EVENTS CALENDAR

Festivals and events

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.
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Calendar of Events

S Sun

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

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F Fri

S Sat

3 events,

Trust Fall

Trust Fall

Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable

Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

2 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

5 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

- Event Series

Global Citizens Forum

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Jeff Martin

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Relation-SHI% Comedy

6 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

- Event Series

Global Citizens Forum

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Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

2 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

2 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

4 events,

19th Annual Naked Bungy for Mental Health

19th Annual Naked Bungy for Mental Health

Event Series
- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

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Tacos and Tunes

7 events,

19th Annual Naked Bungy for Mental Health

19th Annual Naked Bungy for Mental Health

Event Series
- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

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Nanaimo Seedy Sunday

- Event Series

Film Screening – Sheperds

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Film Screening – Flow

- Event Series

Film Screening – Sheperds

2 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

3 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

- Event Series

Colin James

7 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

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Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

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Empty Bowl

- Event Series

Colin James

3 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

5 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

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Nanaimo Whiskey Festival

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Making Waves: Play Edition

5 events,

Body Talk HiP HoP PoW WoW, 2025: Spring Break Workshop

Body Talk HiP HoP PoW WoW, 2025: Spring Break Workshop

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

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Vancouver Island Symphony presents Favourite Composers

2 events,

2 events,

3 events,

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SPOTLIGHT – Yes Yes Yes

5 events,

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Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

4 events,

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Five Alarm Funk

3 events,

3 events,

2 events,

3 events,

3 events,

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Vancouver Film School – Info Session | Nanaimo, BC

5 events,

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Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

3 events,

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Tour of the Black Flame

2 events,

4 events,

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Salsa Dancing Nanaimo Presents: Spring Celebration – Dinner & Salsa Social Dance

2 events,

2 events,

4 events,

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Natalie MacMaster

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Comedy Misfits Nanaimo

5 events,

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Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

3 events,

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An Evening with Judy Collins

2 events,

2 events,

1 event,

1 event,

1 event,

4 events,

-

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

1 event,

2 events,

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

5 events,

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

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Vancouver Island Symphony Family Series – M is for Music

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

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All Day

Trust Fall

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo

From origami objects that are folded based on remote instructions, to artworks developed through psychic intervention, Trust Fall is an exhibition featuring works by Jon Sasaki and Laura Gildner that celebrates the creative potential of mistakes and miscommunication. Nanaimo Art Gallery offers admission by-donation. Their hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 12 to 5 pm. Visit their website for all details including Friday lunchtime tours of Trust Fall. Image: Jon Sasaki in collaboration with Baco Ohama, Misconstructions, Origami object folded by Jon following verbal instructions sent by Baco, 2022

Ongoing

Body Talk HiP HoP PoW WoW, 2025: Spring Break Workshop

vibe dance

Body Talk HiP HoP PoW WoW, 2025: Spring Break Workshop Join us in Nanaimo for an immersive, youth-led Forum Theatre experience designed for Indigenous and allied youth (ages 14–19). This is your chance to speak your mind, share your story, and spark change! Schedule:• March 1 (1–4 PM): Kick-off session at Snuneymuxw Gym• March 8 (1–3 PM): Online workshop with Renae Morriseau• March 24–28 (10 AM–4 PM): Daily workshops at VIBE Studio• March 29 (7:30 PM): Final performance at Snuneymuxw Gym Why Attend?Work with acclaimed artists Renae Morriseau and Kyle Shepard to create a dynamic Forum Theatre performance that empowers voices and builds community. Ready to join the movement?Visit CRIMSONCOASTDANCE.COM to learn more and register now!

$400 – $750

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Events Search and Views Navigation

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Today

Filters

Changing any of the form inputs will cause the list of events to refresh with the filtered results.

All Day

Trust Fall

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo

From origami objects that are folded based on remote instructions, to artworks developed through psychic intervention, Trust Fall is an exhibition featuring works by Jon Sasaki and Laura Gildner that celebrates the creative potential of mistakes and miscommunication. Nanaimo Art Gallery offers admission by-donation. Their hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays 12 to 5 pm. Visit their website for all details including Friday lunchtime tours of Trust Fall. Image: Jon Sasaki in collaboration with Baco Ohama, Misconstructions, Origami object folded by Jon following verbal instructions sent by Baco, 2022

Event Series DADS! The Musical

DADS! The Musical

Witty, clever and relevant to the nature of a changing society, DADS! The Musical is where social viewpoint and entertainment meet. Let us introduce Kirk, Charles and Joey, three first-time dads, suddenly without jobs and taking charge of fatherhood. Through hilarious (and relatable) scenes, high energy musical numbers, and four puppets, enjoy a night or afternoon out at the theatre!

$26.00

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

Beban Park 2300 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo

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.

Free

Empty Bowl

NDSS 355 Wakesiah Ave, Nanaimo

Warm Your Heart and Your Stomach at the NDSS Empty Bowl Night The Nanaimo District Secondary School’s Student Council and Pottery Program are hosting Empty Bowl Night, a fundraiser to support the fight against hunger. The event will take place in the school cafeteria, with all proceeds donated to Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes to help feed those in need.Tickets are $20 and available at the NDSS office. NDSS students and community members have handcrafted 150 unique pottery soupbowls for the event. The evening will feature a variety of delicious soups, a silentauction, live entertainment by the NDSS jazz band, and the opportunity to take homea beautifully crafted pottery bowl.Empty Bowl is an international grassroots project by The Imagine/RENDER Group,dedicated to ending hunger and raising awareness. As attendees finish their simplemeal of soup, their empty bowls will serve as a powerful reminder of those who facefood insecurity every day.Join us for a heartwarming evening of soup, music, and community, all in support ofa great cause! Tickets are available now at the NDSS office.

$20
Event Series Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

Vancouver Island University 900 Fifth St, Nanaimo

🎮 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! 🌟

Event Series Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

Vancouver Island University 900 Fifth St, Nanaimo

🎮 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! 🌟

Event Series Colin James

Colin James

Port Theatre 125 Front Street, Nanaimo

🎶 Don’t Miss Colin James Live in Nanaimo on Tuesday, March 4, 2025! 🎶 Are you ready to experience Colin James like never before? With chart-topping hits like undefined and 31.7K+ devoted fans, Colin James is taking over Port Theatre this Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and trust us, you don’t want to miss this. With multiple shows lined up, this one ensures to be the ultimate musical experience, where the energy of Colin James will make you dance, sing, and maybe even cry (in a good way).

$75