Festival
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Play ball! Vernon’s Funtastic mixed slo-pitch tourney is a riot, with costumes, competition and a three-day concert, June 30 - July 3.
Vernon summer events feature a grand slam of fun
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When it comes to festivals, Vernon knocks it out of the park (in more ways than one). Vernon's summer festivals and events are a glimpse into a rootsy, soulful Okanagan scene that will that will restore your sense of community, because that's where the heart of these events lies.
Community fuels Vernon's summer events
Vernon's summer events are part of a ground swell of momentum the city has been building for some time, says Peter Kaz, Downtown Vernon Association board member.
“When I first moved here, everyone used to say you have to go to Kelowna to find those kinds of events but I said why can’t you do that here?” says Kaz.
Rocking out on the rooftop in downtown Vernon, during Sunshine Day.
“In the last few years there’s been more people moving here with that same mindset. So that’s why we’ve created all these different events and activities.”
Vernon summer 2023 event highlights
Vernon's community drives an amazing summer events schedule. Read on for details, dates and tips to immerse in community through Vernon's summer 2023 event scene.
May 19 - Sept 15 Polson Night Market / Vernon BC
If you're cruising into Vernon for a weekend, this is a great way to stock up ahead of your summer adventures and festival fun. Locally grown and handmade goods are the central focus of the Polson Night Market, which runs every Friday, 4 - 8pm, at Polson Park through the summer.
June 2 - 4 Creative Chaos / Vernon, BC
Rediscover the joy of supporting local! Vernon’s artisans, crafters and creators showcase their one-of-a-kind, handmade goods at this wide ranging event.
At the largest summer craft show in Western Canada, featuring some 200 vendors, you’ll find carving, jewelry, art, clothing and fashion and more, as well as live entertainment and food vendors.
Visitors check out a leatherwork booth at the Creative Chaos show.
"It's a great experience," says Gail Craig, who's both a member of the Creative Chaos Society (which runs the event) as well as a vendor, with her own company, Dragonfly Soups. "There's something for everybody, from a wide variety of vendors to the live music, food and even wine and spirit tastings."
June 17 Sunshine Day / Vernon, BC
Downtown Vernon will be rocking from the rooftops and dancing in the streets on June 17! This one-day celebration features roaming performers on the streets and musical acts playing on rooftops all set within a six-block radius of 30th Avenue.
The rooftop concerts were a pandemic adaptation which have now been embraced as a regular feature. Add in fashion shows, food trucks and a sidewalk sale with great deals on offer from local businesses, and there will be lots of excitement all day long, says Peter Kaz.
A fashion show overtakes the streets of Vernon during Sunshine Day.
“There’s going to be lots to see and do, whether it’s up high or down low in downtown Vernon,” sums up Kaz.
June 30 - July 3 Funtastic Sport and Music Festival / Vernon, BC
What’s more funtastic than an Okanagan slo-pitch tourney? And beer gardens? And live rock ’n’ roll and top country artists to fire up the party?
Yep, it’s go time. Make it an extra long long weekend for Canada Day, with you and nine of your baseball besties, and all the summer fun you can soak up.
The A&W concert stage at Vernon Funtastic is always a rockin' time.
Jun 30 - Aug 25 Music at Mackie House / Vernon BC
Sit on the shores of Kal Lake and soak in the vibes, with summer long concerts featuring Clanna Morna, Amy Bishop, Under the Rocks, Cole Bradley, Laurie Kerr and Bobby Cameron and Josh + Bex.
Josh + Bex play an open air set in Vernon.
Jul 8 Caetani Music Festival / Vernon BC
Vernon's arts and culture centre brings together local musicians and popular Canadian acts in a music showcase, headlined in 2023 by Tragically Hip cover band The Hip Replacements, Cod Gone Wild and Layer Cake Mountain.
Photo:
Nancy Shields
More Vernon fun
Fresh squeezed soul, organic passion: that is the heart of Vernon and we're bringing it to you with our #ExploreVernon expedition.
Visit ZenSeekers.com to get new ideas for Vernon adventures, from picnics to hikes to beach time and fresh local food.
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Vernon viewpoints and Indigenous connections
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Check out Tourism Vernon's events calendar for more exciting things to do while you're visiting.
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