Summer in Kelowna is a vibrant time for beer lovers, with local breweries rolling out exciting new brews and hosting lively events. Whether you’re a fan of crisp IPAs, fruity sours, or refreshing wheat ales, Kelowna’s breweries have something special for everyone this season. Let’s explore the latest summer releases and the must-attend events that make Kelowna’s beer scene. From outdoor festivals to live music nights, get ready to sip and celebrate the best of Kelowna’s brewing talent this summer!
BNA Brewing Co. – New Zealand Cold IPA, Blue Rain, and returning OKGN Beer
Photo: BNA Brewing Co.
BNA Brewing is a great spot for craft beer drinkers and fun-seekers! With tasty brews, delicious food, and a vibrant space featuring bowling, bocce, arcade games, shuffleboard, and an airstream bar, there’s something for everyone. This summer, BNA Brewing has rolled out two new beers and brought back a favourite. The standout is their New Zealand Cold IPA, a crisp and refreshing beer made with Rakau, Riwaka, and Motueka hops and aged on grapefruit for a citrusy finish. Keep an eye out for “Blue Rain,” a blueberry twist on their beloved “Purple Rain” blackberry sour, offering a fruity, tart delight. Plus, their annual collaboration with Okanagan Lifestyle, “OKGN,” is back—a low-ABV peach wheat ale that’s perfect for summer sipping.
Don’t miss the Summer Sessions live music series every other Friday (next one is July 18th), featuring relaxing tunes during dinner and higher-energy vibes starting at 10 pm.
Grey Fox Brewing – Wily Gose Salted Sour
Photo: Lake City Pictures
If you’re a gluten-free beer enthusiast, you’ve likely already discovered Grey Fox Brewing in Lake Country. As one of the few, if not the only, dedicated gluten-free breweries in the Central Okanagan, Grey Fox meticulously crafts their beers to be gluten-free from the start. They carefully source ingredients and use a unique combination of millet, rice, yeast, and hops to create delicious, gluten-free brews. This summer, don’t miss their new Wily Gose Salted Sour, a rare gem that delivers a crisp, clean, lemony sourness—perfect for enjoying in the sunshine.
Red Bird Brewing Co. – Tropi-Kel Fruited Wheat Ale
Photo: Red Bird Brewing Co.
Red Bird Brewing Co. has tasty beer, pizza, and live music. Their outdoor space is alive with performances, including their festival, NestFest, happening on the August long weekend. Perfect for summer, Red Bird has crafted the Tropi-Kel Fruited Wheat Ale, bursting with tropical mango and guava puree and citrus flavours. Brewed with pilsen, wheat, dark Munich, and special aromatic malts, and hopped with Zeus and Amarillo, it’s the ideal backyard beer—whether in their “backyard” or yours!
Rustic Reel Brewing Company – Lemon Lime Gose, Cold IPA, Pineapple Wheat Ale
Photo: Rustic Reel Brewing CompanyRustic Reel Brewing Company captures the essence of the Okanagan with a welcoming atmosphere, cozy café, delicious bites, and a stunning patio. This summer, they offer a variety of unique brews, including the zesty Lemon Lime Gose, which blends lemon and lime with the tart, salty characteristics of a traditional German Gose, the crisp Cold IPA, fermented with lager yeast for a refreshing backbone and fruity, piney hop notes, and the tropical Pineapple Wheat Ale, bursting with juicy pineapple flavors.
Summer events at Rustic Reel include the Sundown Patio Party on July 27th, where guests can enjoy great music, refreshing drinks, and unforgettable memories under twinkling fairy lights while DJ Kaz spins high-energy summer anthems. The 5th Birthday Extravaganza Weekend on August 24-25th features a special anniversary brew release, drink specials, food features, and an all-day brunch with a build-your-own caesar bar, mimosas, and specialty coffees. On September 21st, join their 5th annual Oktoberfest, celebrating with a new Märzen beer, custom Oktoberfest steins, and shareable food platters of hearty sausages, warm pretzels, and other authentic German snacks. See all of Rustic Reel’s events by clicking here.
Three Lakes Brewing – Pale Ale Blueberry Cider
Three Lakes Brewing is women-owned and at the forefront of their brewing process. They have a passion for creating unique flavour combinations and brewing techniques that reflect the natural beauty and outdoor activities of the Okanagan. This summer, enjoy their live music every Friday, a monthly farmers’ market, and lively karaoke nights, including the upcoming one on July 25, 2024! Join Three Lakes Brewing on August Long Weekend to celebrate their 1st anniversary! While you’re there, sip on their unique release, a Pale Ale Blueberry Cider which is a special collaboration with lovely women over at Shuswap Cider, or their Pale Ale, which supports JoeAnna’s House Foundation, you can enjoy great music and good vibes at Three Lakes Brewing all summer long, view their events calendar here.
Header image at BNA Brewing. Photo: BC Ale Trail & Norma Ibarra
Kelowna’s Summer Craft Beer Guide
