‘We’re celebrating all things speed’: Sun Peaks Speed Week returns

The second annual Speed Week, held from July 18-20, promises to be a high-octane celebration that brings together speed, style and social impact, all in the name of fun and fundraising. 

Combining a luxury car showcase, group gravel bike ride and themed golf day with a generous dose of community spirit, this three-day festival is revving up to become one of the region’s signature summer highlights. 

Tourism Sun Peaks (TSP) collaborated with Canucks Autism Network (CAN), a B.C.-based non-profit that offers recreational programs for children and youth on the autism spectrum, to bring the experience and fundraising event to the village.

“Speed Week is really a community celebration of speed and style,” executive director of TSP, Naomi Kerchinsky said.  “We wanted to create something that showcases both the adrenaline-fueled activities we already offer and a range of new experiences that appeal to different types of visitors.”

One of the crown jewels of Speed Week is Saturday’s Luxury and Vintage Car Show, where car enthusiasts and curious onlookers can admire everything from collectible imports and race cars to hot rods and custom builds. The event is free to the public and hosted right in the heart of the pedestrian-only village, offering visitors the unique experience of seeing rare and high-performance vehicles set against the dramatic backdrop of alpine peaks.

Unlike traditional car shows, vehicle registration is free, with a suggested $25 donation benefiting CAN. Last year’s event even featured a signed Vancouver Canucks jersey raffle and organizers say the charitable component is a central pillar of the weekend.

“At the heart of all the events we do at Sun Peaks is the desire to give back to our community,” Kerchinsky said. “Sun Peaks is a place where everyone belongs and that includes children and families with autism.”

While the car show is the flashiest attraction, Speed Week is intentionally diverse in its programming. On Saturday morning, adventurous visitors can join the Kamloops Velo Club for a scenic 25 or 40 kilometre gravel ride through the area’s rolling terrain, with a chance to win a KONA gravel bike. Riders of all levels are welcome and the ride is supported by District Bicycle Company.

On Sunday, the energy shifts to the greens with a Speed Week Golf Day at the Sun Peaks Golf Course. Anyone who books a tee time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. receives a speed-themed swag bag and a shot at winning an Arctic Spas hot tub valued at $15,000 if they sink a hole-in-one on the designated challenge hole.

“We’re celebrating all things speed, whether it’s horsepower or pedal power,” Kerchinsky said. “We’re layering those themes onto the amazing experiences we already offer in our destination: golf, biking, sightseeing and just being in nature.”

Partnering with a Cause

Events like Speed Week provide critical support for CAN’s regional programs, especially in Kamloops.

“As a nonprofit, all of our programs require funding,” CAN’s regional coordinator in Kamloops, Colleen Ryan said. “What makes us different is the level of support we provide. For nearly every child in our programs, we hire a dedicated support worker. That’s not something most traditional recreation programs can offer.”

That kind of individualized attention makes a huge difference for families who often feel left out of mainstream recreational opportunities.

“Most of our families are just so grateful,” Ryan said. “Whether it’s swim lessons, family activity days or sports camps, many of these kids wouldn’t be able to participate in other programs without the kind of structure and support we provide.”

Although the initial connection came from Sun Peaks reaching out to CAN, both sides agree it’s been a natural and meaningful partnership.

“We’re always grateful for anyone willing to partner with us,” Ryan said. “Events like this raise funds, yes, but they also raise awareness and that’s just as valuable.”

With only one edition behind it, Speed Week is already generating momentum. Organizers hope the weekend will grow into a hallmark of Sun Peaks’ summer event calendar, an anchor that draws in new audiences and supports causes that matter.

“We’re trying to bring in different target markets,” Kerchinsky said. “There’s the car enthusiasts, the cyclists, the golfers, but at the end of the day, it’s really about people coming together in this beautiful place to celebrate speed, community and fun.”

From the Friday night BBQ to the Saturday night dinner reception, the village will be alive with food and music. While the events are fast-paced, the vibe remains relaxed and welcoming. 

Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor searching for an unforgettable mountain escape, Speed Week offers something unique: a blend of luxury and leisure, motion and meaning.

“Everyone is welcome,” Ryan said.  “You get to see cool cars, do fun activities, enjoy great food and you’re also supporting a really great cause. That’s what community-driven fundraising is all about.”