Our Living Languages: First People’s Voices in BC

Vernon Museum & Archives 3009 32nd Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia

Learn what First Nations communities throughout the province are doing to help 34 different languages survive and flourish, in Our Living Languages: First Peoples’ Voices in BC, a beautifully designed exhibition from the Royal BC Museum and First Peoples’ Cultural Council that celebrates the resilience and diversity of Indigenous languages in the face of change.
 
Through interactive stations, video and audio, the exhibit provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the history of disrupted languages in BC, the complexity of these languages, and the people–and entire communities–that are working tirelessly to document and revitalize them.

Exposed! – VPAG Members Exhibition

Vernon Public Art Gallery 3228 31st Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia

The VPAG Members exhibition is an annual show that highlights the exceptional quality of artwork from local artists within the Okanagan. The artworks will be for sale, and make the perfect gift right in time for the holidays. Find unique, original artwork and enjoy the evening with some of the wonderful members of the VPAG. Membership matters, and this exhibition would not be possible without our amazing artists! 

Mackie House: Home for the Holidays

Mackie Lake House 7804 Kidston Rd, Coldstream, British Columbia

Treat yourself to a delicious luncheon with friends and family as you celebrate the holiday season. We’ll have tea, wine, and seasonally inspired dishes for you to savour—as well as live music. Let this traditional Edwardian mansion capture your imagination, just in time for the holidays! Be sure to bring your slippers—these 113-year-old floors tend to get chilly.

The two-course luncheon includes: 1 glass of wine, tea, Christmas salad, herb buns, beef Tourtière, vegetable quiche, potatoes with herbed gremolata, and Christmas spice cake with warm caramel sauce and whipped cream.

$65

Soulidified

Vernon Jazz Club 3000 31st Street, Vernon, BC

Joe Auty returns to the VJC stage, this time, headlining a very exciting band.

Neo-soul is  the fusion/crossover of the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield with beautiful jazz harmonies and infectious high energy grooves. If you are a fan of Motown, soul, R&B, hip hop, and adjacent music and you are curious what it sounds like fused with jazz in an accessible way, this is a show not to be missed!

Joe has been a successful freelance trumpet player and soloist for many years now in both Canada and the US, and plays with a fiery, groove focused, and spunky sort of sound in the style of Roy Hargrove or Clifford Brown. To fulfill this dream and vision of Joe’s, he opted to collaborate with Campbell Ryga to add his exquisite taste, sensitivity, and beautiful harmonic expression to the sound of the band.

Campbell is a legendary saxophonist and is not only inarguably one of the most accomplished saxophonists in Canada, but in the world. He moved to Kamloops recently, so it seemed fitting for Joe and Campbell to collaborate with the goal to bring these new sounds and ideas to the Valley. Joe and Campbell are joined with some of the finest local rhythm section musicians in Stefan Bienz on bass, Loni Moger on guitar, and Will Freisen on drums.

$40

Family Saturdays

Vernon Public Art Gallery 3228 31st Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia

Join us on the last Saturday of each month, Family Saturdays take place with an art project suitable for both little kids and big kids. Parents/guardians are also encouraged to participate and create their own works of art. The workshop begins promptly at 1 p.m., and families are welcome to stay for the whole session, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or to depart sooner. All materials required for the workshops are provided. To ensure a space, please pre-register online.

• $5/members • $9/non-members.
Sierra, our Learning and Community Engagement Curator, will begin the workshop by touring the current exhibition that is on display. Afterward, she will lead you through a hands-on art activity inspired by the artwork.

December 16 1:00 - 3:30 PM
Gingerbread Houses
We will begin our session with a tour of the exhibition by our most recent artist-in-residence at Mackie Lake House. After our tour, we will making our very own Mackie Lake House gingerbread houses!

$5 – $9

Mackie House: Home for the Holidays

Mackie Lake House 7804 Kidston Rd, Coldstream, British Columbia

Treat yourself to a delicious luncheon with friends and family as you celebrate the holiday season. We’ll have tea, wine, and seasonally inspired dishes for you to savour—as well as live music. Let this traditional Edwardian mansion capture your imagination, just in time for the holidays! Be sure to bring your slippers—these 113-year-old floors tend to get chilly.

The two-course luncheon includes: 1 glass of wine, tea, Christmas salad, herb buns, beef Tourtière, vegetable quiche, potatoes with herbed gremolata, and Christmas spice cake with warm caramel sauce and whipped cream.

$65

Yuletide Ukulele

Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre 3800 - 33rd Street, Vernon, British Columbia

Described as a ‘dazzling live performer’, ukulele virtuoso James Hill strums in the season. Joined by his wife and song writing partner, cellist Anne Janelle, they celebrate the launch of their brand-new Christmas recording, The Midnight Clear, with this appearance. The perfect balance of new musical gifts and traditional favourites, this festive program will instill the holiday spirit into the whole family.

$26.25 – $73.50

Soar High Gala

Prestige Vernon Lodge & Conference Centre 3914 - 32nd Street, Vernon, British Columbia

Soar into the New Year at the Allan Brooks Nature Centre's "Soar High Gala" Join us for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration amidst the splendor of nature and luxury at the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre. Immerse yourself in an enchanting evening of elegance, entertainment, and exploration as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new.

Highlights of the Evening

Live Music & Dancing: Groove to the rhythm of live music, and dance your way into the midnight hour. Exquisite Dining: Indulge in a gourmet culinary experience crafted to tantalize your taste buds. Champagne Toast: Raise your glass for a sparkling champagne toast as we countdown to a new beginning.

$150

David Francey

Vernon Jazz Club 3000 31st Street, Vernon, BC

The Vernon Folk Roots Music Society is excited to present David Francey. David Francey is a Scottish-born carpenter-turned-songwriter, who has become known as “one of Canada's most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star).

David Francey is a Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter. A truly authentic folk singer, David is a documentarian of the working person who never imagined earning a living from his music. But when he was in his 40s, his wife, artist Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his songs and sing in public. The reaction was instant. His first album “Torn Screen Door” came out in 1999 and was a hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, won three Juno Awards and has had his songs covered by such artists as The Del McCoury Band, The Rankin Family, James Keelaghan and Tracy Grammer.

$40

Snowglobe Concert

Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium 3310 – 37th Avenue, Vernon, British Columbia

Don’t miss the biggest live music event to hit Vernon this February! Vernon Winter Carnival and A&W are proud to present the 2023 Snowglobe Concert! 

Featuring TWO EPIC party bands in one night: The Dirt Road Kings and Cod Gone Wild! Plus, the one and only DJ Lunchboxx! Get ready to boot stomp with these fan favourites!

$35