Festival & Events
Every time of year is time to celebrate in Nanaimo. The city is famous for its love of quirky fun, which truly kicked off in 1967 when a former mayor of Nanaimo famously donned a pirate costume, raised his sword and launched Nanaimo's first bathtub race. "Tubbers" and visitors from around the world have been coming to Nanaimo for more than 40 years to take part in this now world famous recreational festival and race.
The Great International World Championship Bathtub Race has become even bigger and better. The annual race is now part of the larger Nanaimo Marine Festival drawing boaters and spectators to the city's harbour for three days of exciting Island-style summer celebrations. Coming up this year from July 23-26.
The fun kicks off after the New Year with the 9th Annual Maple Sugar Festival, Feruary 19-22. Maple toffee on snow is a big hit at this annual winter celebration of French Canadian music, culture, food and kinship.
During the Vancouver Island International Children's Festival stop in Nanaimo, June, the whole family will enjoy multicultural arts programming, unique learning experiences and entertaining stage performances.
The Nanaimo Floating Boat Show, June 5-7, at the Nanaimo Boat Basin offers a chance to see and tour luxury sailboats and power yachts, while enjoying live music and fresh gourmet seafood dishes.
The Vancouver Island Exhibition comes to town from August 21-23 with 4-H animal shows, carnival rides, live music and magicians served up in an old-fashioned country fair atmosphere.
From August 20-23 the renowned Nanaimo Blues Festival is a showcase for local, national and international blues musicians during four days of free outdoor blues concerts dubbed the Summertime Blues.
The 15th Annual Festival of Trees in Nanaimo turns one level of the Vancouver Island University campus into a sparkling winter wonderland. Check for public viewing dates between November 20 to 28.
For more events going on in Nanaimo check out our calendar of events.
