Nanaimo Events

Every Wednesday, year round from 3-6 in Beban Park. Check out local producers, artisans and food trucks come together for a midweek farmers' market in Nanaimo. Fruit, vegetables, meat, flowers, jam, baking, bread, coffee, soap, micro greens, wine, distilled beverages, granola bars, freeze dried candy and much more!

 Prom Closet Nanaimo is now open for 2024! Appointments are now being scheduled and volunteers are once again looking forward to providing formal wear for graduating students from any high school.  For the 10th year, volunteers will meet students who are choosing pre-owned formal wear for a variety of reasons: some have environmental concerns; some have financial limitations and some find this option easier to navigate. In previous years, students and their families from schools all over Vancouver Island have found their formal wear at Prom Closet Nanaimo. The only qualification needed is that the student is actually graduating this year. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by sending an email to promcloset.nanaimo@gmail.com

Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Coastal Black's 3rd Annual Tulip Fest, Blooming April 13th to May 12th, 2024, depending on how long the Tulips last. Vancouver Island’s ONLY Tulip Fest, showcases nature's finest with a kaleidoscope of tulip blooms, hyacinths and daffodils in stunning hues. With Early, Mid and Late Blooms, you will be able to see the changing 300,000 bulbs that are planted as you wander through fields of flowers.  Visit the Springtime baby barnyard animals and even pet their bunnies. Try bouncing on Vancouver Island’s only Jumping Pillow, wander through the Hay Bale Maze, slide down the Pipe Slides, play festive games, or try shooting Potatoes at targets for an extra cost. Their Stone Oven Pizza is back and available Thursday to Sunday during Tulip Fest. They will have our Patio open with glasses of Wine or Cider available for purchase. Plus a selection of sweet treats and other beverages. Thursday's and Friday's - 10 am - 3 pm Saturday's and Sunday's 10 am - 4 pm.

Nanaimo Ceramic Arts are hosting Sarah Wilson for her gallery show “Baile (Bal -yeh) A Collection of Pottery by Sarah Wilson”. Join them at the gallery for her grand opening reception on April 25 at 7 pm – 9 pm, The Show runs from April 25th - May 11th, The gallery is open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays 11-5. Sarah Wilson is a potter based on Vancouver Island, originally from Ireland. Following a two-year apprenticeship with Mary Fox, she opened her own studio in the town of Ladysmith. Sarah believes potters have a unique opportunity, through the nature of their craft, to bring beauty to the simplest moments in everyday life. In our fast-paced world, where we are surrounded by mass consumerism, the beauty of objects made with intention is ever important. A huge inspiration for Sarah has always been the surrounding natural environment in the places she has come to know as home. Before finding a passion for clay, Sarah pursued a career in conservation, believing strongly in the importance of protecting the natural ecosystems we rely on. Carrying forth this background, she strives to create a sense of connection to nature through her work. “We care about what we feel connected to. My hope is that my work can play even a small role in fostering that connection to nature.”

Join Yellow Point Ecological society for a chance to learn about your local ecosystem and contribute to the knowledge of our area. This event will be our 4th annual survey of all organisms within the areas of Ladysmith, South Nanaimo, Cassidy, and coastal waters to the east. A guided walk of the Cable Bay area will be provided on Sat 27th starting at 10am at the Cable Bay Trail parking lot at the end of Nicola Rd.

This event is all about Canadian Handmade! Enjoy a professional, festive market for Makers to connect with people who love handmade as much as you do - presented by MavenFair.ca! Visit the market to find passionate and talented makers and find that one-of-a-kind piece that will make the perfect gift for someone (or just yourself)! 60+ Canadian Makers will be in attendance – Artists, Crafters, and Food/Beverage Artisans! The market will also have hourly prize draws and daily door prizes for shoppers to help spread the excitement! WHEN: Friday, April 26 / 2pm – 8pm Saturday, April 27 / 10am – 5pm Sunday, April 28 / 10am – 4pm WHERE: Beban Park Social Centre, Nanaimo ADMISSION: $7 Adult / Children 12 & Under FREE Admission gets you access to the event ALL WEEKEND You can pre-buy admission online fore a chance to win $250 in Market Dollars WEBSITE: https://ahandmadespring.ca/

