Planning a summer in Vernon, British Columbia means looking at a full calendar of events that spread across streets, parks, rooftops, and sports fields. This piece outlines the most consistent, well-attended, and locally supported events from late spring into early fall. It’s not a list of ideas—it’s a summary of what actually happens and where people consistently show up.
Downtown Vernon Sunshine Festival
On June 21, six blocks of 30th Avenue are closed for the Downtown Vernon Sunshine Festival. Running for more than 30 years, this street event brings in live music, food vendors, market stalls, and family activities. The main stage features performances throughout the day, while the Kids Zone draws long visits with face painting, balloon animals, and interactive games.
The event is designed to be walkable, and all downtown parking meters are free for the day. Local businesses take part with sidewalk sales and pop-ups, adding to the street-level activity. In past years, a surprise aerial show has been timed around noon, attracting a large crowd to the centre of the closed streets.
Creative Chaos Craft Show
Creative Chaos is one of the largest craft shows in Western Canada, held during the first weekend of June at the Vernon Recreation Centre. More than 200 vendors set up inside the venue, offering handmade jewellery, home goods, specialty foods, and crafts. Admission is free, and attendance remains steady from morning until close.
Outside the building, food trucks serve throughout the day, and a small stage features local musicians and performers. Inside, a wine and spirits tasting area highlights producers from the region. The event is planned with a layout for vendor booths, many of which return each year, giving it a familiar feel for returning visitors.
Funtastic Sports and Music Festival
From June 30 to July 3, Vernon hosts the Funtastic Sports and Music Festival, built around a large-scale slow-pitch tournament. Teams from across the Okanagan and beyond compete at multiple ball diamonds, with the largest crowds gathering at DND Grounds. As the sun sets, the site shifts into a concert space featuring both local and touring artists.
The festival attracts players, volunteers, and spectators. Licensed beer gardens are open during both the games and evening shows, while food and merchandise vendors stay on-site throughout the weekend. It’s one of Vernon’s busiest stretches for tourism, with hotels filling early and team registrations locking in months in advance.
Downtown Vernon Performance Festival
On July 19, the Downtown Vernon Performance Festival returns with acts spread across 30th Avenue and Cenotaph Park. Performers rotate through music, dance, circus arts, spoken word, and more, appearing both outdoors and inside participating businesses.
The festival runs from morning through late afternoon, with performances scheduled in a way that encourages walking between locations. Local organizations coordinate venues and promote shows hosted by downtown merchants. There are no entry fees, though many performers welcome tips.
Caetani Summer Music Festival
The Caetani Centre’s Summer Music Festival takes place July 19 and 20. The first night features a dance party-style concert with Cod Gone Wild and The Boom Booms. On the second day, solo artists and bands perform from midday into the evening, covering genres such as indie, folk, and blues.
The venue includes open lawn space, and attendees often bring folding chairs or blankets. Food vendors and small markets set up across the property, and a bar area serves drinks to adults. In recent years, the grounds have been adjusted to better accommodate larger audiences, with marked entrances and seating zones.
Sun Valley Cruise-In
The Sun Valley Cruise-In, held July 4 to 6, draws classic car owners and enthusiasts to downtown Vernon. Vintage and custom vehicles are parked for show and shine events, with owners staying near their cars to talk with visitors and answer questions.
The event includes live music, food trucks, and award presentations across several categories. Streets are closed to traffic during show hours, and cars begin arriving early to secure spots. Saturday is the biggest day, with the highest number of vehicles and foot traffic.
Riot on the Roof
Riot on the Roof returns on the top level of the Vernon Parkade. This alternative arts event focuses on young and emerging artists, with installations, live music, short films, and multimedia displays.
This year’s headliner is Serendipity, the winner of the local Battle of the Bands. Though the audience skews younger, the event is open to all ages. Tickets are priced low, and volunteers from local arts organizations manage logistics and security. The rooftop setting allows for flexible staging and informal hangout areas.
Polson Night Market
Every Friday from late May through mid-September, Polson Park hosts the Polson Night Market. Vendors set up from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering handmade goods, produce, and prepared food. This market runs weekly and maintains a regular group of sellers and shoppers.
Each week features live music to keep the mood relaxed. Many vendors limit packaging and highlight local sourcing. The park stays open during the market, so families often make an evening of it, using the green space and playgrounds alongside the shopping areas.
Armstrong Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede
The Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede (IPE) is a significant annual event in Armstrong, British Columbia, located just a short drive north of Vernon. Scheduled for August 27 to 31, 2025, this year marks the 124th iteration of the fair, themed "The Hobbiest Place on Earth," celebrating various hobbies and crafts.
The IPE offers a wide range of attractions, including agricultural exhibits, a rodeo, live music performances, a midway with carnival rides provided by West Coast Amusements, and the popular barn dance featuring the band Appaloosa. Attendees can also explore numerous vendor booths, enjoy diverse food options, and participate in various family-friendly activities. The fair provides an opportunity for exhibitors of all ages to showcase their crafts, collections, and creations to thousands of visitors.
Conclusion
Vernon’s summer calendar is shaped by events that run every year and continue to bring in steady crowds. These festivals are run by business groups, arts organizations, and volunteers, and most are designed for walk-through attendance. From Friday night markets to rooftop art shows, these are the events people show up for all summer long.
