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.
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
Dine About Mid Island is a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the culinary diversity of the mid-Island region through our annual food festival. By partnering with a variety of local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and beverage makers, we create a memorable multi-week dining experience that connects residents and visitors alike to the unique flavours and creative talent of our community.No tickets necessary, but reservations are recommended! Sample the fare of our participating establishments in Cedar, Nanaimo, Gabriola Island, Lantzville, Nanoose, Parksville, & Qualicum. Check out the menus at participating establishments or learn more here.
Artists: Fred Herzog, Kin Jung, Karen Tam, Betty Wong, Jackie Wong, and Charlotte Zhang Event Image: Kin Jung working in the darkroom, c. 1940s, Courtesy of Nanaimo Archives and Nanaimo Museum Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown,《陽光下的褪色:關於華埠的觀點》, is an exhibition that responds to the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns through artworks and photographs. Beginning in the 1860s, Nanaimo had a succession of four Chinatowns. The third Chinatown was destroyed by fire in 1960, which had a devastating effect on the community. The exhibition features the viewpoints of three artists who documented Nanaimo’s third Chinatown while it was still standing, and three contemporary artists who respond to Nanaimo’s Chinatowns through textile installation, painting and video, and consider what it means to reflect on these lost sites from the present moment.
Celebrating the sounds, stories, and visuals that shape our community. 🇨🇦 We are deeply honoured to host “Rhythm and Remembrance,” a month-long solo exhibit by the talented Happy Amarkah. In celebration of Black History Month, Happy has curated a powerful collection of personal works reflecting his unique perspectives, feelings, and artistry. 🎤 Hosted by: We are thrilled to have Paul DB Watkins (@thevinylprofessor) as our emcee for the evening. Also known as DJ Techné, Paul is a Professor, Writer, Sound Artist, and Vinyl Aficionado who brings a deep rhythmic soul to this celebration. Join us for the Opening Reception: 🗓️ Sunday, Feb 2nd ⏰ 6:30 PM Can’t make the opening? The exhibit will be on display for free, self-guided viewings for the entire month of February. 📍 Lobby Hours: 11 AM – 4 PM | Monday to Friday Artist Statement Rhythm and Remembrance Echoes from the Past, Power of the Present My artistic practice is deeply rooted in lived experience. My own, and those shared with and inherited from others. These experiences form the foundation of both my identity and my work, shaping how I understand history, culture, and belonging. As a person of color, I draw heavily from Black culture and African-related histories, engaging with them not only as subjects of study, but as living forces that continue to inform the present. The works in Rhythm and Remembrance explore how memory moves. It explores how it is carried through generations in stories, images, objects, and sound. Rhythm, both literal and symbolic, acts as a connective thread throughout the exhibition, reflecting the ways Black history has been preserved through music, ritual, and creative expression when traditional records failed or were denied. Remembrance, in turn, becomes an act of resistance, honoring voices and experiences that have too often been overlooked or erased. Versatility is central to my artistic approach. I work across a range of materials and mediums, selecting each intentionally to best communicate the emotional and historical weight of the subject at hand. Extensive research, careful investigation, and the use of photographic references inform the creation process, allowing each piece to exist as both a personal reflection and broader cultural inquiry. The resulting works move fluidly between hyper-realism, abstraction, and conceptual expression, mirroring the complexity and multiplicity of Black identity and history. For me, art is a cathartic and necessary practice. It is a space for reflection, questioning, and dialogue. It functions as a form of self-examination, much like a conversation with a counsellor/therapist, while also inviting viewers into that exchange. When audiences engage with the work, their responses complete the process, transforming individual expression into collective understanding. Through Rhythm and Remembrance, I aim not only to look back, but to affirm the enduring power, presence, and humanity of Black lives today.
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Growing up on the prairies and in Southwestern Ontario, poet Sonnet L’Abbé learned much about their Black heritage through music and literature. Come hear the jazz and poetry that helped shape them into the artist they are today. Nick Peck will play the piano and poet/vocalist Sonnet L’Abbé performs.
