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

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

3 events,

Trust Fall

Trust Fall

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

-

Jeff Martin

-

Relation-SHI% Comedy

6 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

- Event Series

Global Citizens Forum

-

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

Event Series
- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

-

Tacos and Tunes

7 events,

19th Annual Naked Bungy for Mental Health

Event Series
- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

-

Nanaimo Seedy Sunday

- Event Series

Film Screening – Sheperds

-

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

-

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

-

Empty Bowl

- Event Series

Colin James

3 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

5 events,

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

-

Nanaimo Whiskey Festival

-

Making Waves: Play Edition

5 events,

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

- Event Series

DADS! The Musical

-

Vancouver Island Symphony presents Favourite Composers

2 events,

3 events,

-

SPOTLIGHT – Yes Yes Yes

5 events,

-

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,

-

Five Alarm Funk

3 events,

3 events,

2 events,

3 events,

3 events,

-

Vancouver Film School – Info Session | Nanaimo, BC

5 events,

-

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,

-

Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival August (South)

-

Tour of the Black Flame

5 events,

-

Singled Out: A DJ battle of 45s, in support of Nanaimo Area Land Trust (NALT)

-

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

4 events,

Art Lab Sunday: Origami

-

PURE LOVE ETERNAL PEACE // FUZZ PEDDLER // THE MONARCH

5 events,

Lions Free Skate

-

Comedy Misfits Nanaimo

-

Natalie MacMaster

5 events,

-

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

3 events,

-

An Evening with Judy Collins

4 events,

-

Laura and Kara’s Anime Tattoo Day!

3 events,

1 event,

1 event,

1 event,

4 events,

-

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

3 events,

-

Crowd Party Trivia

4 events,

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

In Spite of Ourselves: The Music of JOHN PRINE

7 events,

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

-

Vancouver Island Symphony Family Series – M is for Music

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

-

Fabulous B-Sides at the Queen’s

- Event Series

Nanaimo! The City That Sings – A Choral Kaleidosope

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

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

Charles Richard-Hamelin in Concert

St. Andrew's United Church 315 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo

Renowned pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin performs for the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music’s Annual Fundraising Concert, with proceeds supporting music education programs, scholarships, and community outreach.

$45

Singled Out: A DJ battle of 45s, in support of Nanaimo Area Land Trust (NALT)

The Vault 499 Wallace St,, Nanaimo, BC

See Void DJs Jeremy and Martine square off against the Black Dot Duo, The Caveman and Jack T, in this DJ battle featuring only 45 RPM records. Four hours of only singles! Look in wonder at what was made on this one-time mainstay of the record industry, marvel at the genre mashing. All proceeds go to support the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust (NALT). Admission is on a sliding scale - suggested rate of $10-20 per person.

$10 – $20

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

Nanaimo Yacht Club 400 Newcastle Ave, Nanaimo

Salsa Dancing Nanaimo is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Spring Celebration: Dinner & Salsa Social Dance, an elegant evening of cultural fusion, community, and vibrant dance. Taking place at the prestigious Nanaimo Yacht Club, this event promises to be the Latin Social Dance Event of the Year. The evening will feature an exquisite sit-down Indian dinner catered by Shak from Curry Point Restaurant, offering guests a rich culinary experience of traditional flavors. Following dinner, attendees will enjoy an authentic 30-minute Bhangra demo dance lesson led by the talented Sukhi Sangha from Vancouver Island Bhangra, providing a dynamic exploration of Indian culture through movement. The celebration will then transition into an electrifying Salsa Social Dance, featuring a mix of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue, with music expertly curated by DJ Moses, a well-known figure in the Latin dance scene. DJ Moses will set the perfect atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable dance experience for all attendees. Salsa Bachata and Merengue social dance music! As a special highlight, community leader Viraat BK Thammanna will open the event with a few words on the importance of multiculturalism in Nanaimo and how cultural celebrations like this help foster inclusivity and unity within the community. Salsa Dancing Nanaimo’s Commitment to Inclusivity:This event is a celebration of culture, diversity, and community. Salsa Dancing Nanaimo is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all, including our LGBTQ2+ friends and allies, ensuring that the dance floor remains a space of respect, joy, and connection for everyone. Land Acknowledgement:We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather, celebrate, and connect on this beautiful land. Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Night!Whether you come solo, with friends, or with a partner, this is your chance to experience the magic of dance, music, and cultural celebration in the heart of Nanaimo. Secure your tickets now and be part of an evening to remember!

$39.67

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Filters

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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

Charles Richard-Hamelin in Concert

St. Andrew's United Church 315 Fitzwilliam St., Nanaimo

Renowned pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin performs for the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music’s Annual Fundraising Concert, with proceeds supporting music education programs, scholarships, and community outreach.

$45

Singled Out: A DJ battle of 45s, in support of Nanaimo Area Land Trust (NALT)

The Vault 499 Wallace St,, Nanaimo, BC

See Void DJs Jeremy and Martine square off against the Black Dot Duo, The Caveman and Jack T, in this DJ battle featuring only 45 RPM records. Four hours of only singles! Look in wonder at what was made on this one-time mainstay of the record industry, marvel at the genre mashing. All proceeds go to support the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust (NALT). Admission is on a sliding scale - suggested rate of $10-20 per person.

$10 – $20

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

Nanaimo Yacht Club 400 Newcastle Ave, Nanaimo

Salsa Dancing Nanaimo is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Spring Celebration: Dinner & Salsa Social Dance, an elegant evening of cultural fusion, community, and vibrant dance. Taking place at the prestigious Nanaimo Yacht Club, this event promises to be the Latin Social Dance Event of the Year. The evening will feature an exquisite sit-down Indian dinner catered by Shak from Curry Point Restaurant, offering guests a rich culinary experience of traditional flavors. Following dinner, attendees will enjoy an authentic 30-minute Bhangra demo dance lesson led by the talented Sukhi Sangha from Vancouver Island Bhangra, providing a dynamic exploration of Indian culture through movement. The celebration will then transition into an electrifying Salsa Social Dance, featuring a mix of Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue, with music expertly curated by DJ Moses, a well-known figure in the Latin dance scene. DJ Moses will set the perfect atmosphere, ensuring an unforgettable dance experience for all attendees. Salsa Bachata and Merengue social dance music! As a special highlight, community leader Viraat BK Thammanna will open the event with a few words on the importance of multiculturalism in Nanaimo and how cultural celebrations like this help foster inclusivity and unity within the community. Salsa Dancing Nanaimo’s Commitment to Inclusivity:This event is a celebration of culture, diversity, and community. Salsa Dancing Nanaimo is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for all, including our LGBTQ2+ friends and allies, ensuring that the dance floor remains a space of respect, joy, and connection for everyone. Land Acknowledgement:We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather, celebrate, and connect on this beautiful land. Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Night!Whether you come solo, with friends, or with a partner, this is your chance to experience the magic of dance, music, and cultural celebration in the heart of Nanaimo. Secure your tickets now and be part of an evening to remember!

$39.67