Vernon BC Arts and Culture: Theatre, Galleries and Music

Short answer: Vernon has a surprisingly rich arts scene for its size. Catch touring shows and dance at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, community theatre at Powerhouse Theatre, exhibitions at the Vernon Public Art Gallery and artist-run Gallery Vertigo, classes at the Vernon Community Arts Centre in Polson Park, live jazz at the Vernon Jazz Club, and history at the Caetani Centre and on the downtown heritage mural walk.

When people picture the Okanagan, they picture lakes and vineyards. What surprises a lot of my clients after they move here is how much there is to do on a Tuesday night. Vernon has a real arts community, much of it volunteer-driven, and it’s easy to get involved.

Here’s a local’s guide. Schedules change by season, so check each organization’s website for what’s on.

Where can you see live theatre in Vernon?

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) is the main stage in town. Its SPOTLIGHT season includes theatre, dance, kids’ shows and concerts, and the 2026/27 season marks the centre’s 25th anniversary. The published lineup includes touring ballet, family shows based on classic stories, and Canadian musicians. Series subscribers get discounts and priority seating.

Powerhouse Theatre is Vernon’s community theatre, on 35th Avenue. It runs a full season of productions put on by local volunteers, plus special events like a 24-hour play festival. The 2026-27 season includes a holiday radio play, one-act comedies, *Clue: On Stage* and *Les Belles-Soeurs*. If you’ve ever wanted to act, build sets or usher, this is a wonderful way to meet people.

What art galleries are in Vernon?

Vernon Public Art Gallery on 31st Avenue is, according to the City of Vernon, the largest public gallery in the North Okanagan. It presents around 20 exhibitions a year across painting, sculpture, video and installation, plus talks, workshops and an art rental program.
Gallery Vertigo downtown is a volunteer-operated, artist-run centre. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2026, according to Castanet.
Vernon Community Arts Centre in Polson Park has monthly exhibitions of local artists, plus a shop and artisan gallery.

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Where can adults and kids take art classes?

The Vernon Community Arts Centre is the hub. Founded in 1961, it offers classes and workshops for adults, youth and families, member studios for clay, glass and printmaking, youth camps, and an annual holiday market called Artsolutely. It’s in Polson Park, which makes it easy to pair a class with a walk.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery also runs workshops and hands-on programs, and the Performing Arts Centre hosts some dance and theatre programs through the year.

What is the Caetani Centre?

The Caetani Centre on Pleasant Valley Road honours the Caetani family, Italian aristocrats who settled in Vernon in the early 1920s, and their artist daughter Sveva. Today it offers guided tours of the house and its collection, exhibitions, artist residencies and community events, including a summer solstice music festival and market. It’s one of the most interesting stories in local history, and the tours are worth doing.

What are the Vernon murals?

Downtown Vernon has a collection of large heritage murals. The Downtown Vernon Association says there are more than 28, showing the history, culture, scenery and folklore of the area. You can pick up a printable map or use the online map for a self-guided walk. The Vernon Museum also offers historic downtown mural tours.

It’s one of my favourite ways to show newcomers around downtown. Grab a coffee, follow the map and you’ll learn more about Vernon in an hour than most people learn in a year.

Where can you hear live music in Vernon?

Vernon Jazz Club on 31st Street hosts regular jazz concerts and a monthly jam session.
VDPAC brings in Canadian and touring musicians through its OnSTAGE concert series.
Summer festivals like the Sunshine Festival, Funtastic and the Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture feature live bands.
Cideries, breweries and pubs around town host live music, especially in summer. Cambium Cider Co in the BX is known for its live music nights.

What about history and heritage?

The Vernon Museum (Greater Vernon Museum and Archives) on 32nd Avenue has rotating exhibits on local history and runs on a by-donation basis. Vernon sits on the traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan people, and local galleries and the museum regularly present Indigenous art and history. Historic O’Keefe Ranch, just north of the city, rounds things out with early ranching history.

Which arts events should you mark on your calendar?

Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture in Polson Park each September, from the Arts Council of North Okanagan, which kicks off Culture Days locally.
Caetani Summer Solstice Music Festival and Market in June.
Artsolutely holiday market at the Vernon Community Arts Centre.
Creative Chaos craft show in June.

The Arts Council of the North Okanagan is a good central source for arts news. I list the bigger community events in Vernon’s year of events.

Living close to the arts

If you want to walk to a show, a gallery opening or the jazz club, look at homes near downtown. Neighbourhoods like East Hill put most of these venues within a short walk or bike ride. I cover the best options in walkable neighbourhoods near downtown Vernon, and you can compare areas in my Vernon and Coldstream neighbourhood guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Vernon have a theatre?

Yes. The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre hosts touring theatre, dance and concerts, and Powerhouse Theatre produces community theatre throughout the year.

Is there a public art gallery in Vernon?

Yes. The Vernon Public Art Gallery on 31st Avenue is the largest public gallery in the North Okanagan, according to the City of Vernon.

Can I take art classes in Vernon?

The Vernon Community Arts Centre in Polson Park offers classes and workshops for adults, youth and families, plus member studios for clay, glass and printmaking.

How many murals are in downtown Vernon?

The Downtown Vernon Association says there are more than 28 heritage murals downtown, with a free map for a self-guided walk.

More Vernon guides

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I’m Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty in Vernon, BC. I live in Okanagan Landing, and I help buyers and sellers across Vernon, Coldstream, SilverStar and the North Okanagan.

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This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.

Featured photo by Rob Laughter on Unsplash.

Arts and Culture in Vernon: Theatre, Galleries and Live Music