When the first warm breezes roll through the Okanagan, everything begins to shift. Buds start breaking in the vineyards, patios are swept clear and the valley wakes up to one of its most anticipated times of the year: patio season.
While other parts of the province are still thawing out, the Okanagan embraces early sunshine and longer days. Restaurants, cafés and wineries across BC’s interior begin setting tables outdoors. Whether it’s a lakefront brunch or a glass of wine in the vines, patio season is a celebration of community, local food and the beauty of the season itself.
What Makes Outdoor Dining Unique In The Okanagan?
Patio Season arrives early in the Okanagan and lingers long after other regions have packed up their umbrellas. Thanks to the valley’s warm, dry climate, it’s not uncommon to enjoy a glass of wine outside in March and still be dining alfresco deep into October.
Patio Kick Off Party at 15 Park
We’re celebrating patio season the best way we know how: live music, great food and good company. Join us on Saturday, April 26 for an afternoon of music by The Dynamic Duo – KINGA & Brad, along with a first taste of our upcoming summer menu.
Tickets are $39 and include two drink samples and two food samples from the unreleased menu.
*Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase.
The event runs from 2 – 5 PM, with dinner reservations available starting at 6 PM.
Patio Season in the Okanagan: History, Highlights & Fun Facts
So how did patio culture become such a big part of life in the Okanagan? It all comes down to the climate, the community and a strong appreciation for good food with a view.
A Little History
Outdoor dining started gaining traction in the 1980s as the local wine scene began to grow. Wineries opened their doors and tasting rooms, and soon after, restaurants began to create outdoor spaces that made the most of the landscape. By the early 2000s, patios had become a staple of the valley’s dining scene and today, they are just as iconic as the wine itself.
Seasonal Highlights
In spring, the region welcomes warmer days, new seasonal menus and the first of many patio celebrations. Summer brings peak patio season, with open-air brunches, lakeside dinners and warm nights spent outdoors. By fall, harvest ingredients make their way onto local menus, and the landscape turns golden with cooler evenings equipped with blankets, heaters and a welcoming atmosphere that makes the most of every extra day outside.
Why Locals Love It
Dining outdoors in the Okanagan feels personal. It invites you to slow down, enjoy the view and share a meal without distraction. Some come for the scenery, others for the space to celebrate or reconnect. Patios have become everyday gathering spots, offering great food and a sense of place that cannot be matched indoors. The atmosphere often feels lively but never rushed, and it is common to hear music playing softly or a conversation unfolding between neighbours at the next table.
Did You Know?
- Some local chefs design their menus specifically for patio season, building dishes that pair perfectly with warm weather and local wines.
- Some wineries offer progressive patio tastings. Guests walk through vineyard paths or landscaped stations, tasting different wines along the way.
- While “alfresco” is an Italian term, it has become a common part of the local vocabulary. Around here, it simply means enjoying food and wine outdoors, often with a view.
- A growing number of restaurants now offer pet-friendly patios. Water bowls, shaded spots and sunny seats are all part of the welcome for four-legged guests.
From rooftops in Kelowna to vineyard patios in Penticton and lakeside tables in Vernon, patio season in the Okanagan feels a little different everywhere you go. Around here, we like to spend it at 15 Park Bistro, with a glass in hand and the view of Osoyoos Lake just beyond the table.
How To Find The Right Patio For Your Trip
With so many patios spread across the Okanagan, finding the right one depends on what kind of atmosphere you are looking for. If you’re chasing sun and water views, try a spot near the lake with open seating and long afternoon sun. For something quieter, winery patios offer a more tucked-away experience, often surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills. Some patios are known for live music and social energy, while others focus on relaxed service and scenic calm.
Patio menus often reflect the season, featuring local ingredients and wines from nearby producers. If you are planning a visit to the South Okanagan, we have rounded up some of the best patio restaurants in Osoyoos to help you decide where to sit back, order something fresh and enjoy the view.
Osoyoos Sets The Tone For Early Patio Season
As the southernmost destination in the Okanagan, Osoyoos sets the tone early for patio season. The sun arrives sooner, the evenings stay warmer and the lakeside setting adds something special to every meal outdoors.
If you are looking to make the most of it, 15 Park Bistro offers a front-row seat to the lake with a menu that celebrates local ingredients and seasonal favourites. Book a table and view upcoming experiences hosted at the restaurant throughout the season.
Patio culture thrives here. All that is left to do is pull up a chair and take it in.
