Embrace the eclectic energy of Nanaimo at our Bathtub Races, a thrilling tribute to our marine heritage, or get lost in the magic of our Lantern Festival, join the city in colour for our Pride Festival, Jazz fest and more. Every season brings something new and exciting, ensuring that no two visits to Nanaimo are ever the same.
Do you have a child who loves to sing? The Vancouver Island Symphony’s Noteworthy Kids Choir, led by VIS choir director Patricia Plumley, is perfect for children aged 7 through 12 and starts October 1, 2025. No experience is necessary! Learn more about the program and register at https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/noteworthy-kids-sing
Dine About Mid Island is a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the culinary diversity of the mid-Island region through our annual food festival. By partnering with a variety of local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and beverage makers, we create a memorable multi-week dining experience that connects residents and visitors alike to the unique flavours and creative talent of our community.No tickets necessary, but reservations are recommended! Sample the fare of our participating establishments in Cedar, Nanaimo, Gabriola Island, Lantzville, Nanoose, Parksville, & Qualicum. Check out the menus at participating establishments or learn more here.
Artists: Fred Herzog, Kin Jung, Karen Tam, Betty Wong, Jackie Wong, and Charlotte Zhang Event Image: Kin Jung working in the darkroom, c. 1940s, Courtesy of Nanaimo Archives and Nanaimo Museum Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown,《陽光下的褪色:關於華埠的觀點》, is an exhibition that responds to the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns through artworks and photographs. Beginning in the 1860s, Nanaimo had a succession of four Chinatowns. The third Chinatown was destroyed by fire in 1960, which had a devastating effect on the community. The exhibition features the viewpoints of three artists who documented Nanaimo’s third Chinatown while it was still standing, and three contemporary artists who respond to Nanaimo’s Chinatowns through textile installation, painting and video, and consider what it means to reflect on these lost sites from the present moment.
Celebrating the sounds, stories, and visuals that shape our community. 🇨🇦 We are deeply honoured to host “Rhythm and Remembrance,” a month-long solo exhibit by the talented Happy Amarkah. In celebration of Black History Month, Happy has curated a powerful collection of personal works reflecting his unique perspectives, feelings, and artistry. 🎤 Hosted by: We are thrilled to have Paul DB Watkins (@thevinylprofessor) as our emcee for the evening. Also known as DJ Techné, Paul is a Professor, Writer, Sound Artist, and Vinyl Aficionado who brings a deep rhythmic soul to this celebration. Join us for the Opening Reception: 🗓️ Sunday, Feb 2nd ⏰ 6:30 PM Can’t make the opening? The exhibit will be on display for free, self-guided viewings for the entire month of February. 📍 Lobby Hours: 11 AM – 4 PM | Monday to Friday Artist Statement Rhythm and Remembrance Echoes from the Past, Power of the Present My artistic practice is deeply rooted in lived experience. My own, and those shared with and inherited from others. These experiences form the foundation of both my identity and my work, shaping how I understand history, culture, and belonging. As a person of color, I draw heavily from Black culture and African-related histories, engaging with them not only as subjects of study, but as living forces that continue to inform the present. The works in Rhythm and Remembrance explore how memory moves. It explores how it is carried through generations in stories, images, objects, and sound. Rhythm, both literal and symbolic, acts as a connective thread throughout the exhibition, reflecting the ways Black history has been preserved through music, ritual, and creative expression when traditional records failed or were denied. Remembrance, in turn, becomes an act of resistance, honoring voices and experiences that have too often been overlooked or erased. Versatility is central to my artistic approach. I work across a range of materials and mediums, selecting each intentionally to best communicate the emotional and historical weight of the subject at hand. Extensive research, careful investigation, and the use of photographic references inform the creation process, allowing each piece to exist as both a personal reflection and broader cultural inquiry. The resulting works move fluidly between hyper-realism, abstraction, and conceptual expression, mirroring the complexity and multiplicity of Black identity and history. For me, art is a cathartic and necessary practice. It is a space for reflection, questioning, and dialogue. It functions as a form of self-examination, much like a conversation with a counsellor/therapist, while also inviting viewers into that exchange. When audiences engage with the work, their responses complete the process, transforming individual expression into collective understanding. Through Rhythm and Remembrance, I aim not only to look back, but to affirm the enduring power, presence, and humanity of Black lives today.
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Growing up on the prairies and in Southwestern Ontario, poet Sonnet L’Abbé learned much about their Black heritage through music and literature. Come hear the jazz and poetry that helped shape them into the artist they are today. Nick Peck will play the piano and poet/vocalist Sonnet L’Abbé performs.
West Coast Swing Social Dance, Workshop by Dean Stroeder Everyone is welcome; no partner or dance experience required. Schedule: 7:00 - 8:00: All-levels workshop by Dean Stroeder 8:00 - 10:00: Social dancing Entry: $15, cash at the door We are looking for volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer with us, for a night or as a Board Member, please contact us or talk to us at the dance. Upcoming dances at Wellington Hall: Sat, 21 February, workshop taught by Pamela Podmoroff Fri, 6 March, workshop taught by Journey Song Fri, 20 March, workshop taught by Emily Johnson The Nanaimo West Coast Swing Collective hosts social dances twice a month at Wellington Hall. We are currently running a WCS lesson series in Lantzville on Thursdays taught by Dave and Claudia. To learn more, visit our website https://wcsnanaimo.com/
Draemus is an Inter-Dimensional Alien who offers a unique Alternative/Electronic experience from other worlds and dimensions. When visiting earth Draemus performs live music from Edmonton, AB. Draemus is known in Edmonton for strange live performances, unique music and social media entertainment. Line up:DraemusCavatacaShanahanCarl Longstaff
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
February 12–14, 2026 | Nanaimo, BC Come in out of the rain and feel the heat in Nanaimo as the Vancouver Island Symphony presents Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival at the Port Theatre. Led by Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, this three-day festival celebrates the rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Cuban culture. Featuring world-class Cuban musicians, Cuban Vibes offers three distinct concert experiences filled with passion, joy, and irresistible energy. A vibrant celebration of music that moves both the heart and the feet. Tickets & details: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/2025-cuban-vibes-a-symphonic-festival/
Y Mind Youth Pride is a free virtual program for anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community ages 18-30 who would like to learn practical ways to deal with anxiety and stress. This group starts Feb. 12th and runs for 7 weeks on Zoom with the same participants each week and a facilitator who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more info or to have a virtual intake, please visit the Y Mind page or contact marypaz.michel@bc.ymca.ca
Valentines After Dark is a women-centric dance party created for connection, confidence, and a damn good night out. This isn’t about dates or expectations, it’s about self-love, friendships, and owning the dance floor. Whether you are single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this night is for women who want to dress up, let loose, and celebrate love in all its forms, especially the love you have for yourself and your girls. Expect great music, high energy, and an atmosphere that feels empowering, inclusive, and unapologetically fun. Come for the dancing. Stay for the vibe. Leave feeling bold, refreshed, and full of love. Grab your girls. Wear what makes you feel amazing. Dance it out.
