Vernon Events and Festivals: A Year Round Guide

Short answer: Vernon’s biggest annual events are the Vernon Winter Carnival in February, Creative Chaos craft show and the downtown Sunshine Festival in June, Funtastic slo-pitch and music festival and Canada Day in Polson Park around July 1, the Interior Provincial Exhibition in nearby Armstrong around Labour Day, and the Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture in September. Summer Fridays bring the Polson Artisan Night Market.

One of the things I love about living in Vernon is that the calendar never really goes quiet. There’s always something coming up, and most of the big events are run by volunteers and non-profits, which gives them a real small-town feel.

Here’s a season-by-season look at the annual events worth planning around. Dates below are from 2026 and change every year, so always check the organizer’s website before you go.

What is the biggest event in Vernon?

For many locals, it’s the Vernon Winter Carnival. The 2026 carnival was the 66th, running for 10 days in February, and Tourism Vernon describes it as the largest annual winter carnival in Western Canada.

Recent programs included:

A hot air balloon glow
The Winter Carnival parade through downtown
A craft beverage tasting event
A long-running peewee hockey tournament at Kal Tire Place
Family activities and fireworks at Kal Beach
A closing après-ski party at SilverStar

It’s the best way I know to fall in love with a Vernon winter. For more cold-weather ideas, see things to do in Vernon in winter.

What happens in Vernon in June?

June is when Vernon wakes up for summer.

Creative Chaos bills itself as the largest summer craft show in Western Canada. In 2026 it ran June 5 to 7 at Kal Tire Place, with local makers, artists and food. It’s been running for about half a century, according to local coverage.

The Sunshine Festival is the Downtown Vernon Association’s free street festival. According to the Vernon Morning Star, the 2026 edition was the 32nd, and it filled six blocks of 30th Avenue with live music, a food zone, a kids’ zone and vendors. The paper reported close to 10,000 people attended in 2023.

Planning to buy in Vernon soon? Get pre-approved first, then text me at 778-363-0542 and I’ll send you new listings that match what you want, or book a 10-minute chat. Quick questions any time: call Sarah, my 24/7 AI info line, at 604-227-4810.

What is Funtastic?

Funtastic is a Vernon summer institution: a slo-pitch tournament combined with a three-night music festival. The Vernon Morning Star reported that the 40th edition ran June 26 to 29, 2026, at the DND and Grahame Park ball diamonds, with a dozen bands, a skills competition and family-friendly daytime activities. The organizers say it has raised money for local non-profits for decades.

How does Vernon celebrate Canada Day?

Polson Park is the place to be on July 1. The 2026 celebration, organized by the Vernon Okanagan Inspired Community Events Society, ran from late morning until after 9 p.m. with live music, market vendors, community performances, bouncy castles and a skateboard competition, according to local news coverage.

What is there to do on summer evenings?

The Polson Artisan Night Market runs on Friday evenings through the summer in Polson Park, with artisans, home goods, baked goods and food vendors, plus themed nights. It’s a relaxed way to start a weekend.

If you’re more into fresh produce, I cover the farmers’ markets separately in farmers’ markets, orchards and local food in Vernon.

What happens in Vernon in the fall?

The Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) and Stampede takes place in Armstrong, a short drive north of Vernon. According to the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, 2026 was the 125th fair, running September 2 to 6. Expect livestock and 4-H shows, a professional rodeo, a midway, live music, a parade and old-fashioned exhibits like baking and preserves. It’s a classic end-of-summer outing for North Okanagan families.

The Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture is a free, all-ages event from the Arts Council of North Okanagan. In 2026 it ran September 18 and 19 in Polson Park, with live music, an artisan market and food trucks, and it kicked off BC Culture Days programming locally, according to the Vernon Morning Star. More on the local arts scene in my guide to arts and culture in Vernon.

Fall is also harvest season. Orchards and farms around Vernon run u-pick and pumpkin events through September and October.

Where can I find a Vernon events calendar?

These are the calendars I check:

The City of Vernon community events calendar
Tourism Vernon’s events page
The Downtown Vernon Association for downtown events

Why events matter when you move somewhere new

When clients move here from the Lower Mainland, Alberta or Ontario, the first question after “which neighbourhood” is usually “how do we meet people?” My honest answer is: go to the events. Volunteer at Winter Carnival, grab a table at the night market, join a Funtastic team. Vernon is friendly, and these events are where friendships start.

If you’re new to the area, my Vernon and Coldstream neighbourhood guide is a good place to start, and a home near downtown, like in East Hill, puts Polson Park and 30th Avenue within walking distance.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Vernon Winter Carnival?

It runs for about 10 days in February each year. The 2026 edition was the 66th. Check vernonwintercarnival.com for the next dates.

Is the Sunshine Festival free?

Yes. The Downtown Vernon Association runs the Sunshine Festival as a free community street festival on 30th Avenue in June.

Is the Armstrong IPE close to Vernon?

Yes. Armstrong is a short drive north of Vernon, and the IPE runs for several days around Labour Day weekend.

Where do Canada Day celebrations happen in Vernon?

Vernon’s main Canada Day celebration is held in Polson Park, with music, vendors and family activities throughout the day.

More Vernon guides

Questions about buying or selling in Vernon?

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.

Text or call Sean: 778-363-0542
Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810

Book a 10-minute chat with Sean

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 Tony Pham on Unsplash.

Vernon’s Year of Events: Winter Carnival, Sunshine Festival and More