Square dancers from across the globe coming to Penticton for massive festival

The 24th Canadian National Square, Round and Clog Dance Convention comes to town from July 15 to 18

Square dancers from across the globe coming to Penticton for massive festival Published 12:08 pm Saturday, July 11, 2026 When it comes to dancing, Penticton will be the place to be next week. The 24th Canadian National Square, Round and Clog Dance Convention takes over the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from July 15 to 18.

Close to 600 dancers from across the U.S., Canada, Germany, China, Malaysia, and Australia have pre-registered for the volunteer-run event, which happens once every two years. It last took place in Calgary in 2024. Participants will hit the floor for square dancing, round dancing and clog dancing, a flat-foot shuffle enjoyed in shoes with double taps.

Spectators are welcome on festival days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Although the event is geared toward experienced dancers, people are also welcome to try the different forms themselves with an instructor on Saturday, July 18, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Also on Saturday, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., square dancers will assemble on Okanagan Beach to perform on the lake, just off the sand.

It’s promoted as the “AquaDucks Dangle Dance” and will feature participants attempting to move to square dance “calls” while treading water up to their knees or deeper. Organizers say they plan to display a 12-foot inflatable duck to mark the spot along the beach where the dancers will be. The event hosted by the B.C. Square & Round Dance Federation and sponsored by the Canadian Square & Round Dance Society.

Wendy Krueger, co-chair for the festival, said Penticton was a “natural choice” to host the convention given its tie to square dance jamborees over the years at Peachfest.