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

Through the Eyes of a Child

Through the Eyes of a Child

Brechin United Church 2020 Estevan, Nanaimo

Through the Eyes of a Child is the theme for our concert on Nov. 29.  At this concert, we will sing in recognition of World Children’s Day, UNICEF’s Global Day of Action for children which happens on November 20. This program highlights the gifts that children give us: gifts of humour, wonder, innocence, and simplicity. We will open with This Little Light of Mine, a traditional spiritual arranged by Moses Hogan, and follow that with The Gift to be Simple, a traditional Shaker tune arranged by Bob Chilcott. The gift of humour and wonder is celebrated in Kookoorookoo, words by Christina Rossetti set to music by Jon Washburn. Animal Crackers, the poetry of Ogden Nash arranged by Eric Whitacre, is full of surprises, chuckles and laugh out loud humor.  Beautiful childish innocence is captured in Goodnight Moon, the words of a child’s book written by Margaret Wise-Brown set to music by Eric Whitacre. Teach Your Children by Graham Nash speaks to our role as adults to support and guide children as they grow up.  I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, arranged for us by Nanaimo musician Nico Rhodes, speaks to the importance of living life to the fullest.  We Rise Again made famous by the Rankin Family, is an anthem of resilience and hope.  Please plan to join us!  There are many more beautiful pieces of music that we want to share with you. These concerts are in support of the VI Children’s Health Foundation.  Donations may be made at the door.

$30
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.