North Okanagan Weekend Buzz for the May Long Weekend

May 16–18, 2026 - Victoria Day weekend vibes with rodeo action, live music, family workshops, and spring outdoor fun!

May 16, 2026 - Vernon and the North Okanagan are kicking off a classic long weekend filled with high-energy rodeo, rock & blues, family art, and community celebrations. Perfect weather expected for outdoor adventures. just watch the high streamflow advisories near rivers and lakes. 

Falkland Stampede (The Big One!)

• 106th Falkland Stampede, one of BC’s oldest rodeos (~30–40 min drive from Vernon).

  • Saturday May 16: Gates 10 AM, Rodeo at 1 PM, Beverage Gardens, evening dance.

  • Sunday May 17: Morning breakfast, Cowboy Church (10:30 AM), Parade at 12:30 PM, Rodeo at 2 PM.

  • Monday May 18: Heavy horse pull + final rodeo.

• Rodeo action, parades, food, and cowboy fun all weekend. Highly recommended! Gates open daily at 10 AM.

Live Music Highlights

• Saturday:

  • Faithful & True – Fountainview Academy (uplifting music) at Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre, 4:00 PM. By donation.

  • Rock Night Double Bill – Vernon’s Headway + Kelowna’s Crush XO at ANAF #5 (2500 46th Ave), 7:00 PM.

  • Ray Lemelin & The Matinee Kings (blues/roots) at Vernon Jazz Club, 7:30 PM.

• Sunday:

  • Bobby Bazini (folk/soul) at Creekside Theatre, 7:00 PM.

    
    

Family & Workshop Fun

• Resin Stained Glass Magnets & Hangers Workshop (by donation, supports Diversity Den) at Pup-n-Cup Family Cafe — multiple sessions starting 10:00 AM Saturday. Great for all ages!

• Saturday Family Art Drop-Ins (ages 3+) at Vernon Public Art Gallery / Community Arts Centre.

• Nature walks (e.g. North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club on BX Creek trail) and general spring hiking.

Other Weekend Notes

• Polson Artisan Night Market vibes (Fridays, but check for long-weekend pop-ups).

• Ongoing: Mugs of May Art Show & Sale at Vernon Community Arts Centre.

• MindBlown Okanagan Science Festival starts next week (Science Centre currently closed after the recent fire).

• Community BBQs, bottle drives, and relaxed spring activities around town.

This long weekend has that perfect mix of rodeo excitement and chill local culture. Drive safe to Falkland, enjoy the outdoors responsibly, support local artists and performers and have a fantastic Victoria Day weekend in the North Okanagan!

Remember, the Okanagan Science Centre is closed this weekend due to a fire.

North Okanagan Weekend Buzz for the May Long Weekend