Vernon fall festivals deliver tasty flavours, spooky shivers

Updated: Thu. Aug. 31, 2023

Posted: Fri. Aug. 26, 2022

above: aerial view of the corn maze at Historic O'Keefe Ranch in Vernon, venue for Field of Screams

Vernon and the Thompson Okanagan Region are known far and wide for their vast tapestries of beautiful lakes, mountains, and vineyards, but we are here to bring you the inside scoop on what else Vernon has to offer: festivals!

It’s true! Vernon has countless events ranging from apple harvest festivals to ultramarathon trail running experiences to haunted corn mazes. Check out these unique events and festivals coming to Vernon to inspire you to #ExploreVernon this fall.

Sept 22 - Oct 15 BC Culture Days in Vernon

In 2022, Vernon was the host city for the official launch of BC Culture Days across the province thanks to its rich arts and culture scene. This year, expect more of the same with arts classes, live performances, artist panels, exhibitions and more!

Here is the listing for BC Culture Days events in Vernon.

Learn new artistic skills at events around Vernon, through October 16.

Sept 22 - Oct 15 Sundog Festival

Spinning out of BC Culture Days, Vernon (under the Arts Council of North Okanagan) has built an entire three-week festival! The fest kicks off with a weekend concert headlined by the likes of The Pseudos, Crashlands, Ranger and Daysormay, and carrying on through Oct 15 with food trucks, artists, dancers and circus troupes—and the best part? It's all FREE.

SunDog Festival is an outgrowth of BC Culture Days, highlighting regional music in Vernon.

Sept 30 - Oct 30 Field of Screams

Since October 2013, Field of Screams has given visitors to Historic O'Keefe Ranch spooky thrills with its themed walking tours through haunted settings. This is an Okanagan Halloween must-do!

Enjoy a good scare at Field of Screams in Vernon through October.

Oct 1 - 29 Pumpkin Picking Festival, Davison Orchards

Head to Davison Orchards throughout October (Wed - Sun) and pick pumpkins with your friends and loved ones. Indulge in the endless pumpkin treats, and even take a tractor tour through the beautiful fields of Davison Orchards located just 10 minutes outside of Vernon.

Pick fresh pumpkins and enjoy autumn in the orchard at Davison Orchards.

Enjoy a trip to the scenic Thompson Okanagan region for days of apple or pumpkin picking, pedaling through the stunning Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, or enjoy the arts and culture of the city through Culture Days.

Festivals are not the only great way to #ExploreVernon! Find more epic ways to #ExploreVernon on our sister site ZenSeekers, when you visit Vernon for these festivals.

When you go

Visit the Tourism Vernon website to help you plan your trip here, including where to stay and more:

Get the insider’s guide to the trails by booking a ride with Dialed Rides.
The Greater Vernon Museum is open daily and offers their own set of tours.
Book a tour at the K'nmaĺka Senqâĺten (The Indigenous Garden) to gain a view you might not have expected while in Vernon, one of Canada’s most soul filled cities. Want to know more about the garden? Read up on the gardens here.