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Nanaimo · Vancouver Island

Events in Nanaimo.

Markets, festivals, live music and community events in Nanaimo — every one verified with its organizer before it’s published.

What’s coming up in Nanaimo — 8 verified events on the calendar. Markets, festivals, live music and community events across the region, each checked with its organizer before it’s published. Filter by type or pick a date below, and see the full Nanaimo guide for places to eat and things to do while you’re there.

August 2026

Nanaimo Festivals

International Nanaimo Fringe Festival

The 16th International Nanaimo Fringe Festival brings 11 days of uncensored, independent theatre, comedy and live performance to the Port Theatre and venues across Nanaimo.

The Port Theatre, Nanaimo

Nanaimo Live Music

Nanaimo Blues Festival

Vancouver Island's go-to blues festival — a waterfront weekend of touring and Canadian blues acts in downtown Nanaimo.

Maffeo Sutton Park, Nanaimo

Nanaimo Food & Drink

Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival

A free, family-friendly gathering of Vancouver Island food trucks and curbside vendors at Nanaimo North Town Centre, serving street eats and sweet treats.

Nanaimo North Town Centre, Nanaimo

September 2026

Nanaimo Fairs & Exhibitions

Vancouver Island Exhibition (VIEX)

Nanaimo's country fair returns for three days at Beban Park with agricultural exhibits and livestock, a midway, mainstage concerts, the SuperDogs, a lumberjack show, food trucks and family entertainment across the fairgrounds.

Beban Park, Nanaimo

October 2026

Nanaimo Live Music

Vancouver Island Symphony: Arabian Nights

The Vancouver Island Symphony opens its 32nd season with Arabian Nights, a full orchestral concert at Nanaimo's Port Theatre on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Tickets are sold individually or by season subscription.

The Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo

November 2026

Nanaimo Live Music

Crash Test Dummies: Jingle All the Way

Juno-winning Canadian band Crash Test Dummies bring their Jingle All the Way tour - 1990s hits plus seasonal favourites - to Nanaimo's Port Theatre on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, with opener Logan Richard.

The Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo

Nanaimo Arts & Culture

Cedar & Yellow Point Country Christmas Arts Tour

A free, self-guided studio tour through Cedar and Yellow Point where visitors meet local artists and shop handmade holiday gifts across festive late-November weekends.

Various artisan studios, Cedar

December 2026

Nanaimo Arts & Culture

The Nutcracker - Royal Winnipeg Ballet

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs its classic production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's score, at Nanaimo's Port Theatre for five shows from December 2 to 5, 2026. Recommended for ages 6+, with reduced student pricing.

The Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo