Pritchard Park
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Pritchard Park

4.6
·389 reviews·West Kelowna, Canada

A vibrant community hub in Asheville known for its Friday drum circle, and a family-friendly beach on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Experience the famous drum circle!

CrowdHigh
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Pritchard Park

Pritchard Park

Best Time

Friday evenings

Experience the famous drum circle!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant community hub in Asheville known for its Friday drum circle, and a family-friendly beach on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna.

4.6
(389 reviews)

"Pritchard Park offers a unique blend of energetic community gatherings and serene lakeside relaxation."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥁 Drum Circle Etiquette

Bring your own drum or just come to vibe! Respect the space and enjoy the collective energy.

🪨 Water Shoes Recommended

The beach has a mix of sand and small rocks; water shoes make wading and swimming more comfortable.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Friday Night Drum Circle

Friday Night Drum Circle

Pritchard Park

Feel the rhythm of Asheville at this iconic, free-spirited gathering. A true community celebration!

Family-Friendly Beach

Family-Friendly Beach

Okanagan Lake shoreline

Shallow, calm waters and a sandy-rocky mix make this a safe haven for kids to splash and play.

Scenic Okanagan Lake Views

Scenic Okanagan Lake Views

Pritchard Park shoreline

Enjoy picturesque vistas of Okanagan Mountain across the sparkling lake.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Drum Circle Vibe

Pritchard Park is famous for its Friday night drum circle. Arrive early to snag a good spot and soak in the energetic atmosphere. It's a unique Asheville experience that draws locals and visitors alike, creating a vibrant community gathering.

Beach Day Essentials

If visiting for the beach, pack water shoes! The shores are a mix of sand and small, rounded rocks, making them more comfortable for wading and swimming. The shallow waters are perfect for families with young children.

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Experience the famous drum circle!
Crowd
High
When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy the beach before crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Holiday season
Why
Festive atmosphere and decorations.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Howdy partner on main st west Kelowna ❤️
@disisnotmeep
6K likes • 86.4K views

🥁 Drum Circle Etiquette

Bring your own drum or just come to vibe! Respect the space and enjoy the collective energy. Instagram

🪨 Water Shoes Recommended

The beach has a mix of sand and small rocks; water shoes make wading and swimming more comfortable. Reddit

Pritchard Wing Night😜 > #ubc #ubcokanagan #kelowna #britishcolumbia
@ubcadmissions
2.7K likes • 404.8K views
I love how you can count on the Friday night drum circle❤️🪘❤️ The trees are so pretty in Pritchard Park right now🍁 I love how the down trees have been arranged in the park. It feels like a fairyland✨ #asheville #downtownasheville #drumcircle
downtownasheville
344 likes • 6.4K views

🚗 Parking Pointers

Park parking is limited; look for street parking in the nearby neighborhood. Reddit

☀️ Sunrise Spectacle

Catch a breathtaking sunrise over Okanagan Lake from the park. Instagram

A little sneak peak for our latest restaurant design and install. Help us welcome Bali to Pritchard Park. Jazmin, Pan Asian is going to transport you to the other side of the world!
rhythminteriorsavl
8 likes • 634 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥁 Drum Circle Etiquette

Bring your own drum or just come to vibe! Respect the space and enjoy the collective energy. Instagram

🪨 Water Shoes Recommended

The beach has a mix of sand and small rocks; water shoes make wading and swimming more comfortable. Reddit

🚗 Parking Pointers

Park parking is limited; look for street parking in the nearby neighborhood. Reddit

☀️ Sunrise Spectacle

Catch a breathtaking sunrise over Okanagan Lake from the park. Instagram

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Several picnic tables are available, making it a great spot for a casual meal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(389 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Pritchard Park is celebrated for its dual offerings: a vibrant community drum circle in Asheville and a family-friendly beach on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna. Visitors praise the safe, shallow waters and scenic views at the beach, while the drum circle is a unique, energetic cultural experience. Some note limited parking and the need for water shoes at the beach.

"This is a great beach for families as it is not as busy and definitely more kid friendly. Great for paddle boarding or floating. The beach is more rocky and water shoes are needed to make it more comfortable. Sometimes boats fly by causing wakes so it can get big waves if boaters don't slow down making it interesting for paddle boarding.
There is a pier too that you can jump off or lower your into your floaties."

Mandie Dee

"Very nice small beach. Mix of mostly sand and small rocks (rounded). Some picnic tables and clean public bathrooms 🚻. Suggest wearing water slippers due to lots of small rocks in the water. Very shallow, perfect for kids."

Carl Hamel

"Quality kept beach. Shallow until well past the 100 ft swimming dock. Newish facilities. Lots of kids, safe area."

orangecheesekj

What People Like

Vibrant drum circle
Family-friendly beach
Scenic lake views

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Rocky shore

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pritchard Park is located in downtown Asheville, easily accessible by car, public transport, or on foot if you're staying nearby. Parking can be limited, so consider street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. Instagram

No, there are two distinct Pritchard Parks. One is in Asheville, NC, famous for its drum circle. The other is in West Kelowna, BC, known for its family-friendly beach on Okanagan Lake. Instagram

For the Friday night drum circle, arriving early is key. Consider walking or using ride-sharing services if you're in downtown Asheville, as parking can be challenging. Instagram

Yes, Asheville has a public bus system that serves the downtown area, making Pritchard Park accessible via public transit. Check local schedules for routes and times. Instagram

Absolutely! Asheville is a bike-friendly city, and Pritchard Park is a great destination to cycle to, especially if you're exploring downtown. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Pritchard Park is a public park and entry is free for everyone. You can enjoy the drum circle, beach, and green spaces without any admission cost. Instagram

