Family Day weekend in B.C. has arrived and there’s lots to do and see in Penticton to mark the occasion.
Here’s what’s happening from Feb. 16 to 19:
Pink the Rink Night kicks off busy Vees weekend (Feb. 16 to 17)
The Penticton Vees host the Vernon Vipers and West Kelowna Warriors this weekend at the South Okanagan Events.
Pink the Rink Night goes on Friday when the Vipers come to town. Fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of anti-bullying causes across the community.
The Vees set a franchise record for attendance at Pink the Rink Night in 2023, welcoming more than 4,700 to the SOEC.
On Saturday, Penticton welcomes West Kelowna for the battle between the first and second-place teams in the Interior Conference. It’s Puck N’ Paws Night at the SOEC on Saturday, in support of the BC SPCA South Okanagan/Similkameen and Happy Trails Cat Rescue Society.
The Vees announced that they would be holding their first-ever small dog race during the first intermission.
READ ALSO: Penticton Vees make deal with Alberta team before trade deadline
iLumiDance in Oliver (Feb. 16)
Venables Theatre hosts the iLumiDance light show on Friday night.
The interactive performance features three dances with electronic costumes, props and puppets.
Show starts at 6:30 p.m.
READ ALSO: iLumiDance brings light show to Oliver for Family Day weekend
Family Day Community Canvas (Feb. 17)
The community is invited to a family-themed canvas event on Saturday, ahead of the third annual Ignite the Arts Festival this spring.
A collaborative canvas project headlines the event, where families will come together with a paintbrush and show off their creativity.
Event runs at the Penticton Art Gallery from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
READ ALSO: Be part of communal canvas at Penticton Art Gallery for Family Day weekend
‘Wild Education’ at the Lakeside Resort (Feb. 17 to 19)
A large display of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and other animals will be available for viewing this weekend at the Lakeside Resort.
B.C.’s “most unique animal rescue and education centre” comes to the venue for Family Day, with hopes of raising awareness for reptile rescue.
The event will take place in Salon A at the Lakeside Resort from Saturday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the first two days and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday.
READ ALSO: So far no immediate federal help for B.C.’s devastated fruit and wine growers
Family Day at the SOEC (Feb. 19)
Family Day festivities return to the South Okanagan Events Centre on Monday.
Free hot chocolate, BBQ by donation, outdoor family games, accessible sensory space and a photo booth headline the event, set to take place from noon to 3 p.m.
People can also bring their skates and take to the SOEC ice for a glide at no cost.
Helmets and skates will not be available to rent and kids under the age of 12 must accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Also, for the time since Family Day 2019, the Penticton Community Centre will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the waterslide and leisure pool features scheduled to be available throughout the day.
READ ALSO: Family Day event is back at Penticton’s SOEC
Scavenger hunts across the Okanagan-Similkameen (Feb. 19)
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen hosts scavenger hunts in five communities this Family Day weekend.
Events are planned in Keremeos, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, West Bench and Kaleden on Monday.
Balloons, cups, glow sticks, paper plates and bingo dabbers are just a few of the items teams will be asked to find, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting.
People are encouraged to use the items to create a “masterpiece” that represents their family, the RDOS said.
READ ALSO: Scavenger hunts planned across Okanagan-Similkameen for Family Day
‘Straight into Canada’ with Ice Cube (Feb. 21)
Although past the Family Day weekend, award-winning musician and actor Ice Cube comes to the South Okanagan Events Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 21, for his “Straight into Canada” tour.
As part of the legendary California hip-hop group N.W.A in the 1980s, Ice Cube penned lyrics on songs like “Straight Outta Compton,” among others.
His show in Penticton starts at 7:30 p.m.