Latest Events in Nanaimo A(September Updated)

Welcome NDSS Class of 1970 alumni! Get ready to reminisce and reconnect at our upcoming 55th reunion at the Nanaimo Golf Club. Join in for an evening of laughter, memories, and good company. A variety of delightful appetizers will be served throughout the evening. No host bar Doors open at 6 pm. Hope to see you there! We invite you to join our Facebook page: NDSS Class of 1970 (set up for our 50th reunion) Information Source: eventbrite

IAN MAKSIN in NANAIMO BC: SUMMER TOUR 2025 September 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm St. Paul's Anglican Church, 100 Chapel St. Nanaimo, BC Special online price tickets: 17$-45$ (+tax) Get immersed in the soulful and soothing vibrations of the cello with world-acclaimed cellist, composer, and multilingual vocalist Ian Maksin who sings in 40 languages. New songs and instrumental music in preparation of recording a new album! New languages: Hindi, Japanese, Romanian, Bosnian, a tribute to Leonard Cohen and more! In this amazing musical voyage across time and space, Maksin will take you across the Sahara deserts and Mongolian steppes, the mountains of the Balkans and the Caucasus, and the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean Sea alike. He magically connects some of the most diverse elements of world music into a unique fusion, using his cello as the unifying force. Using loop pedal and other electronics, he augments the sound of his instrument into an entire cello orchestra creating a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Besides performing his original instrumental music, Ian Maksin currently has over 250 songs in 40 languages in his musical collection including French, Italian, Farsi, Bosnian, Turkish, Kurmanji, Arabic, Ukrainian, Yiddish, Ladino, Spanish, Catalan, Greek, Georgian, Armenian, Hindi, Nepali, and many others. BREAKING BOUNDARIES both musical and geographical, cellist, composer and multilingual vocalist IAN MAKSIN has created his own unique style by blending elements of different genres and traditional music from around the globe in a new way using his cello as the main unifying force. ONE-MAN ORCHESTRA:In addition to cello, he used an electronic device called the loop pedal, which allows him to create "loops" or layers by recording and replaying his own playing in real time. Information Source: Ian Maksin | eventbrite

Welcome to the Nick La Riviere Quartet Dinner Show at Lighthouse Bistro & Pub ! Join us for an evening of their own take on standards, originals, and other surprises. Listening, communicating, and coming up with musical ideas on the fly, you'll hear musical creation with a freedom that can only be expressed with some of the island's top musicians. Information Source: Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association | eventbrite

The Queens in Nanaimo BC is the place to be on Thursday September 11th 2025 as NoiseAgonyMayhem and The Black Tie team up yet again to bring you Seattle's ultra-legendary MUDHONEY for what is already sure to be contender for show of the decade. With special guests TBA. Tickets are $35, this is a 19+ event. Doors at 9pm. The world is filling up with trash. Humanity remains addicted to pollution despite the planet getting hotter by the minute. People are downing horse dewormer because some goober on television told them it cured COVID. Tom Herman of pioneering avant garage band Pere Ubu still doesn’t have his own Wikipedia article. The apocalypse, it seems, is stupider than anyone could’ve predicted. Fortunately, the absurdities of modern life have always been prime subject matter for Seattle-based band Mudhoney. The foursome take aim at all of them with barbed humor and muck-encrusted riffs on Plastic Eternity , their 11th studio album. Mudhoney (vocalist Mark Arm, guitarist Steve Turner, bassist Guy Maddison, and drummer Dan Peters) remain the ur underground group, their gnarly primordial punk stew and Arm’s sharply funny lyrics as potent a combination as they’ve been since the band’s formation in the late 1980s. From taking on climate change from the perspective of the climate if the climate tried to play guitar like Jimi Hendrix (“Cry Me An Atmospheric River”) to a driving rock and roll song about taking drugs meant for livestock (“Here Comes the Flood”) to a classic punk attack on treating humans like livestock (“Human Stock Capital”), Plastic Eternity is a heady run through all the proto-genres of guitar rock with a keen eye on the inanities of the world in the 2020’s. The recording of Plastic Eternity delivered several firsts for the band. With Maddison planning on moving his family to Australia, Mudhoney was forced to work on a deadline, booking nine days at Crackle & Pop! in Seattle with longtime producer Johnny Sangster. Since the pandemic had made it impossible for them to convene in their practice space for nearly a year and a half, this meant they were going in to make a record with an assortment of half-forgotten riffs and nascent ideas rather than fully-fledged, well-rehearsed songs.  This was unusual for a band used to writing songs by “standing in a room and looking at each other and playing,” says Arm. “We had the time and space to think about things as we were doing them, and to make a kind of course correction—to use a fucking terrible cliche.” They built “Flush the Fascists” around a looping synth line, broke out a harmonizer on two tracks, added a vocoder to “Plasticity,” and even created a protest song out of a spontaneous jam on “Move Under,” the chorus of which Arm calls “something the Runaways might have come up with if they were us.”  “Undermine the foundations/ Of the lies that they repeat,” implores Arm on the chorus. “You gotta move under/ Until it all comes down.” Plastic Eternity also marks the first time Mudhoney has given writing credit to anyone outside the band, thanks to Sangster, whom Arm calls “a brilliant musician and way more adept at musical theory than any of us,” stepping in at times to offer advice on where the songs could go. Also unusual for Mudhoney: Plastic Eternity contains two genuine love songs. The first is for the aforementioned Tom Herman, one Arm’s favorite guitarists and the protagonist of “Tom Herman’s Hermits.” Then there’s closing track “Little Dogs,” an paean to the simple joys of hanging out with tiny canines, and one in particular: Arm’s Pomeranian, Russell, whom he couldn’t bear to give up after fostering him, sure that any other owner wouldn’t allow the little fellow to “let his freak flag fly.” No irony here—just gratitude to a little pal in dark times. So it seems, despite its mordant delivery and crusty exterior, Plastic Eternity is not just a rebuke to the constant attacks on our intelligence and our planet—it’s an ode to the connections we make with other living beings. What is the persistence of Mudhoney but a testament to that? When asked why they continue making records nearly four decades after forming, Arm’s answer is simple. “We like each other and we like being in a band together,” says Arm. “Some people have poker night or whatever the fuck, and they have the excuse to get together with their friends. For us, this [band] is that. This is what we do.” Information Source: NoiseAgonyMayhem | eventbrite