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:15 PM salsa lessons · 8:00 PM concert Step into the lively spirit of Old Havana for an evening of rhythm, movement, and joy. A Night in Old Havana begins with pre-concert salsa lessons, followed by an electrifying performance featuring Cuban jazz musicians and the Vancouver Island Symphony. A festive, welcoming night that invites audiences to move, feel, and celebrate.
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:30 PM Let the night pulse with lush melodies and irresistible syncopated rhythms. Waves of Latin Jazz blends Cuban jazz traditions with symphonic colour, creating an atmosphere rich with energy, passion, and musical brilliance. An immersive evening of rhythm-driven excitement.
Purchase of a ticket includes 1 Cocktail Tasting Flight! They've been working away at their new event space/studio and want to share the love! Come and relax in their new vibe while enjoying a tasty cocktail or mocktail, enjoy a gourmet hotdog from Unleashed Dogs, or just chill with a beverage in a classy environment. The TravelBar will be serving up cocktails from inside the event space so there's no need to worry about cold or rain. Full-size cocktails are only $5!
Gramma Cathy just came back from her super fun vacation in Cuba, and she’s bursting with stories to share! She found all sorts of cool music, yummy food, and fascinating customs, and she can’t wait to tell her grandkids all about her adventures! You’ll hear traditional songs from Cuba and Canada, and the musicians will have everyone singing and dancing in their seats, in no time!
✨ TRUEVIBE EVENTS ✨ Exclusively Presents **VALENTINE’S GLAM SOIRÉE** An Affair of Love, Luxury & Celebration 💋 Indulge in romance. Sip in style. Celebrate love. 📅 14 FEBRUARY 2026 🕒 3:00 PM ONWARDS 📍 BETHLEHEM CENTER 💃🕺 DRESS CODE ❤️ Women: Red Glam 🖤 Men: Black / Charcoal / White with Red Accents 💎 EARLY BIRD SPECIALS Luxury Rewards who book early ✨ 10% OFF — LIMITED TIME ONLY 🗓 Discount Valid till 20th January 2026 💑 Couples: $100 ➝ $90 per couple Early Birds 💃 Singles Mingle: $50 ➝ $45 per person Early Birds ✨ A MEMORABLE TRUEVIBE EXPERIENCE ✨ Whether you’re celebrating love or stepping out to mingle, this is an evening designed to feel special, stylish, and unforgettable. ✨ Wine, food & a glamorous ambiance ✨ Interactive games & exciting prizes ✨ Curated moments for couples and singles ✨ Dance, Laughter, connections, and memories that last Come for the celebration. Leave with moments worth remembering. 🎬 LITTLE STARS LOUNGE (Ages 6–13) 🎥 Movie time + kids meal 💲 $10 per child 💎 Love. Confidence. Celebration — the TrueVibe signature. 📩 Limited seats available — Book your Spot Now! E-transfer to krishnavelu.balaji@gmail.com For any queries plz send us an email at TrueVibe.events25@gmail.com After the payment is received, we will send you a form to fill in , keep your couple photo ready to share with us 😊 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTlfK_Wkmow/?igsh=MWo1dWw4emExbGc3Ng==
Bring a friend or a date to learn basic screenprinting techniques and create your own patches. Into Valentines? Not into Valentines? Whatever way you spin it, we are getting crafty with heart designs. Leave with a patch to repair your heart or your jeans! Price includes one cocktail and all art materials. Additional drinks can be purchased for $5. Participants must be 19+ Facilitator: Nic Cooper
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Nanaimo. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at St. Andrew's United Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Order up, it's Hot 2 Go!Got Pop? Concerts is pleased to share that Hot 2 Go: A Chappell Roan Tribute is coming to The Queen's on February 14th!Hot 2 Go is comprised of members from Linggo, The Pickups, The Timebenders, and The Capital Collective.
A thrilling evening filled with the rhythm, passion and joy of Cuban music! Join Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés and her amazing guests for an evening of virtuosity and fun! Romantic arias from Cuban operettas, Cuban jazz standards and more will make this evening the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day! CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés GUEST ARTISTS: Milagros de Los Angeles Soto, soprano Mayquel González, trumpet Mayquel González’s performance is generously underwritten by Mary Magrega Harold López-Nussa, piano Ruy López-Nussa, drums Yandy Martínez González, double bass Roberto Vizcaino Jr., Cuban percussion Miguel Valdés, trumpet, Cuban percussion Phil Dwyer, saxophones
Join the comedy crew at SIP Neighbourhood Pub for a special Valentine’s Day comedy show featuring headliner Peter Hudson, guaranteed to bring the laughs. The night will be hosted by the hilarious Nina Wilder, with a lineup of fantastic Vancouver Island comedians kicking things off.
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Nanaimo. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Classical Romance at St. Andrew's United Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.
CatNap Bottle Drive! Please bring refundables to the CatNap Society on Sunday February 15, 2026 at the 2375 Hayes Road Regional Recycling facility (follow the signs to around back of the building). They will be there from 9:30am to 2:30pm. They're happy to do advanced pick-ups too. Please email info@catnapsociety.com or send message via FB or IG to make arrangements. They are a 100% volunteer-run organization and rely on donations and fundraising events like this to continue to help hundreds of #local cats and kittens every year. Thanks for supporting!
Join us for a special Family Day Market on Monday, February 16th! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region’s best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region!
