Get Ready to Celebrate at Nanaimo’s Annual Commercial Street Night Market

Get your bags ready and wallets out, the Annual Commercial Street Night Market is back in town for the summer! Every Thursday from June 18th to August 27th, downtown Nanaimo comes to life with local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment! 

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

Parking is available at underground parkades at the Port Theatre and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Free parking is also available at the Bastion Street Parkade and on the street at locations surrounding the Market.

Feel free to bring your pups (as long as they are on leash) with you. Weather looking like it might rain (it’s the West Coast after all)? Bring an umbrella, because yes, the show goes on even in the rain!

Meet the Makers

As you walk Commercial Street, the first thing you'll notice is the variety of local vendors. From hand-made jewellery, carved wooden crafts, and stunning garments, these vendors are full of one-of-a-kind treasures! These treasures are sure to impress, whether you’re shopping for others, or maybe a little treat for yourself!

Beyond local artisans, you’ll also find market stalls for fresh produce, local desserts (Nanaimo Bars included!), and homemade meals to take home! We’re talking soup mixes, fresh bread, and oh so delicious cheeses. 

These vendors change frequently, so come back each week to see what new treasure you can collect!

Food Truck Frenzy

Feeling hungry while you're walking the street? Trust us, if it isn’t the walking that builds up an appetite, the smell of delicious food will!

Grab a bite at one (or two) of the food trucks on Wharf Street and the Diana Krall Plaza. Classics like tacos, hot dogs, and ice cream are often available. Looking for something with a bit more pizazz? There might just be some delicious Mediterranean food, Asian cuisine, or Caribbean flair! 

Keep in mind that just like the vendors, food trucks rotate each week. Take a look at some of our local food trucks to see who could be there! Got a favourite food truck? Make sure to check their social media.

Beyond the Market

Want to also use this time to explore Commercial Street? Don’t worry, plenty of stores stay open during the Night Market. You’ll be able to do some local thrifting, grab a quick coffee, or sit down for a more formal bite to eat.

Stay for the Show

Pop by the Diana Krall Plaza for a variety of music from local bands and singers alike! Put your hands in the air, dance like you just don't care, and sing along with the crowd.

Or grab a seat and enjoy a variety of stories and traditions from different cultures presented by the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society. This Around the World event celebrates Nanaimo vibrant multiculturalism with different cultures each week!

Enjoy the show as you watch local dance groups perform on stage and bring the plaza to life! 

For the Young (and Young at Heart)

Bringing your kids along for the fun? Located in the Diana Krall Plaza and near the Vancouver Island Regional Library, you’ll find the kids' zone. Here, there will be plenty of activities to burn off some extra energy! 

Need a quick break instead? Take a seat for some arts and crafts. With a variety of hands-on activities for kids and kids at heart, there's plenty of fun waiting to be discovered!

See You There!

Whether you’re coming to shop, eat some good food, or enjoy some great entertainment, there is something for everyone at the Commercial Street Night Market. Even just getting out and enjoying the fresh evening air surrounded by great people and music, makes for an excellent evening in Nanaimo.

With so much fun to be had and so many things to be seen, we’re sure you’ll end up coming back each week!