Culture Days at Polson Park  (file photo/Tourism Vernon)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Sept. 22-23

Sundog Festival set for Polson Park

Sep 7, 2023 | 6:31 AM

A new event in Vernon is being billed as a two-day celebration of everything arts and culture.

The inaugural Sundog Festival will be held Sept. 22 and 23 at Polson Park.

Supported by the Arts Council of the North Okanagan (ACNO), Tourism Vernon, the Regional District of North Okanagan, Fortis BC, and several local businesses and organizations, the festival is being held in sync with Culture Days, a national celebration of arts and culture that takes place annually over three weeks in the fall.

“We are excited to be bringing this community-driven festival to Greater Vernon in celebration of Culture Days,” Shawna Patenaude, ACNO manager, said. “The first two events, our Howl of a Night and Kick-off Party, will showcase the varied talents of our local community with live music, cultural performances, artisans markets, displays by our ACNO members, food, and much more. Both events offer free admission and are open to all ages.”

The Friday evening extravaganza, Howl of Night, goes from 5 to 9 p.m. and features live music at the Polson Park Bandstand with bands Crashlanders, Mother Sun, Nightshades, and headliner The Pseudos, a self-described spaghetti surf band based out of Haida Gwaii.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

Dec 13, 2025

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

Dec 13, 2025

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Dec 12, 2025

“The Polson Artisan Market will be set up with a range of talented artists and craftspeople showing and selling their wares while a selection of food trucks will be onsite to feed the crowds,” Patenaude added.

Saturday’s Kick-off Party features a full menu of performers, artists, displays and vendors. The official opening ceremony will take place from 3 to 3:30 p.m. with dignitaries and representatives on hand.

Music acts will be performing at the bandstand throughout the day starting at noon with Ernest Anyway and continuing with Uncle Brad, October Poppy, Norsu, Ranger, and Saband.

The evening kicks off at 7:15 p.m. with a special performance by Vernon-by-the-way-of Vancouver band Daysormay, who are coming off the success of their debut full-length album, Just Existing, followed by a DJ set by Covenant Lion.

“We expect there will be a lot of local fans at the park to welcome Daysormay (featuring singer Aidan Andrews and twin brothers/rhythm section Carson and Nolan Bassett) to their hometown. They have made a name for themselves on the alternative music scene and have already performed at some of the top festivals across Canada and overseas,” Sundog co-producer Heath Fletcher, said.

Also happening throughout the day will be dance and cultural performances by several local individuals and groups. Patrons can also check out food trucks, the ACNO member alley, and a tasting room/beer garden for those 19-plus to sample locally crafted brews, ciders and wines.

“Our Kick-Off Party is an exciting way to launch Culture Days in Vernon. It will give people a sample of what to expect over the next three weeks, as we have several local creatives and organizations hosting free or pay-what-you-can community events from Sept. 22 all the way to Oct. 15. We hope you will all be able to join us and support arts and culture in your community,” Patenaude said.

To learn more, visit www.sundogfest.ca.

To get the full slate of Culture Days events, visit the Sundog Vernon Culture Days Hub here.