Information Source: KidSport Nanaimo | eventbrite

Welcome to The Drag Jazz Cabaret! Come join Joshua Holloway as 'Celeste' at The Nanaimo Bar for a night of fabulous entertainment. Get ready to experience a unique blend of drag performances and jazz. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show as 'Celeste' takes the stage to dazzle you with their incredible talent. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that promises to be a night to remember. Grab your friends and make it a night out not to be forgotten at The Drag Jazz Cabaret! Information Source: Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association | eventbrite

Come join us in the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people, in Nanaimo, B.C., for an important gathering on Indigenous justice with a special focus on justice for Indigenous Youth who remain overrepresented in the youth justice system. The Reclaiming Justice for Indigenous Youth Symposium will explore how Indigenous communities and service providers are reclaiming jurisdiction over justice programs and services. These discussions aim to foster awareness and support for the revitalization of traditional Indigenous justice practices and approaches to making amends. We encourage community service providers, those working in the legal system, and FN communities to join us. Together, we hope to deepen our mutual understanding and drive systemic change in alignment with the vision of reconciliation Information Source: PARCA | eventbrite

Singer-songwriter, entertainer, TV personality, and women’s music pioneer, Connie Kaldor is celebrating over 45 years in show business! At 72, she is not slowing down! Her upcoming album Wide Open Spaces is inspired by her roots in the Canadian Prairies! Connie Kaldor began her career in folk music as part of the Canadian wave alongside artists like Stan Rogers and Valdy. Armed with her enormous stage presence, her unforgettable melodies, and her emotional depth as a songwriter, Connie became a headline act on the festival circuit. Her extensive touring has earned her a loyal fanbase that extends far beyond the traditional boundaries of folk and the Boston Globe has described her as, “a masterful performer, wildly funny one moment, deeply personal the next.” A three-time Juno Award winner, Connie is a member of the Order of Canada, a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal recipient, holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Regina, and is the first songwriter to receive a Western Literature Association Award of Merit. Visit www.conniekaldor.com for more about this remarkable Caanadian icon. Free parking is available at the Nanaimo Yacht Club parking lot off Townsite Rd. Information Source: Harbour City Concerts | eventbrite

Second Annual Charity Golf Tournament – Benefitting Habitat for Humanity Tee off for a good cause! Join us on Friday, September 26, 2025 , at Cottonwood Golf Course in Nanaimo for the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament supporting Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North and Habitat for Humanity Mid Island . 1 PM Shotgun Start. Get ready for an exciting afternoon on the green, followed by a banquet dinner , silent auction , 50/50 lottery , and lively hole activations that bring fun at every turn. Please ensure you have a safe ride home. Whether you're swinging clubs or bidding big, you're helping build affordable homes for local families. Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Contact: Sara Lopez, Director of Communications & Fundraising communications@habitatnorthisland.com Spots will go fast—register now and let’s build community, one swing at a time. Information Source: Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North | eventbrite

