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

7 events,

Europa Super Circus

Europa Super Circus

Event Series

MAYBNO$ TOUR

MAYBNO$ TOUR

67th Canadian Closed Championship Ballroom Dance Competition

67th Canadian Closed Championship Ballroom Dance Competition

2025 Canadian Closed DanceSport Championships

2025 Canadian Closed DanceSport Championships

The Woman in Black

The Woman in Black

Event Series
-

Art Lab Sunday: Constellation Painting

2 events,

3 events,

-

The Family Matters Stand-Up Comedy Show

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,

Vancouver Island Short Film Festival

Vancouver Island Short Film Festival

-

Reality Meets the Screen – Youth Art Exhibition Opening Night

4 events,

-

After Wrappers Opening Reception

6 events,

-

VIU Trades and Tech Showcase

-

Battle of the Food Trucks 2025

-

2025 Great Nanaimo Pottery Throwdown

2 events,

2 events,

2 events,

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,

Tim White Memorial Lacrosse Tournament

Tim White Memorial Lacrosse Tournament

3 events,

6 events,

Mother’s Day Market

Mother’s Day Market

-

Les Dames Mother’s Day High Tea

-

Jazz Affair 2025

4 events,

1 event,

1 event,

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

-

SPOTLIGHT – Song of the North

1 event,

1 event,

3 events,

MAY’d on the ROCK: Gabriola May 17 & 18

MAY’d on the ROCK: Gabriola May 17 & 18

-

World’s largest Nanaimo bar

2 events,

2 events,

-

Triple Decker Comedy Tour – West Coast – Nanaimo, BC

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

1 event,

2 events,

-

Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival May (South)

1 event,

1 event,

1 event,

1 event,

5 events,

-

Nanaimo Young at Heart Senior Expo

-

Island Roots Farmers’ Market

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Bros Meetup

- Event Series

Harbour Hustle – VIU Super Smash Ultimate Tournament Series

1 event,

1 event,

1 event,

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Ongoing

MAYBNO$ TOUR

The Globe 25 Front St, Nanaimo

🔥 THE MAYBNO$ TOUR – NANAIMO 🔥 Nanaimo, get ready! The MAYBNO$ Tour is hitting Globe Live Studio on Friday, June 20th for an unforgettable night! 🎤 Featuring: 🔹 SIRREAL – Bringing the fire with unstoppable energy. 🔹 OKTIV6 – High-impact rhymes and sharp delivery. 🔹 REVRON – Elevating the vibe with next-level bars . 🔹 DIEGO FLORES – Mixing up styles with a global influence. 🔹 BOOSH – Special guest performance! 📍 Venue: Globe Live Studio – 25 Front St, Nanaimo, BC ⏳ VIP Early Entry & Meet & Greet: 6:30 PM Doors 7PM, Show Time: 7:30PM-11:30PM 🎟 Tickets: ✅ $15 Early Bird ✅ $20 Advanced ✅ $25 at the Door ✨ $40 VIP – Includes 6:30 PM Early Entry, an Exclusive VIP Lanyard, a Tour Poster, and a Photo Opportunity! 🎶 Don’t miss out! Scan the QR code for tickets and lock in your spot now!

