‘Something for everyone:’ final planning underway as Nanaimo’s VIEx one month away

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Also new for the 2026 event will be a car show on the Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as an Indigenous village with a variety of cultural elements.

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'Something for everyone:' final planning underway as Nanaimo's VIEx one month away

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A new beer garden location is set to be confirmed in the coming days, necessitating a shift in their layout.

“We’re always trying to figure out what works best and how it flows nicely. The layout will always have a few tweaks, but as we take down barns in transition to a brand new building, hopefully in the next five to ten years…things will always shuffle. We also have a new location for our market this year.”

All the fan-favourite animal exhibits are poised to return, with Solloway saying they’re also bringing in draft horses to do some carting and log pulling displays.

The popular SuperDogs show is returning for another year at the event. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Mixing the agricultural elements with other entertainment is always a double-edged sword for organizers, Solloway said.

“We are very proud of our agricultural roots and our history in Nanaimo, where we started to where we’ve come. Every year we’re looking to grow and add new things, but still keep our original agricultural roots and heritage…it’s a core part of our event. It’s always challenging when you have such a large and caring community with different beliefs and opinions, so we try and do something for everyone.”

After exploring a potential move to Nanoose Bay, Solloway said the event appears poised to remain at Beban Park for the foreseeable future, with fair-related infrastructure included in a Beban Park Master Plan done through the City of Nanaimo.

Live music will be featured Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings, as well as on Sunday.

Solloway said Friday’s theme is a dance party headlined by The Steadies, while Saturday’s feature is Zach McPhee.

Sunday will pay tribute to women in country music.

Early bird wristbands for the midway are available through the West Coast Amusements website, with full event details available on the VIEx website.

The midway is always a hit with festival goers, with West Coast Amusements again back to set up dozens of rides and attractions. (Image Credit: File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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