This winter, the BC Ale Trail is once again offering a Winter Tasting Passport - a coordinated, multi-region campaign running now through March 8. Designed to support independent breweries, taphouses, cafes and other local businesses during a traditionally slower time of year, the campaign encourages residents and visitors to get out, try something new, and strengthen connections with local businesses and communities while showcasing the diversity of BC’s craft beer scene.Participants can take part using either a free printed passport or a digital passport within the app. BC Ale Trail mobile app. Completed passports will be entered into a Grand Prize Weekend Getaway. Participating Winter Tasting Passport Regions The 2026 Winter Tasting Passport campaign features multiple regional passports, each offering a distinct craft beer experience and the chance to win a Grand Prize Weekend Getaway. Each region features a great selection of independent breweries and taprooms, inviting participants to explore locally or plan a winter getaway while discovering the stories behind BC beer. North of the Fraser Ale Trail The North of the Fraser Tasting Passport invites participants to explore the easily accessible riverfront communities of Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Port Coquitlam. The region pairs a diverse craft beer scene with great dining, shopping, and outdoor experiences, all connected by SkyTrain and transit-friendly routes. Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail From Cowichan through Nanaimo to Parksville Qualicum Beach, the Central Vancouver Island Tasting Passport highlights coastal communities known for exceptional food, outdoor adventure, and independent breweries. Participants can explore a wide range of brewery styles while enjoying beaches, trails, and island hospitality. Pacific Rim Ale Trail The Pacific Rim Tasting Passport connects Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and Tofino. This west coast experience blends craft beer, distilleries, cafés, and restaurants with rugged coastal landscapes, surf culture, and rainforest surroundings. Read the release: https://www.hatchcomms.ca/post/bc-ale-trail-launches-2026-winter-tasting-passports
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Get ready for Nanaimo’s sweetest seasoned improv team… Phat Ask! Join Brendan, Kenneth, and Haydn (with the chance for different special guest performers) for a monthly night of live improv comedy. You can expect a variety of Date Night themed games that will turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes on the spot. By the end or our show, we can almost guarantee you will be a Phat Ask lover! Due to the nature of improv comedy, there may be mature (and some immature) content that could be inappropriate for younger audience members.
A warm, friendly down home blue grass and old time country concert with fiddles, guitars, upright bass, some awesome toe tapping music in a great acoustic venue Feb 18th show starts at 7:30 at St. Andrews United 315 Fitzwilliam St. Nanaimo Tickets can be purchased online https://www.porttheatre.com/choose-seats/?id=50201 or at the door $30.00
Wilkommen and welcome to the hushed corners of the Kit Kat Klub. Here, a struggling writer, Clifford Bradshaw, finds out that life is beautiful when he meets the vivacious and hopelessly romantic cabaret performer, Sally Bowles. Desire comes to life in this epic smash hit musical, set in the twilight of the Jazz Age and the rise of something much darker. After all, “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play! Come to the Cabaret!” Note: Cabaret has mature content warnings for the following: strong sexual content, domestic abuse and themes like anti-Semitism and Nazi-ism. It also includes drug and alcohol use, profanity, smoking, and references to abortion and the Holocaust.There are sensory warnings as well as there will be a live band and haze/fog machines in use during the production.
Interested in learning something new about the symphony? Whether you are new-to-symphony, consider yourself a music aficionado or are just plain curious, our monthly lectures are here to inspire you. Join us monthly to learn about this season’s music and musicians in a fun, casual and welcoming environment. Attendance to the lectures is by “Pay What You Can”. Advance bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
Y Mind Youth Pride is a free virtual program for anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community ages 18-30 who would like to learn practical ways to deal with anxiety and stress. This group starts Feb. 12th and runs for 7 weeks on Zoom with the same participants each week and a facilitator who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more info or to have a virtual intake, please visit the Y Mind page or contact marypaz.michel@bc.ymca.ca
Sweet Tooth Burlesque Revues "LOVE" Show, Last set will include Gorelesque! That's right this year they will be adding a Gorelesque element again to their shocking annual LOVE show! This show has a moderate to extreme amount of violence and blood and is for all of their freakishly fun loving fans to experience a shocking evening of Sweet Tooth Burlesque Revue.
Nanaimo’s Maple Sugar Festival Turns 25! Celebrate the 25 years anniversary of the festival with music, food, and fun for all! Tap your feet to folk, jazz, R’n’B, and more. Kids will love the family room activities, and everyone can join free workshops to dance, craft, and play. Indulge in maple toffee-on-snow, a French Canadian buffet, and local food truck treats. Explore artisan treasures at the bustling market. Come curious, come hungry, come ready to celebrate!
Bringing together 15 artists – young, old, trained and self-taught – working in all mediums – everyone equal – everyone supported and encouraged. Please join us Opening Reception: Friday, Feb. 20th 6 to 8 with wine & cheese Saturday, Feb. 21st from 10 to 4 Sunday, Feb. 22nd from 11 to 3 to see the full list of artists. Please visit my website www.gwenspinks.com purchases are picked up on Sunday between 2 & 3 o’clock
This 90 minute show will feature some of Vancouver Island's best & brightest comedians in the cozy Attic at Black Rabbit Kitchen. The second show of 2026 is going to set the tone with a line-up of favourites and fresh faces! Best of both worlds! Host Brett McCrindle is eager to showcase his amazing comedian friends in a weird and inclusive show that will leave the audience beaming and ready to seize the weekend!
West Coast Swing Social Dance and All-Levels Workshop Everyone is welcome; no partner or dance experience required. Schedule: 7:00pm - 8:00pm: All-Levels Workshop 8:00pm - 10:00pm: Social Dance Entry: $15, cash at the door Instructors: Sat February 21 - Workshop taught by Pamela Podmoroff from Parksville Fri March 6 - Workshop taught by Journey Song from Westie Inspiration in Victora Fri March 20 - Workshop taught by Emily from Forbidden Dance Company Comox Valley The Nanaimo West Coast Swing Collective hosts social dances twice a month at Wellington Hall and a lesson series in Lantzville. To learn more, visit our website https://wcsnanaimo.com/ We are looking for volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer with us, for a night or as a Board Member, please contact us or talk to us at the dance.
A new Youth Badminton Program is opening registration for players aged 10–17, running Mondays from February 23 to April 6 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The focus isn’t elite competition — it’s fitness, teamwork, and building confidence in a supportive environment.
Practicing artists across the visual and performing arts are invited to come together in a dynamic meeting space to connect, collaborate, and feed their artistic practice. Join us for a fun night of sharing your artistic ideas and experiences. Please register on our website to RSVP. Free event.