$15 – $40
Event Series The Woman in Black

The Woman in Black

The Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Road, Nanaimo

Nanaimo Theatre Group Presents Eery Festival Entry Show When asked, “Why would people come out to a live performance of The Woman in Black if they’ve already seen the movie or read the book?”, directors Laura Buechler and Shannon Reimer had a quick response. “From our first read-through, we were fascinated with the eerie atmosphere of this show, especially in how the story comes to life almost in spite of the characters’ efforts. We were also excited about the particular power of live theatre when it comes to creating a terrifying experience: you can’t pause the action or put down the book; you are fully immersed in this immediate moment.” As for choosing this particular show, it turns out it was a bit of a journey. Laura and Shannon have been friends for over 10 years and wanted to direct a show together. They gathered together some close friends and scripts and read and reviewed a number of possibilities. After they read this script, they knew they had something to work on together. What jumped out at them was the note in the opening of the script that states: “the intent of the show is to frighten, so if it doesn’t, it’s nothing. The fear is not on a visual or visceral level, but in an imaginative one”. They were very excited by this dramatic challenge. Visually, the set is very minimalistic. The spooky atmosphere is created with lighting and the soundscape. So far, their most rewarding experience has been working with their incredible cast and watching them bring this script to life as the actors pour their hearts into developing the characters in a collaborative environment. Having been successfully staged by both professional and amateur theatre groups all over the world for nearly forty years, The Woman in Black has garnered a loyal following and continues to attract new audiences. Its longevity speaks to its ability to captivate and thrill audiences of all ages. The Woman in Black will be presented at the Bailey Studio on Rosstown Road in Nanaimo opening Wednesday, April 23 and continuing to Sunday, May 11. Evening performances will be at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees will be at 2:00pm. Tickets are available from the Nanaimo Theatre Group’s website www.nanaimotheatregroup.ca or by calling 250-758-7224. If you enjoy a spine-chilling, suspenseful experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you won’t want to miss this show!

$26

Vancouver Island Short Film Festival

Malaspina Theatre VIU Campus, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo

Since 2006, the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival has built a reputation with filmmakers and audiences as a showcase for outstanding Canadian and International short films. The annual festival connects filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences in an immersive and welcoming festival experience. Our mandate is to curate an original program of short films that celebrates diverse voices and perspectives in the art of storytelling and provide opportunities for connection and education between local and International filmmakers and audiences. The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival is thankful to operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceeded territory of Snuneymuxw First Nation. We understand our responsibility to build authentic relationships with Indigenous communities and allow this ongoing dialogue to influence our practices.

VIU Trades and Tech Showcase

VIU Trades Discovery Centre, Building 108 500 Fifth Street, Nanaimo

Are you ready to dive into the world of trades and technology? Don't miss out on this ultimate hands-on experience. At the Trades & Tech Showcase you can learn about careers in everything from electrical to welding, hairdressing, and web development. There’s something for everyone! Whether you're a budding enthusiast or looking to kickstart your career, this event is tailor-made for you.

Battle of the Food Trucks 2025

Nanaimo North Town Centre 4750 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo

This is a friendly competition amongst Nanaimo and area food trucks. We host this annually for a non-profit. This year our event is benefiting the revival of Nanaimo Dry Grad! Come down and have a bite from your favorite or find a new addiction. It's all for a good cause!   Over 20 local vendors, silent auction and a by-donation raffle for the Ultimate Food Truckin' Prize pack currently valued at over $750!

2025 Great Nanaimo Pottery Throwdown

Bowen Park Auditorium 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

Get Ready for a Claytastic Afternoon!  In honour of the hit CBC TV show The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown, we’re bringing the clay-throwing fun to Nanaimo with a local twist – and it's all for a great cause! Join us for an afternoon of hilarious, fast-paced pottery challenges, all while raising funds for Nanaimo Food Share’s food sustainability programs. Expect nothing less than clay-flying chaos as professional potters face off in five wild, timed challenges: Blindfolded Cup Challenge  Longest Handle Challenge  Hand-Built Replica  Five-Minute Teapot  Widest Bowl  Plus! Student Potters Blindfold Cup (enter your name to participate) There will be laughs, triumphs, mishaps, and lots of mess – it’s all part of the fun! Each round’s winner will score a prize donated generously by our community businesses. Thirsty Cup Fundraiser: Mugs, handmade and donated by local potters, will be on display and for sale. Your $30 minimum donation includes beverages and snacks, so you can sip, munch, and cheer on the action with your new artisan mug! Whether you're a pottery pro or just here for the fun, everyone is welcome! And don’t worry, we’ll kick things off with a professional demonstration of each skill. 💥 All proceeds go directly to Nanaimo Foodshare. Sponsored by Plainsman Clay Ltd. Note: Participants must be comfortable with being photographed and recorded for social media. Don’t miss out – it’s going to be a clay-filled, fun-packed afternoon for all!

$35.00

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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.

