International Nanaimo Fringe Festival

The International Nanaimo Fringe Festival returns for its 16th edition, transforming venues across Nanaimo into stages for uncensored, independent live performance. Over eleven days in August, the festival presents a whirlwind of theatre, comedy, storytelling, dance, cabaret and experimental work from local, national and touring artists, with the Port Theatre and other downtown-area spaces hosting the action. True to the Fringe tradition, shows are unjuried and artists keep their box-office earnings, so audiences encounter bold, surprising and affordable performances they will not find anywhere else. The festival is produced by Pacific Coast Stage Company, a charitable, not-for-profit performing arts organization that champions emerging and established creators on central Vancouver Island. Beyond ticketed shows, Fringe typically brings a lively social atmosphere, with festival gathering spaces and plenty of chances to chat with performers. Whether you are a seasoned Fringe-goer or simply curious, the low ticket prices and short run-times make it easy to take a chance on something new. Running August 6 to 16, 2026, it is one of the highlights of Nanaimo's summer arts calendar and a great excuse to explore the city's downtown cultural district.