West Coast Swing Social Dance, Workshop by Dean Stroeder Everyone is welcome; no partner or dance experience required. Schedule: 7:00 - 8:00: All-levels workshop by Dean Stroeder 8:00 - 10:00: Social dancing Entry: $15, cash at the door We are looking for volunteers! If you'd like to volunteer with us, for a night or as a Board Member, please contact us or talk to us at the dance. Upcoming dances at Wellington Hall: Sat, 21 February, workshop taught by Pamela Podmoroff Fri, 6 March, workshop taught by Journey Song Fri, 20 March, workshop taught by Emily Johnson The Nanaimo West Coast Swing Collective hosts social dances twice a month at Wellington Hall. We are currently running a WCS lesson series in Lantzville on Thursdays taught by Dave and Claudia. To learn more, visit our website https://wcsnanaimo.com/
Draemus is an Inter-Dimensional Alien who offers a unique Alternative/Electronic experience from other worlds and dimensions. When visiting earth Draemus performs live music from Edmonton, AB. Draemus is known in Edmonton for strange live performances, unique music and social media entertainment. Line up:DraemusCavatacaShanahanCarl Longstaff
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
February 12–14, 2026 | Nanaimo, BC Come in out of the rain and feel the heat in Nanaimo as the Vancouver Island Symphony presents Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival at the Port Theatre. Led by Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, this three-day festival celebrates the rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Cuban culture. Featuring world-class Cuban musicians, Cuban Vibes offers three distinct concert experiences filled with passion, joy, and irresistible energy. A vibrant celebration of music that moves both the heart and the feet. Tickets & details: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/2025-cuban-vibes-a-symphonic-festival/
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:15 PM salsa lessons · 8:00 PM concert Step into the lively spirit of Old Havana for an evening of rhythm, movement, and joy. A Night in Old Havana begins with pre-concert salsa lessons, followed by an electrifying performance featuring Cuban jazz musicians and the Vancouver Island Symphony. A festive, welcoming night that invites audiences to move, feel, and celebrate.
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 7:30 PM Let the night pulse with lush melodies and irresistible syncopated rhythms. Waves of Latin Jazz blends Cuban jazz traditions with symphonic colour, creating an atmosphere rich with energy, passion, and musical brilliance. An immersive evening of rhythm-driven excitement.
Gramma Cathy just came back from her super fun vacation in Cuba, and she’s bursting with stories to share! She found all sorts of cool music, yummy food, and fascinating customs, and she can’t wait to tell her grandkids all about her adventures! You’ll hear traditional songs from Cuba and Canada, and the musicians will have everyone singing and dancing in their seats, in no time!
✨ TRUEVIBE EVENTS ✨ Exclusively Presents **VALENTINE’S GLAM SOIRÉE** An Affair of Love, Luxury & Celebration 💋 Indulge in romance. Sip in style. Celebrate love. 📅 14 FEBRUARY 2026 🕒 3:00 PM ONWARDS 📍 BETHLEHEM CENTER 💃🕺 DRESS CODE ❤️ Women: Red Glam 🖤 Men: Black / Charcoal / White with Red Accents 💎 EARLY BIRD SPECIALS Luxury Rewards who book early ✨ 10% OFF — LIMITED TIME ONLY 🗓 Discount Valid till 20th January 2026 💑 Couples: $100 ➝ $90 per couple Early Birds 💃 Singles Mingle: $50 ➝ $45 per person Early Birds ✨ A MEMORABLE TRUEVIBE EXPERIENCE ✨ Whether you’re celebrating love or stepping out to mingle, this is an evening designed to feel special, stylish, and unforgettable. ✨ Wine, food & a glamorous ambiance ✨ Interactive games & exciting prizes ✨ Curated moments for couples and singles ✨ Dance, Laughter, connections, and memories that last Come for the celebration. Leave with moments worth remembering. 🎬 LITTLE STARS LOUNGE (Ages 6–13) 🎥 Movie time + kids meal 💲 $10 per child 💎 Love. Confidence. Celebration — the TrueVibe signature. 📩 Limited seats available — Book your Spot Now! E-transfer to krishnavelu.balaji@gmail.com For any queries plz send us an email at TrueVibe.events25@gmail.com After the payment is received, we will send you a form to fill in , keep your couple photo ready to share with us 😊 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTlfK_Wkmow/?igsh=MWo1dWw4emExbGc3Ng==
Bring a friend or a date to learn basic screenprinting techniques and create your own patches. Into Valentines? Not into Valentines? Whatever way you spin it, we are getting crafty with heart designs. Leave with a patch to repair your heart or your jeans! Price includes one cocktail and all art materials. Additional drinks can be purchased for $5. Participants must be 19+ Facilitator: Nic Cooper
A thrilling evening filled with the rhythm, passion and joy of Cuban music! Join Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés and her amazing guests for an evening of virtuosity and fun! Romantic arias from Cuban operettas, Cuban jazz standards and more will make this evening the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day! CONDUCTOR: Cosette Justo Valdés GUEST ARTISTS: Milagros de Los Angeles Soto, soprano Mayquel González, trumpet Mayquel González’s performance is generously underwritten by Mary Magrega Harold López-Nussa, piano Ruy López-Nussa, drums Yandy Martínez González, double bass Roberto Vizcaino Jr., Cuban percussion Miguel Valdés, trumpet, Cuban percussion Phil Dwyer, saxophones