Ongoing

MAYBNO$ TOUR

The Globe 25 Front St, Nanaimo

🔥 THE MAYBNO$ TOUR – NANAIMO 🔥 Nanaimo, get ready! The MAYBNO$ Tour is hitting Globe Live Studio on Friday, June 20th for an unforgettable night! 🎤 Featuring: 🔹 SIRREAL – Bringing the fire with unstoppable energy. 🔹 OKTIV6 – High-impact rhymes and sharp delivery. 🔹 REVRON – Elevating the vibe with next-level bars . 🔹 DIEGO FLORES – Mixing up styles with a global influence. 🔹 BOOSH – Special guest performance! 📍 Venue: Globe Live Studio – 25 Front St, Nanaimo, BC ⏳ VIP Early Entry & Meet & Greet: 6:30 PM Doors 7PM, Show Time: 7:30PM-11:30PM 🎟 Tickets: ✅ $15 Early Bird ✅ $20 Advanced ✅ $25 at the Door ✨ $40 VIP – Includes 6:30 PM Early Entry, an Exclusive VIP Lanyard, a Tour Poster, and a Photo Opportunity! 🎶 Don’t miss out! Scan the QR code for tickets and lock in your spot now!

$15 – $40
Event Series The Woman in Black

The Woman in Black

The Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Road, Nanaimo

Nanaimo Theatre Group Presents Eery Festival Entry Show When asked, “Why would people come out to a live performance of The Woman in Black if they’ve already seen the movie or read the book?”, directors Laura Buechler and Shannon Reimer had a quick response. “From our first read-through, we were fascinated with the eerie atmosphere of this show, especially in how the story comes to life almost in spite of the characters’ efforts. We were also excited about the particular power of live theatre when it comes to creating a terrifying experience: you can’t pause the action or put down the book; you are fully immersed in this immediate moment.” As for choosing this particular show, it turns out it was a bit of a journey. Laura and Shannon have been friends for over 10 years and wanted to direct a show together. They gathered together some close friends and scripts and read and reviewed a number of possibilities. After they read this script, they knew they had something to work on together. What jumped out at them was the note in the opening of the script that states: “the intent of the show is to frighten, so if it doesn’t, it’s nothing. The fear is not on a visual or visceral level, but in an imaginative one”. They were very excited by this dramatic challenge. Visually, the set is very minimalistic. The spooky atmosphere is created with lighting and the soundscape. So far, their most rewarding experience has been working with their incredible cast and watching them bring this script to life as the actors pour their hearts into developing the characters in a collaborative environment. Having been successfully staged by both professional and amateur theatre groups all over the world for nearly forty years, The Woman in Black has garnered a loyal following and continues to attract new audiences. Its longevity speaks to its ability to captivate and thrill audiences of all ages. The Woman in Black will be presented at the Bailey Studio on Rosstown Road in Nanaimo opening Wednesday, April 23 and continuing to Sunday, May 11. Evening performances will be at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees will be at 2:00pm. Tickets are available from the Nanaimo Theatre Group’s website www.nanaimotheatregroup.ca or by calling 250-758-7224. If you enjoy a spine-chilling, suspenseful experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you won’t want to miss this show!

$26

Vancouver Island Short Film Festival

Malaspina Theatre VIU Campus, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo

Since 2006, the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival has built a reputation with filmmakers and audiences as a showcase for outstanding Canadian and International short films. The annual festival connects filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences in an immersive and welcoming festival experience. Our mandate is to curate an original program of short films that celebrates diverse voices and perspectives in the art of storytelling and provide opportunities for connection and education between local and International filmmakers and audiences. The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival is thankful to operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceeded territory of Snuneymuxw First Nation. We understand our responsibility to build authentic relationships with Indigenous communities and allow this ongoing dialogue to influence our practices.

