Fernie Chautauqua and Fall Fair

Event Date(s): 
Repeats every day until Sun Sep 12 2021.
Friday, September 10, 2021
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Sunday, September 12, 2021

Please join the Fernie Museum, Fernie Heritage Library, Fernie Mountain Market, Fernie Artistic Guilds and a host of entertainers for a weekend of culture, entertainment and heritage. 

Please note that due to new health guidelines from the Province of BC announced on Friday, August 20th, attendance at all events will be subject to current rules and events may need to be adjusted without notice. Please be patient and refer to festival organisers and social media for up-to-date announcements. Please note:

Event Date(s): 
Friday, September 10, 2021
Time: 
6:00pm

To accommodate new provincial health orders regarding outdoor events, all entertainment at Chautauqua will be single performances.

This event is free but tickets are required, book here.

Maximum 100 people in attendance.
Gates open at 6pm.

Dual 2014 Memphis International Blues Challenge winner, Four-time JUNO nominee, multiple Maple Blues award nominee, producer and recording artist Tim Williams brings his latest tunes to Chautauqua.

Event Date(s): 
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Time: 
10:00am - 3:00pm

Meet the SheJumps team, learn about our programs and get STOKED to connect with the Fernie community. Come say HI, rain or shine!

Meet the SheJumps team, learn about our programs and get STOKED to connect with the Fernie community. Come say HI, rain or shine!We welcome all women and girls (transgender and cisgender) as well as non-binary people who identify with the women’s community. FREE!

Event Date(s): 
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Time: 
8:00pm - 11:00pm

Explore Fernie's vibrant visual and performance art scene through the lens of one of Fernie's most unique historical events - the arrival of the Texas Bill and his three ring circus in 1911. This spectacle-for-the-senses cultural experience features special performances by the Circus Insommiacs and magician Dr. Van Hooligan, cocktail mastery by the Fernie Distillery, culinary artistry by Fernie's celebrity chef, Barrie Elliott, and live music at each of the evening's five venues.

Event Date(s): 
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Time: 
11:30am - 12:30pm

Join Wildsight Elk Valley for the 1st Annual #ferneifallfair Tricycle Races!

Event Date(s): 
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Time: 
1:30pm - 2:30pm

One of the unique aspects of old buildings is their ability to adapt to new uses, contract and expand and evolve without losing their character. Follow heritage consultant Elana Zysblat, and planner Patrick Sorfleet on a tour analyzing two completed heritage projects - the conversions of Fernie High School and Fernie Masonic Hall to condo complexes, one underway project - the rehabilitation of the Leroux Mansion, and one future project - the conversion of Fernie Lutheran Church into a residence. Meet designers and owners at each site to get additional insider’s perspective.

Event Date(s): 
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Time: 
3:00pm - 4:00pm

Join Lindsay Vallance for an whirlwind tour of one of Fernie’s most fascinating historical stories. Discover the story of the three larger-than-life king-pin Rum Runners – Emilio Picariello, Jack Wilson and Mark Rogers – who ruled the illicit liquor trade from Lethbridge to Fernie down as far as Spokane, Washington.

Event Date(s): 
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Time: 
10:00am - 2:30pm

Back for its second year is the #ferniefallfair Great Zucchini Race! This is a fun all-ages event that encourages you to play with your food!

The 2019 Schedule is:
10am-12:30pm / Zucchini Race Registration
10am-12:30pm / Creation Station to build a racer to enter
1pm-2:30pm / Great Zucchini Race Heats and Awards

Event Date(s): 
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Time: 
5:00pm - 8:30pm

As the finale of Fernie's four-day cultural festival, the Chautauqua Cultural Dinner this year celebrates the contributions of Fernie's early Sikh community to the cultural fabric of Fernie with special speaker Dr. Michael Hawley and live entertainment.

Event Date(s): 
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Time: 
4:00pm - 6:00pm

Join the cocktail masters from Fernie Distillers for tours of their production space and sample from their cocktail tasting board ($5) as part of our showcase of local food and beverage producers.

Like what you’ve tasted? Enjoy one of the specially crafted Chautauqua cocktails. Pop-up art show by Laura Nelson, Michael Hepher & Mel MacVoy, with artists in attendance.