Heading to Nanaimo this summer? Great choice! Nanaimo is where you will find all sorts of different cultural and iconic experiences! No matter what you’re interested in, we’ve likely got it. The best part? Some of these experiences don’t even cost a dime!
 

In a flowy dress, a women dances under a rainbow.
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Child sitting on an adult’s shoulders at a busy outdoor street market.
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World Through Art

The Nanaimo Art Gallery is a community staple of Nanaimo culture. Featuring works from local artists all over Vancouver Island and a few from mainland B.C., this gallery has one-of-a-kind works of art. This summer, their feature exhibits are “An Animated Assembly” until July 12th and “Biophila” starting from August 1st to October 11th.

 

An Animated Assembly combines documentary, animation, sound, sculptures, and hand-painted murals that reimagine the community to include a myriad of life forms. This exhibit invites us to think deeply about our relationship with the Global South and living legacies.

 

Biophila utilizes paintings, sculptures, and video to examine the contradictions that surround human relationships with nature. Humans seek to bond with nature, but climate change forces us to question our collective behaviour and how we interact with the world.

 

Coming right when there is no feature? Fear not, the Nanaimo Art Gallery gift shop is open year-round and features local artists! They also offer a variety of different art classes for anyone to take.

Close-up of a painting of a sunset.
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Young girl staring at a sculpture at the Nanaimo Art Gallery.
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Beyond Van Gogh & Beyond Monet

From July 18th to August 29th, the Vancouver Island Conference Centre will be transformed to host Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet. This immersive experience envelops you in their art, making it feel larger than life itself! Explore as over 700 of their greatest works come to life!

 

Iconic Nanaimo Events

Wanting to experience something that truly screams Nanaimo? Perhaps something that is done nowhere else in the world? Well, we have two great events for you! Want to race bathtubs (yes, you heard us right, bathtubs)? Come on down to Nanaimo from July 24th-26th and watch as people race their bathtubs from the Nanaimo Harbour all the way to the Winchelsea Islands and back! 

 

Okay, we get it, bathtub racing is a bit weird, maybe even slightly insane, so if that doesn't float your boat (or bathtub in this case!), on the same weekend you can also experience the Snuneymuxw Days.

 

Here you can watch war canoe races, a basketball tournament, and a soccer tournament, or explore the marketplace with locally made treasures, including art pieces, clothing, and great food! Make sure you stay for the Friday Feast and Jam Night at 5pm. Bring a drum and some songs and get ready to make some music!

A bathtub boat being raced.
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Group of people getting ready to perform a drum in front of a large audience.
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Snuneymuxw artwork of an eagle.
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Time for Some InFrinGinG!

Don’t worry, you’re not actually breaking any laws; rather, you are at the InFrinGinG Festival. This festival is hosted by Crimson Coast Dance, who invite you to learn movements, rhythm, and culture through workshops and performances.

 

Take a step into the movement workshop to learn about how movement plays a role in the physical storytelling of performance. Dust off your brushes as you learn how to apply Chinese Opera make-up or get crafty learning how to make Chinese Opera masks. Not only will you have a cool souvenir to take home, but you’ll learn the art of bringing out characters' personalities through their mask.

 

Arts and dance not your thing? Don’t worry, we understand you; sometimes it's better to sit back and let the pros show you how it's done.

 

During the Commercial Street Night Market, watch as three dancers bring to life their own unique cultures through dance. Then immerse yourself in rhythm as Havana meets Kingston with a live band and dance session. 

 

Think you got it? Learn how to do salsa dancing in a beginner-friendly environment at Maffeo Sutton Park. No dance partner? Don’t worry, they aren't needed; you can come by yourself!  

A photo of someone dancing with feathers in their hair.
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Close up of the Port Theatre entrance
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Masked dancer dressed in the rainbow dancing.
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Ready, Set, Shop!

Everyone knows shopping is a serious sport, but shopping local markets- that's the Olympics. Nanaimo has no shortage of amazing local markets with some of the best treasures from all over the island. The hardest part is deciding what you can and can't take back home with you.

 

The Commercial Street Night Market occurs every Thursday until the end of August. Here, you will find a little bit of everything. Food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment make it difficult to come home with a bag full of goodies.

 

Island Roots Farmers Market occurs every Wednesday, year-round, at Beban Park. Here, different vendors sell local fresh food and produce. Thankfully, your stomach can act as an extra bag here.

 

Cedars Farmers Market occurs every Sunday until Halloween. Here you will find locally grown fruit and vegetables, ethically sourced meats and seafood, and natural bath and beauty products.

 

Pacific Arts Market opens Wednesday to Sunday on Wallace Street! Here you will find local art pieces, ceramics, and more!

 

Portside Market will be open for the last market of the summer on August 1st at the Pioneer Waterfront Plaza. With a little bit of everything, this general market has something for everyone!

Commercial Street Night Market 1
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A vendor hands a basket of strawberries to a customer at a farmers’ market, with fresh produce and jars of preserves on display.
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A man playing a guitar under a tent at a market.
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See You Around!

With all this summer fun, we’re sure you’ll be planning your next trip back. The only question is when. Whether you return in the fall or winter, Nanaimo always has something for everyone at any time of year. Fall markets? We have them. Hikes open year-round? We have that too. Can’t wait to see you around!