New to town and looking to connect? Birds of a Feather meets every Monday at noon at The Centre. Join us for coffee, a little treat, and great conversation. It’s a lovely way to meet new friends. more info...
There is often a fine line between fiction and reality. Just ask Penticton author, Julie Wise. The political changes in the United States since January 2025 bear an uncanny resemblance to her recently released novel, Make No Mistake. The novel, written in 2019, is a feminist thriller about a corrupt American president, his billionaire cronies and their dismantling of democracy starting with women’s rights.
In March 2025, as media headlines began to mirror events in Make No Mistake, Wise released the novel as serial fiction on the Substack platform. Two months later, Make No Mistake had expanded from Substack to a podcast (on Apple and Spotify), a paperback and an e-book, attracting readers from across Canada, the United States and around the world. One reviewer called it “a thunderous love letter to feminist resistance—Wise’s thriller is The Handmaid’s Tale with a Molotov cocktail twist.”
Underground book clubs, covert apps, and social media campaigns are some of the unexpected strategies used by the main character, Maggie, a retired women’s rights activist. In another interesting blend of fiction and reality, book clubs are now springing up around Make No Mistake as readers examine some of the banned books and social justice issues explored in the novel.
“Writing this novel, and finding unconventional ways to share it with readers, is an act of resistance for me,” Wise said. “I hope that readers will be inspired to come together, speak out and change the world.”
Join Julie Wise at the Penticton Public Library on Thursday April 9th for a discussion about novels that seem to have predicted the future such as 1984 by George Orwell, Fahrenheti 451 by Ray Bradbury, and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
Ryan McMahon likes to tell people he’s a late bloomer. But when looking at the body of work the 44-year-old from Ladysmith, British Columbia has amassed since 2006, he certainly has made up for lost time. With seven releases under his own name, and two with his side project Lion Bear Fox, Ryan has established himself as one of western Canada’s most prolific singer/songwriters, leading to multiple Vancouver Island Music Awards and supporting slots for everyone from Lisa Loeb to Nickelback, including full tours with Burton Cummings & Tom Cochrane.
The latest addition to Ryan’s catalog is Live Now, his first album since 2019’s In Line For A Smile, and a collection he has been eager to share since the pandemic forced him to pause all musical activity. The creation of Live Now began in early 2022 with the recording of “One More Fire,” arranged through the help of Juno-nominated country artist Aaron Pritchett.
Many Hats Theatre is pleased to present the Western Canada Premiere of Love and Luna by Sandi Holland - April 10th to May 3rd.
Ahhh, retirement. That well deserved time of relaxation and contentment after a lifetime of hard work and hectic schedules, but is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Love and Luna tells the story of two couples; Murray & Linda, and Ian & Becky, each of whom is looking to fill those long hours with something new and meaningful that will lead to happiness and a sense of purpose in retirement.
Linda, a mom, and a retired baker, wants to do something that will bring joy to others, like a magical time she experienced as a child. Murray, a retired salesman, lost in retirement and driving his wife crazy, is searching for a way to give back and share some of his enthusiasm with people more lost and lonely than he is. Ian wants to break out of his mundane financial advisor image and step into the spotlight like never before, and timid Becky, who has always lived vicariously through her friends’ lives wants to work up the nerve to live her own ‘best life’. Their searches create new dynamics in all of their relationships creating a breeding ground for humour as they support one and other and show us that you’re never too old to learn and have new adventures.
Love and Luna runs from April 10th to May 3rd 2026 on the Cannery Stage at 1475 Fairview Road in Penticton. For tickets visit our website www.manyhatstheatre.com or go to https://app.ticketowl.io/@manyhatstheatre . For further information or assistance with ticket purchases please call 250-462-6428. more info...
The Glengarry Skating Club is proud to present its largest Ice Parade yet, featuring more than 150 talented skaters in a spectacular performance inspired by beloved family movies from the past 25 years. Join us on Saturday, April 12 at the South Okanagan Events Centre for an unforgettable evening of skating, music, and movie magic.
This year’s “Family Movie Night” Ice Parade brings the big screen to the ice, with performances set to songs and stories from some of the most popular family films from 2000–2025. Skaters of all ages and levels will showcase the skills, creativity, and confidence they’ve developed throughout the season in a high-energy show designed to entertain audiences of all ages.
From heartwarming moments to exciting group performances, the Ice Parade celebrates the dedication of Glengarry’s skaters and the joy of skating in our community.
Free Live & Learn at The Centre. Monday, April 13th from 1-2:30pm. Join neuHouzz Real Estate Group for honest answers for Penticton homeowners thinking about what's next. more info...
The Blueshounds arrived on the Okanagan scene almost 7 years ago bringing their brand of Rocking Boogie Blues. These four seasoned musicians, all living in the Okanagan feature the blues with their distinctive sound. Blues with a groove to move you and your sou
She’s Back & Bolder Than Ever! Mrs. Roper Romp is returning and officially taking over the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 227 in beautiful Okanagan Falls.
Kaleden Elementary School PAC Rib Fest Dinner Fundraiser at Frog City Café
Join us Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Frog City Café for the inaugural Kaleden Elementary School PAC Rib Fest Dinner Fundraiser.
This evening, a night out without the kids, will offer a collaborative menu featuring succulent, fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs from Kaleden’s very own Doug’s Homestead accompanied by the always delicious Frog City Café sides and dessert. After you feast, kick off your shoes to the tunes of a live DJ and participate in a silent auction featuring many local businesses and offerings. This event is organized by the Kaleden Elementary School’s Parent Advisory Council, hosted and sponsored by Frog City Café and sponsored by Doug’s Homestead. All funds raised will go directly towards supporting and supplementing the educational needs of Kaleden Elementary School students.
With over 25 million albums sold worldwide, 21 nominations and multiple GRAMMY wins, Dwight Yoakam will bring his legendary country music sound to the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC) in Penticton on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Dwight Yoakam is a legendary artist whose influence has reshaped the landscape of country music and beyond. With over 25 million albums sold worldwide, he is a 21-time GRAMMY® nominee and multiple GRAMMY® Award winner. His catalog includes 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum releases, with five topping the Billboard Country Albums chart and 14 landing in the Top 10. Nearly 40 of his singles have charted on Billboard, including 14 Top 10 hits.
Yoakam is a multifaceted artist, seamlessly blending his musical talents with a robust acting career. He has appeared in over 40 feature films, including notable roles in Sling Blade (1996) and Panic Room (2002). He later reunited with Billy Bob Thornton for David E. Kelley’s Amazon series Goliath. Yoakam portrayed Warden Burns in Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky (2017) alongside Channing Tatum and Daniel Craig and took on the role of Howard Polk in Clint Eastwood’s Cry Macho (2021). Throughout his career, he has demonstrated his acting range alongside acclaimed actors such as Jodie Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Jared Leto, Forest Whitaker, and Matthew McConaughey.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or on screen, Yoakam continues to evolve as one of the most compelling and culturally significant artists of our time.
Tickets to the Penticton date will go on sale Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT and can be purchased in person at the Valley First Box Office at the SOEC or online at ValleyFirstTix.com.
Fans looking to access the venue’s exclusive presale are encouraged to sign up for the SOEC Cyber Club HERE. Presale details will be sent to Cyber Club members on the morning of Thursday, March 26.