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
Get ready for Nanaimo’s sweetest seasoned improv team… Phat Ask! Join Brendan, Kenneth, and Haydn (with the chance for different special guest performers) for a monthly night of live improv comedy. You can expect a variety of Date Night themed games that will turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes on the spot. By the end or our show, we can almost guarantee you will be a Phat Ask lover! Due to the nature of improv comedy, there may be mature (and some immature) content that could be inappropriate for younger audience members.
Interested in learning something new about the symphony? Whether you are new-to-symphony, consider yourself a music aficionado or are just plain curious, our monthly lectures are here to inspire you. Join us monthly to learn about this season’s music and musicians in a fun, casual and welcoming environment. Attendance to the lectures is by “Pay What You Can”. Advance bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
Nanaimo’s Maple Sugar Festival Turns 25! Celebrate the 25 years anniversary of the festival with music, food, and fun for all! Tap your feet to folk, jazz, R’n’B, and more. Kids will love the family room activities, and everyone can join free workshops to dance, craft, and play. Indulge in maple toffee-on-snow, a French Canadian buffet, and local food truck treats. Explore artisan treasures at the bustling market. Come curious, come hungry, come ready to celebrate!
Practicing artists across the visual and performing arts are invited to come together in a dynamic meeting space to connect, collaborate, and feed their artistic practice. Join us for a fun night of sharing your artistic ideas and experiences. Please register on our website to RSVP. Free event.
Join us each Wednesday in Beban Park for a vibrant market where fresh, local products meet community spirit! Explore a delightful array of fruits and vegetables (in season), meat, eggs, preserves, artisanal baking, soaps, and specialty goods from our region's best farmers and artisans. Come and meet your local farmers and producers. Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon filled with delicious flavours, community connections, and a celebration of local agriculture. Support our local economy while savouring the bounty of our region! We are inside the Centennial Building from October 2, 2024 - May 7, 2025. We move outside on May 14 until October. PLUS Special Christmas Farmers' Market on Sunday, December 22 from 10 - 2:30.
🎮 Join Us for Epic Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments! 🏆 PLEASE READ: If you would like to register for this event, please use the following link: https://www.start.gg/hub/harbour-hustle 📅 Every Wednesday 🕖 Doors Open at 5:30 PM 🎮 Official Tournament Begins at 6:45PM 🏢 VIU Building 250, Room 125 🎁 All Ages & Skill Levels Welcome Are you ready to prove your Smash skills and conquer the ultimate showdown? Look no further! Join us every Wednesday at VIU for thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournaments that will leave you at the edge of your seat. 🎮 Tournament Details: 💰 Entry Fee: Only $5 🚪 Doors open at 5:30 PM, giving you time to warm up and meet fellow players. 🏆 Our official Tournament kicks off at 6:45 PM, so be prepared to showcase your skills. 🎮 Don't worry if you're new to the scene - we welcome players of all ages and skill levels. 🎮 Bring your own controller and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Smash Bros. Ultimate for the Nintendo Switch. 🔥 Who will emerge as the best Smasher? 🔥 Join us, test your mettle, and may the best Smasher reign supreme! Don't miss out on the action-packed fun and the chance to be crowned the ultimate champion. See you there! 🌟
2026 marks 20 years of raising funds (and eyebrows) for mental health through WildPlay Nanaimo's annual Naked Bungy fundraiser. This year's event is expected to tip us over $1 MILLION fundraised since the event began! Bungy Jump naked from 150ft for Mental Health Recovery Partners! 18+ to be on site Minimum $15 donation to spectate Sign up for $99. Fundraise $250+ and have your registration fee reimbursed! Learn more: wildplay.com/naked-bungy
On Friday, February 28, KNOW More Nanaimo will be hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness & Online Safety event for adults in Nanaimo. This free, community-focused session is designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who wants to better understand how human trafficking and online exploitation affect communities like ours. The event will focus on: This is a prevention-based event, focused on awareness and practical safety information rather than graphic or sensational content. Speakers include professionals working in human trafficking awareness and online safety, supported by Vancouver Island University practicum students.
