Kamloops summers have a way of filling up fast. Between the long warm evenings, the riverfront, and a community that takes its outdoor season seriously, there’s rarely a shortage of things to do. The trickier part is knowing where to look. For residents of senior communities such as The Residence at Orchards Walk, having easy access to local events and activities makes it even easier to enjoy everything the season has to offer.

This is a rundown of local events happening this summer that are worth putting on the calendar for seniors and their families. Whether you’re heading out on your own, with a friend, or with family in town for a visit, there’s something here for most occasions.

At a glance

• For seniors living in Kamloops and their families.
• Covers six local events this summer, from free outdoor concerts to community festivals.
• Worth bookmarking if you like knowing what’s coming up in the city before it gets here.

City of Kamloops Annual Seniors’ Picnic

The annual Seniors’ Picnic is one of the most accessible and welcoming events on the summer calendar. It’s a free event put on by the City of Kamloops for adults 55 and over, held at Riverside Park. Expect a relaxed afternoon with a hot dog lunch served by the Kamloops Paddlewheelers Lions Club, lawn games, chair yoga, and chair Zumba. Registration is required, but the event is free to attend.

Keep an eye on the city’s event page and register early when details are released. 

Music in the Park

More than 60 nights of free live music at Riverside Park across July and August. Music in the Park has been a Kamloops summer tradition since 1994 and continues to be one of the city’s most popular seasonal events.

Performers and genres rotate throughout the season, making it worth checking the lineup before heading out. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle in near the bandshell, and enjoy an evening by the river. The 2026 lineup is expected to be released in June. Stay updated here for announcements and lineup details as they become available.

Kamloops Farmers’ Market

Two markets per week run through the summer and into October. The Saturday market takes place in the 200 block of St. Paul Street, while the Wednesday market is held in the 400 block of Victoria Street.

Fresh produce, local vendors, artisan goods, and live entertainment make these markets a popular outing. The paved downtown locations also make them relatively easy to navigate. Seniors who qualify can access BC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupons toward fresh local food purchases.

Kamloops International Buskers Festival — July 24–26, 2026

Three days of free outdoor entertainment at Riverside Park. Street performers from across Canada and around the world bring acrobatics, magic, music, comedy, and audience participation to multiple stages throughout the park.

It’s the kind of event where you can wander at your own pace and discover something unexpected around every corner. You can find more information here, and no tickets are required.

Kamloops Ribfest — August 7–9, 2026

Back at Riverside Park, Kamloops Ribfest combines live entertainment, food vendors, and one of Western Canada’s largest rib competitions. Free admission makes it an easy event to drop into for an afternoon or evening.

If you prefer smaller crowds, arriving earlier in the day is usually the better option. The event attracts visitors from across the region and is one of the busiest weekends of the summer.

Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival — August 8, 2026

Happening alongside Ribfest, the Dragon Boat Festival brings colourful racing teams to the Thompson River for a day of competition and community spirit.

It’s an enjoyable spectator event and easy to combine with a visit to Riverside Park while other summer activities are underway. No registration is required to watch, so mark it in your calendars. 

One More Resource Worth Bookmarking

The Centre for Seniors Information Kamloops (CSI Kamloops) maintains an ongoing events calendar for older adults throughout the year. In addition to major festivals and community events, you’ll find social programmes, educational sessions, and drop-in activities that help residents stay active and connected.

Making the Most of a Kamloops Summer

One of the things that draws people to Kamloops is how accessible it all is. The markets, the river, the parks, and the walking paths are right there. Summers here are made for being out in them.

For many people exploring retirement living in Kamloops, having easy access to community events is an important part of staying connected and active. Whether you’re considering independent living or other lifestyle options, staying engaged in the community matters. The best senior living communities support that lifestyle. They make it easier to spend time doing the things you enjoy rather than managing household responsibilities.

At The Residence at Orchards Walk, members enjoy all of that without having to manage the rest. With housekeeping, dining at the Orchards Grill, and building maintenance handled, the summer is yours to fill however you like. A morning market run, an evening concert at Riverside Park, or a walk through the neighbourhood before dinner. You decide.

See how independent living works at The Residence at Orchards Walk and book a tour today.