The Festival

The Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival is Kelowna’s signature event to start off the summer.

Come enjoy this culinary combination of Southern Style BBQ and the Kelowna waterfront.

Entertainment Stage

The entertainment stage is situated right in the middle of the event and will have a constant stream of performers throughout the day. Various community organizations like dance groups, music schools, and martial arts academies will perform on the stage, followed by professional musicians in the late afternoon / early evening. All competition winners will also be announced and awarded on the stage.
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Souther Style BBQ Competition

This Souther Style BBQ competition is the core that the entire Smoke on the Water Festival is built around. Teams from B.C., Alberta, and the United States compete in four main categories (beef brisket, pork shoulder (pulled pork), chicken, pork ribs) as well as an “Iron Chef” category where teams cook a mystery ingredient that isn’t unveiled until competition starts.
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BBQ Marketplace

The BBQ Market will be a place for sponsors as well as local vendors to market or sell their products. The marketplace will have a similar feel to a farmers market, with booths selling a wide range of eclectic products. This attraction is brand new this year and is expected to be very popular.
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Kidzone

Smoke on the Water is a family event, and the Kidzone provides a host of entertaining activities for kids. In past years the Kidzone has contained things like a Bouncy Castle, a Crawly Caterpillar, Face Painting, and FREE Cotton Candy. We’re expecting to have similar entertainment this year, as well as some new attractions that we are currently working on confirming.

Beer Garden

The Beer Garden is a fenced off area on the sands of Tugboat Beach. The area contains tables and chairs, allowing spectators to relax and enjoy a refreshing beer or cider/cooler right on the beach. The entertainment stage is also easily visible from the beer garden, making it the best place to get a drink in Kelowna on Fathers’ Day.