Nanaimo Art Gallery
150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo
Artists: Fred Herzog, Kin Jung, Karen Tam, Betty Wong, Jackie Wong, and Charlotte Zhang Event Image: Kin Jung working in the darkroom, c. 1940s, Courtesy of Nanaimo Archives and Nanaimo Museum Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown,《陽光下的褪色:關於華埠的觀點》, is an exhibition that responds to the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns through artworks and photographs. Beginning in the 1860s, Nanaimo had a succession of four Chinatowns. The third Chinatown was destroyed by fire in 1960, which had a devastating effect on the community. The exhibition features the viewpoints of three artists who documented Nanaimo’s third Chinatown while it was still standing, and three contemporary artists who respond to Nanaimo’s Chinatowns through textile installation, painting and video, and consider what it means to reflect on these lost sites from the present moment.
February 12–14, 2026 | Nanaimo, BC Come in out of the rain and feel the heat in Nanaimo as the Vancouver Island Symphony presents Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival at the Port Theatre. Led by Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, this three-day festival celebrates the rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Cuban culture. Featuring world-class Cuban musicians, Cuban Vibes offers three distinct concert experiences filled with passion, joy, and irresistible energy. A vibrant celebration of music that moves both the heart and the feet. Tickets & details: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/2025-cuban-vibes-a-symphonic-festival/
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:15 PM salsa lessons · 8:00 PM concert Step into the lively spirit of Old Havana for an evening of rhythm, movement, and joy. A Night in Old Havana begins with pre-concert salsa lessons, followed by an electrifying performance featuring Cuban jazz musicians and the Vancouver Island Symphony. A festive, welcoming night that invites audiences to move, feel, and celebrate.
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Nanaimo Art Gallery
150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo
Artists: Fred Herzog, Kin Jung, Karen Tam, Betty Wong, Jackie Wong, and Charlotte Zhang Event Image: Kin Jung working in the darkroom, c. 1940s, Courtesy of Nanaimo Archives and Nanaimo Museum Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown,《陽光下的褪色:關於華埠的觀點》, is an exhibition that responds to the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns through artworks and photographs. Beginning in the 1860s, Nanaimo had a succession of four Chinatowns. The third Chinatown was destroyed by fire in 1960, which had a devastating effect on the community. The exhibition features the viewpoints of three artists who documented Nanaimo’s third Chinatown while it was still standing, and three contemporary artists who respond to Nanaimo’s Chinatowns through textile installation, painting and video, and consider what it means to reflect on these lost sites from the present moment.
February 12–14, 2026 | Nanaimo, BC Come in out of the rain and feel the heat in Nanaimo as the Vancouver Island Symphony presents Cuban Vibes: A Symphonic Festival at the Port Theatre. Led by Artistic Director Cosette Justo Valdés, this three-day festival celebrates the rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Cuban culture. Featuring world-class Cuban musicians, Cuban Vibes offers three distinct concert experiences filled with passion, joy, and irresistible energy. A vibrant celebration of music that moves both the heart and the feet. Tickets & details: https://vancouverislandsymphony.com/2025-cuban-vibes-a-symphonic-festival/
Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:15 PM salsa lessons · 8:00 PM concert Step into the lively spirit of Old Havana for an evening of rhythm, movement, and joy. A Night in Old Havana begins with pre-concert salsa lessons, followed by an electrifying performance featuring Cuban jazz musicians and the Vancouver Island Symphony. A festive, welcoming night that invites audiences to move, feel, and celebrate.