Things to do in Kamloops in August
Bruker Marina on Kamloops Lake
Mary Putnam
Kamloops in August is basically summer living its best life. The sun’s putting on a show, the city’s buzzing, and adventure is basically mandatory. From cultural gems to all-ages fun, this is your sign to dive into the heart of BC’s interior magic.
Overlander Beach
Candace Hansma
Fun in the sun: stay safe in the summer heat
Before diving into events, addressing warm weather safety is essential. Kamloops is no stranger to hot summers, and as you set out to explore the city, it's crucial to protect yourself from the sun's powerful rays.
When outside exploring Kamloops:
Apply & reapply sunscreen with a high SPF
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, and light, breathable clothing
Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle and taking breaks in shaded areas
Don’t leave children or pets in vehicles, even for a few minutes
Embrace the sizzle responsibly, and you'll be ready to make the most of your Kamloops adventure. Check out our Know Before You Go page for the latest updates and real-time weather.
All Wheels Pump Track, Kamloops Bike Ranch
Peter Wojnar
10 free family-friendly activities for adventurers in Kamloops
When it comes to family fun, Kamloops has a treasure trove of free or nearly free activities that will leave you and your little ones with lasting memories. From adorable petting zoos to outdoor adventures and cultural explorations, there's something for every family to enjoy.
Kamloops Art Gallery Explore art with your kids at the Kamloops Art Gallery (101-465 Victoria Street) every Thursday from 10 am to 8 pm, where admission is free, thanks to BCLC's sponsorship. Engage with diverse exhibits and inspire your little ones' creativity.
Little Farms Petting Zoo Located at 705 Franklin Road, Little Farmers Petting Zoo is an all-ages attraction where you can feed ducks, chickens, and goats by purchasing feed approved by the owners with loonies and quarters. The adjacent park also offers additional amenities such as a skating rink, splash pad, soccer fields, playground, and pump track at Westsyde Centennial Park.
Geocaching Embark on a thrilling outdoor adventure with your family through geocaching. Use GPS coordinates to find hidden treasures, and let the excitement of the hunt lead you to hundreds of locations within the city and beyond.
Fishing Cast-off on a fishing adventure with your family at lakes like Isobel Lake, Edith Lake, and Lac Le Jeune, among the 100+ lakes surrounding Kamloops.
Hiking Explore the beautiful trails at Kenna Cartwright Park, Peterson Creek, or the Rim Loop at Valleyview Nature Park. Many trails are bike and stroller-friendly with low elevation gain.
Biking Little Rippers have lots of options in Kamloops! From pump tracks and the KBRA Kids Zone at Dufferin Park to Lac du Bois trails and the Kamloops Bike Ranch, Kamloops offers various biking options for kids of all ages and riding abilities.
Music in the Park Dance and twirl to free live music every evening in July and August at Riverside Park, downtown Kamloops. Pack a picnic and enjoy an iconic summer experience with your kids.
Parks & Playgrounds Kamloops is dotted with numerous parks, inclusive playgrounds, and waterparks to keep the little ones entertained. Riverside Park, a favourite among locals, offers a variety of options for the whole family.
Disc Golf Have a blast trying out disc golfing in Kamloops. Choose from three distinct courses, including McArthur Island Park, and have a free and fun-filled day with your family.
Bird Watching Bond with nature through birdwatching is an accessible, educational, and inexpensive activity. You can borrow a Budding Birder Backpack from the TNRD Library to kickstart your birdwatching adventure!
With these 10 fantastic free, family-friendly activities, Kamloops invites you to create cherished moments and embark on unforgettable adventures with your loved ones. Visit our Family Friendly Activities page for more trip inspiration!
Fulham FC, Kamloops International Cup
Fulham FC
Local events in August
They don’t call us the Tournament Capital of Canada for nothing. From sports and tournaments to markets and performing arts festivals, there are a lot of fun events happening in Kamloops this month.
Here are a few events to check out this August in Kamloops:
July 28 - August 18 | Kamloops International Cup: Kamloops will be hosting two Premier League soccer clubs for a series of games at Hillside Stadium this summer! Fulham U21 Men and Aston Villa U21 Women will be playing six matches against local teams between July 28 and August 17 (three games each). Tickets Available now!
August 9 - 10 | Hot Nite in the City 2024: The 30th annual Hot Nite in the City takes over Victoria Street August 9-10, 2024. Six full blocks of Victoria street will be packed with stunning cars, live music and vendors. Join us for Kamloops' hottest weekend!
August 9 - 11 | Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest: Head down to Riverside park for three days of fun August 9-11 for live entertainment, tasty drinks, and of course award-winning ribs from Champion Ribbers.
All activities are free, including the Family Fun Zone! Bring the kids for bouncy castles, live family entertainment, face painting, kids games, and more.August 17 - 18 | Caribbean Festival 2024: Get ready to spice things up at the Caribbean Food and Music Festival in Riverside Park! Savour the best Caribbean cuisine, dance to the beats of Reggae, Soca, Merengue, Calypso, and Ska, and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities.
August 19 - 25 | Kamloops Pride 2024: join Kamloops for a week-long celebration of diversity and inclusivity. A week filled with joy, love, and acceptance, culminating in the vibrant Pride Parade on the final day. Don't miss this opportunity to show your support and celebrate with Kamloops Pride.
Browse our online events calendar to see what else is happening in and around Kamloops this August.
Hot Nite in the City
Candace Hansma
Embrace the heat and celebrate Kamloops in August
August in Kamloops is a time of celebration, connection, and adventure. From cheering on your team at the Kamloops International Cup to indulging in finger-lickin' ribs at Ribfest, there's an abundance of experiences waiting for you. As you bask in the summer heat, remember to stay safe, hydrated, and protected from the sun's rays.
Pack essentials like a hat and sunscreen to stay protected from the increasing UV index, and take advantage of exceptional hotel deals available this August. Explore Kamloops in style while keeping your budget intact!
Share your summer adventures with us! Tag @TourismKamloops and use #ExploreKamloops to show us your summer in the Thompson Valley.
