Living Things Festival 2026 has come to a close, and what an inspiring celebration it was. Now in its 10th year, this much-loved festival once again brought an exceptional mix of international and local artists to Kelowna, creating space for cultural exchange, creative exploration, and unforgettable performances.

Theatre Programming Director, Andrew Stauffer, writes, “The Living Things Festival is a vital part of the performing arts ecosystem in Kelowna, BC, and abroad. Artistic Director Neil Cadger has consistently brought innovative and fascinating work that would not otherwise be seen in our community. I'm thrilled to have partnered again with the festival, and I look forward for what's to come in 2027.”

Each year, Living Things introduces audiences to artists and perspectives from across cultures and countries, many of which wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience here in the Okanagan. This anniversary edition featured a particularly special lineup, showcasing bold ideas, refined craft, and high-calibre performances that animated stages throughout the Cultural District. At its heart, the festival enriches our community by making ambitious art accessible and by supporting artists as they continue to develop and share their work.

Our ongoing collaboration with Living Things Festival remains a true highlight of the year at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Working in partnership with fellow arts organizations such as The Living Things International Festival and Inner Fish Performance Co. strengthens Kelowna’s cultural identity, reminding us that collaboration, not competition, is what fuels a thriving arts scene. This year’s season feature, Play Dead by People Watching Collective, was a standout success, selling out the Mary Irwin Theatre and drawing a powerful response from audiences. It was deeply rewarding to see our community come together in such strong support of the arts, not only for Play Dead, but also for our collaborative events Punch Line and PINA. Together, these experiences reaffirm the vital role festivals like Living Things play in shaping culture, fostering connection, and keeping Kelowna’s creative spirit alive. 

Performances That Matter

Expanding our city’s cultural landscape through festivals like Living Things is essential to building a creative scene that is engaging, vibrant, and inclusive. In alignment with Kelowna’s Cultural Plan, our collaboration with Living Things Festival allows us to take thoughtful artistic risks and to platform emerging and established artists whose work might otherwise be out of reach for our community.

Play Dead is a powerful example of this impact. An elegantly crafted blend of acrobatics, physical theatre, and storytelling, the performance brought a sense of energy and anticipation to our RCA Presents lineup. That excitement was felt throughout the theatre and met with a well-deserved standing ovation at the end. Having been performed and refined in cities like Montreal and Berlin, Play Dead arrived in the Okanagan poised, polished, and ready to captivate. The sold-out show at the Mary Irwin Theatre speaks volumes about the appetite in our community for bold, imaginative, and thought-provoking performance, an appetite we are committed to continuing to nourish.

Audiences were also surprised and delighted by Punch Line, a daring reimagining of the traditional stand-up comedy format. Performer Jacques Poulin-Denis invited audiences into an intimate, confessional experience, weaving together recorded audio, lighting design, and physical performance to challenge expectations of what comedy can be. Adding another layer to our Living Things collaborations, PINA offered a cinematic tribute to legendary choreographer Pina Bausch, inviting audiences to engage deeply with dance through film.

Together, these performances reflect the breadth and ambition that Living Things Festival makes possible. By bringing work that crosses genres and, at times, breaks them entirely, the festival allows us to explore the full spectrum of artistic expression and share experiences with our community that are as diverse, daring, and meaningful as the city itself.

Supporting Okanagan's Artistic Growth

Artistic growth in our community brings far-reaching benefits. A thriving arts scene fuels creativity, strengthens the local economy, and creates spaces where artists and audiences can connect. Supporting artists and arts organizations helps build a Kelowna that is vibrant, dynamic, and culturally rich; a city that draws visitors, inspires young creatives, and fosters a sense of shared identity.

Events like Living Things Festival continue to inspire us at the Rotary Centre for the Arts to present bold, engaging, and meaningful experiences locally.

Supporting the arts is about more than attending performances, it’s about nurturing the heart of our community. By investing in artistic growth, we ensure that Kelowna remains a city where creativity thrives, stories are told, and culture is shaped together.