The Fernie Chautauqua and Fall Fair is a 4-day annual fall festival celebrating local art, music, heritage, and cuisine.
The event is a revitalized and invigorated version of the traditional Dominion Chautauqua of the early 20th century, set against the spectacular B.C. Rocky Mountains. Enjoy live music throughout the weekend including:
Buskers performing on Fernie’s main street Thursday to Sunday and local talent on the Chautauqua stage on Saturday and Sunday.
Special events featuring: Craig Moritz, Steamboat Vacation, Between Covers, Red Girl and Hark Raving Sirens
Plus family entertainment, culinary delights and specialty dining, celebrity chef Barrie Elliot, heritage and history walking tours, Culture on the Lawn, and the Sunday Fall Fair.
The Fernie Chautauqua & Fall Fair welcomes one and all to a communion of friends and family. Whether it’s your first time visiting Fernie or a homecoming with family and friends, special room rates partner hotel Park Place Lodge will help make the Chautauqua & Fall Fair weekend a real treat.
THURSDAY 19TH
NOON: BUSKER – REGGIE
Corner Stage, Huckleberry Plaza, corner of 2nd Ave & 6th St
6:30PM: UPSTAIRS & DOWNSTAIRS HERITAGE HOME TOUR – TICKETED EVENT
$20 Advance tickets only, Maximum 20 People
With Elana Zysblat
Fernie Museum, 491 2nd Ave
6:30PM: PJ STORYTIME: PIONEER STORIES – FREE!
Stories and songs of the olden days with Anie Hepher for under 5’s and their family/caregiver
Fernie Heritage Library, 392 3rd Ave
8:00PM: CHAUTAUQUA OPENING GALA – FREE ENTRY, CASH BAR
Complimentary entry & culinary artistry by Chef Barrie Ellliot, cash bar
Live entertainment from Red Girl & Hark Raving Sirens
All welcome
The Arts Station, 601 1st Ave
FRIDAY 20TH
NOON: BUSKERS: JJ & NEVAEH – FREE!
Corner Stage, Huckleberry Plaza, corner of 2nd Ave & 6th St
NOON: LUNCH & LEARN – TICKETED EVENT
Join Janice Alpine for insights and understanding of the Ktunaxa First Nation who have lived in this region for over 10,000 years.
$15 Advance tickets
Fernie Senior’s Centre, 462 3rd Ave
1:30PM: FERNIE’S ITALIAN HERITAGE – FREE!
Launching the new virtual exhibit, with live entertainment and refreshments
Free, all welcome
Fernie Museum, 491 2nd Ave
5:00PM: CHAUTAUQUA COMMUNITY PICNIC – FREE ENTRY, CASH BAR & FOOD
With DJ Sweet Irie & Chautauqua Grill
All Welcome
Chautauqua Stage at the West Tent, City Hall Grounds, 501 3rd Ave
7:00PM: CHAUTAUQUA DANCE FT. CRAIG MORITZ – TICKETED EVENT
$20 Tickets online and at the tent
Chautauqua Stage, City Hall Grounds, 501 3rd Ave
SATURDAY 21ST
9:00AM: PANCAKE BREAKFAST – FREE ENTRY, CASH FOOD SALES
Hosted by and in aid of the Elk Valley Dolphins
Fernie Family Centre, 541 4th Ave
11AM – 4PM: CHAUTAUQUA HERITAGE DAY – FREE!
CULTURE ON THE LAWN – City Hall Grounds, 501 3rd Ave
Chautauqua Main Stage entertainment: Barbara Bassett, The Audielles, Chelle Power, Rick Miller & Emilie Fitton, and The Forest Trio.
Family Extravaganza: Dr Van Hooligan, Kellie Haines & Mandy Morris. Balloon Animals, Face Painting, Crafts and Roving Performers.
Heritage on the Lawn: Ktunaxa First Nations Tent with storytelling & crafts, Crowsnest Museum, Cranbrook History Centre & Sparwood Museum & Fernie Family History Project.
Art on the Lawn: Artisan fair with ‘en plein air’ demonstrations and art installations.
DOORS OPEN – Various Locations
Step inside and explore 8 unique downtown heritage buildings, with interpretive tours provided by volunteer guides.
Locations: Fernie Courthouse, Fernie Firehall, Fernie Museum, Fernie Heritage Library, The Arts Station, Fernie City Hall, Knox United Church, Holy Family Catholic Church.
CHAUTAUQUA CORNER STAGE – Various locations on 2nd Ave
Buskers performing throughout the day: Naena Robinson, Awthentrix, Reggie, Barbara Bassett & the Ukelele Crew.
Artists painting ‘en plein air,’ and artist Michael Hepher installing the new ‘All Kinds of Beauty Mural’ on the side of Beanpod at 691 2nd Ave
HERITAGE WALKING TOURS – departing from the Fernie Museum, 491 2nd Ave
11AM: Fernie’s Greatest Hits Heritage Walking Tour with Elana Zysblat
1:30PM: Adaptive Reuse: Fernie’s Heritage Projects Then, Now, and Upcoming with Elana Zysblat and Patrick Sorfleet
3PM: Rum Running & Whiskey Six with Lindsay Vallance
FAMILY SAFETY DAY – Fernie Fire Hall, 692 3rd Ave
Join Fernie’s firefighters, WildsafeBC, Search & Rescue, BC Hydro, STARS, BCAS, Avalanche Canada, Bylaw Services and more for demos and info on keeping you, your family and your home safe. Free BBQ & bouncy castle.
4:00PM: CHAUTAUQUA TASTING ROOM – FREE ENTRY, CASH BAR
Tour the distillery and sample from the tasting board ($5)
Fernie Distillers, 531 1st Ave
8:00PM: ART AFTER DARK – TICKETED EVENT
Tour 5 unique art locations with artists in attendance, live circus performers, curated cocktails and culinary accompaniments, and live music.
$70 Advance tickets only & cash bar at final venue 19+ event
SUNDAY 22ND
10AM – 3PM: FERNIE FALL FAIR – FREE ENTRY, CASH FOOD & DRINK
Fernie City Hall Grounds, 501 3rd Ave
A full day of home crafts, animal husbandry, art, and traditional fun, games and entertainment, including:
Horticultural Displays & Blue Ribbon Contests
Community Apple Press Day
Culinary arts: Chili Cook Off, Cake Walk
Craft Exhibits & Art Demonstrations
Backyard Livestock & Agricultural Demonstrations
Fairground Games and Contests, including: Tricyle Races, Zucchini Races
Mountain Market
Live Music from: Good Valley, Seany J & CCR Experience
11AM – 4PM: CHAUTAUQUA CORNER STAGE – FREE!
Buskers performing throughout the day: JJ & Neveah, Kate Pollock, Allison Pace, Katie Lane, Awthentrix, Reggie, Barbara Bassett & the Ukelele Crew.
and artist Michael Hepher installing the new ‘All Kinds of Beauty’ Mural on the side of Beanpod at 691 2nd Ave
Various locations on 2nd Ave
5:00PM: CHAUTAUQUA CULTURAL DINNER – TICKETED EVENT
With Dr Michael Hawley presenting: The History of Sikhs along the Crowsnest
$35 Advance tickets only
Fernie Family Centre, 541 4th Ave
TICKETS: find events here or purchase at the Fernie Museum, 491 2nd Ave from Monday, August 26th.
This cultural extravaganza is hosted by the Fernie Museum, City of Fernie, Fernie Heritage Library, Fernie Senior’s Centre and Wildsight.