Looking for a way to boost your resume and expand your network? Explore the benefits of volunteering! Drop-in to the Nanaimo WorkBC Centre to meet with a few of Nanaimo’s top organizations offering amazing volunteer opportunities and resources: Volunteer Nanaimo Island Crisis Care Society Literacy Central Vancouver Island Volunteering can be a great way to expand your skills and increase your community connections!
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Y Mind Youth Pride is a free virtual program for anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community ages 18-30 who would like to learn practical ways to deal with anxiety and stress. This group starts Feb. 12th and runs for 7 weeks on Zoom with the same participants each week and a facilitator who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more info or to have a virtual intake, please visit the Y Mind page or contact marypaz.michel@bc.ymca.ca
The Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society (CVIOS) Annual Orchid Show & Sale - Friday, Feb 27 & Saturday, Feb 28, both 10-5 & Sunday, March 1st, 10:30-2:30, Nanaimo North Town Centre, in the inside atrium by Fairway Market, 3456 Rutherford Rd. 3 orchid societies & others will display orchids in flower. The American Orchid Society will be judging. There wil also be orchid sales & educational displays. Free admission. Further Info: www.CVIOS.org I attach our event poster.
2026 marks 20 years of raising funds (and eyebrows) for mental health through WildPlay Nanaimo's annual Naked Bungy fundraiser. This year's event is expected to tip us over $1 MILLION fundraised since the event began! Bungy Jump naked from 150ft for Mental Health Recovery Partners! 18+ to be on site Minimum $15 donation to spectate Sign up for $99. Fundraise $250+ and have your registration fee reimbursed! Learn more: wildplay.com/naked-bungy
Bailamos Nanaimo presents: 🔥💃 LA HORA LOCA – The Biggest Latin Party in Nanaimo! 🥁🔥 La Hora Loca "the crazy hour," is a festive tradition that originated in Latin American countries and is now popular at parties and celebrations all over the world. Get ready, Nanaimo… it’s time to go LOCO! 🎉 📅 Date: Saturday, Feb 28 starting 9pm 📍 Venue: LevelTwo Nightclub, 170 Skinner St, Nanaimo 🔞 AGE REQUIREMENT: 19+ only | Government-issued ID required This is not just a party… it’s an explosion of rhythm, energy, and nonstop movement. From the moment the doors open, you’ll be swept into a high-vibe Latin celebration where the music hits harder, the drums beat louder, and the dancefloor never rests. 🎧 DJ NAWALITA will be behind the decks bringing the heat with the best of reggaeton, salsa, bachata, merengue, Latin house, and global club bangers, expertly mixed to keep you moving all night long. 💃 Kick off the night with a high-energy Latin dance class led by Fab (the best Zumba instructor in town) and her crew — learn fun moves, boost your confidence, and get warmed up before the party goes full throttle! 🥁Just when you think the energy can’t go any higher, two talented LIVE DRUMMERS, Beni Rene (from Madagascar) and Rodrigo Moreno Villamar (from Mexico) jump in — adding raw, electrifying percussion that turns the club into a full-blown carnival. Expect powerful beats, call-and-response moments, and a dancefloor that feels alive. ✨ WHAT TO EXPECT High-energy Latin club vibes Live drummers performing alongside the DJ A packed dancefloor with nonstop music Party lights, sweaty smiles, and infectious rhythms A crowd ready to dance until the very last song 🎟️ Get you tickets here• $12 earlybird• $15 general admission All ticket sales are final and non-refundable Whether you’re coming to dance, celebrate, or just lose yourself in the rhythm, LA HORA LOCA is your excuse to go all out. Dress to move, bring your crew, and prepare for a night where the beats are louder, the energy is higher, and the party is absolutely out of control. Bring your crazy props like masks, giant glasses, whistles, hats... and get ready for a night of pure Latin madness. 🌶️🔥 La Hora Loca… where the night goes wild! 🎶💃🕺
On Friday, February 28, KNOW More Nanaimo will be hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness & Online Safety event for adults in Nanaimo. This free, community-focused session is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand how human trafficking and online exploitation affect communities like ours. The event will focus on: This is a prevention-based event, focused on awareness and practical safety information rather than graphic or sensational content. Speakers include professionals working in human trafficking awareness and online safety, supported by Vancouver Island University practicum students.
This winter, the BC Ale Trail is once again offering a Winter Tasting Passport - a coordinated, multi-region campaign running now through March 8. Designed to support independent breweries, taphouses, cafes and other local businesses during a traditionally slower time of year, the campaign encourages residents and visitors to get out, try something new, and strengthen connections with local businesses and communities while showcasing the diversity of BC’s craft beer scene.Participants can take part using either a free printed passport or a digital passport within the app. BC Ale Trail mobile app. Completed passports will be entered into a Grand Prize Weekend Getaway. Participating Winter Tasting Passport Regions The 2026 Winter Tasting Passport campaign features multiple regional passports, each offering a distinct craft beer experience and the chance to win a Grand Prize Weekend Getaway. Each region features a great selection of independent breweries and taprooms, inviting participants to explore locally or plan a winter getaway while discovering the stories behind BC beer. North of the Fraser Ale Trail The North of the Fraser Tasting Passport invites participants to explore the easily accessible riverfront communities of Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Port Coquitlam. The region pairs a diverse craft beer scene with great dining, shopping, and outdoor experiences, all connected by SkyTrain and transit-friendly routes. Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail From Cowichan through Nanaimo to Parksville Qualicum Beach, the Central Vancouver Island Tasting Passport highlights coastal communities known for exceptional food, outdoor adventure, and independent breweries. Participants can explore a wide range of brewery styles while enjoying beaches, trails, and island hospitality. Pacific Rim Ale Trail The Pacific Rim Tasting Passport connects Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and Tofino. This west coast experience blends craft beer, distilleries, cafés, and restaurants with rugged coastal landscapes, surf culture, and rainforest surroundings. Read the release: https://www.hatchcomms.ca/post/bc-ale-trail-launches-2026-winter-tasting-passports
Nanaimo Art Gallery
150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo
Artists: Fred Herzog, Kin Jung, Karen Tam, Betty Wong, Jackie Wong, and Charlotte Zhang Event Image: Kin Jung working in the darkroom, c. 1940s, Courtesy of Nanaimo Archives and Nanaimo Museum Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown,《陽光下的褪色:關於華埠的觀點》, is an exhibition that responds to the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns through artworks and photographs. Beginning in the 1860s, Nanaimo had a succession of four Chinatowns. The third Chinatown was destroyed by fire in 1960, which had a devastating effect on the community. The exhibition features the viewpoints of three artists who documented Nanaimo’s third Chinatown while it was still standing, and three contemporary artists who respond to Nanaimo’s Chinatowns through textile installation, painting and video, and consider what it means to reflect on these lost sites from the present moment.
