Top of the World
Elevation: 2,080m
Published September 8, 2026
See the Mountains in a Different Light
Late September brings a special kind of beauty to Sun Peaks. Brilliant fall colours sweep across the mountainsides, the air feels fresh and crisp, and warm afternoon light gives way to glowing alpine sunsets.
It is the perfect setting for Alpenglow Arts Festival, a relaxed celebration of art, nature and creativity. With Jann Arden performing on Friday night and the immersive Alpenglow Living Art Gallery transforming the venue on Saturday, the festival offers two completely different experiences in one inspiring weekend.
Bring your partner or gather a few friends and use this itinerary to plan an autumn escape filled with live music, creative experiences, local flavours and time in the mountains.
Alpenglow Festival Details
Alpenglow Arts Festival is a celebration of art, inspiration, and the beauty of the mountains. The festival includes creative workshops, dynamic galleries, and a special performance by Jann Arden.
Dates: September 18 to 19, 2026
Alpenglow Feature Concert: Jann Arden - live at the Sun Peaks Centre Stage, September 18
Festival Location: Sun Peaks Centre Stage
Buy Jann Arden Tickets Discover Alpenglow
Thursday Afternoon: Follow the Fall Colours to Sun Peaks
Let the journey become part of your getaway. As you approach Sun Peaks, watch for autumn colours brightening the hillsides and enjoy the slower pace of a scenic fall drive.
Check into Your Village Accommodation
Once you arrive, check into your accommodation and settle in for the weekend. Couples can choose a cozy hotel room or slopeside suite close to the village, while groups may prefer a spacious condo or vacation home with a kitchen and shared living area.
Staying in the village makes it easy to walk between restaurants, activities and festival events—you won't need your car again until it's time to head home!
Discover Fall Deals See All Places to Stay
Dining in the Village
Start your escape with dinner close to home. For a romantic evening with great wine and upscale plates, share an Italian meal at Capones Italian Kitchen. If you are travelling with friends, choose a cheery pub like Morrisey's for a lively, relaxed meal with options to suit everyone.
After dinner, take an evening stroll through the village and enjoy your first glimpse of the mountains beneath the autumn sky. On a clear night, you will notice bright constellations and maybe even the Milky Way. For tips on making the most of the mountain sky, read our guide to stargazing in Sun Peaks.
Friday Morning: Find Inspiration in the Alpine
Begin the day with coffee and breakfast from Tod Mountain Café. Pick up a freshly baked pastry and your favourite specialty coffee, then head toward the chairlift for a scenic ride into the alpine.
Pro Tip: Bring a to-go mug for your coffee and enjoy your breakfast from the best seat in the house—right on the chairlift!
Hiking and Alpine Sightseeing in autumn
From the top, set out on a hike or gentle walk surrounded by sweeping mountain views and changing fall colours. The quieter trails and crisp September air create space to slow down, notice the landscape and find a little creative inspiration of your own.
Bring a camera or sketchbook, or simply take your time appreciating the colours, textures and light along the trail.
Explore Hiking and Alpine Sightseeing
After your hike, stop at the Sunburst Bar + Eatery at the top of the chairlift for a snack or beverage with a view. Rest your legs, enjoy the mountain scenery and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning to the village.
Friday Afternoon: Settle into the Festival Spirit
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your accommodation and getting ready for the evening. This is a good time for a nap, a soak or a quiet drink with friends before the festivities begin.
Watch the Summer Stoke Series - Session Three from village Patios
The Summer Stoke Series - Session Three kicks off at 5:00pm with a pump track race in the Progression Park. For an early dinner, find a spot at Masa’s Bar + Grill or Bottoms Bar & Grill slopeside. Both offer relaxed mountain dining and convenient patios for taking in the energy and action of the Summer Stoke Series.
Enjoy dinner and drinks, then make your way to Sun Peaks Centre Stage for the weekend’s headline performance.
Friday Night: An Evening with Jann Arden
Friday night belongs to Jann Arden. Settle in for an intimate evening of music, storytelling and unmistakable Canadian talent. Framed by the mountains and the glow of an early autumn evening, the concert offers a memorable beginning to the Alpenglow weekend.