Pritchard Park is generally open from dawn until dusk, like most public parks. However, the drum circle typically happens on Friday evenings, and specific event hours may vary. Instagram

The Friday night drum circle at Pritchard Park is a free, community event. No tickets are required; just show up and participate or observe. Instagram

Pritchard Park hosts various events, most notably the iconic Friday night drum circle. It also serves as a venue for other community gatherings and markets. Instagram+1

While Pritchard Park is a public space, specific areas might be available for reservation for larger private events. It's best to contact the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation department for details. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The drum circle is a vibrant, improvisational gathering where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to play drums, dance, and enjoy the collective energy. It's a spontaneous and joyful expression of community. Instagram

At the Kelowna Pritchard Park, you can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxing on the sandy-rocky beach. There's also a pier for jumping and beautiful views of Okanagan Lake. InstagramReddit

Yes, Pritchard Park is very family-friendly. The beach in Kelowna has shallow waters perfect for children, and the Asheville park offers open green spaces for play. Reddit

Yes, clean public restrooms are available at Pritchard Park, particularly at the Kelowna location, making it convenient for families and longer visits. Reddit

Facilities vary by location. Asheville's Pritchard Park is known for its open space and drum circle area. The Kelowna location offers sandy beaches, picnic tables, restrooms, and a dock. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Pritchard Park itself does not typically have restaurants within its grounds. However, the Asheville location is in the heart of downtown, surrounded by numerous dining options. The Kelowna location is near local eateries. Instagram

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at Pritchard Park. There are picnic tables available, especially at the Kelowna location. Reddit

Downtown Asheville, where Pritchard Park is located, boasts a diverse culinary scene. You'll find everything from casual cafes to upscale restaurants offering various cuisines. Instagram

In Asheville, numerous convenience stores and cafes are within walking distance of Pritchard Park. The Kelowna location might have nearby shops depending on the season. Instagram

While not a regular occurrence, some community events or markets held at Pritchard Park might feature food trucks. It's best to check event schedules. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

In Asheville, the Friday night drum circle offers dynamic, candid shots. The park's trees and general ambiance are also picturesque. In Kelowna, capture the lake views, sunrise, and family beach fun. Instagram+2

While known for sunrises over the lake in Kelowna, the western-facing aspect of Asheville's Pritchard Park might offer pleasant evening light, especially with the vibrant drum circle activity. Instagram

Drone usage in public parks often has restrictions. It's advisable to check with the local city ordinances for Asheville or Kelowna regarding drone operation in Pritchard Park. Instagram

For the drum circle, evenings are essential. For the beach and lake views in Kelowna, early mornings for sunrise or late afternoons offer beautiful light. Instagram

In Asheville, the drum circle itself is the main event. In Kelowna, the pier and the expansive view of Okanagan Lake are prime photo spots. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, Pritchard Park offers two distinct but equally appealing experiences. In Kelowna, BC, the shallow, calm waters of Okanagan Lake make it a prime spot for young children to splash and play safely. The sandy-rocky beach is perfect for building sandcastles, and the pier provides a fun jumping-off point. Clean restrooms and picnic areas add to the convenience. Reddit

In Asheville, NC, while not a beach, Pritchard Park provides ample open green space for kids to run around. The famous Friday night drum circle, though energetic, can also be a fascinating spectacle for children to observe, offering a unique cultural experience in a safe, public setting. Instagram

🎶 Drum Circle Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to the rhythm, Pritchard Park in Asheville is your destination. The iconic Friday night drum circle is a must-experience. Arrive early to find a good spot, and feel free to join in with your own percussion or simply immerse yourself in the collective energy. It's a spontaneous, vibrant celebration of music and community that draws people from all over. Instagram

☀️ Beach & Water Lovers

Pritchard Park in West Kelowna, BC, is a gem for those seeking a relaxed beach day. The shallow, clear waters of Okanagan Lake are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and floating. Remember to pack water shoes due to the mix of sand and small rocks. The pier offers a fun way to enter the water, and the scenic views make it a picturesque spot to unwind. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pritchard Park Drum Circle: A Community Phenomenon

The Friday night drum circle at Pritchard Park in Asheville, NC, is more than just a gathering; it's a beloved local tradition and a testament to the city's vibrant arts scene. Every Friday, as dusk settles, drummers, dancers, and onlookers converge in the park, creating an electrifying atmosphere of spontaneous music and communal joy. It's a space where people from all walks of life can connect through rhythm and movement, fostering a unique sense of belonging. Instagram

Visitors often describe the experience as captivating and liberating. While some bring their own drums, many simply come to watch, dance, or soak in the energetic vibes. The drum circle is a powerful example of Asheville's free-spirited culture, offering a truly authentic and unforgettable experience that stands out from typical tourist attractions. It's a place where creativity flows freely and the community comes alive. Instagram

Pritchard Park Beach: A Family Oasis

Located in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Pritchard Park offers a delightful beach experience on the shores of Okanagan Lake. This park is particularly renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere. The beach features a mix of sand and small, rounded rocks, and importantly, the water remains shallow for a considerable distance, making it an exceptionally safe and enjoyable environment for children to play and swim. Reddit

The park is well-equipped with amenities such as clean public restrooms and picnic tables, enhancing the comfort for day-trippers. A notable feature is the pier, which serves as a popular spot for jumping into the lake or for simply enjoying the water. The shallow waters are also ideal for activities like paddleboarding and floating, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the lake. Reddit

Beyond the immediate beach area, Pritchard Park provides beautiful views of Okanagan Mountain across the lake, adding to its scenic appeal. While parking directly at the park can be limited, ample street parking is usually available in the surrounding neighborhood, ensuring accessibility for visitors. Reddit

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