Meet Me on Bernard launches for summer on Canada Day

It's one of the unofficial signs that summer is in full swing, Kelowna's Meet Me on Bernard is back.

Downtown Kelowna Association executive director Mark Burley says Meet Me on Bernard has quickly become a staple for the city this time of year.

"This is its third year. We started in 2020 with...it wasn't called Meet Me on Bernard then. The city just closed the street down and allowed the patios to be expanded and created a walkway during the pandemic. Then last year when we teamed up with Tourism Kelowna and the City we put a committee together and came up with the Meet Me on Bernard brand."

"Now here we are year number three and no restrictions. It will be the first time that we have gone through this without any public health orders in place," Burley said.

From July 1 until the September 5, Bernard Avenue will be transformed into an outdoor pedestrian mall featuring live music, extended patios, public art, local retail, street games, free programs and more.

"We have lots of events happening this year. This down here at the 200 block is called restaurant row, along with the 300 block and then we have the neighbourhood plaza and community square between Pandosy and Ellis and Ellis and St. Paul. That is where a lot of different things will be happening over the course of the summer."

Burley says Meet Me on Bernard will host a large outdoor yoga class at the end of July.

"We have a version of our block party on July 23 and for the first year we have the 'Show N Shine' on Bernard."

'Show N Shine' is a free, family-friendly event for auto enthusiasts of all ages.

Classic cars, hot rods, and collectibles will be available for viewing along Bernard Ave.

For a full list of events this summer, click here.