below!
April 1st
– Joy Road Catering announces their 2017 season. Tickets always sell out fast so mark your calendars. Events take place around the Okanagan throughout the spring and summer.
– Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate is offering a cooking class featuring French Classics. Contact her directly for availability. Event location is in Kelowna.
– The Kelowna Farmers’ Market moves from its hibernation location ( Parkinson Recreational Centre) to the outdoors on the corner of Springfield road. and Dillworth drive. I make it a tradition to visit the market then head over to Sandrine’s French Pastry for a fresh croissant. The market is open each Wednesday and Saturday morning in Kelowna.
April 2nd
– Aman Dosanj, local foodie heroine, is leading the local culinary pop-up scene with her Paisley Notebook Say It Like You Eat It dinners at a different location around town each month. Aman cooks up the delicious food while her brother Harry shakes up the cocktails. This month Aman is popping up at the Kelowna Forum. For tickets visit The Paisley Notebook Facebook page here. Event location is in Kelowna.
April 4th
– Kelowna Casks featuring The Thirsty Writer. This event will be held at BNA and features on evening of BC Beer with The Thirsty Writer, Joe Weibe author of Craft Beer Revolution. Each participating brewery will prepare a cask featuring a special ingredient. Tickets are $15 and includes a full glass of each cask as well as a souvenir glass. Event takes place in Kelowna.
April 7th & 8th
– Feast of Ale takes place in Penticton and is in its 22nd year of operating making it the longest running cider and craft beer festival in the Okanagan. Get tickets, if there are any left, here. Event location is in Penticton.
– Sandrine French Pastry & Chocolate is offering her famous cooking class featuring chocolate. If you are familiar with her gourmet chocolate selection then you know this will be quick to sell out. Contact her directly for availability. Event takes place in Kelowna.
April 15th
– Perseus Winery is offering a Craft Market featuring local artisans along with free wine tastings. Free admission and a raffle to support the OSNS Child Development Centre. Event is held at the Perseus Winery in Penticton.
April 22nd
– The Penticton Farmers’ Market opens and blocks off the road just down from the Penticton Lakeside Resort. The market has some special vendors including Joy Road Catering. If you can’t make it to one of their events this summer then stop by their stall to taste some of their preserves and baking. You won’t be sorry! Event takes place each Saturday in Penticton.
– Appetite for Art Fundraiser is held at the Kelowna Art Gallery and features some of the Okanagan’s best culinary talents along with wineries, cocktails and beer served. Tickets include a glass of sparkling wine, food and beverage pairings and performances. The 2017 edition is themed with a “walk in the woods” in mind. Auction begins at 8:30 and all proceeds go towards children’s and educational programs hosted by the Kelowna Art Gallery.
April 19th – 23rd
– The Osyoos Oyster Festival features oysters from around the world with wine, beer, cider and spirit pairings. Locations vary throughout Osoyoos. Purchase tickets through Destination Osoyoos website.
April 26th
– Wine & Art Piano Bar is featuring a Paint Your Pet night. I had the pleasure of experiencing a paint with wine night out last year and had a fantastic time. Even if you can’t make their paint with wine nights you can show up on certain days to order your own wine and paint to the soothing voice of Bob Ross or simply let your paintbrush guide you. Event takes place in Kelowna.
April 29th
– Sandhill Small Lots Wine Maker Dinner. This event will feature new releases by Sandhill Winery paired with Chef Chris van Hooydonk to celebrate spring. This event takes place in Kelowna and is a precursor to the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival.
– Come see me at the 20th annual Kettle Valley Garage Sale from 8 am to 1 pm. Get there early because parking spots can be hard to come by and it gets very congested on the streets with both cars and people.
April 30th
– Cedar Creek Winery is celebrating its 30th year. To celebrate they are offering free wine tastings on the 30th day of each month throughout 2017. This event takes place in Kelowna.