(Image Credit: BC Lions)

By Victor Kaisar

FanFest 2026

BC Lions FanFest to be held in Kamloops on May 16

Mar 24, 2026 | 1:54 PM

KAMLOOPS — The latest instalment of BC Lions FanFest will be returning to Kamloops on May 16 this year, as the CFL franchise prepares for its 72nd season of operations.

FanFest will take over Hillside Stadium between 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the Saturday of the May long weekend, giving fans an up-close look at the 2026 team. The event will mark the end of the first full week of BC Lions training camp, which has called Kamloops home since 2010.

“FanFest is a special day on our calendar that helps us officially launch a new season, while allowing our great fans from across the province to establish a deeper connection with our team,” Lions president Duane Vienneau said in a statement.

“We can’t thank our great Lions fans and partners at BCLC enough for your continued support in making this fun for everyone involved.”

New this year is a BCLC Celebrity Flag Football Game, which will feature BC Lions Alumni and other “very special participants” who will be unveiled at a later date.

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The Play with the Pros clinic with Lions players and Dance with the Pros clinic with the Uproar Dance Team will also be held during FanFest, and registration will open on April 13. The event also includes a full team practice followed by player autographs along with food and beverage offerings and other entertainment.

FanFest is BACK! 🦁

Join us May 16 at Hillside Stadium for a full day of BC Lions football, including team practice, autographs, and family fun.

Don't miss our new Celebrity Flag Football Game and the return of Play with the Pros and Dance with the Pros clinics.

MORE INFO ➡️… pic.twitter.com/wIDoJo4v3b

— BC LIONS (@BCLions) March 20, 2026

First-year Lions players will report to Hillside Stadium for mini-camp on May 6, while veteran players will join them three days later on May 9. The team will hold its first full training camp practice on May 10, with the team’s final practice scheduled for May 27.

The Lions will play two pre-season games this year – against the Edmonton Elks on May 23 at Starlight Stadium in Langford and in Winnipeg on May 29 against the Blue Bombers.

The 2026 regular season will begin in earnest on June 13 when the Lions travel to Regina to face the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders. They’ll begin the home schedule with two games in Kelowna while BC Place Stadium hosts FIFA men’s World Cup games.

The latest deal between the City of Kamloops and the BC Lions to host FanFest includes a $60,000 option for an extension in 2027. The city will pay the Lions $58,350 this year in exchange for a number of perks at Lions’ home games and events.

According to the city, that deal has an estimated economic spinoff of $300,000 per year into the community.

More information about BC Lions FanFest can be found here.