What's On in September
Summer may be coming to a close, but there is still plenty to do and discover in Vernon. Come enjoy the cooler weather outdoors, immerse yourself in the local culture with the Culture Days activities, or indulge in apple season. Check out our monthly roundup for what's going on and what the locals are up to in September.
Vernon Culture Days
A national celebration of arts, culture, and creativity takes the front stage in Vernon Sept 18th - Oct 4th! Culture Days invite people to get hands-on to highlight the importance of art and culture in our communities. During this time, local artists, cultural groups, museums, libraries, creative businesses, and more open their doors to share workshops, performances, exhibitions, and behind-the-scenes experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the community.
The days are packed full of events, so check down below for some highlight events, or...
Sundog Festival
This two day event kicks off the Culture Days. Taking place Sept 18th & 19th, it is a high-energy celebration featuring live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, a drumming group, family activities, and much more. Learn more here.
Towne Theatre & Barnard Ave Tours
Explore the history of Vernon's main street, led by local historians, then follow-up the heritage walk with a presentation at Vernon's Towne Theatre. Learn more and register here.
Mini Artists
This family-friendly event invites children (under 5) to explore a variety of art materials to foster creativity, sensory awareness, and early learning. Check out more details here.
Book Bedazzling
Give your favourite book a dazzling makeover! This event provides rhinestones, gems, and other bedazzling supplies, but they ask that you bring your own book. Learn more here.
A Story of Water: Grey Canal Tour
Join this guided walk along a section of the Grey Canal Trail and discover the history of the remarkable former irrigation waterway. This is an easy 1.5km walk that offers beautiful views overlooking orchards, the City of Vernon, and Okanagan Lake. Learn more and register here.
It's Harvest Season!
Ringo-En Orchards
This family owned orchard has been running since the 1920's, providing people the opportunity to buy or pick a wide variety of produce. They grow six varieties of apples, as well as three types of peaches, corn, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers. September means most apples will be ready to be picked, so let the season of apple pies and applesauce begin!
Davison Orchards
The Apple Harvest Fest returns at Davison Orchard for the month of September! To celebrate, the orchards are opening their branches for apple U-Picks. Davison grows 16 varieties of apples, including the classics: McIntosh, Honeycrisps, and Granny Smith. Also offered this month, are free family photos in the apple orchards, and mini apple pie baking classes!
Embrace the Outdoors
September is the perfect month to get back outside and explore our parks, trails, and lakes. Scorching hot summer days are out, and in their place are crisp mornings and comfortably warm afternoons - the perfect weather for long days outdoors. Discover all that Vernon's outdoors have to offer!
Hiking
Without the hot summer sun, you can go hiking at anytime of the day and feel perfectly comfortable. Enjoy a hike in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park on a crisp morning, or head up to Predator Ridge for an afternoon of panoramic views. With over 550km of trails, there is always more to explore.
Biking
The cooler days means all day biking. Try out mountain biking at Ellison's beginner and family-friendly trails, or explore the extensive Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park trail system. If road biking is more your speed, explore Vernon from your bike! Don't have a bike? No worries, Vernon has plenty of bike rentals, including e-bike rentals.
Climbing
The perfect season for climbing is upon us. Head outdoors, chalk up, and explore the routes around the Vernon area. Check out Cougar Canyon, Ellison Provincial Park, Aberdeen Columns, or Rim Rocks, for some of the finest outdoor climbing in the region. Cougar Canyon is a local favourite as it offers bouldering, sport, and trad climbing!
Camping
Squeeze in one last camping trip for the season at one of the campgrounds surrounding Vernon. Pitch a tent at Ellison Provincial Campground, book a cabin at Dee Lake Wilderness Resort, or relax at Cedar Falls Campground while enjoying the last leg of summer.
Paddling
Hit the water this fall and explore Kalamalka, Okanagan, and other surrounding lakes. Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Kalavida Surf Shop to explore Kalamalka Lake, or check out a different lake and have Ed's Mobile Kayak Rental drop off a kayak at your preferred location. Enjoy the last opportunity to get out on Vernon's beautiful waters while they are still warm from the summer.
Fishing
September is one of the best times for fishing in the Vernon area. Kalamalka, Okanagan, and Swan Lake contain many varieties of fish, including, but not limited to, trout, bass, kokanee, and perch. With many additional lakes surrounding the area, there are plenty of fish just waiting to be caught.
Featured September Events
Sep
18
-
19
Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture
12:00am - 11:59pm Polson Park
Aug
28
-
Sep
30
Apple Harvest Fest 2026
12:00am - 11:59pm Davison Orchards
Sep
02
-
06
Interior Provincial Exhibition (IPE) & Stampede
12:00am - 11:59pm IPE Fairground
Sep
23
-
Oct
04
Caravan Farm Theatre presents The Fall of the House of Usher
12:00am - 11:59pm Caravan Farm Theatre
Sep
25
Orchestral Rock Odyssey
7:30pm - 9:30pm Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre
Sep
25
-
27
Oktoberfest 2026 at Gerni's Farmhouse | Sparkling Hill Resort - Adult 16+
12:00am - 11:59pm Sparkling Hill Resort
Get Inspired
Tips Before Your Trip
Make sure to book your accommodation in advance. Check out our latest hotel deals to save on a place to rest while you explore Vernon.
There are a variety of places to stay ranging from budget-friendly motels to quaint bed & breakfasts.
If you are arriving here via Kelowna International Airport, book your shuttle to Vernon in advance. U-Ride and taxis are also available outside of the arrivals area.
To plan your day and stay up-to-date on current weather conditions in Vernon, visit our area webcams page before you head out.