The leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and the summer crowds have dwindled in Osoyoos, British Columbia, meaning it’s the perfect time to visit. Nestled in the scenic Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos comes alive in the fall with seasonal events, vibrant foliage, and cosy evenings by the lake. There are so many fantastic festivals and activities over the next few months you’ll have a hard time choosing what to do first.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top 10 can’t-miss fall events in Osoyoos that need to be on your calendar. At the end, we will also recommend one of the best hotels in Osoyoos British Columbia to unwind after a day of exploration.
Grab your jacket, pack your bags, and get ready for an October getaway you’ll never forget!
The Osoyoos Fall Fair: Family Fun for Everyone
The Osoyoos Fall Fair is a family event you won’t want to miss. Taking place annually on the last weekend of September, the fair has been a community tradition for over 100 years. You’ll find amusement rides, games, live music, and entertainment for all ages. Let the little ones enjoy elephant ears and carnival rides while you check out the local artisans, farmers market goods, and wine tasting.
The Osoyoos Fall Fair is all about community - you’ll run into friends and neighbours, enjoy home cooking from local clubs, and see the results of another successful growing season.
The heart of the fair is the exhibit hall, where you’ll find entries for everything from giant vegetables and homemade preserves to photography and crafts. If you’ve never seen a 100-pound pumpkin before, you’re in for a treat. The fair wraps up Saturday evening with a demolition derby and fireworks show over the lake.
With scenic views of the lake and desert surroundings, the Osoyoos Fall Fairgrounds is an idyllic place to welcome the change of seasons. You’ll head home tired but happy, with a belly full of mini doughnuts, memories of another year gone by, and the satisfaction of supporting this long-standing South Okanagan tradition. The Osoyoos Fall Fair is fall at its finest.
Round up the family, call up your friends - the Osoyoos Fall Fair is calling your name! The gates open Friday morning, so clear your calendar and make this slice of small-town tradition part of your autumn adventures. You’ll be glad you did.
10 Fall Events In Osoyoos You Have To Attend
Fall in Osoyoos means gorgeous autumn colours, harvest season, and plenty of events to keep you busy all season long. Here are ten can’t-miss festivals and happenings to mark on your calendar.
1. Oliver Wine Capital Weekend
Sample award-winning wines from over 30 Oliver wineries at this delicious event. Enjoy live music, local food, and breathtaking views at venues across the region.
2. Pride Arts Festival at Gyro Park
Celebrate diversity at this vibrant festival featuring live performances, artisan markets, kids’ activities and more.
3. Sizzlefest 2023 at Keremeos Memorial Park
Fire up your taste buds at this popular chilli cook-off and beer garden. Proceeds support the Keremeos Fire Department.
4. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation Gala at Nk’Mip Cellars
Honour Indigenous history and culture at this meaningful event with traditional drumming, singing, storytelling, and a gourmet meal.
5. Explore the World at Walnut Beach Resort & Pointe 49° Restaurant
Savour an international tasting menu with wine pairings at this culinary adventure. Dishes highlight flavours from Asia, Europe and beyond.
6. Family Thanksgiving Fun on the Farm at Covert Farms
Celebrate the harvest season with hayrides, pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and a homemade Thanksgiving feast at this family-friendly farm.
7. Thrash Wrestling at Sonora Community Center
Experience an exciting night of live pro wrestling action, complete with over-the-top characters and high-flying moves.
8. Oktoberfest at District Wine Village
Prost! Enjoy traditional German fare, craft beer and live oompah music at this Bavarian-themed festival.
9. All Hallow’s Festival at Gyro Park
Dress up in your spookiest costume for an evening of Halloween fun including a costume contest, haunted maze, fireworks and trick-or-treating.
10. Fire & Ice Festival at Various Locations
Watch ice carvers create dazzling sculptures and enjoy live music, food, and a spectacular fireworks show at this chilly winter festival.
Pumpkins After Dark: A Spooktacular Display
Pumpkins After Dark is one of the can’t-miss fall events in Osoyoos. As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, Desert Park comes alive each evening with over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Local artisans and community groups create intricate designs and display them using pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colours.
