This is an archived event from Culture Days 2025.
Images
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![Five Alarm Funk performs on an outdoor stage at night during the Sundog Festival. The stage backdrop features large, brightly colored panels spelling "SUNDOG" in bold, abstract letters. A large crowd watches in the foreground.]()
Five Alarm Funk - credit Rhythm Productions -
![Somos Columbian Dancers performa at the Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture. The women are wearing brightly coloured traditional dresses and the men are dressed in all white with a striped hat and bag. The women are twirling in a circle and the men are down on oe knee.]()
Somos Colombian Dancers - credit Rhythm Productions -
![The band Queer as Funk performs on an outdoor stage at the Sundog Festival, with vibrant red panels behind them spelling "SUNDOG" in bold, artistic letters. The lead vocalist stands center stage, smiling and waving to the crowd, while other band members play guitar, drums, keyboard, saxophone, and bass. Stage lights shine brightly, and audience members dance and raise their hands, creating a joyful, energetic atmosphere.]()
Queer as Funk - credit Rhythm Productions -
![The All My Relations First Nations Dance Group performs at the Sundog Festival. The four Indigenous syilx Okanagan performers stand in traditional regalia, each holding hand drums. They are positioned in front of large red panels that spell out "SUNDOG" in bold, artistic letters.]()
All My Relations First Nations - credit Shawna Patenaude
Sundog Festival - Kick-Off Event!
In-person
Date and time
Location
Civic Memorial Park
3004 39 Avenue
Vernon, BC
Access
Free.
Offered in English.
Wheelchair accessible, has gender-neutral washrooms, and will have a sign language interpreter.
About
The Sundog Festival of Arts and Culture is a high-energy, family-friendly celebration of creativity, culture, and community in Vernon, B.C. Drawing 3,000–4,000 attendees each year, Sundog brings together live music, hands-on workshops, artisan markets, and cultural performances for a weekend of fun, connection, and discovery.
The festival kicks off with a Syilx Okanagan Elder welcome, followed by traditional drumming, singing, dance, and storytelling. Throughout the weekend, attendees can join interactive cultural workshops and games led by Indigenous Knowledge Keepers—an engaging way to learn and connect with Syilx Okanagan culture.
The music lineup is as diverse as the community itself, featuring Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+, and multicultural performers from across the region. From folk to funk, there’s something for everyone on the Sundog stage.
Around the festival grounds, you’ll find hands-on art and craft workshops, live painting demonstrations, and heritage exhibits that bring local stories and cultural traditions to life. Performances by multicultural heritage groups offer a celebration of the many cultures that make up the North Okanagan.
Festival-goers can explore a vibrant artisan market with over 30 local makers, offering handmade jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more. Hungry? Choose from 10 food trucks dishing up a variety of global flavours. For adults, the Fiesta Oasis is the perfect spot to unwind with a cold local beer, wine, or cider while enjoying the sights and sounds.
Sundog isn’t just a festival—it’s a platform. It gives local artists, artisans, and cultural carriers a chance to showcase their work, gain recognition, and connect with the community. With strong support from local businesses, cultural groups, and over 40 volunteers, it’s truly a grassroots celebration.
Hosted by the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, Sundog supports our mission to promote local creativity, build community through the arts, and make cultural experiences accessible to everyone. And the best part? Admission is free, ensuring everyone can join in the celebration.
Whether you're dancing to live music, making art, learning something new, or just enjoying the vibe—Sundog is a festival full of joy, creativity, and community pride. We hope to see you there!
Organizer
Arts Council of the North Okanagan
The Arts Council of the North Okanagan is Vernon's hub for all things Arts and Culture, representing over 30 diverse member groups and over 3000 individual and family members.
ACNO is a registered charitable non-profit organization, and promotes hundreds of events throughout the year, provides opportunities for artists to show and sell their work, delivers arts education through the Vernon Community Arts Centre, and acts as an ambassador on behalf of all community arts based initiatives.
This event is part of a hub:
Sundog Festival - Vernon Culture Days Hub
Arts Council of the North Okanagan Vernon, BCWelcome to the Sundog Festival – Vernon Culture Days Hub! We’re thrilled to once again celebrate arts, culture, and community with you in the heart of Vernon. This year, we’re proud to share that our Culture Days celebration placed 3rd nati...