Celebrate summer at 'Meet Me on Bernard' in downtown Kelowna

Get ready for a summer of fun and festivities as Kelowna's beloved Meet Me on Bernard returns for 2024! Starting May 17 and running through Sept. 2, Bernard Avenue transforms into a vibrant pedestrian corridor, offering a unique blend of entertainment, dining and community spirit.

What to Expect

From May 17, the 200 block of Bernard Avenue, between Abbott and Water Streets, will be closed to vehicles, creating a spacious, pedestrian-only zone. This section opens on May 17, followed by the 300 block from Water to Pandosy Street on June 28. The closures allow for expanded patios, street games, live concerts, and much more, turning downtown into a bustling hub of activity.

Why You Should Join the Fun

1. Vibrant Atmosphere: Experience the heart of Kelowna without vehicle traffic and watch the streets come alive. It's an opportunity to enjoy the downtown area in a relaxed and festive environment.

2. Support Local Businesses: Meet me on Bernard aims to increase foot traffic to shops and expand capacity for cafes, and restaurants as a way to support local businesses. Many businesses extend their patios and wares onto the street, offering more seating and a unique dining experience under the open sky.

3. New Attractions: This year, the event features the debut of Thursday Night Markets, running from Water Street to Kerry Park from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting May 30. These markets will offer a variety of local goods, crafts, and treats. Additionally, Lime Scooters are now available, making it easier to explore the entire area.

4. Special Events: Mark your calendars for exciting events like the Block Party on July 20 and Show N Shine on August 17. These events will bring even more entertainment and community engagement to downtown Kelowna.

Convenience and Accessibility: To make your visit as smooth as possible, there are temporary accessible parking stalls on cross streets near Bernard Avenue. Designated PayByPhone 15-minute pick-up and drop-off zones along Abbott and Mill Streets ensure easy access. Motorists should note that Water Street and Lawrence Avenue will remain open to traffic, with Lawrence Avenue offering a left turn only at Abbott.

Parking and Transportation: For those driving into downtown, parkades like the Chapman Parkade, Library Parkade, and Memorial Parkade provide ample parking. Cyclists can connect to downtown via the multi-modal corridors of Abbott Street, Cawston Avenue, the Okanagan Rail Trail, and the Waterfront Promenade.

Join the Celebration

"Meet Me on Bernard" is more than just a street closure; it's a celebration of community, local business, and the vibrant spirit of Kelowna. Whether you're looking to enjoy a meal at an expanded patio, shop at the night markets, or simply take in the festive atmosphere, there's something for everyone.

Don't miss out on this fantastic summer-long event. For more details and a full schedule of activities, visit Meet Me on Bernard. Head down, enjoy the sunshine, and see what makes downtown Kelowna so special!