Ladysmith Little Theatre
4985 Christie Rd, Ladysmith
Wilkommen and welcome to the hushed corners of the Kit Kat Klub. Here, a struggling writer, Clifford Bradshaw, finds out that life is beautiful when he meets the vivacious and hopelessly romantic cabaret performer, Sally Bowles. Desire comes to life in this epic smash hit musical, set in the twilight of the Jazz Age and the rise of something much darker. After all, “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play! Come to the Cabaret!” Note: Cabaret has mature content warnings for the following: strong sexual content, domestic abuse and themes like anti-Semitism and Nazi-ism. It also includes drug and alcohol use, profanity, smoking, and references to abortion and the Holocaust.There are sensory warnings as well as there will be a live band and haze/fog machines in use during the production.
Nanaimo’s Maple Sugar Festival Turns 25! Celebrate the 25 years anniversary of the festival with music, food, and fun for all! Tap your feet to folk, jazz, R’n’B, and more. Kids will love the family room activities, and everyone can join free workshops to dance, craft, and play. Indulge in maple toffee-on-snow, a French Canadian buffet, and local food truck treats. Explore artisan treasures at the bustling market. Come curious, come hungry, come ready to celebrate!
Gabriola Arts & Heritage Centre
476 South Road, Gabriola Island
Bringing together 15 artists – young, old, trained and self-taught – working in all mediums – everyone equal – everyone supported and encouraged. Please join us Opening Reception: Friday, Feb. 20th 6 to 8 with wine & cheese Saturday, Feb. 21st from 10 to 4 Sunday, Feb. 22nd from 11 to 3 to see the full list of artists. Please visit my website www.gwenspinks.com purchases are picked up on Sunday between 2 & 3 o’clock
Do you have an event you would like us to know about?
Please note your event submission will not appear in the calendar immediately as it needs to be approved by Admin first. Please allow up to 2 working days for an event to be approved.
Do you have a child who loves to sing? The Vancouver Island Symphony’s Noteworthy Kids Choir, led by VIS choir director Patricia Plumley, is perfect for children aged 7 through 12 and starts October 1, 2025. No experience is necessary! Learn more about the program and register at https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/noteworthy-kids-sing
Dine About Mid Island is a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the culinary diversity of the mid-Island region through our annual food festival. By partnering with a variety of local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and beverage makers, we create a memorable multi-week dining experience that connects residents and visitors alike to the unique flavours and creative talent of our community.No tickets necessary, but reservations are recommended! Sample the fare of our participating establishments in Cedar, Nanaimo, Gabriola Island, Lantzville, Nanoose, Parksville, & Qualicum. Check out the menus at participating establishments or learn more here.
Artists: Fred Herzog, Kin Jung, Karen Tam, Betty Wong, Jackie Wong, and Charlotte Zhang Event Image: Kin Jung working in the darkroom, c. 1940s, Courtesy of Nanaimo Archives and Nanaimo Museum Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown,《陽光下的褪色:關於華埠的觀點》, is an exhibition that responds to the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns through artworks and photographs. Beginning in the 1860s, Nanaimo had a succession of four Chinatowns. The third Chinatown was destroyed by fire in 1960, which had a devastating effect on the community. The exhibition features the viewpoints of three artists who documented Nanaimo’s third Chinatown while it was still standing, and three contemporary artists who respond to Nanaimo’s Chinatowns through textile installation, painting and video, and consider what it means to reflect on these lost sites from the present moment.
Celebrating the sounds, stories, and visuals that shape our community. 🇨🇦 We are deeply honoured to host “Rhythm and Remembrance,” a month-long solo exhibit by the talented Happy Amarkah. In celebration of Black History Month, Happy has curated a powerful collection of personal works reflecting his unique perspectives, feelings, and artistry. 🎤 Hosted by: We are thrilled to have Paul DB Watkins (@thevinylprofessor) as our emcee for the evening. Also known as DJ Techné, Paul is a Professor, Writer, Sound Artist, and Vinyl Aficionado who brings a deep rhythmic soul to this celebration. Join us for the Opening Reception: 🗓️ Sunday, Feb 2nd ⏰ 6:30 PM Can’t make the opening? The exhibit will be on display for free, self-guided viewings for the entire month of February. 📍 Lobby Hours: 11 AM – 4 PM | Monday to Friday Artist Statement Rhythm and Remembrance Echoes from the Past, Power of the Present My artistic practice is deeply rooted in lived experience. My own, and those shared with and inherited from others. These experiences form the foundation of both my identity and my work, shaping how I understand history, culture, and belonging. As a person of color, I draw heavily from Black culture and African-related histories, engaging with them not only as subjects of study, but as living forces that continue to inform the present. The works in Rhythm and Remembrance explore how memory moves. It explores how it is carried through generations in stories, images, objects, and sound. Rhythm, both literal and symbolic, acts as a connective thread throughout the exhibition, reflecting the ways Black history has been preserved through music, ritual, and creative expression when traditional records failed or were denied. Remembrance, in turn, becomes an act of resistance, honoring voices and experiences that have too often been overlooked or erased. Versatility is central to my artistic approach. I work across a range of materials and mediums, selecting each intentionally to best communicate the emotional and historical weight of the subject at hand. Extensive research, careful investigation, and the use of photographic references inform the creation process, allowing each piece to exist as both a personal reflection and broader cultural inquiry. The resulting works move fluidly between hyper-realism, abstraction, and conceptual expression, mirroring the complexity and multiplicity of Black identity and history. For me, art is a cathartic and necessary practice. It is a space for reflection, questioning, and dialogue. It functions as a form of self-examination, much like a conversation with a counsellor/therapist, while also inviting viewers into that exchange. When audiences engage with the work, their responses complete the process, transforming individual expression into collective understanding. Through Rhythm and Remembrance, I aim not only to look back, but to affirm the enduring power, presence, and humanity of Black lives today.
