Kelowna MapleFest 2025: A Sweet Celebration of Canadian Culture
Kelowna MapleFest returns for its 47th year in 2025, promising a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Francophone heritage, Canadian traditions, and—of course—everything maple. Presented by the Centre Culturel Francophone de l’Okanagan, this beloved festival will take place from April 24 to 27, filling downtown Kelowna with the irresistible aroma of maple syrup and the sounds of live music, laughter, and community spirit[2][3][4].
Festival Highlights
- Opening Night Film Screening (April 24):
The festivities begin Thursday evening with a special screening of Je m’appelle Humain, a documentary exploring the life and work of renowned Innu poet and language translator Joséphine Bacon. This event, held at 7 p.m., is ticketed by donation, providing both cultural enrichment and a heartfelt start to the festival[2][6]. - Family Day & Rustic Market (April 26):
Saturday is the heart of MapleFest, featuring Family Day at Stuart Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park transforms into a bustling hub of activity with: - Traditional maple taffy on snow
- Face painting and bouncy castles
- Circus workshops, dances, and jugglers
- A Rustic Market showcasing locally made handcrafted goods
- Food trucks serving French-Canadian treats like poutine, pea soup, and maple cotton candy
- Live music from artists such as Josh & Bex, Jocelyn Pettit & Boris Favre, The Women of Turtle Island, and Bella Cat[2][4][6] Water Street, from city hall to the Kelowna Community Theatre, will be closed to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly festival zone. Admission to Family Day is free, making it accessible for all ages[2][6].
- Sugar Shack Brunch (April 27):
The festival wraps up on Sunday with the much-anticipated Sugar Shack Brunch at the historic Laurel Packinghouse from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can indulge in a classic French-Canadian breakfast featuring pancakes, ham, scrambled eggs, baked beans, and other maple-inspired dishes, all to the lively tunes of the Old Time Fiddlers. Tickets are $20–$25 for adults and $10 for children under seven[2][4][6].
A Celebration of Community and Heritage
Kelowna MapleFest is more than just a food festival—it’s a celebration of Canadian identity, Francophone culture, and the arrival of spring. The event blends culinary delights with artistic workshops, live performances, and interactive activities, creating a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike[1][3][7]. The festival also acknowledges the privilege of gathering on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan peoples, honouring the deep-rooted connections to the land[1].
Why Attend MapleFest?
- Experience authentic Canadian traditions, from maple taffy to the sugar shack brunch
- Enjoy free, family-friendly activities and entertainment in the heart of Kelowna
- Support local artists, artisans, and performers
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant Francophone culture of the Okanagan Valley
For the full schedule, tickets, and more information, visit the official MapleFest website at kelownamaplefest.com[3][8].
Mark your calendar for April 24–27, 2025, and join the community in celebrating the sweetest festival of the year!
Sources
[1] Kelowna Maple Festival https://www.tourismkelowna.com/events/annual-events-festivals/spring/kelowna-maple-festival/
[2] Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th year https://www.kelownacapnews.com/entertainment/kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7944058
[3] Accueil — Kelowna MapleFest https://www.kelownamaplefest.com/home
[4] MapleFest back to pour on the community charm in Kelowna https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/545834/MapleFest-back-to-pour-on-the-community-charm-in-Kelowna
[5] MapleFest back to pour on the community charm in Kelowna https://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-545834-1-.htm
[6] How sweet it is: Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th Year https://www.summerlandreview.com/entertainment/how-sweet-it-is-kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7957736
[7] Experience Kelowna’s Cultural Side – Events & Festivals https://kelowna.com/articles/kelownas-festivals-and-cultural-events/
[8] Annual Kelowna MapleFest, April 25-28 – GlobalNews Events https://globalnews.ca/event/10400503/kelowna-maplefest/
[9] Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th year – Vernon Morning Star https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/entertainment/kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7944058
[10] How sweet it is: Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th Year https://www.kelownacapnews.com/local-news/how-sweet-it-is-kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7957736
[11] Kelowna Maple Fest – Family Day – Castanet.net https://www.castanet.net/events/kelowna_maple_fest_-family_day/144842 [12] How sweet it is: Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th Year https://www.lakecountrycalendar.com/home/how-sweet-it-is-kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7957736 [13] How sweet it is: Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th Year https://www.kelownacapnews.com/entertainment/how-sweet-it-is-kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7957736 [14] 2025 Kelowna Maplefest – Kelowna Events https://www.kelownaevents.info/events.php?main_id=66344 [15] Kelowna MapleFest https://www.kelownamaplefest.com [16] 47th MapleFest returns to downtown Kelowna this week https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Kelowna/47th_MapleFest_returns_to_downtown_Kelowna_this_month/ [17] Kelowna Maple Fest -Sugar Shack Brunch https://downtownkelowna.com/events-archive/kelowna-maple-fest-sugar-shack-brunch/ [18] How sweet it is: Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th Year https://www.similkameenspotlight.com/entertainment/how-sweet-it-is-kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7957736 [19] Kelowna Maple Fest – Family Day https://downtownkelowna.com/events-archive/kelowna-maple-fest-family-day/ [20] Festival de l’érable | – Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIthHjINS3x/ [21] Sat, Apr 26th, 2025 – Kelowna Events https://www.kelownaevents.info/events.php?date=2025-04-26 [22] MapleFest will result in downtown Kelowna road closure this weekend https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Events/MapleFest_will_result_in_downtown_Kelowna_road_closure_this_weekend/ [23] Kelowna Maple Fest – Family Day https://www.tourismkelowna.com/event/kelowna-maple-fest-family-day/39409/ [24] Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th year – Revelstoke Review https://www.revelstokereview.com/entertainment/kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7944058 [25] Kelowna Maple Fest -Sugar Shack Brunch – Castanet.net https://www.castanet.net/events/kelowna_maple_fest-sugar_shack_brunch/144843
[26] Kelowna MapleFest returns for 47th year – Lake Country Calendar https://www.lakecountrycalendar.com/entertainment/kelowna-maplefest-returns-for-47th-year-7944058
[27] Kelowna MapleFest pours on the fun for 47th year of sweet … https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/543889/Kelowna-MapleFest-pours-on-the-fun-for-47th-year-of-sweet-celebrations
[28] Kelowna Maple Fest – GlobalNews Events https://globalnews.ca/event/11124528/kelowna-maple-fest/
