If you needed a reason to head to the South Okanagan early this season, this is it.
The Osoyoos Oyster Festival is back April 17–18, 2026—and if you’ve been before, you already know this isn’t just another wine event. It’s one of those rare weekends that actually delivers: fresh-shucked BC oysters, strong wine lineups, and that easy, sun-soaked Osoyoos energy that makes you want to linger longer than planned.
I’ve been—and it’s exactly the kind of low-key, high-quality experience worth building a weekend around.
The festival kicks off Friday night with Sip & Shuck at the Osoyoos Golf and Country Club from 5 to 7:30 p.m., it’s arguably the most relaxed and enjoyable way to ease into the weekend.
Expect freshly shucked oysters from the BC Shellfish Growers Association, alongside a growing selection of seafood and thoughtful bites from the club’s culinary team. Add in live acoustic music from Don Brogan and a lineup of South Okanagan wineries—including Kismet Estate Winery, Intersection Estate Winery, Nostalgia Wines, Clos du Soleil Winery, River Stone Estate Winery, Domaine Artema, and Adega on 45th—and you’ve got a Friday night that feels effortlessly dialed in.
Then comes Saturday’s Pearl in the Desert Gala at Walnut Beach Resort from 6 to 9:30 p.m., which is nearly sold out—and for good reason. This is the bigger, more high-energy evening, where oysters meet chef-attended stations, a full spread of seafood and small plates, and a dancefloor that actually fills up once DJ Splendid Bastard gets going.
The setting alone—spilling from Pointe 49 into a covered poolside space—makes this feel like the first real party of the season.
Wine and cocktail pairings come from a strong roster including Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, Nk’Mip Cellars, Noble Ridge Vineyard and Winery, Phantom Creek Estates, La Stella Winery, Fairview Cellars, Gold Hill Winery, Clos du Soleil Winery, Intersection Estate Winery, and Tumbleweed Spirits.
What makes this festival stand out isn’t just the oysters, though they’re excellent, or the wine, which is also excellent. It’s the collaboration. Local wineries, BC shellfish producers, and the broader South Okanagan community all show up for this—and you feel it.
It also lands at the perfect time. April in Osoyoos is that sweet spot: warm enough to enjoy, quiet enough to feel like you’ve discovered something.
If you go, make a weekend of it. There are hotel offers tied to the festival, and trust me—you won’t want to rush back.
Tickets
Sip & Shuck – $80 plus tax
Pearl in the Desert Gala – $125 plus tax
For tickets and more information, visit osoyoosoysterfestival.ca.