Information Source: Doerksen Music & Esquire 5 Entertainment | eventbrite

Welcome to the West Coast Readers Convention 2025 ! Join us in beautiful Nanaimo for a weekend of bookish fun. Meet your favorite authors, discover new reads, and connect with fellow bookworms. Whether you're into romance, mystery, fantasy, or non-fiction, there's something for every reader here. Don't miss out on meeting your favourite authors, book signings, and exclusive merchandise and the after party. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of words and stories! Save the date and pack your bags - we can't wait to see you there! Information Source: Dark Desires Book Box | eventbrite

Welcome to the Halloween Costume Dance Party ! Back by popular demand. Lets do it again. Join us for a spooktacular night of music, dancing, and fun at Cavallotti Hall ! Put on your best costume and get ready to boogie the night away with fellow party-goers. Whether you're dressed as a ghost, a vampire, or your favorite movie character, everyone is welcome to join in the festivities. Our DJ will be spinning the hottest tracks all night long, so make sure to bring your best dance moves. There will be a costume contest with prizes for the most creative and unique outfits, so don't be shy to show off your costume! Come celebrate Halloween with us at the Halloween Costume Dance Party - it's going to be a night to remember! Information Source: Mark and Christine Goldsbury | eventbrite

Come join us for The Palace Band in Concert! Get ready to swing with one of the hottest bands on Vancouver Island! This is a night you won't want to miss! Grab your friends and get ready to dance the night away! The Palace Band was born from an era of rum smugglers and late night cabaret, when music bubbled with swinging emotion and soul. The raw sounds of old school jazz returns with an energy that will put your feet into motion and a smile on every face, combining soaring vocals with a flash of trumpet and the thunder of drums to make the old time new again. It’s impossible to talk about the creation of The Palace Band without first describing the production that formed them, A Night at the Palace. Every year, for the past 19 years, in the depths of winter, the community of Errington comes together to don their sequins, feathers, flapper dresses and frock coats to put on a completely original night of Vaudeville, Comedy and Burlesque Theatre. While there was always music involved, somewhere around the middle of this dynasty, a solid core band was formed, to be known as The Palace band. It soon became apparent that performing two sold out weekends a year was not going to be enough to satisfy the appetites of these musical mavericks. Drawing on their collective history of musical theatre, Jazz programs, and a wealth of other musical projects, they created a repertoire inspired by the jazz music of the 20’s to the 40’s. We can't wait to see you there! Information Source: Unity Vancouver Island | eventbrite

Bring the stoke to the Vancouver Island FMBA Bronze Event. Bring your best tricks and throw down with the best around. Competition, prizes, fans, food, and a big party - 2025 will be one to remember. Information Source: Vancouver Island Slopestyle | eventbrite

Do you miss singing in community, just for the joy of it? Free your voice and sing in harmony by ear, in a joyful, inclusive community choir / song circle that I call “ SING AGAIN ”! It’s all about joy and connection, rather than performance or perfection. We are a diverse range of voices from beginners to experienced harmonizers - every voice belongs. Join us in the acoustically divine Rotary House, and learn harmony-rich songs from the community singing movement, uplifting pop, sea shanties, call & echo, and world music. Some songs are taught by ear in 3 or 4 parts, and on some songs we’ll let the harmonies happen organically. Tuesday nights are extra special as we're accompanied by Stephen Pilcher of Percussive Elements Drumming, and you are invited to grab a shaker or other rhythm instrument for a song or two. Enjoy a cup of ginger tea during our short break, and get to know others in the circle! Check out our song list and more details at www.sylviahumble.ca/sing-again-choir I offer three weekly circles: two in Nanaimo (Monday afternoons and Tuesday evenings) and one in Parksville (Thursdays at 3:30). Membership is optional; drop-ins welcome, and your first time at Sing Again is free! Information Source: Sylvia Humble, Community Song Leader | eventbrite

Pedal Progress - A Tour of Cycling Infrastructure in Nanaimo Come join us for a fun and informative event exploring the cycling infrastructure in Nanaimo! Pedal Progress is a great opportunity to learn more about bike lanes, paths, and other cycling amenities in our city. The event will have 5 key stops (Powder Works Road, Boxwood Road, Parkway Underpass, Metral Drive and Bowen Road). This tour will be guided by Strong Towns Nanaimo, Team Copenhagen and City of Nanaimo staff. We will meet at gravel lot between Frank Crane Arena and Beban Park Athletic Fields where we will kick off our tour. There will be a "Cycle in Nanaimo" flag. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, bike-commuter, or newer to the activity, this event is perfect for anyone interested in improving cycling in Nanaimo and learning about the improved bike routes. Don't miss out on this chance to pedal around and discover the progress being made in our community, while meeting some awesome people along the way! This event is proudly sponspored by Strong Towns Nanaimo: https://www.beautifulnanaimo.ca/ Information Source: Tara M - Strong Towns Nanaimo | eventbrite

