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

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
8 events,
Vancouver Island Symphony, Noteworthy Kids Choir
Commercial St.
Commercial St.
Baila o Muere! – Latin Halloween Party
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5 events,
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5 events,
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9 events,
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9 events,
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13 events,
Halloween Video Dance Party at The Nanaimo Bar
The Dark Eighties Halloween
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9 events,
Nanaimo Chamber’s Fall Market
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7 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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4 events,
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3 events,
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6 events,
Once Upon a Craft Fair
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7 events,
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6 events,
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3 events,
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4 events,
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9 events,
2025 Nanaimo Fine Art Show
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7 events,
The Nanaimo Rock Choir
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7 events,
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5 events,
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4 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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4 events,
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4 events,
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5 events,
Nanaimo Artwalk 2025
R.A. the Rugged Man & Sirreal live in Nanaimo – Nov 22!
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5 events,
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3 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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7 events,
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5 events,
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3 events,
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3 events,
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5 events,
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3 events,
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3 events,
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Ongoing
Vancouver Island Symphony, Noteworthy Kids Choir

Vancouver Island Symphony, Noteworthy Kids Choir

Departure Bay Baptist Church 3510 Departure Bay Road, Nanaimo

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

Commercial St.

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo

Image by: Sean Fenzl For Commercial St., artist Samuel Roy-Bois has created a series of artworks that directly respond to the vibrant street where Nanaimo Art Gallery is located. Drawing inspiration from architecture and streetscape elements, large wooden sculptures echo Commercial Street’s built environment—the street’s layout, a vanished window, and a cairn that has recently been removed—as well as aspects of its social dynamics and commercial exchanges. Roy-Bois has collaborated with local artists and businesses to engage in what he calls a sculptural conversation—​building community connections that transcend physical boundaries.  Through these relationships, Roy-Bois brings new elements into play with his sculptural forms. These include a drinking glass borrowed from Mon Petit Choux cafe, a record chosen by the artist and one recommended by Steve Lebitsching from Fascinating Rhythm, antique and imported objects from Steven Johns of Red Shelf Decor, and a shirt bought, and one borrowed, from Rumours Vintage Collective. Commercial St also includes artistic contributions by Bronwyn Arundel from Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, graffiti artist Doktoer, and photographs by David Spearing courtesy of Nanaimo Archives. The exhibition is accompanied by new writing from Canadian poet, essayist, and novelist Lisa Robertson. The artworks and objects in this exhibition reflect the everchanging network of events, individuals, and materials present on Commercial Street, brought together through playful interactions, coalescing in sculptural form. Commercial St. is the final exhibition through which we ask How can we play together? Learn more about this exhibition on a Friday Lunchtime Tour in the Gallery or during a special guest walking tour. More information here.

Malaspina Theatre Presents: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Nanaimo Nanaimo

Revolution! Tired of human rule, the animals of Manor Farm seize control, dreaming of a world of equality. But as the pigs rise to power, their utopian vision twists into a terrifying tyranny. When the animals of Manor Farm overthrow their human oppressor, they envision a society built on fairness and comradeship. Led by the clever pigs, Snowball and Napoleon, their revolution initially promises a golden age. However, a struggle for dominance ensues, and the animals soon discover that some are more equal than others. Don't miss this chilling and thought-provoking story of ambition, manipulation, and the fragility of freedom. The play explores themes of totalitarianism, the corrupting nature of power, and the cyclical nature of political revolutions. The animals' struggle for freedom and equality parallels historical events, making Animal Farm a timeless and thought-provoking work. *VIU Students & Staff can use their VIU ID for discounted tickets. Pay parking is in effect 12 months of the year, 8 am - 8 pm, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, at ALL parking lots on Campus. Download the Indigo Parking App to reserve parking.

$10
Nanaimo Pottery Co-op Fall Sale

Nanaimo Pottery Co-op Fall Sale

Country Club Mall 3200 North Island Highway, Nanaimo

The Nanaimo Pottery Co-op is having their annual Fall Pottery Sale at Country Club Centre in Nanaimo on Friday November 7, 2025  10am - 8 pm  and Saturday November 8, 10am - 6pm.  The artists will have their displays set up in the middle of the mall with two cash desks that can take payment by debit/ credit card or cash for your convenience.  Each potter has their unique style, so you will find a large selection of pieces sure to meet your gift giving needs.

Free

Once Upon a Craft Fair

Beban Park Social Centre 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

ONCE UPON A CRAFT FAIR 2300 bowen rd, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, British Columbia v9t 3k7 Friday 12-7pm 🎄 Saturday 10-5pm 🦄 Sunday 10-4pm 🎀 $5 entry. Come and go as you please for all three days with your wristband. 🫖 20% of entry goes to local community groups. Check out how much we raised in the past years! 💥 Hourly door prize...$200 worth of craft fair money to spend at the craft fair drawn hourly. Up to $3, 400 🦝 The enchanted Fairy Tale Craft Fair awaits you! Step into a world of enchantment at our event filled with whimsical wonders and fun activities for all ages. Join us for a chance to win exciting door prizes, embark on a quest to find adorable gnomes hidden around the fair, strike a pose at our fairy tale photo booth, and meet enchanting characters wandering the fair. With a diverse range of vendors offering unique creations, delicious food to tantalize your taste buds, and a joyful atmosphere buzzing with excitement, you're sure to have a fantastic time. What's more, a portion of your door fee will be dedicated to supporting meaningful charities. Don't miss this fairy tale extravaganza! 🐸

$5

Valdy & The Big Mess

Nanaimo Nanaimo

Valdy Tickets are ON SALE NOW!!! This is a very important fundraiser concert evening for our Church, as ticket funds raised are being used to pay off our beautiful new organ. This event has been a labor of love and hard work, and I truly hope you will join us in celebrating Valdy and our Church on Friday, November 7th at St. Andrew's. Tickets are on sale now at the Port Theatre                   porttheatre.com VALDY and The BIG Mess

$35.00

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Day: Wednesday

Ongoing

Commercial St.

Nanaimo Art Gallery 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo

Image by: Sean Fenzl For Commercial St., artist Samuel Roy-Bois has created a series of artworks that directly respond to the vibrant street where Nanaimo Art Gallery is located. Drawing inspiration from architecture and streetscape elements, large wooden sculptures echo Commercial Street’s built environment—the street’s layout, a vanished window, and a cairn that has recently been removed—as well as aspects of its social dynamics and commercial exchanges. Roy-Bois has collaborated with local artists and businesses to engage in what he calls a sculptural conversation—​building community connections that transcend physical boundaries.  Through these relationships, Roy-Bois brings new elements into play with his sculptural forms. These include a drinking glass borrowed from Mon Petit Choux cafe, a record chosen by the artist and one recommended by Steve Lebitsching from Fascinating Rhythm, antique and imported objects from Steven Johns of Red Shelf Decor, and a shirt bought, and one borrowed, from Rumours Vintage Collective. Commercial St also includes artistic contributions by Bronwyn Arundel from Nanaimo Ceramic Arts, graffiti artist Doktoer, and photographs by David Spearing courtesy of Nanaimo Archives. The exhibition is accompanied by new writing from Canadian poet, essayist, and novelist Lisa Robertson. The artworks and objects in this exhibition reflect the everchanging network of events, individuals, and materials present on Commercial Street, brought together through playful interactions, coalescing in sculptural form. Commercial St. is the final exhibition through which we ask How can we play together? Learn more about this exhibition on a Friday Lunchtime Tour in the Gallery or during a special guest walking tour. More information here.