The Smile Cookies are back at Tim Hortons! 100% of the proceeds from this event are donated to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. They'll be putting the funds towards upgrading the Perinatal Operating Room for the community. Take part and get a Smile Cookie from April 29 - May 5

The Nanaimo Seniors Mixed Slo-Pitch League welcomes you to join our 55+softball league, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from April 30th - August 2024. They emphasize fun, safety, skill development and camaraderie with women and men who play in their league. Registration is March 19th, 21st, 26th and 28th 9 am - 11 am and we will offer orientation and practice sessions during April. They provide bats and balls. Players are expected to provide their own gloves and batting helmet. Pitchers and catchers are required to wear protective face gear, and they have a few of these if you do not want to purchase your own.

Join the Crimson Coast Dance Society in celebrating 20 years of Wee Tipple Parties! New this year is a Whiskey Brunch at Longwood Brew Pub The Master Classes feature Single Malt Scotch Whisky Society over at Chester Fields Fine Furinture and Lohin McKinnon at the Nanaimo Bar The Grand Tasting offers a range of whiskies – from blends to single-malt scotches Enjoy appetizers, silent auction, games, and live music with Matasha Hoskins Trio All this is tied together with a classic “speakeasy” theme to mark the 20 year milestone. After the party, “take the elevator home” with the Grand Hotel – they have a Wee Tipple Rate for partygoers to spend the night Event is advance tickets only, so visit their website & grab your tickets at the Crimson Coast website Proceeds help support affordable high-caliber dance programming from local to international here in the community WHEN: Grand Tasting: Friday, May 3 / 7pm – 10pm Now with events May 2 – 4th / Master Classes & a Whiskey-Infused Bruch WHERE: The Grand Hotel Nanaimo TICKETS: $160 (Advance Tickets only) WEBSITE: https://crimsoncoastdance.com/tickets

Curious ComiCon, Vancouver Island’s biggest FREE comic book convention is back for its sixth year. Join them at Country Club Center in Nanaimo on May 4th, 10 am - 5 pm, for all sorts of geeky fun: cosplay, geek culture, free comic books, silent auction with all proceeds going to Nanaimo Brain Injury Society.

The Shanon Kelley Realty Group invites you to join us on Saturday, May 4th from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm as they host our FREE Pups on Parade! Rain or shine, bring your furry dog friends down to Maffeo Sutton Park at the Nanaimo Lions Pavilion. The parade begins at 11 am with a short route around the waterfront, and the Prize Giveaways begin at noon. We've got awards to hand out, so dress up your fur balls and bring some to the Park! Please make sure you bring: * A chair if you need one; * Poop baggies; * Appropriate treats/food for your pet. Water is on hand for all animals, and there are washrooms on site. All pets must be leashed control of their owners at all times. Register ahead of time HERE

WOMEN'S ART AS ACTIVISM May 4th and 5th, 11 am to  4 pm at the Garden Studio below Arbutus Books,  87 Nicol Street, Nanaimo.  Artists: Frances Deverell, Karen Birch, Jan Pullinger, Dema Maksod, Donna Birkinshaw, Patricia Robison, Dyane Brown   This exhibit tells women's stories, ways that women have witnessed events of their times, women's advocacy: for peace, for the environment, for justice. The work includes oil, acrylic, and mixed media paintings as well as fabric art and installation. Frances Deverell's portrait of Greta Thunberg is especially evocative with both people and animals seeking shelter from fires that rage in the background. Several works in this show are connected to specific peace or justice events. Dyane Brown's painting of the young people at Nanoose on Remembrance Day was inspired by their clarity and passion. Donna Birkinshaw's work, "Hearts With Stories To Tell" was created for  "A Wall of Grief, Remembrance and Hope" put up in downtown Nanaimo to pay tribute to the Indigenous children who were taken from their families and subjected to abuses at residential schools. Dema Maksod has painted "Fairuz", one of the most celebrated singers in the Arab world inspiring thousands of women with her songs about freedom, peace, and truth. Other works in this show will stimulate discussion and reflection. They welcome people to share conversation about the art and the issues and if the weather is good, visit over tea in the garden.

