The Ryga Festival Society honors the legacy of George Ryga (1932–1987), one of Canada’s influential writers, by hosting an annual arts and culture festival in Summerland, BC. Known for The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, Canada’s most renowned English-language play, Ryga’s work spotlighted the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and continues to inspire with its focus on social justice.
Your donation helps us celebrate the arts through inclusive performances, arts education, and opportunities for local talent to collaborate with national artists. Together, we can keep George Ryga’s spirit alive in our community!
Save the date - Giving Tuesday on December 3rd!
The 2024 Ryga Arts Festival in Summerland was an incredible celebration of creativity and culture, bringing together a wonderful group of artists and performers. These amazing live performances captured the spirit of George Ryga’s legacy, and community connection through art. The energy was amazing, with attendees enjoying the unique blend of music, theatre, literature, and workshops that made the event special. It was a fantastic opportunity for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant arts scene and appreciate the immense talent in the Okanagan.
Looking ahead to next year, excitement is already building for what promises to be another unforgettable experience. The festival is committed to showcasing a range of artists. Visitors can explore the artists featured this year by checking out the Artist page on the Ryga Arts Festival website, where they’ll find a dynamic roster of talent to get inspired by. Stay tuned for announcements and updates as we prepare for another year of celebrating the arts in 2025!