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Growing up on the prairies and in Southwestern Ontario, poet Sonnet L’Abbé learned much about their Black heritage through music and literature. Come hear the jazz and poetry that helped shape them into the artist they are today. Nick Peck will play the piano and poet/vocalist Sonnet L’Abbé performs.
West Coast Swing Social Dance, Workshop by Dean Stroeder Everyone is welcome; no partner or dance experience required. Schedule: 7:00 - 8:00: All-levels workshop by Dean Stroeder 8:00 - 10:00: Social dancing Entry: $15, cash at the door We are looking for volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer with us, for a night or as a Board Member, please contact us or talk to us at the dance. Upcoming dances at Wellington Hall: Sat, 21 February, workshop taught by Pamela Podmoroff Fri, 6 March, workshop taught by Journey Song Fri, 20 March, workshop taught by Emily Johnson The Nanaimo West Coast Swing Collective hosts social dances twice a month at Wellington Hall. We are currently running a WCS lesson series in Lantzville on Thursdays taught by Dave and Claudia. To learn more, visit our website https://wcsnanaimo.com/
Draemus is an Inter-Dimensional Alien who offers a unique Alternative/Electronic experience from other worlds and dimensions. When visiting earth Draemus performs live music from Edmonton, AB. Draemus is known in Edmonton for strange live performances, unique music and social media entertainment. Line up:DraemusCavatacaShanahanCarl Longstaff
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
February 12–14, 2026 | Nanaimo, BC Come in out of the rain and feel the heat in Nanaimo as the Vancouver Island Symphony presents Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival at the Port Theatre. Led by Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, this three-day festival celebrates the rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Cuban culture. Featuring world-class Cuban musicians, Cuban Vibes offers three distinct concert experiences filled with passion, joy, and irresistible energy. A vibrant celebration of music that moves both the heart and the feet. Tickets & details: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/2025-cuban-vibes-a-symphonic-festival/
Y Mind Youth Pride is a free virtual program for anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community ages 18-30 who would like to learn practical ways to deal with anxiety and stress. This group starts Feb. 12th and runs for 7 weeks on Zoom with the same participants each week and a facilitator who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more info or to have a virtual intake, please visit the Y Mind page or contact marypaz.michel@bc.ymca.ca
Valentines After Dark is a women-centric dance party created for connection, confidence, and a damn good night out. This isn’t about dates or expectations, it’s about self-love, friendships, and owning the dance floor. Whether you are single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this night is for women who want to dress up, let loose, and celebrate love in all its forms, especially the love you have for yourself and your girls. Expect great music, high energy, and an atmosphere that feels empowering, inclusive, and unapologetically fun. Come for the dancing. Stay for the vibe. Leave feeling bold, refreshed, and full of love. Grab your girls. Wear what makes you feel amazing. Dance it out.
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:15 PM salsa lessons · 8:00 PM concert Step into the lively spirit of Old Havana for an evening of rhythm, movement, and joy. A Night in Old Havana begins with pre-concert salsa lessons, followed by an electrifying performance featuring Cuban jazz musicians and the Vancouver Island Symphony. A festive, welcoming night that invites audiences to move, feel, and celebrate.
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:30 PM Let the night pulse with lush melodies and irresistible syncopated rhythms. Waves of Latin Jazz blends Cuban jazz traditions with symphonic colour, creating an atmosphere rich with energy, passion, and musical brilliance. An immersive evening of rhythm-driven excitement.
Purchase of a ticket includes 1 Cocktail Tasting Flight! They've been working away at their new event space/studio and want to share the love! Come and relax in their new vibe while enjoying a tasty cocktail or mocktail, enjoy a gourmet hotdog from Unleashed Dogs, or just chill with a beverage in a classy environment. The TravelBar will be serving up cocktails from inside the event space so there's no need to worry about cold or rain. Full-size cocktails are only $5!
Gramma Cathy just came back from her super fun vacation in Cuba, and she’s bursting with stories to share! She found all sorts of cool music, yummy food, and fascinating customs, and she can’t wait to tell her grandkids all about her adventures! You’ll hear traditional songs from Cuba and Canada, and the musicians will have everyone singing and dancing in their seats, in no time!
✨ TRUEVIBE EVENTS ✨ Exclusively Presents **VALENTINE’S GLAM SOIRÉE** An Affair of Love, Luxury & Celebration 💋 Indulge in romance. Sip in style. Celebrate love. 📅 14 FEBRUARY 2026 🕒 3:00 PM ONWARDS 📍 BETHLEHEM CENTER 💃🕺 DRESS CODE ❤️ Women: Red Glam 🖤 Men: Black / Charcoal / White with Red Accents 💎 EARLY BIRD SPECIALS Luxury Rewards who book early ✨ 10% OFF — LIMITED TIME ONLY 🗓 Discount Valid till 20th January 2026 💑 Couples: $100 ➝ $90 per couple Early Birds 💃 Singles Mingle: $50 ➝ $45 per person Early Birds ✨ A MEMORABLE TRUEVIBE EXPERIENCE ✨ Whether you’re celebrating love or stepping out to mingle, this is an evening designed to feel special, stylish, and unforgettable. ✨ Wine, food & a glamorous ambiance ✨ Interactive games & exciting prizes ✨ Curated moments for couples and singles ✨ Dance, Laughter, connections, and memories that last Come for the celebration. Leave with moments worth remembering. 🎬 LITTLE STARS LOUNGE (Ages 6–13) 🎥 Movie time + kids meal 💲 $10 per child 💎 Love. Confidence. Celebration — the TrueVibe signature. 📩 Limited seats available — Book your Spot Now! E-transfer to krishnavelu.balaji@gmail.com For any queries plz send us an email at TrueVibe.events25@gmail.com After the payment is received, we will send you a form to fill in , keep your couple photo ready to share with us 😊 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTlfK_Wkmow/?igsh=MWo1dWw4emExbGc3Ng==
Bring a friend or a date to learn basic screenprinting techniques and create your own patches. Into Valentines? Not into Valentines? Whatever way you spin it, we are getting crafty with heart designs. Leave with a patch to repair your heart or your jeans! Price includes one cocktail and all art materials. Additional drinks can be purchased for $5. Participants must be 19+ Facilitator: Nic Cooper
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Nanaimo. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay at St. Andrew's United Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Order up, it's Hot 2 Go!Got Pop? Concerts is pleased to share that Hot 2 Go: A Chappell Roan Tribute is coming to The Queen's on February 14th!Hot 2 Go is comprised of members from Linggo, The Pickups, The Timebenders, and The Capital Collective.
