You might have noticed your days getting colder and the sun setting sooner. To mark the ending of summer, the Arts Council of the North Okanagan is hosting the 4th annual Sundog Festival.

This weekend is the official launch of BC Culture Days for the lakeshore community. If you plan on making your weekend a long one, the festival kicks off on Friday with an evening party starting at 6pm. Performing on the first night will be indie folk hip-hop artist Jodie B, DJ Miss Demeaner, and headlining; Sign of Sanctuary, a local teen metalcore trio.

Starting off the party, Jodie B is known for her live looping, as a single yet multi-instrumental performer, the sound she creates is promised to captivate the audience. DJ Miss Demeanour will keep the energy moving throughout the night with a synth-infused set. She will carry the crowd through an electric experience as the sun beings to set and the music turns into something heavier. Headlining this first night is Sign of Sanctuary, led by 17-year-old Noah on vocals and guitar, Ella on bass, and 15-year-old Alex on drums. With inspirations from Evanescence and Lacuna Coil, their set is composed of high energy and heavy breakdowns.

The weather for the weekend is bright and sunny. Friday will be a clear sky with the dry landscape cooling to 11 degrees.

I recommend staying for the entire two days. It is a free community event showcasing the diversity and creativity of our alternative local scene. Beyond the stage is the Polson Artesian Market featuring local vendors who bring a vast collection of handmade goods and food. Saturday’s festivities begin at 2pm, with performances from alternative artist Siibi, reggae duo TG and J Byrd, Locarno, a Latin music project started by JUNO winner Tom Landa (The Paperboys), Queer as Funk, and headliner The Lemon Bucket Orkestra. DJ Miss Demeanor is making an appearance on Saturday night as well, if you were unable to catch her first set.

Andrius Simkus / Pexels

It is going to be a busy weekend for you at Sundog this year. If you missed it last year, I recommend attending for the 2026 annual festival to support your local bands at this free event.