The pumpkin patch pathway winds through the park, leading you from one jaw-dropping display to the next. Pirates, princesses, mythical creatures and familiar faces glow under the moonlight. The larger-than-life sculptures are a photographer’s dream, with the starry night sky and rolling hills of the valley providing a dramatic backdrop.
The event runs every evening in October, starting at dusk. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolate or cider, and take a stroll through the whimsical wonderland of pumpkins. Kids will delight in the fairytale scenes and Halloween characters, while adults can appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into each hand-carved creation.
Pumpkins After Dark is put on by the Osoyoos Parks and Recreation Department, with all proceeds going right back into programs and events for the community. Admission tickets are very affordable, and families are welcome. It’s a magical way to get into the fall spirit and support local arts.
If you’re looking for other fun activities during your visit, check out:
- The Fall Wine Festival from October 4th to 12th, featuring award-winning wines from over 40 local wineries.
- Spooktacular Storytelling at the Osoyoos Museum on October 30th.
- The Haunted Corn Maze at Lariana Farms opens on Friday and Saturday nights in October.
- Weekly farmers markets with fresh local produce, crafts and live music.
A trip to Osoyoos in autumn wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the delightfully spooky Pumpkins After Dark. Gather friends and family, grab your cosiest sweaters and enjoy this whimsical fall tradition. The memory of this enchanted pumpkin patch will stay with you long after the jack-o-lanterns have gone out for the season.
Also read: Guide to Travel Osoyoos
Best Western Plus: Hotel with Jacuzzi in Room
Among the various hotels in Osoyoos British Columbia, the Best Western Plus Hotel is a true jewel. This is a great option for those looking for hotels with pool and hot tub to unwind after a long day of exploration. Our hotel with jacuzzi in room allows you to unwind in peace. This hotel meets all needs and guarantees a great stay in Osoyoos, whether you're a golf fanatic eager to explore the local courses or just need a peaceful getaway.
Final Words
There you have it, ten events sure to make Fall in Osoyoos one for the memory books. From wine tours to live music, and cultural celebrations to outdoor adventures, this little desert oasis has something for everyone. So pack your bags, book one of those cosy hotels with a view, and get ready for an autumn getaway you won’t soon forget.
Come experience the vibrant colours of fall in the Okanagan and make memories to last you well into the winter. The Osoyoos Fall Festival is only here for a few short weeks, so don’t miss your chance to be part of it. To relax after a day of exploration, be sure to make a reservation at our hotel with jacuzzi in room!
FAQs
1. When is the Fall Wine Festival?
The popular Osoyoos Fall Wine Festival takes place over two weekends in October. This year it’s October 7-9 and October 14-16. The festival features wine tastings at over 20 wineries, gourmet food, live music and more. It’s the perfect time to tour the wineries as the leaves are changing colour.
2. What’s the Desert Days festival about?
Desert Days celebrates Osoyoos’ unique desert ecosystem and culture. From October 21 to 23, there are guided desert tours, wildlife shows, artisan markets and activities for all ages like geocaching, birdwatching and stargazing. The festival aims to promote environmental stewardship through interactive and educational experiences.
3. When can I go pumpkin picking?
Coral Beach Farms opens for pumpkin picking and other fall activities on October 1. They have over 60 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash to choose from. Take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, and enjoy apple cider doughnuts, kettle corn and other treats. It’s a quintessential autumn experience for both kids and kids at heart.
4. What’s happening for Canadian Thanksgiving?
Osoyoos really get into the Thanksgiving spirit. On October 10, check out the Turkey Trot fun run or a special turkey dinner at some of the local restaurants. The Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad open house is also over the long weekend, featuring model train displays, historical artefacts and kids’ activities.
5. How can I see the fall foliage?
One of the best ways to view the gorgeous autumn colours in Osoyoos is on a scenic chairlift ride at Mount Baldy. The chairs run from Friday to Sunday in October, weather permitting. As you ascend the mountain, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of golden larches, crimson maples and amber vineyards. It’s a peaceful way to soak in the beauty of fall in the Okanagan.