A large screen will be set up at Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday, ahead of a FIFA World Cup watch party in Nanaimo later in the evening. (Image Credit: Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

family fun night

World Cup takes centre stage at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park

Jun 25, 2026 | 5:18 PM

NANAIMO — An early summer evening of free, family fun will be capped off with live World Cup soccer action and a drone show.

The City of Nanaimo is hosting a free family fun night on Friday, June 26, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Maffeo Sutton Park, with live music and activities featured.

Among the offerings will be games, bouncy castles, face painting and a large selection of food trucks throughout the park.

Beginning at 8 p.m., a live broadcast will be shown on a big screen of the New Zealand vs Belgium game from BC Place in Vancouver.

Both teams are in contention of advancing to the knock-out stage of the tournament.

family fun night

World Cup takes centre stage at Nanaimo's Maffeo Sutton Park

2h ago

Significant impact

Curbside collection disrupted for thousands of mid-Islanders

4h ago

senseless damage

Nanaimo teens damaging homes through new TikTok challenge

7h ago

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for increased comfort.

Funding for the watch party comes from a provincial community events support fund grant.

The night will wrap after 10 p.m. with a lighted drone show over the park and the Harbour, with audio accompaniment broadcast in the park on 98.7 FM.

Limited parking is available at Maffeo Sutton Park, so event-goers are encouraged to choose public or active transportation options for the evening.

A free bike valet service will also be available on site.

The event is part of a larger Concerts in the Park series hosted by the City, which began in late April and will continue through Aug. 27.

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook

by Alex Rawnsley

World Cup takes centre stage at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park

More Local News