At the Rotary Centre for the Arts, we believe that access to the arts transforms lives. Creativity inspires, connects, and strengthens communities but only when it is open to everyone. That is why we are committed to free and low-cost community performances that break down barriers and invite everyone to take part.
Our events do more than entertain, they nurture talent, spark connection, and give every person the chance to experience the power of live arts. By keeping creativity accessible, we strengthen Kelowna’s cultural landscape and ensure the arts remain a vibrant, inclusive force in our community.
As a cornerstone of Kelowna’s Cultural District, the Rotary Centre for the Arts plays a vital role in bringing the City’s cultural vision to life. Aligned with the City of Kelowna Cultural Plan, our work supports a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible arts ecosystem that strengthens downtown, animates public spaces, and fosters community connection. By offering free and low-cost performances year-round, the RCA helps ensure culture is not a luxury, but a shared civic experience, one that contributes to Kelowna’s social wellbeing, economic vitality, and identity as a creative city where everyone belongs.
“I love the RCA and its mission for arts and culture in Kelowna. The programs and space - it is a beautiful central location.” - Allyssa
“Exceptional team and great programs that make it a vibrant hub for creativity and culture in downtown Kelowna!” - Marc-André
Jazz Jam
Every Thursday Night, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
A cornerstone of our weekly programming, Jazz Jam fills Thursday evenings with soulful, foot-tapping jazz standards. Hosted by Craig Thompson and Stephen Buck, the night invites both professional musicians and students to share the stage and their talents.
Events like Jazz Jam play an important role in nurturing young musicians by offering mentorship and pathways to scholarship opportunities. Donations collected during Jazz Jam help fund the two annual RCA Jazz Jam Scholarships, supporting youth as they pursue their musical passions. Music education builds more than technical skill, it fosters creativity, self-expression, and collaboration, investing in the future of both young artists and our arts community as a whole.
Open Mic
Every Second Thursday of the Month, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Our monthly Open Mic night is more than a stage; it’s a hub for Kelowna’s creative spirit. By giving singers, storytellers, poets, and comedians a space to perform, we nurture local talent, encourage artistic experimentation, and strengthen community connections.
This inclusive platform allows artists of all levels to gain confidence, share their voices, and inspire others. Each performance contributes to a vibrant cultural landscape, helping Kelowna remain a city where creativity, collaboration, and community thrive. Hosted by local musician Max Squire, Open Mic keeps the arts accessible while giving residents a chance to celebrate, support, and participate in the city’s creative life.
Bluegrass Night
Every Fourth Thursday of the Month, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Step onto the stage with the Summerland Bluegrass Society each month and experience Bluegrass Night like no other. Performers of all levels share the spotlight with a full band of seasoned bluegrass musicians, gaining live performance experience that can only come from playing alongside professionals.
This unique opportunity does more than showcase talent. It builds confidence, hones skills, and gives local artists a chance to learn directly from experienced musicians. By keeping the stage open and welcoming, Bluegrass Night makes the arts accessible while strengthening Kelowna’s creative community, one song at a time.
Why Accessible Arts Matters
The arts thrive when they are open to everyone. By removing barriers like cost, the Rotary Centre for the Arts gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to create, perform, and experience live art. This accessibility is at the heart of everything we do, from free community performances to low-cost programs that nurture talent, build confidence, and foster connection.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on donations from patrons, community members, and local businesses to keep our programs running and our stages welcoming. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund scholarships, support emerging artists, and maintain opportunities that allow the arts to flourish.
When you donate, you are not just supporting events. You are investing in people, in creativity, and in the future of our community. Your gift ensures that the arts remain inclusive, vibrant, and accessible to all, allowing more residents to experience the joy of performance, the thrill of learning, and the power of connection through creativity. Together, we can keep Kelowna’s artistic landscape alive, inspiring, and open to everyone.
