The first Commercial Street Night Market of the season on Thursday, June 19, will look a little different than previous years, thanks to ongoing construction work along Commercial St. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

market season

Commercial Street Night Market ready to go amid downtown Nanaimo construction

Jun 19, 2025 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — A summer staple is returning on Thursday, amid the backdrop of a revamped downtown core.

The first Commercial Street Night Market of the year runs on Thursday, June 19, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. in Nanaimo’s downtown.

Events and marketing coordinator with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Rinny Jose said they’ve been in frequent contact with the City to ensure the market could go ahead amid the ongoing construction on Commercial St.

“We had to move around our map a little bit, how the market looks. The structure of the market changed a bit from last year. We are using more of the extra spaces on Commercial St. and Bastion (St.).”

This will be the first night market in its six-year history to open on the newly renovated Commercial St., which is in its final stages of construction.

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Jose said they spent the last month fielding calls from worried vendors regarding the construction, but the area will be cleared of equipment and materials to make way for the market.

Over 200 artisan vendors are expected during the market’s 11-week run, which goes rain or shine, until Aug. 28.

Food vendors, live musicians, and portable toilets will be available, and leashed dogs are also welcome, and most local shops along Commercial St. will remain open during the duration of the market.

Inclusive and Kids zones will also be available once again on the first floor of the Vancouver Island Public Library, said Jose.

“Sensory bins and we’ll have some soft chairs for a dark and a light zone for people who are feeling overwhelmed with the crowd around, so they can go there. Even our volunteers use that space just to cool down a bit from the heat.”

Free parking will be available at the Bastion Street Parkade and on streets surrounding the market, while paid parking is available at the underground parkades at Port Theatre and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre

Thursday’s Night Market will feature a special opening ceremony at 5 p.m. from an Indigenous Elder, followed by the opening torch-lighting ceremonies for the 55+ BC Games, taking place in Nanaimo from Sept. 9-13.

More information can be found here at their website, or by following them on Facebook or Instagram for all up-to-date information, including the performers for each upcoming market.

While construction on Commercial St. continues at the Warf/Skinner St. intersection, the Nanaimo Chamber says that won’t stand in the way of the first Night Market of the season. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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