Blog

The Nanaimo International Jazz Festival

September 17, 2018

It’s only natural that Nanaimo, with it’s rich and vibrant music scene, play host to such an incredible event as the Nanaimo Jazz Festival. Last year was the first of these festivals; this year, in 2018, it returns for the second time to welcome performers from across the globe. On September 21-23, musicians will gather in our pocket of Vancouver Island for a tremendous weekend of musical performances and celebration. Recently, we connected with Festival Administrator Jill Smith, to learn more about this incredible event. Here is what we found out: Last year was the inaugural Nanaimo Jazz Festival; what […]

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M-Con – Nanaimo’s Comic-Con

September 17, 2018

There’s nothing better than a weekend of nerding out, and this year’s M-Con (Nanaimo’s very own comic con) did not disappoint. Although we are still a full year away until the next one, here is a teaser to get your mind thinking about M-con 2019. To get some more info on the event, we contacted Addy Davies, M-Con Organizer. Here is what we found out: The Story Behind M-Con What is the history/ story behind M-Con Nanaimo? We simply wanted an awesome event on Vancouver Island, to benefit our local communities and to help our future generations through a comic-con […]

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The Art Lover’s 2-Day Getaway

August 28, 2018

Welcome to Nanaimo! Just steps from our stunning harbour is your home away from home – the Best Western Dorchester, a beautifully appointed historic building offering convenient and comfortable luxury. Check in and drop your bags, taking a moment to relax in your new surroundings. Day One Public Art in Maffeo Sutton Park Your first activity is a self-guided urban art crawl. Walk to Maffeo Sutton Park to view incredible displays of public art like Breaching Orca, a metal sculpture by artist Carl Sean McMahon made entirely of scrap metal and the newly installed Driftwood Nests by Samuel and Deryk […]

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Locals Know Nanaimo

July 31, 2018

Aaramë from the Nanaimo Art Gallery What is there to do on a rainy day in Nanaimo? Brave the rain and explore nature I’ve lived on the BC coast my whole life, so I’m not afraid of the rain. If it’s a big winter storm, it’s fun to go up to Bowen Park and see how high the river has come up or to go for a walk around Westwood Lake or Morell Nature Sanctuary. I love to bring my camera as there is always something interesting growing in the forest. The trees also usually provide a bit of shelter from […]

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The Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival

July 25, 2018

August 23-26, 2018 The Nanaimo Summertime Blues Festival returns to the harbour city August 23 – 26. Highlighting a long list of top musicians from across Vancouver Island – many of whom are international stars in their own right – this incredible event will showcase some of the very best in Blues. To learn more about this rockin’ festival, we contacted Gerold Haukenfrers from the Nanaimo Blues Society to ask some questions. Here is what we found out: About the Blues We asked Gerold, “what about the blues is so awesome?” This is what he had to say: “Blues music […]

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Nanaimo Festival & Events 2018

July 18, 2018

We are more than just a place to live, but a place to have fun. Find out how Nanaimoites make a good time, and walk alongside the locals as they put together an array of unique and authentic experiences to celebrate what makes this corner of the world awesome!   The Story It all started in 1967 when former mayor of Nanaimo, Frank Ney, famously donned a pirate costume, raised his sword, and launched Nanaimo’s first annual Bathtub Race. “Tubbers” and visitors from around the world have been coming to Nanaimo for more than 40 years to take part in […]

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Nanaimo harbour fireworks

Bathtub Weekend 2018

July 16, 2018

July 20th-22nd It all started in 1967 when former mayor of Nanaimo, Frank Ney, famously donned a pirate costume, raised his sword, and launched Nanaimo’s first annual 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 festival and race. This year’s Bathtub Festival — a part of the larger, month-long Marine Festival — takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park & Sway-a-Lana Lagoon on the weekend of July 20th to 22nd. The Scoop, Or “Bail Bucket” if You Prefer With a mix of […]

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Commercial Street Summer Night Markets 2018

July 12, 2018

June 21 – August 30   Taking place over eleven consecutive weeks, from June 21st to August 30th, The Commercial Street Night Market makes for an amazing downtown Nanaimo experience. Between 6pm and 9pm on Thursday evenings, Commercial Street, the city’s ‘main street’, will be closed to vehicle traffic to allow pedestrians to enjoy 100+ vendors, local merchants, booths, exhibits, and tents. Food trucks will be parked along the street for a tasty and convenient bite. Many permanent downtown businesses, sidewalk cafes, art stores, and clothing shops, etc., will be joining in on the fun by extending their hours until […]

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The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival 2018

July 5, 2018

July 6, 7, & 8, 2018 Maffeo Sutton Park, 10 Comox Rd, Nanaimo, BC Also, check out The InFrinGinG Dance Festival happening the same weekend. This year’s 16th annual Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival (July 6, 7, & 8, 2018) hosts 72 teams from Vancouver Island, Western Canada, and the USA. The event takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park on Nanaimo’s downtown waterfront. Dragon boat racing is an exhilarating sport to take part in or to watch, so you won’t want to miss it! There’s no better way to gain insightful information than talking with the experts, so we contacted Leslie Sutton, the […]

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The InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2018

July 4, 2018

JULY 5-8, 2018 Celebrate diversity through dance Also, check out The Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival happening the same weekend. Showcasing an array of music and dance styles, the InFrinGinG Dance Festival brings together performers from across the world. The goal of this event is to allow artists to share a piece of their culture, whether authentically traditional or infused by their contemporary identities. For festival goers, this is an opportunity to explore and learn about different peoples in a fun and interactive way. This festival hosts various events: theatrical productions, interactive performances and workshops, a film-screening, and mass-choreographed public displays […]

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