The Okanagan Valley mirrors Easter's promise of renewal this week, as cherry and apple blossoms burst open against spring skies and fall like confetti through nature's windy laugh. While children dream of chocolate bunnies and morning egg hunts, our arts community embraces both the sacred and secular celebrations of the season. From contemplative Holy Week exhibitions to Naramata's flowering festivities, and Punk royalty, the valley offers a rich tapestry of events that honour both spiritual reflection and springtime joy.
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The familiar buzz of a Farmers & Crafters Market launches today to transform the Landmark District into a vibrant community hub every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Early morning shoppers will find themselves amid a feast of fresh valley produce, artisanal baking, and handcrafted treasures. The market's return signals more than just shopping – it is a place to reconnect. The market welcomes all to experience this cherished slice of Okanagan life. For more details about vendors and special events, visit
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Naramata Blooms, running until June 20, transforms the charming village of Naramata into a floral paradise celebration of the season where the entire community participates. Discover gardens bursting with colour, vineyards adorned with blossoms, and the stunning natural beauty of the Naramata Bench, then explore local shops and restaurants, and soak in the sights and scents of spring. For those who visit often, consider the "Insider's Pass" for $55, which offers exclusive access to unique experiences and tastings at over 30 stops along the bench. Visit to purchase your pass, with 100% of sales supporting member wineries directly.
Easter enchantment for all ages arrives at Grizzli Winery on Saturday, April 19, from noon until 4 p.m. This West sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ estate transforms into a wonderland where families can create fun memories while celebrating spring's arrival on Easter weekend. Children will delight in bouncy inflatables and balloon animals, while face painting stations transform little ones into tigers and butterflies. Budding young artists can decorate eggs and craft masterpieces as parents wander through a marketplace of local artisans, estate wine or non-alcoholic beverages in hand. A cozy story corner and mini movie theatre offer quiet moments between adventures. For added excitement, parents can purchase special "Eggsplorer" tickets ($8) to unlock an exclusive egg hunt where gathered treasures can be exchanged for surprise-filled swag bags. Just remember to bring your own basket.
Visit grizzliwinery.netlify.app for tickets.
Canadian punk legends D.O.A. are set to rattle the rafters at The Broken Hearts Club's Speakeasy this Saturday. Led by the iconic Joe "Shithead" Keithley, these Vancouver-born pioneers of hardcore punk have been shaking up stages since 1978. Alongside Black Flag and Dead Kennedys, D.O.A. helped forge North America's punk revolution, turning Vancouver into a vibrant hub of counterculture. Now, West sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ gets its turn to experience why these "Men of Action" remain Canada's most influential punk band after four decades of raw, politically-charged performance. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets available at .
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While some of us (myself included!) prefer the gentle embrace of a theatre seat, others are fearless enough to dance with gravity on vertical cliff faces and navigate rapids that would make Neptune nervous. The Summer Edition 2025 of Mountains on Stage, arriving at Rotary Centre for the Arts, sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ on April 23, and 7 p.m. and offers us front-row access to these extraordinary souls who treat Mount Everest like their neighbourhood climbing wall. These aren't just adventure films – they're intimate portraits of individuals who seem to have misplaced their fear gene somewhere between base camp and summit. Through masterful cinematography, we witness these modern-day heroes tackle nature's most formidable challenges, their laughter echoing off canyon walls as they defy what most would consider reasonable limits of human endeavor. My deepest respect goes to the film crews who capture these death-defying feats. They're artists documenting adventures on nature's grandest canvas, all while likely balancing on precarious ledges themselves. Thanks to their skill, we can experience the heart-stopping thrill of conquest without ever leaving our comfortable theatre seats. Tickets range from $21 to $26 (service fees included) for adults, seniors, and students. And can be purchased by calling: 250-469-8940 or online at . Visit to watch the trailer and get a taste of what this adrenaline-packed evening has in store.
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To close, I ask you, my readers, to consider experiencing Easter Sunday at a local church. My home church is Evangel on Gordon Drive, which welcomes all denominations, but a church near you will embrace you as well – there's something profound about gathering in gratitude. With my current journey of healing from my accident, I've learned that miracles flourish in community. So please, this Easter, take a moment to centre yourself in prayer, reflecting on the gifts of family, our stunning Okanagan home, and the spirit of neighbours helping neighbours. Sometimes the greatest blessings come simply from showing up with an open heart. For service times at Evangel Church, visit .
