The first Okanagan Rhythm Fest, ORF'09, was established in response to the overwhelming desire of drum and dance teachers in the Valley to unite the North and South in a celebration of rhythm and dance. In 2010 ORF became a cooperative, with a formal mission statement. Several well-established instructors, facilitators and professional musicians will provide a day of workshops in traditional drum and dance, as well as Rhythm Circle Facilitation training.

The festival draws people of all age groups, as the drum educators, facilitators and performers producing ORF'12 are involved in varied communities throughout the OK Valley. This festival is promoting a healthy family event that focuses on ‘connecting community’.

ORF'12 will feature workshops that range from cultural specific traditional drumming and dance to contemporary forms including drum circle facilitation. There will also be a wrap up show to feature a variety of rhythm-based performances. Through the day there will be booths for vendors to sell related products.