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BC’s Best Festivals & Events in Nanaimo

Explore Art Events and Festivals in Nanaimo

Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is a bustling waterfront city known for its vibrant arts scene and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by breathtaking coastal views and lush forests, Nanaimo hosts a wide array of art events and festivals throughout the year that highlight the creativity and talent of local artists.

From gallery exhibitions and outdoor art shows to live performances and seasonal festivals, Nanaimo offers a diverse range of artistic experiences. The city is home to numerous events that celebrate everything from visual arts and craft markets to music and theater. Whether you’re browsing through unique handmade crafts, enjoying an outdoor concert, or attending one of the city’s many art festivals, Nanaimo is a hub for creativity. Check out our guide below for the latest art events and festivals in Nanaimo and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural community of this beautiful city.

Nanaimo is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. One of the main things to do in downtown Nanaimo is a visit to the Nanaimo Museum, located in downtown on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw Nation. The museum offers a variety of critically acclaimed exhibits including the ones being brought from the Canadian History Museum, the National Gallery and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Other art attractions include the Nanaimo Ceramic Arts - Studio & Gallery which showcases ceramics, paintings, jewelry and fibre arts. The studio also offers 1-2 day workshops for all ages. Apart from museums, the city also has the Port Theatre, which is an 800-seat theatre located downtown. Additionally, the city also hosts the annual Jazz Festival that showcases many local artists Beautiful scenery and a rich local culture make downtown Nanaimo a great destination for art enthusiasts. 

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nanaimo art gallery 1 beet boba bottle scaled 3840x5254 c center 768x1051

After Wrappers | Nanaimo Art Gallery

Nanaimo Art Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
May 3, 2025
-
July 13, 2025
No Reviews
Favorite
After Wrappers  Artists: Big Rock Candy Mountain May 3rd to July 13th, 2025 Big Rock Candy Mountain is an artist-run flavor incubator and taste-making think-tank between Hannah Jickling, Reed H. Reed, a variety of guest artists, and elementary school students. “The artworks in this exhibition are the result of dynamic collaborations between artists and elementary school students. What a great Read more...
DOB FB NM Edit LOGO FIXED 768x403

Dinosaurs of BC | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
June 7, 2025
-
September 6, 2025
New
No Reviews
Favorite
Dig into prehistoric British Columbia and get up close and personal with “Buster”, the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River, and the other dinosaurs that once roamed the province’s highest peaks, densest forests and most remote river basins. Through research done by the Royal BC Museum’s palaeontology team, we’re learning just how many ancient creatures once called these lands home. Read more...
nanaimo ceramics brutalist exhibition 768x418

Brutalist Daydream; a new collection by Sandy Harquail | Nanaimo Ceramic Arts

Nanaimo Ceramic Arts – Studio & Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
August 16, 2025
-
August 30, 2025
New
No Reviews
Favorite
Brutalist Daydream, a new collection of work by ceramist Sandy Harquail Opening reception Aug 16th 6-8pm, meet the artist, light refreshments and be the first to shop the collection Show runs until Aug 30th, Gallery is open 11 AM – 5 PM, Tuesday to Saturday Sandy’s new work explores the relationship between concrete and clay, inspired by brutalist architecture. She Read more...
nanaimo jazz 768x487

Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)

Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)
Nanaimo
Date:
September 12, 2025
-
September 14, 2025
No Reviews
Favorite
Organized by the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association, this annual event promises a vibrant celebration of jazz, with a rich lineup of performances and activities. The heart of this year’s festival will be on the Wesley Street Stage in the historic Old City Quarter, where a series of free performances will create an inviting and festive atmosphere. These performances are an excellent opportunity for the community and visitors alike Read more...
Grow Nanaimo Square Social Green Wheat with dates 768x768