A thrilling evening filled with the rhythm, passion and joy of Cuban music! Join Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés and her amazing guests for an evening of virtuosity and fun! Romantic arias from Cuban operettas, Cuban jazz standards and more will make this evening the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day! CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés GUEST ARTISTS: Milagros de Los Angeles Soto, soprano Mayquel González, trumpet Mayquel González’s performance is generously underwritten by Mary Magrega Harold López-Nussa, piano Ruy López-Nussa, drums Yandy Martínez González, double bass Roberto Vizcaino Jr., Cuban percussion Miguel Valdés, trumpet, Cuban percussion Phil Dwyer, saxophones
Join the comedy crew at SIP Neighbourhood Pub for a special Valentine’s Day comedy show featuring headliner Peter Hudson, guaranteed to bring the laughs. The night will be hosted by the hilarious Nina Wilder, with a lineup of fantastic Vancouver Island comedians kicking things off.
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Nanaimo. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Classical Romance at St. Andrew's United Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.
CatNap Bottle Drive! Please bring refundables to the CatNap Society on Sunday February 15, 2026 at the 2375 Hayes Road Regional Recycling facility (follow the signs to around back of the building). They will be there from 9:30am to 2:30pm. They're happy to do advanced pick-ups too. Please email info@catnapsociety.com or send message via FB or IG to make arrangements. They are a 100% volunteer-run organization and rely on donations and fundraising events like this to continue to help hundreds of #local cats and kittens every year. Thanks for supporting!
Join us for a special Family Day Market on Monday, February 16th! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region’s best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region!
This winter, the BC Ale Trail is once again offering a Winter Tasting Passport - a coordinated, multi-region campaign running now through March 8. Designed to support independent breweries, taphouses, cafes and other local businesses during a traditionally slower time of year, the campaign encourages residents and visitors to get out, try something new, and strengthen connections with local businesses and communities while showcasing the diversity of BC’s craft beer scene.Participants can take part using either a free printed passport or a digital passport within the app. BC Ale Trail mobile app. Completed passports will be entered into a Grand Prize Weekend Getaway. Participating Winter Tasting Passport Regions The 2026 Winter Tasting Passport campaign features multiple regional passports, each offering a distinct craft beer experience and the chance to win a Grand Prize Weekend Getaway. Each region features a great selection of independent breweries and taprooms, inviting participants to explore locally or plan a winter getaway while discovering the stories behind BC beer. North of the Fraser Ale Trail The North of the Fraser Tasting Passport invites participants to explore the easily accessible riverfront communities of Burnaby, Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Port Coquitlam. The region pairs a diverse craft beer scene with great dining, shopping, and outdoor experiences, all connected by SkyTrain and transit-friendly routes. Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail From Cowichan through Nanaimo to Parksville Qualicum Beach, the Central Vancouver Island Tasting Passport highlights coastal communities known for exceptional food, outdoor adventure, and independent breweries. Participants can explore a wide range of brewery styles while enjoying beaches, trails, and island hospitality. Pacific Rim Ale Trail The Pacific Rim Tasting Passport connects Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and Tofino. This west coast experience blends craft beer, distilleries, cafés, and restaurants with rugged coastal landscapes, surf culture, and rainforest surroundings. Read the release: https://www.hatchcomms.ca/post/bc-ale-trail-launches-2026-winter-tasting-passports
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Get ready for Nanaimo’s sweetest seasoned improv team… Phat Ask! Join Brendan, Kenneth, and Haydn (with the chance for different special guest performers) for a monthly night of live improv comedy. You can expect a variety of Date Night themed games that will turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes on the spot. By the end or our show, we can almost guarantee you will be a Phat Ask lover! Due to the nature of improv comedy, there may be mature (and some immature) content that could be inappropriate for younger audience members.
A warm, friendly down home blue grass and old time country concert with fiddles, guitars, upright bass, some awesome toe tapping music in a great acoustic venue Feb 18th show starts at 7:30 at St. Andrews United 315 Fitzwilliam St. Nanaimo Tickets can be purchased online https://www.porttheatre.com/choose-seats/?id=50201 or at the door $30.00
Wilkommen and welcome to the hushed corners of the Kit Kat Klub. Here, a struggling writer, Clifford Bradshaw, finds out that life is beautiful when he meets the vivacious and hopelessly romantic cabaret performer, Sally Bowles. Desire comes to life in this epic smash hit musical, set in the twilight of the Jazz Age and the rise of something much darker. After all, “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play! Come to the Cabaret!” Note: Cabaret has mature content warnings for the following: strong sexual content, domestic abuse and themes like anti-Semitism and Nazi-ism. It also includes drug and alcohol use, profanity, smoking, and references to abortion and the Holocaust.There are sensory warnings as well as there will be a live band and haze/fog machines in use during the production.
Interested in learning something new about the symphony? Whether you are new-to-symphony, consider yourself a music aficionado or are just plain curious, our monthly lectures are here to inspire you. Join us monthly to learn about this season’s music and musicians in a fun, casual and welcoming environment. Attendance to the lectures is by “Pay What You Can”. Advance bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
Y Mind Youth Pride is a free virtual program for anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community ages 18-30 who would like to learn practical ways to deal with anxiety and stress. This group starts Feb. 12th and runs for 7 weeks on Zoom with the same participants each week and a facilitator who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more info or to have a virtual intake, please visit the Y Mind page or contact marypaz.michel@bc.ymca.ca
Sweet Tooth Burlesque Revues "LOVE" Show, Last set will include Gorelesque! That's right this year they will be adding a Gorelesque element again to their shocking annual LOVE show! This show has a moderate to extreme amount of violence and blood and is for all of their freakishly fun loving fans to experience a shocking evening of Sweet Tooth Burlesque Revue.
Nanaimo’s Maple Sugar Festival Turns 25! Celebrate the 25 years anniversary of the festival with music, food, and fun for all! Tap your feet to folk, jazz, R’n’B, and more. Kids will love the family room activities, and everyone can join free workshops to dance, craft, and play. Indulge in maple toffee-on-snow, a French Canadian buffet, and local food truck treats. Explore artisan treasures at the bustling market. Come curious, come hungry, come ready to celebrate!
