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Ladysmith Days wraps up with fireworks starting at 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2. (Image Credit: Ladysmith Celebrations Society)
community celebration

Ladysmith Days capped off by fireworks

Jul 31, 2026 | 4:01 PM

LADYSMITH — A popular family-friendly event drawing thousands of people to Ladysmith this weekend will go out with a bang.

Celebrated annually for over 50 years, Ladysmith Days happens Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2, with most of the itinerary based at Transfer Beach Park and downtown Ladysmith.

The festivities kick off with a popular bullhead fishing derby on Saturday starting at 7 a.m. at Oyster Bay Marina. Concluding Ladysmith Days is a fireworks display on Sunday at 10 p.m. on Ladysmith’s waterfront.

Mary Furneaux, Ladysmith Celebrations Society vice president and vendor coordinator, said countless corporate, local government partners, and volunteers come together to make Ladysmith Days a reality.

Ladysmith Days event itinerary.
Ladysmith Days event itinerary. (Image Credit: Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

“We try to put on as many free activities and events for families as we can throughout the weekend,” Furneaux told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Entertainment, contests, games, and food trucks are all hallmarks of Ladysmith Days.

While events are largely unchanged this year, a new addition sees the merchant market merging with the community expo vendors.

“The market has expanded. It’s going to be huge on Saturday,” Furneaux said, noting the merchant market and expo takes place at 10 a.m. at Transfer Beach Park.

Soap box racing is one of many Ladysmith Days attractions.
Soap box racing is one of many Ladysmith Days attractions. (Image Credit: Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

Parking will be at a premium in Ladysmith’s downtown area, as well as Transfer Beach Park, particularly at peak times.

Funreaux said traffic control officials will be in place to help guide traffic flows in a safe and orderly manner.

“We have professionals at the highway, but we have volunteers down below that are trying their best.”

Ladysmith’s First Ave. through the heart of downtown will be closed to vehicles on Saturday from 8 a.m. until about 2 p.m. for the soapbox derby and skateboard demo.

More information on Ladysmith Days is available here.

Zucchini races are a Ladysmith Days mainstay.
Zucchini races are a Ladysmith Days mainstay. (Image Credit: Ladysmith Celebrations Society)
A nail driving contest is on the schedule for another year at Ladysmith Days.
A nail driving contest is on the schedule for another year at Ladysmith Days. (Image Credit: Ladysmith Celebrations Society)
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling returns to Ladysmith Days, which will see matches starting at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.
Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling returns to Ladysmith Days, which will see matches starting at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday. (Image Credit: Ladysmith Celebrations Society)

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