Welcome to the **Azucar Latin Neon Party**! Come join us at The Queen's for a night of vibrant Latin music and neon lights! Get ready to dance the night away to the hottest beats and enjoy delicious Latin-inspired drinks. Don't forget to wear your brightest neon outfit to stand out on the dance floor! Let's make memories and have a fantastic time together at the **Azucar Latin Neon Party**! Information Source: Dj Pachanguero | eventbrite

Information Source: Kat Nelson, Owner of Alley Kat Adventures | eventbrite

Nanaimo Idol 2025 is an exciting talent competition celebrating the vibrant community and performers of The Vancouver Island. Hosted by Indie Entertainment, the event will take place at The Queen's on April 17, 2025. The competition offers participants a chance to showcase their talents and win incredible prizes, including recording sessions, vocal coaching, photo shoots, and more. Notably, the winner will receive a customized branding consultation and the opportunity to perform live with The Femme Fatales. Applicants must be of legal drinking age to attend and compete. This event not only highlights local talent but also fosters a sense of community pride and spirit. Information Source: Indie Entertainment | eventbrite

Stop in and ask the Master Gardeners all your questions for a successful season. Drop-in, no pre-registration necessary. Information Source: GARDENWORKS Canada Nanaimo | eventbrite

C elebrate 420 this April 20th at Vancouver Island's largest 420 event! Where - Cavallotti Hall - 2060 East Wellington Road, Nanaimo When - 420! April 20th - 1-6pm Why - To celebrate this wonderful plant, of course. Connect with the growers of our fine products, discover growing methods, learn about new products on the market. Have a sesh with your friends and the growers. What To Expect - Meet BC craft cannabis growers and producers, live music, consumption area including a dab bar, live glass blowing, prizes, and multiple food trucks in case you get the munchies. This event is a collaboration with MoodFest and The Road Back To Legacy. Information Source: Mood Cannabis Co | eventbrite

This event is part of our Generations Eating Together program through Nanaimo Foodshare and is free to all 55+ participants. This event requires the use of stairs to get to the kitchen. There is limited parking available behind the building. We will prep food and cook together, then enjoy the food we've prepared. Any leftover food will be offered to participants to take home. Please email mary.polk@nanaimofoodshare.ca with any additional inquiries. We hope to see you there! Information Source: Nanaimo Foodshare | eventbrite

Are you curious about vocal improvisation? With April's creative, playful leadership, we will use the visual and auditory elements around us as starting points for short improvisational moments. All ages and abilities are welcome. You might participate frequently, a little, or simply listen. We might consider things like " how does one sing the shape of a fern", or " what sound illustrates the bend in that branch", or "what would i sing in response to a waterfalls power, and movement?". We'll start with some circle singing, and enjoy the sound of all our voices together. What is the meditative part of this experience? While on the walk, we will be in silence except for the music/improv pieces. We'll establish a few signals to navigate our time together. We'll close the event with a song taught and led by Sylvia Humble, local community songleader. Suggested donation: $10-20 in cash in person, or online via an Eventbrite ticket. PLEASE NOTE : we'll meet at the LOWER picnic shelter; parking is on Wall Street adjacent to the shelter Please wear comfortable shoes, and bring water to drink. Information Source: Sylvia Humble, Community Song Leader | eventbrite

This one day workshop will introduce you to the range of essences and the plant families of each essence used as well as therapeutic properties, contraindications and precautions. Upon arrival you will be given an essential oil and a 2oz Amber Boston Round for when we blend our oils. You will leave with the knowledge of the role and use of aromatherapy as part of a holistic lifestyle, as well as its potential of addressing the subtle energy and changes, which can affect wellbeing. Aromatherapy is the perfect gift to self care. Schedule Morning 10:00-12:30 History of Aromatherapy Theory of Aromatherapy Therapeutic Relationships Lunch 12:30-13:00 Afternoon 13:00-15:00 How to blend your oils Put it into practice! Information Source: Elizabeth Arcand | eventbrite