On May 4th The Emotionz/ Sirreal 2024 Spring tour takes over The Queens in Downtown Nanaimo for our May the 4th be with you theme party! Dress up as your favourite character from the movie and you could walk away with cash or a prize pack courtesy of Sirreal AND his Sponsors Featuring performances by Emotionz (Graffiti Artist, Beatbox, Rapper, DJ), Sirreal (Dad, Rapper, Alien) Oktiv6, QB, Relectionz, DJ Bloke 1, Supadan , The Hip Hop Orchestra & Alexander Reyes this will be a night of music from far far away in another galaxy! Doors open at 10 pm, show at 10:30 pm. Tickets $15 Early Bird, $20 at the door.

The Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society is hosting its annual "River Never Sleeps" festival to celebrate Salmon and their Ecosystem. The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 5 from 10 am to 3 pm at the Rosewall Creek Hatchery, 8425 Berray Rd. (off Hwy 19A, 1.8 km north of Cook Creek Rd. Fanny Bay)   • Family-friendly concession • Music • Release of young Salmon into Rosewall Creek • Fish painting • 43 information booths • BBQ oysters, burgers, hot dogs and refreshments. A FREE FESTIVAL with plenty of activities for the entire family.  Kids having fun by taking a bucket of fish to Rosewall Creek to release them for their ocean journey, learn about the life cycle of salmon and even bring home a painting of a fish.

WHEN: Sunday, May 5 / 1 – 4pm WHERE: Nanaimo Curling Club TICKETS: $60 Tickets available at KC’s Boutique, Nanaimo Hospice Shoppe, & Nanaimo Community Hospice MORE: Support the Nanaimo Community Hospice by enjoying a high-tea and fashion show – back by popular demand! KC’s Boutique will hold an afternoon of women’s fashion at the Nanaimo Curling Club Door Prizes, 50/50, silent auction, and more will also be available to enjoy

Fairview's Kids Market is a Community Event where the Young Entrepreneurs of Nanaimo will have the chance to showcase and sell their handmade goods! Come down to Fairview Community School on Friday, May 10th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm to support these wonderfully creative kiddos!

Don’t miss this intimate concert experience with one of Canada’s most highly regarded singer/songwriters: Murray McLauchlan Over a 50-year career, he has released 20 albums and been awarded 11 Junos. His songs Farmer’s Song, Down by the Henry Moore, Whispering Rain and Sweeping the Spotlight Away are now considered Canadian standards. With the release of his critically acclaimed Hourglass, he’s back on the road treating concert goers to a seamless blend of old and new. WHEN: Friday, May 10 / 7:30pm WHERE: The Port Theatre TICKETS: $67.50 WEBSITE: www.porttheatre.com

Local Union CUPE 606 is sponsoring a FREE swim for the community!   Join them at Beban Pool on Bowen Road Saturday, May 11th from 12:30 - 3:30pm!

It's that time of year again! Rugged Coast Research Society is excited to present Party for the Ocean 2024!  We know you've been waiting.  Please join them for a night of fun as we raise funds to conduct a shoreline cleanup on Calvert Island, Central Coast, British Columbia. They will also be celebrating restoration efforts that have been made over the past year, and most importantly.... keep partying for the Ocean.  Here are some things you need to know:  - Drinks from Longwood Brewery and others. - Live music from The Halibut Cowboys, Coal Moon, and The Two 22's - Live & Silent Auction  - Raffle Prizes - All Ages Welcome! - Kids 12 and under get in FREE! - $40 Early Bird Tickets, ($45 after April 12th & at the door) - PIZZA!! They can't wait to see you there!

Mother's Day Breakfast Sunday, May 12th, 10 am -1 pm at The Royal Canadian Legion 10 Nanaimo. The menu includes Eggs Benny, pancakes, and bacon. sausage, hash browns, and coffee Full Order is $15 and a Half Order $10