Event Series The Woman in Black

The Woman in Black

The Bailey Studio 2373 Rosstown Road, Nanaimo

Nanaimo Theatre Group Presents Eery Festival Entry Show When asked, “Why would people come out to a live performance of The Woman in Black if they’ve already seen the movie or read the book?”, directors Laura Buechler and Shannon Reimer had a quick response. “From our first read-through, we were fascinated with the eerie atmosphere of this show, especially in how the story comes to life almost in spite of the characters’ efforts. We were also excited about the particular power of live theatre when it comes to creating a terrifying experience: you can’t pause the action or put down the book; you are fully immersed in this immediate moment.” As for choosing this particular show, it turns out it was a bit of a journey. Laura and Shannon have been friends for over 10 years and wanted to direct a show together. They gathered together some close friends and scripts and read and reviewed a number of possibilities. After they read this script, they knew they had something to work on together. What jumped out at them was the note in the opening of the script that states: “the intent of the show is to frighten, so if it doesn’t, it’s nothing. The fear is not on a visual or visceral level, but in an imaginative one”. They were very excited by this dramatic challenge. Visually, the set is very minimalistic. The spooky atmosphere is created with lighting and the soundscape. So far, their most rewarding experience has been working with their incredible cast and watching them bring this script to life as the actors pour their hearts into developing the characters in a collaborative environment. Having been successfully staged by both professional and amateur theatre groups all over the world for nearly forty years, The Woman in Black has garnered a loyal following and continues to attract new audiences. Its longevity speaks to its ability to captivate and thrill audiences of all ages. The Woman in Black will be presented at the Bailey Studio on Rosstown Road in Nanaimo opening Wednesday, April 23 and continuing to Sunday, May 11. Evening performances will be at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees will be at 2:00pm. Tickets are available from the Nanaimo Theatre Group’s website www.nanaimotheatregroup.ca or by calling 250-758-7224. If you enjoy a spine-chilling, suspenseful experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you won’t want to miss this show!

$26

VIU Trades and Tech Showcase

VIU Trades Discovery Centre, Building 108 500 Fifth Street, Nanaimo

Are you ready to dive into the world of trades and technology? Don't miss out on this ultimate hands-on experience. At the Trades & Tech Showcase you can learn about careers in everything from electrical to welding, hairdressing, and web development. There’s something for everyone! Whether you're a budding enthusiast or looking to kickstart your career, this event is tailor-made for you.

Battle of the Food Trucks 2025

Nanaimo North Town Centre 4750 Rutherford Rd, Nanaimo

This is a friendly competition amongst Nanaimo and area food trucks. We host this annually for a non-profit. This year our event is benefiting the revival of Nanaimo Dry Grad! Come down and have a bite from your favorite or find a new addiction. It's all for a good cause!   Over 20 local vendors, silent auction and a by-donation raffle for the Ultimate Food Truckin' Prize pack currently valued at over $750!

2025 Great Nanaimo Pottery Throwdown

Bowen Park Auditorium 500 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

Get Ready for a Claytastic Afternoon!  In honour of the hit CBC TV show The Great Canadian Pottery Throwdown, we’re bringing the clay-throwing fun to Nanaimo with a local twist – and it's all for a great cause! Join us for an afternoon of hilarious, fast-paced pottery challenges, all while raising funds for Nanaimo Food Share’s food sustainability programs. Expect nothing less than clay-flying chaos as professional potters face off in five wild, timed challenges: Blindfolded Cup Challenge  Longest Handle Challenge  Hand-Built Replica  Five-Minute Teapot  Widest Bowl  Plus! Student Potters Blindfold Cup (enter your name to participate) There will be laughs, triumphs, mishaps, and lots of mess – it’s all part of the fun! Each round’s winner will score a prize donated generously by our community businesses. Thirsty Cup Fundraiser: Mugs, handmade and donated by local potters, will be on display and for sale. Your $30 minimum donation includes beverages and snacks, so you can sip, munch, and cheer on the action with your new artisan mug! Whether you're a pottery pro or just here for the fun, everyone is welcome! And don’t worry, we’ll kick things off with a professional demonstration of each skill. 💥 All proceeds go directly to Nanaimo Foodshare. Sponsored by Plainsman Clay Ltd. Note: Participants must be comfortable with being photographed and recorded for social media. Don’t miss out – it’s going to be a clay-filled, fun-packed afternoon for all!

$35.00