With the return of Peach Festival next week, attracting thousands of people downtown for five full days of free entertainment, residents are encouraged to take transit, walk or ride bikes to the festival site wherever possible.
Anyone who opts to drive is reminded to slow down, anticipate extra foot traffic, and watch for signage and road closures, particularly on Saturday and Sunday during the two parade events.
Peach Festival starts next Wednesday, Aug. 9, and runs until Sunday, Aug. 13. All performances are free and will take place at Okanagan Lake Park, with some activities also being held at Skaha Lake Park and Gyro Park, and Shooting Star Amusements in Rotary Park.
Here are a few highlights and road closure information, with a full event schedule available at peachfest.com.
Wednesday, Aug. 9 to Friday, Aug. 11
Saturday, Aug. 12
Sunday, Aug. 13
How to get around
Take transit
The City has extended its bus services and set up Park ‘n’ Ride locations for the duration of the event. The BC Transit #5 bus will arrive every 30 minutes during the day (until 6:40 p.m.) from Aug. 9-12, and every hour on Sunday, Aug. 13.
Also, a temporary “Peach Fest” bus stop will be set up at Veterans Way near Lakeshore Drive to pick up riders heading southbound after the festival. The City has extended the hours of BC Transit’s #5 bus route for the duration of the event, with the last bus leaving the festival site at 11:42 p.m.
Riders are invited to park along the #5 bus route, including Cherry Lane Shopping Centre or Penticton Seniors’ Drop-in Centre (2965 South Main Street), and ride the bus the rest of the way in. The transit fare is $2.25 one way and it’s always free for ages 12 and under. Learn more at bctransit.com.
Bike parking
Secure bike and e-bike parking is now available outside City Hall, close to all the Peach Fest events. These bike dock stations are offered for free until Dec. 1, through Bikeep, with further details available at penticton.ca/bike-parking.
Driving
Be aware that parking will be congested and roads closed during major events. To simplify pay parking, consider downloading the Passport Parking Canada app, with all information available at penticton.ca/parking.
Where to find out more
For the full schedule of events, visit peachfest.com If you’re interested in volunteering, visit peachfest.com/volunteers For more City information, including details about road closures, visit penticton.ca/peach-fest