Bringing together 15 artists – young, old, trained and self-taught – working in all mediums – everyone equal – everyone supported and encouraged. Please join us Opening Reception: Friday, Feb. 20th 6 to 8 with wine & cheese Saturday, Feb. 21st from 10 to 4 Sunday, Feb. 22nd from 11 to 3 to see the full list of artists. Please visit my website www.gwenspinks.com purchases are picked up on Sunday between 2 & 3 o’clock
This 90 minute show will feature some of Vancouver Island's best & brightest comedians in the cozy Attic at Black Rabbit Kitchen. The second show of 2026 is going to set the tone with a line-up of favourites and fresh faces! Best of both worlds! Host Brett McCrindle is eager to showcase his amazing comedian friends in a weird and inclusive show that will leave the audience beaming and ready to seize the weekend!
West Coast Swing Social Dance and All-Levels Workshop Everyone is welcome; no partner or dance experience required. Schedule: 7:00pm - 8:00pm: All-Levels Workshop 8:00pm - 10:00pm: Social Dance Entry: $15, cash at the door Instructors: Sat February 21 - Workshop taught by Pamela Podmoroff from Parksville Fri March 6 - Workshop taught by Journey Song from Westie Inspiration in Victora Fri March 20 - Workshop taught by Emily from Forbidden Dance Company Comox Valley The Nanaimo West Coast Swing Collective hosts social dances twice a month at Wellington Hall and a lesson series in Lantzville. To learn more, visit our website https://wcsnanaimo.com/ We are looking for volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer with us, for a night or as a Board Member, please contact us or talk to us at the dance.
A new Youth Badminton Program is opening registration for players aged 10–17, running Mondays from February 23 to April 6 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The focus isn’t elite competition — it’s fitness, teamwork, and building confidence in a supportive environment.
Practicing artists across the visual and performing arts are invited to come together in a dynamic meeting space to connect, collaborate, and feed their artistic practice. Join us for a fun night of sharing your artistic ideas and experiences. Please register on our website to RSVP. Free event.
Looking for a way to boost your resume and expand your network? Explore the benefits of volunteering! Drop-in to the Nanaimo WorkBC Centre to meet with a few of Nanaimo’s top organizations offering amazing volunteer opportunities and resources: Volunteer Nanaimo Island Crisis Care Society Literacy Central Vancouver Island Volunteering can be a great way to expand your skills and increase your community connections!
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Y Mind Youth Pride is a free virtual program for anyone in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community ages 18-30 who would like to learn practical ways to deal with anxiety and stress. This group starts Feb. 12th and runs for 7 weeks on Zoom with the same participants each week and a facilitator who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For more info or to have a virtual intake, please visit the Y Mind page or contact marypaz.michel@bc.ymca.ca
The Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society (CVIOS) Annual Orchid Show & Sale - Friday, Feb 27 & Saturday, Feb 28, both 10-5 & Sunday, March 1st, 10:30-2:30, Nanaimo North Town Centre, in the inside atrium by Fairway Market, 3456 Rutherford Rd. 3 orchid societies & others will display orchids in flower. The American Orchid Society will be judging. There wil also be orchid sales & educational displays. Free admission. Further Info: www.CVIOS.org I attach our event poster.
2026 marks 20 years of raising funds (and eyebrows) for mental health through WildPlay Nanaimo's annual Naked Bungy fundraiser. This year's event is expected to tip us over $1 MILLION fundraised since the event began! Bungy Jump naked from 150ft for Mental Health Recovery Partners! 18+ to be on site Minimum $15 donation to spectate Sign up for $99. Fundraise $250+ and have your registration fee reimbursed! Learn more: wildplay.com/naked-bungy
Bailamos Nanaimo presents: 🔥💃 LA HORA LOCA – The Biggest Latin Party in Nanaimo! 🥁🔥 La Hora Loca "the crazy hour," is a festive tradition that originated in Latin American countries and is now popular at parties and celebrations all over the world. Get ready, Nanaimo… it’s time to go LOCO! 🎉 📅 Date: Saturday, Feb 28 starting 9pm 📍 Venue: LevelTwo Nightclub, 170 Skinner St, Nanaimo 🔞 AGE REQUIREMENT: 19+ only | Government-issued ID required This is not just a party… it’s an explosion of rhythm, energy, and nonstop movement. From the moment the doors open, you’ll be swept into a high-vibe Latin celebration where the music hits harder, the drums beat louder, and the dancefloor never rests. 🎧 DJ NAWALITA will be behind the decks bringing the heat with the best of reggaeton, salsa, bachata, merengue, Latin house, and global club bangers, expertly mixed to keep you moving all night long. 💃 Kick off the night with a high-energy Latin dance class led by Fab (the best Zumba instructor in town) and her crew — learn fun moves, boost your confidence, and get warmed up before the party goes full throttle! 🥁Just when you think the energy can’t go any higher, two talented LIVE DRUMMERS, Beni Rene (from Madagascar) and Rodrigo Moreno Villamar (from Mexico) jump in — adding raw, electrifying percussion that turns the club into a full-blown carnival. Expect powerful beats, call-and-response moments, and a dancefloor that feels alive. ✨ WHAT TO EXPECT High-energy Latin club vibes Live drummers performing alongside the DJ A packed dancefloor with nonstop music Party lights, sweaty smiles, and infectious rhythms A crowd ready to dance until the very last song 🎟️ Get you tickets here• $12 earlybird• $15 general admission All ticket sales are final and non-refundable Whether you’re coming to dance, celebrate, or just lose yourself in the rhythm, LA HORA LOCA is your excuse to go all out. Dress to move, bring your crew, and prepare for a night where the beats are louder, the energy is higher, and the party is absolutely out of control. Bring your crazy props like masks, giant glasses, whistles, hats... and get ready for a night of pure Latin madness. 🌶️🔥 La Hora Loca… where the night goes wild! 🎶💃🕺
On Friday, February 28, KNOW More Nanaimo will be hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness & Online Safety event for adults in Nanaimo. This free, community-focused session is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand how human trafficking and online exploitation affect communities like ours. The event will focus on: This is a prevention-based event, focused on awareness and practical safety information rather than graphic or sensational content. Speakers include professionals working in human trafficking awareness and online safety, supported by Vancouver Island University practicum students.