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.

Vancouver Island Symphony, THE CELTIC TENORS

Vancouver Island Symphony, THE CELTIC TENORS

Port Theatre Nanaimo

Join the Celtic Tenors for an unforgettable performance of vocal brilliance and festive cheer. Enjoy their enchanting blend of Celtic charm with timeless favourites and modern hits, alongside a heartwarming selection of Christmas favourites. This special concert promises to be a mesmerizing celebration of Celtic culture and the joyous spirit of Christmas, leaving your heart soaring and your spirit uplifted! CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés GUEST ARTISTS: The Celtic Tenors

BrandShots Live Nanaimo

Beban Park Social Centre 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo

Step into the spotlight at BrandShots Live Nanaimo, the ultimate one-day brand photography experience for entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals who are ready to be seen. On Friday, November 28, 2025, Beban Park Social Centre transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity where top photographers, hair and makeup artists, and visibility experts come together to capture your best look. Attendees walk away with scroll-stopping photos that showcase their true vibe, attract dream clients, and build a brand that can’t be ignored. More than just photos, BrandShots Live is an empowering day filled with community, inspiration, and connections. Whether you’re updating your website, launching a new offer, or simply tired of outdated headshots, this is your chance to finally have photos that work as hard as you do. Tickets are limited — don’t miss your chance to join this high-energy event that’s never been done in Nanaimo before.

Writers Open Mic at Public Library

Vancouver Island Regional Library Gabriola Branch 5-575 North Road, Gabriola

Open Mic this Friday! and the last Friday of EVERY month🥳 All writers are welcome to drop-in and read 5 minutes of their work-in-progress😊 All "listeners" are welcome too 😄

Free

Walking Tour with James Knight, City of Nanaimo

Nanaimo Nanaimo

The City of Nanaimo recently completed a renovation of Commercial Street outside the Gallery doors! James Knight (Capital Project Management Specialist from Engineering and Public Works), will share insights into the Design Commercial Street project. After your tour, make sure to view our current exhibition from artist Samuel Roy-Bois, Commercial St. Other special guest tours include: Friday, November 14th | Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, for a Snuneymuxw perspective of Nanaimo’s Commercial Street Friday, November 21st | Christine Meutzner from Nanaimo Archives, for a historic look at Nanaimo’s Commercial Street Exhibition tours of the Commercial St. exhibition are available on the remaining Fridays at noon of this show. $5/Free for Members Photo by Sean Fenzl

$5
Vancouver Island Symphony, THE CELTIC TENORS

Vancouver Island Symphony, THE CELTIC TENORS

Port Theatre Nanaimo

Join the Celtic Tenors for an unforgettable performance of vocal brilliance and festive cheer. Enjoy their enchanting blend of Celtic charm with timeless favourites and modern hits, alongside a heartwarming selection of Christmas favourites. This special concert promises to be a mesmerizing celebration of Celtic culture and the joyous spirit of Christmas, leaving your heart soaring and your spirit uplifted! CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés GUEST ARTISTS: The Celtic Tenors

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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.