When the final song ends, the village is only steps away. Continue the evening over a drink or take a leisurely walk back to your accommodation beneath the clear mountain sky.
Saturday Morning: AUTUMNal ACTIVITIES
After the excitement of Friday night, take the opportunity on Saturday morning to enjoy a slower start. Sleep in, linger over breakfast and ease into the day.
Option 1: Photography Workshop with Bill Fell
Budding photographers and old hands alike will enjoy this "old school" photography workshop for DSLR camera users (35mm film cameras also welcome). Learn about the fundamentals in the morning from Bill Fell, then explore and experiment in the afternoon based on your learnings.
Alpenglow Photography Workshop
Option 2: Explore Sun Peaks on Wheels
Try experiencing the fall landscape from a new perspective. Join a guided Jeep tour and travel into the mountains without the effort of a long hike, or set out on a bike ride through the colourful forest.
Whether you choose four wheels or two, the morning is about fresh air, mountain scenery and discovering another side of Sun Peaks in autumn.
Saturday Afternoon: Refuel and Recharge
Return to the village for a hearty and healthy lunch at Vertical Cafe. With nourishing options and a relaxed atmosphere, it is an ideal stop between your outdoor adventure and the evening’s creative experiences.
Spend the rest of the afternoon restoring your energy. Book a spa treatment, unwind in a cedar sauna or return to your accommodation for some quiet time. With another full evening ahead, there is no need to rush.
Saturday Evening: Step Inside the Living Art Gallery
On Saturday, Sun Peaks Centre Stage transforms into something completely different.
The Alpenglow Living Art Gallery invites you to move through an immersive world of creativity and expression. Take your time exploring the works, noticing the details and experiencing the venue through an entirely new lens.
Afterward, continue the conversation over dinner nearby at Powder Hounds or Cahilty Creek Kitchen. Ask your partner or friends which piece, performance or moment inspired them most. Sharing your impressions is part of the experience and may reveal something interesting in a different light!
Sunday Morning: Take a Taste of Sun Peaks Home
Ease into your final morning with a visit to the Sun Peaks Market. Browse locally made products, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and unique finds from regional vendors. It is a relaxed way to connect with the community and pick up a few reminders of your weekend.
Before leaving the village, stop at Ohana Deli Market & Meals for Sunday brunch. Enjoy a delicious meal and specialty coffee, then choose a few snacks from the deli for the drive home.
With the car packed and coffee in hand, follow the fall colours back down the mountain.
Plan Your Alpenglow Escape
Fall is an inspiring time to visit Sun Peaks. The brilliant colours, crisp mountain air and quieter pace create the perfect setting for a weekend devoted to music, art, food and outdoor discovery.
Jann Arden kicks off the festival with an unforgettable Friday-night concert before the same venue transforms into the Alpenglow Living Art Gallery on Saturday. Together, the two evenings offer completely different ways to experience creativity in the mountains.
Turn the festival into a complete autumn getaway by arriving early, staying for the weekend and giving yourself time to experience everything Sun Peaks has to offer. Accommodation options range from cozy hotel rooms for two to spacious condos and vacation homes where friends can stay together.
Book your stay and start planning an artful fall escape to Sun Peaks.
Alpenglow + Jann Arden Weekend FAQs
When is the Alpenglow Arts Festival at Sun Peaks?
Alpenglow Arts Festival takes place September 18 to 19, 2026, at Sun Peaks Centre Stage. The weekend combines art, creative experiences and live entertainment, including a Friday-night performance by Jann Arden and the immersive Alpenglow Living Art Gallery on Saturday.
Where should I stay for Alpenglow Arts Festival?
Staying in the Sun Peaks village puts you within easy walking distance of Alpenglow Arts Festival events, restaurants and other activities. Choose from hotel rooms and suites for a couples' getaway or condos and vacation homes with extra space for a weekend with friends.
Is September a good time to visit Sun Peaks?
September is a beautiful time to experience Sun Peaks, with crisp mountain air, changing fall colours and a relaxed pace throughout the village. Seasonal events, outdoor activities, dining and mountain scenery make it easy to turn a September visit into a complete fall getaway.