As a large Northern BC city, Prince George has a strong arts and cultural backbone and hosts many local and community festivals and events. Some of the year's highlights include:
The Prince George Farmers' Market is an excellent place to peruse local crafts, produce, baked goods and other items across many outdoor booths in the summer. The market, at the Prince George Courthouse (3rd Ave and George St) happens every Saturday from 8:30am to 2pm between May and October. The indoor winter market is hosted the third Saturday of the month at St. Michael's Church (5th Ave and Victoria) from mid-October until April.
Two festivals of light are held in Prince George each winter. The Northern Lights Festival is a joyful and celebratory winter event. Entertainment and activities at the Prince George Civic Centre (808 Civics Plaza) downtown follow the initial winter wonderland drive at Connaught Hill. The annual WinterLights Celebration is part of the national Communities in Bloom competition. It celebrates light through a number of events and displays throughout town.
It is also worthwhile checking out the Festival of Trees, held over a couple of days in November, at the Prince George Civic Centre where trees are adorned with decorations and lights. There are also craft-making activities for kids.
Traditional Pow Wow
The Prince George Native Friendship Centre hosts its Annual Traditional Pow Wow each summer at Carrie Jane Gray Park. The Pow Wow features bannock (a deep-fried bread), traditional food, and dances by men and women in customary regalia. Dances to drumming include the Fancy Shawl (Butterfly Dance), the Men's Fancy Dance (the Courting Dance), the Grass Dancers (the Shape Changers), and the Jingle Dress dances. Some of the dances convey stories.
Pro Rodeo
The West of the Rockies Pro Rodeo at CN Centre (2187 Ospika Blvd S) is a great event for cowboys and cowgirls. Activities during this stampede include steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bareback riding, ladies barrel racing, team roping and bull riding. There is also a pancake breakfast, Stars of the West fashion show, tradeshow booths, a Meet & Greet the Cowboys and Cowgirls Party, and a Rodeo Dance. This event is held annually in the fall. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Prince George Exhibition
The Prince George Exhibition (PGX) is a local agricultural fair held every August since 1912. The fair includes the Stetson Round Up Dance, a variety of music and comedy entertainers, food, pig and duck races, a quilt fair and classic car show, and much, much more. This multi-day event is held at Prince George Exhibition Park (4175 - 18th Ave).
Show Less