Why Vernon’s Sundog Festival is inspiring families to travel this fall

The best way to experience Vernon this September isn’t from a beach or scenic trail — it’s at the Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture. Returning for its fourth year, the free, family-friendly festival brings together live music, visual arts, artisan markets, cultural performances and interactive experiences for a weekend that showcases the creativity of the North Okanagan. 

The two-day celebration invites visitors to explore at their own pace. Browse handcrafted works by local artisans, sample global flavours from local food trucks, enjoy Okanagan beer and wine in the Funtastic Beer Garden or settle beneath the trees to take in live music and cultural performances. This year’s live music performance also introduces a Friday evening DJ Dance Party, reflecting organizers’ efforts to expand programming for younger audiences. 

“We like to think of Sundog as a choose-your-own adventure,” says Shawna Patenaude, executive director of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan (ACNO). “It’s an inclusive, high-energy celebration of arts, culture and community where you can experience Vernon at its most creative and connected.” 

As Vernon’s official kickoff to the national Culture Days celebrations, Sundog showcases Syilx Okanagan Knowledge Keepers and Performers alongside local artists and Canadian musicians representing a wide range of cultures and backgrounds. The event’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion has helped Vernon earn the top Culture Days ranking in British Columbia and a sixth-place national finish in 2025. 

“We intentionally built the Sundog Festival to be inclusive, culture-forward and arts-centred,” says Patenaude. “It blends music, art and cultural programming in a way that feels grassroots and authentically tied to the North Okanagan, while still delivering the polished experience typically associated with high-end ticketed events.”  

Attendance has grown steadily, with between 3,000 to 4,000 people now taking part each year. Patenaude says last year’s performance by Francophone hip-hop artist Missy D marked a turning point, drawing enthusiastic crowds of local students and highlighting the demand for youth-focused programming. 

“ACNO established its Youth Advisory Committee last year and their insights have been instrumental in shaping programming that reflects the interests of this emerging audience,” she says. “This year, we’re building on that momentum with a Friday night DJ Dance Party.” 

Vernon’s thriving arts community makes it a natural home for the experience, with more than 12 per cent of the city’s residents identifying as artists. 

“Vernon’s mix of families, young people and long-time arts supporters creates a naturally engaged audience,” says Patenaude. “The festival remains accessible and community-centred, while still offering the quality and diversity of programming found in much larger centres.” 

Sundog is reason enough to plan a September getaway, but it’s also the perfect starting point for discovering the rest of Vernon.  

“After the festival, there’s nothing better than relaxing over a great meal while watching the Okanagan sunset,” says Patenaude. “The next morning, you’ll find me at Ratio Coffee & Pastry or enjoying an ice cream from Rail Trail Café after a long walk along the Okanagan Rail Trail.” 

The 2026 Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture takes place Sept. 18 and 19 at Civic Memorial Park in downtown Vernon. For the full entertainment lineup and festival information, visit SundogFest.ca. Visitors planning an overnight stay can also find accommodations, dining ideas and local attractions through TourismVernon.com.  

This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Tourism Vernon.