KitsFest Adds Pickleball Tournament: KitsFest is bringing pickleball to the beach this summer. For the first time, Vancouver’s KitsFest will include a pickleball tournament on August 7–8, 2025, at the Kitsilano Beach Tennis Courts. Players will compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles. The event is part of KitsFest’s long-standing celebration of sports, arts, and community.
The tournament is hosted by Elevate Pickleball and welcomes players with skill levels ranging from 2.5 to 4.0. The format includes round-robin games and a final medal round. Registration opened April 5 and will close on July 12, with a base cost of CAD 60 plus CAD 15 per event.
A New Sport Joins the KitsFest Lineup
KitsFest has been a key event in Vancouver for 17 years. Known for combining sports and arts at the beach, it draws a wide mix of ages and skill levels.
This year, organizers are adding pickleball to their list of featured sports. The event will run for two days. Men’s and women’s doubles are set for Thursday, August 7. Mixed doubles will follow on Friday, August 8.
Games will be played at Kitsilano Beach Tennis Courts, located on Arbutus Street. Entry to the event is based on DUPR ratings. Those new to the system are asked to sign up through DUPR.com and connect their profile to Pickleball.com.
Tournament Rules and Structure
All players will compete in a round-robin format. Teams are guaranteed at least four games. Finals will depend on the number of teams. The rules for medal matches include:
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Pool play: one game to 11, win by two.
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Bronze: one game to 15, win by two.
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Gold: best two of three games to 11, win by two.
Divisions may be adjusted based on registration numbers. According to the event page, “Brackets/Pools will be seeded based on DUPR Rating.”
Important Notes on Registration and Policy
To secure a spot, both partners must be registered, paid, and have signed the waiver. If one player fails to register within five days, the team will be moved to the waitlist.
“Your spot in the main event will not be held,” the organizers warn. If both players register later and spots are still available, they may be added back to the main event.
Players can check the “Players Needing Partners List” if they are searching for a teammate. Game updates will be sent by text, so players must enable messages on their profiles.
Refund and Weather Policy
The last day to cancel and receive a refund is July 1 at 9:00 PM. A CAD 15 withdrawal fee will apply. No refunds will be given after this date.
This is an outdoor tournament. If there is bad weather or other issues, “every effort will be made to complete matches,” but no refunds or credits will be given.
Why This Matters for Vancouver
Pickleball is growing quickly across Canada. By adding it to KitsFest, the festival continues to evolve and connect more people through sport. The tournament gives local and visiting players a new chance to compete in a fun beachside setting.
As Vancouver hosts this new event, it also promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle for the city’s growing pickleball community.
News in Brief: KitsFest Adds Pickleball Tournament
KitsFest adds pickleball for the first time with a two-day pickleball tournament at Kitsilano Beach on August 7–8, 2025. Hosted by Elevate Pickleball, players will compete in doubles events using a round-robin format. Registration closes July 12. This new addition highlights Vancouver’s growing pickleball scene while enhancing KitsFest’s tradition of sports, arts, and community celebration.
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