About the event Come get creative with Kelsie at The Breakfast Nook on February 4th with a fun night of painting! We will be painting "Arbutus By The Sea", a crowd favourite. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate group with less noise, this venue is perfect for you. Kelsie will be teaching you how to paint this portrait step by step while helping you with anything you need along the way. Ages 12+ welcome. Monday, April 28th Event: 6:00 - 8:30 pm Very limited seating available, ages 12+, accessible venue. 440 Selby St, Nanaimo Information Source: Paint With Kelsie | eventbrite

Open Air Learning’s Outdoor Learning Program for ages 10-12 offers a balanced mix of natural exploration and focused learning. Weekly themes in science, art, and environmental studies guide slightly structured lessons that engage young minds in meaningful activities, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving. This program allows pre-teens to immerse themselves in the outdoors while developing essential skills like collaboration, resilience, and creative thinking. Participants take on challenges such as exploring ecosystems, building projects, and working together on hands-on tasks. In this environment, they grow not only in their academic understanding but also in confidence and independence. The program provides a rich learning experience where nature fuels discovery and personal development. Note: The Outdoor Learning Program is different from our Forest School. While Forest School focuses on self-directed play and exploration, the Outdoor Learning Program offers slightly more structured activities with themed lessons that blend outdoor exploration and hands-on learning. Both programs encourage growth, but in different ways, allowing families to choose the approach that best suits their child. For more information on the differences between them please visit our website www.openairlearning.com. No classes on all statutory holidays. Information Source: Open Air Learning | eventbrite

In this unstructured setting, children thrive as they climb trees, build forts, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. Our experienced leaders foster a sense of adventure and curiosity, empowering children to make choices, solve problems, and connect with their peers. Note: Forest School is different than our Outdoor Learning Program. While Forest School focuses on self-directed play and exploration, the Outdoor Learning Program offers slightly more structured activities with themed lessons that blend outdoor exploration and hands-on learning. Both programs encourage growth, but in different ways, allowing families to choose the approach that best suits their child. For more information on the differences between them please visit our website www.openairlearning.com. No classes on all statutory holidays. Information Source: Open Air Learning | eventbrite

Welcome to "Unstuck & Unstoppable: Reignite Your Life’s Next Chapter"! Are you feeling a bit stuck in life? Need a boost to kickstart your next chapter? Join us at 1 Chapel St for an event that will inspire and motivate you to take positive action to charge of your future. Our facilitator will help brain storm your thoughts and share their stories and insights on how to break free from limitations and embrace your full potential. Get ready to reignite your passion, purpose, and drive! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover the tools you need to become unstoppable. Who This Event Is For: This workshop is for the woman who… Feels stuck in the same patterns and craves something more. Has spent years putting others first and is ready to reconnect with herself . Is standing at a crossroads—wondering, “What’s next for me?” Feels lost, uninspired, or unsure about her purpose or direction. Wants to feel more joy, confidence, and alignment in her daily life. Knows deep down there’s a version of herself she hasn’t fully met yet. Is ready to rewrite her story, rediscover her worth, and reignite her dreams. Whats included: Study guide Workbook Mapping supplies & tools Refreshments Show & Tell networking Meditation Lesson Lunch at local restaurant (paid) And special surprise...you'll find out on day one! PS...May 1st is a day of new beginings! See you there! Information Source: Dawn Wiggers | eventbrite

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your front door, showcase fantastic blooms and foliage on your patio or your porch, extending your garden has never been easier! Mixing beautiful blooms and trailing foliage, create a bespoke hanging basket for your home. You will be guided through the basics of hanging basket design and care, with help to choose your plants, plant placement and colour scheme. *Selection of plants and materials may vary based on availability, and may differ from the example in the photo. Information Source: GARDENWORKS Canada Nanaimo | eventbrite

Join us for **Solitare Witch 101**! Are you curious about the mystical world of witchcraft? Come and learn the basics at our **Witchcraft 101** event! Whether you're a beginner or just looking to expand your knowledge, this in-person workshop is perfect for you. Date: Sat May 03 2025 Time: 1:00 PM PDT Location: The Space @ Lobelia's Lair Facilitation by: Lavana Tanner Don't miss out on this opportunity to dive into the world of spells, potions, and more. See you there! This first session will cover PROTECTION, GROUNDING and MEDITATION. Lavana Tanner has spent seventy years carving her own path. Through the challenges and struggles of a solitary witch's often demanding life, she has compiled her insights into a book titled The Gift. Within its pages lies all the wisdom she wished she had access to as a young woman drawn to magick. She is now sharing this knowledge through a series of workshops. *Lavana’s Book will also be available for purchase during the session* Information Source: Lobelia's Lair | eventbrite