Grow Nanaimo | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
September 27, 2025
-
September 6, 2026
New
No Reviews
Favorite
Farming and food security are important topics of conversations today, and in the past. Grow Nanaimo features stories of complex relationships with the land, culturally diverse farmers, and Five Acres, a planned agricultural community now known as Harewood. Take a seat in the outhouse interactive and be privy to the secrets of the night soil scavengers and check out the Read more...
Nanaimo Art 768x348

Nanaimo Art Walk

Nanaimo Art Walk
Nanaimo
Date:
November 22, 2025
-
November 23, 2025
No Reviews
Favorite
Since 1999, the Downtown Nanaimo Artwalk has been an exciting cultural event for visual artists to display works of art for sale. This is a self-guided tour through artists studios and host locations, featuring a great variety of art with something for everybody’s budget. Read more...
BC’s Best Festivals & Events in Nanaimo

Upcoming Community Events

nanaimo art gallery 1 beet boba bottle scaled 3840x5254 c center 768x1051

After Wrappers | Nanaimo Art Gallery

Nanaimo Art Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
May 3, 2025
-
July 13, 2025
No Reviews
Favorite
After Wrappers  Artists: Big Rock Candy Mountain May 3rd to July 13th, 2025 Big Rock Candy Mountain is an artist-run flavor incubator and taste-making think-tank between Hannah Jickling, Reed H. Reed, a variety of guest artists, and elementary school students. “The artworks in this exhibition are the result of dynamic collaborations between artists and elementary school students. What a great Read more...
DOB FB NM Edit LOGO FIXED 768x403

Dinosaurs of BC | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
June 7, 2025
-
September 6, 2025
New
No Reviews
Favorite
Dig into prehistoric British Columbia and get up close and personal with “Buster”, the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River, and the other dinosaurs that once roamed the province’s highest peaks, densest forests and most remote river basins. Through research done by the Royal BC Museum’s palaeontology team, we’re learning just how many ancient creatures once called these lands home. Read more...
nanaimo ceramics brutalist exhibition 768x418

Brutalist Daydream; a new collection by Sandy Harquail | Nanaimo Ceramic Arts

Nanaimo Ceramic Arts – Studio & Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
August 16, 2025
-
August 30, 2025
New
No Reviews
Favorite
Brutalist Daydream, a new collection of work by ceramist Sandy Harquail Opening reception Aug 16th 6-8pm, meet the artist, light refreshments and be the first to shop the collection Show runs until Aug 30th, Gallery is open 11 AM – 5 PM, Tuesday to Saturday Sandy’s new work explores the relationship between concrete and clay, inspired by brutalist architecture. She Read more...
nanaimo jazz 768x487

Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)

Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)
Nanaimo
Date:
September 12, 2025
-
September 14, 2025
No Reviews
Favorite
Organized by the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association, this annual event promises a vibrant celebration of jazz, with a rich lineup of performances and activities. The heart of this year’s festival will be on the Wesley Street Stage in the historic Old City Quarter, where a series of free performances will create an inviting and festive atmosphere. These performances are an excellent opportunity for the community and visitors alike Read more...
Grow Nanaimo Square Social Green Wheat with dates 768x768

Grow Nanaimo | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
September 27, 2025
-
September 6, 2026
New
No Reviews
Favorite
Farming and food security are important topics of conversations today, and in the past. Grow Nanaimo features stories of complex relationships with the land, culturally diverse farmers, and Five Acres, a planned agricultural community now known as Harewood. Take a seat in the outhouse interactive and be privy to the secrets of the night soil scavengers and check out the Read more...
Nanaimo Art 768x348

Nanaimo Art Walk

Nanaimo Art Walk
Nanaimo
Date:
November 22, 2025
-
November 23, 2025
No Reviews
Favorite
Since 1999, the Downtown Nanaimo Artwalk has been an exciting cultural event for visual artists to display works of art for sale. This is a self-guided tour through artists studios and host locations, featuring a great variety of art with something for everybody’s budget. Read more...
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