Local economy receives boost from Rock the Lake festival.
Rock the Lake Music Festival, held at Prospera Place, stands out as the largest musical event on the Kelowna calendar. Presented by GSL Group’s Sports & Entertainment division, the festival offers a unique blend of local and national talent that sets it apart from other music festivals in the region. The three-day extravaganza not only features a lineup of exclusively Canadian artists but also incorporates numerous local partners, vendors, and community groups, creating a distinct sense of unity and hometown pride throughout the event site.
Trish Jelinski, VP of Sales at GSL Group, emphasized the goal of this year’s festival to showcase the best of Canada and highlight the vibrant Kelowna community. From the musicians on stage to the local vendors serving beverages, the festival has collaborated with exceptional Canadian talent that embodies the spirit of the 2025 iteration of Rock the Lake. For the first time in the festival’s history, every artist on the lineup hails from Canada, including renowned names like Simple Plan, The Sheepdogs, Sam Roberts Band, and local favorites CrushXO and Lucky Monkey.
The commitment to local talent extends beyond the music to the festival’s beverage partners. Patrons can enjoy a selection of Canadian-made drinks from sponsors such as Okanagan Springs, Hard T, Cinco Drink Co, Wards Hard Cider, Please Beverage Co, Sandhill Wines, and Straight and Narrow. In addition to the musical performances, Rock the Lake fans can immerse themselves in a variety of activities, markets, and partnerships at the festival site.
The festival features attractions like the Chances Casino Festival Market, which showcases local vendors and food trucks, and the Kelowna Professional Firefighters Charitable Society Hot Spot. A percentage of ticket proceeds will support wildfire relief efforts in partnership with the Kelowna Professional Firefighters Charitable Society, matched by GSL Group through its Canadian Wildfire Prevention Foundation. Other highlights include the Inkroom Tattoo Flash Studio, Manhattan Point Indoor Hard Bar & Restaurant, Kelowna Hockey Fest X YMCA of Southern Interior BC Kids Zone, Acera VIP Lounge, and locally designed merchandise, including a limited edition t-shirt by Kelowna artist Sumit Gill.
For attendees looking to enjoy more than just the music, Sandhill Wines offers complimentary wine tastings at their downtown tasting room. The complete festival schedule can be found on the rtlkelowna.ca website, and guests are encouraged to plan ahead for the weekend’s events. Tickets, including single-day GA, 3-day GA, and 3-day VIP passes, are available for purchase online, with limited Saturday GA passes remaining. Prices will increase at the gate, making early ticket purchases the best way to save on admission to this year’s Rock the Lake Music Festival.