A day before the puck drops, fans are invited to this free event welcoming the Memorial Cup to Kelowna through a celebration blending tradition, community pride, and national remembrance. The trophy will arrive on a Westbank First Nations Canoe Brigade at Hot Sands Beach before a ceremonial handoff to members of the Canadian Armed Forces, reflecting the Memorial Cup’s enduring connection to service and sacrifice. From there, the Memorial Cup will follow a community parade through City Park heading north to Bernard Avenue, continuing to Water Street, and concluding at Stuart Park. Fans of all ages are encouraged to line the streets of Bernard Avenue & Water Street to enjoy the parade. A formal welcome ceremony will follow at Stuart Park, introducing the participating hockey teams and featuring remarks from distinguished guests.

The welcoming energy will continue with the Community Kickoff Event, bringing together live music, local food vendors, interactive experiences, and entertainment for all ages. This vibrant gathering at Stuart Park will serve as the heartbeat of the tournament’s opening weekend.

The Real Canadian Superstore Hockey Hub, located in the Prospera Place parking lot, will serve as the heartbeat of pre- and post-game activity during the 2026 Memorial Cup. It will be a hub of excitement with live entertainment, game broadcasts, and a lively festival atmosphere designed to energize fans before and after each game. Adding to the energy to this festival tent are the official beverage partners:

• Visit the “Carlberg Club” with fun activations provided by Carlsberg the official beer sponsor
• Finnish Longdrink adds a refreshing gin twist to the main tent with its own branded fan experience as the official gin sponsor of the event

The Canco Family Zone will be the ultimate destination for fans of all ages, offering a high-energy, interactive space during the 2026 Memorial Cup leading up to game time. Guests can enjoy a variety of engaging games, sponsor activations, and local food trucks, creating a fun, inclusive environment for families and hockey fans alike.

REMAX® presents the “Power Play Lounge,” an elevated VIP experience designed with corporate hosting in mind. Featuring private hospitality chalets, premium food and beverage service, and a refined atmosphere for entertaining clients or rewarding teams, the Rinkside Retreat offers the perfect balance of comfort and connection

The Hockey Hall of Fame is coming to Kelowna, to the delight of hockey fans! Come explore the world’s largest traveling hockey collection, featuring priceless treasures from the Canadian Hockey League and the NHL — a complete experience for fans of all ages.

As part of the CHL’s partnership with Delta Hotels by Marriott, CHL fans who are Marriott Bonvoy Members receive exclusive benefits, including a Fast Pass Lane at the Memorial Cup. Simply show your Marriott Bonvoy app at the designated entrance at the Manhattan Point Entrance to take advantage of this exclusive member benefit. Not a Marriott Bonvoy member? Download the app and sign up before the next game!

The Mini Memorial Cup Youth Ball Hockey Tournament will bring the Memorial Cup experience to the next generation at the historic Kelowna Memorial Arena. More than 200 Grade 5-and-under players from 13 local schools will compete in a tournament inspired by the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL, following a May 8 jamboree to determine which teams advance.

Because the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna is also an event for youth and the next generation of hockey stars!

Over the course of three days, students from various schools will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the event atmosphere by visiting the Canco Family Zone, Okanagan Military Museum and Hockey Hall of Fame presented by Pushor Mitchell.

To mark this landmark event, the Memorial Cup Host Committee, in partnership with the City of Kelowna, is calling on local artists to propose immersive community art installations that capture the energy and spirit of the tournament.

Applications open Monday, March 1, 2026, and selected artists will create hockey themed installations that are eye catching, interactive, artistic and designed to encourage public engagement and photo opportunities. The artworks will animate high traffic outdoor public spaces throughout downtown Kelowna, enhancing the fan experience for residents and visitors alike while showcasing the city’s vibrant creative community.

Selected artists will receive up to $2,000 each to support the creation of their installations. In addition to funding, artists will benefit from promotional exposure across Memorial Cup platforms, onsite recognition during the event, opportunities for industry visibility, and meaningful engagement with the community in a high-profile setting.

Temporary artist installations in public spaces enhance how residents and visitors experience each event, highlighting its unique identity and fostering community connection. For more information about the Call for Artists and application details, visit kelowna.ca/majoreventsartistgrant.

Organized by Memorial Cup fans, the Fan Breakfast will bring together hockey enthusiasts and members of the Kelowna community for a shared meal during tournament week. Open to all, the event will offer fans and visitors the chance to connect with fellow supporters, celebrate their passion for the game, and take in the unique atmosphere of the Memorial Cup. Proceeds from the breakfast will support local organizations, with registration details to be confirmed at [email protected].