What’s Up in Nanaimo: June 30th – July 6th

Nanaimo Canada Day Celebrations. Fri @ 11 AM. Free!
Fun for the whole family. Celebration of Flags and Opening Ceremonies, Multicultural Food Fair and Interactive Booths, Roving and Live entertainment throughout the day, including The Midnights, Doctors of Rock ‘n Roll, Little Crow, Jake West and Craig McKee. Bowen Road Farmers Market, NEW! Cultural Showcase Stage and more. See you at the Park!

Gabriola Island Canada Day Night Market & Festival Fri @ 5:45PM. Free

Family Entertainment with award-winning children’s artist Rick Scott A little nostalgia with The Pilkey Sisters Dance the night away with the Kat’s Pajamas Plus! A Night Market featuring 20+ vendors! A parade, marching band, clowns, wandering performers, kids corner with crafts and face painting 50/50 Draw, Beer and Wine Garden, BBQ and popcorn by donation. 

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CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

Summertime Music Series, Thurs @ 12PM-1PM, Albert Street Plaza, FREE

Bring your lunch and listen to some great local, live music!

Steve Hill at the Queens, Thurs @ 7PM, $25.50.

When it comes to one-man bands, guitarist and singer extraordinaire Steve Hill has no limits.

Live at Longwood, Thurs @ 8PM, Longwood Pub. FREE

Live at Longwood Nick Begg & Mercedes Couroreille. Enjoy local music and door prizes.

Party in the Park Fri @ 1PM, Beben Park Sports Field, $48 in Advance/$60 at door.

This event is all ages with kids under 11 years old admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. Come celebrate Canada’s birthday in the fresh air, with beautiful mountain views, great food and beverages and of course our fabulous Canadian talent.

Dope Soda Canada Day Long Weekend Fri & Sat @ 7:30, Dinghy Dock Pub. Free

There is no better time to party than Canada Day!! These guys call themselves “A cocktail party mix of reggae, punk rock, jazz, hiphop, and ska”.

Weekends at New York Style Pizza. Fri & Saturday @6pm, New York Style Pizza and Pasta, FREE Marty Steele, Nanaimo’s most versatile keyboardist, dishes up a wide repertoire of jazz, blues, and rock tunes.

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

Art Lab Studio, Sat @ 9:30-12:30, Nanaimo Art Gallery, $12/child

Let your kids connect with artists, experiment with materials, learn new techniques, and have fun with art making.

Morrell Nature Sanctuary Summer Day Camp. Mon-Fri @ 9AM. Morrell Nature Sanctuary $25/day

The Morrell Summer Day Camp is the place where they can learn about; Fast Flyers and Mighty Mammals, ICKY Insects, Slime Time or become a Forest Detective or Mad Scientist.

Drop-in Tabletop Gaming. Sat @1pm, Nanaimo Harbourfront (Downtown) Library, FREE

Bring your friends or family to play with, or play a game with one of the librarians. Games include Chess, Cranium, Monopoly, Risk, Quelf, Settlers of Catan, Game of Thrones, Pathfinders and many more.

Summer Activities at the Museum, Wed & Fri@ 1:30-3:30pm, incl. in admission

These drop-in hands-on programs are ideal for children ages 5-12. It’s a great opportunity to keep your kids engaged and explore the Museum.

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SHOWCASES and TOURS

Nanaimo Art Gallery presents: Trusses, Thurs – Sun @ 10AM-5PM, by Donation

Trusses is an exhibition of works by contemporary artists and architects that explores how buildings resonate through their uses and their intersections with other forms of culture.

Historic Pub Tour, meet at the Bastion, Thur @6:45pm, $25

You get two funky old pubs, loads of historic and quirky facts about our ever-evolving liquor laws in BC, beer, a slice of Mambo’s pizza and an eclectic guide to bring it all to life!

First Friday Art Night, Blue Poppy & The Bee’s Knees, Fri @5-9pm, FREE

An evening of art & live music featuring Port Alberni artist, Sarah Williams and musician Whitey Somers. Food & Beverages will be available from The Bee’s Knees Cafe.

Newcastle Island Walking Tour & Salmon BBQ, Sun, $50, reservations required.

Newcastle Island/Saystushun has long been a significant place in the traditional territory of Snuneymuxw First Nation. Today this Jewel In The Harbour is a beautiful park with walking trails, beaches and the historic Pavilion. Learn about the island, culture and plant life during the 1.5hour cultural walking tour with traditional story telling. After the tour enjoy a the Salmon BBQ feast with salmon cooked in the tradition way over a pit fire.

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OTHER HIGHIGHTS

HCTC Splash & Dash Triathlon Series. Wed @ 6:30PM. Neck Point. $12

The Hub City Triathlon Club in partnership with VI Endurance is pleased to present this year’s Splash & Dash race series. This year there will be 5 races in the series. Swim and run distances change with each race.

Cheese Making Courses, Gabriola Island, Various dates and prices

If you ever wanted to learn the art of cheese making, this is the right place for you. Paula has years of experience in teaching and making all kinds of cheeses. So whether you are a beginner or looking for a challenge there is a class for you. Reservations required and pick up from ferry can be arranged.

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FARMER’S MARKETS

Island Roots Bowen Road Market, Weds @ 4-6:30pm and Sat @9-12pm, Beban Park, FREE

Nanaimo’s premier food-oriented market promoting the 100 mile diet.

Bastion Waterfront Farmers Market, Fri @10am-2pm, Pioneer Plaza, FREE

Find farmers, bakers, crafters and anything else locally grown, made or baked.

Nanaimo Flea Market. Fri @12pm, Wellington Hall, FREE. The Nanaimo Flea Market is open to everyone and has a variety of vendors. You can find holiday, everyday retro, jewelry, antiques, household goods, jam, jellies, baked goods, farmer’s eggs and so much more.

Cedar Farmers Market, Sun @10-2pm, Crow and Gate Pub Field, FREE

The market boasts over 70 full time vendors making it one of the region’s largest.

Lantzville Market, Sun @ 1:30-4pm, St. Phillips Church, FREE

This is a great little market featuring local vendors from Nanaimo and Region

Tackling the Trail. One bite at a time.

Hey Everyone!

TN Staffer Emily here.  Before I set off on my own European adventure, I decided to adventure a bit in my own backyard and #ExploreNanaimo one last time before I leave this beautiful place for a whole month.  When trying to decide what to do, the possibilities were endless. Especially because it was such a gorgeous day.  After much thought and consulting one of my best friends, I decided to check out a couple of the newest stops on the Nanaimo Bar Trail.

In total there are 10 NEW STOPS which include:

• Wolf Brewing Company
• The Nanaimo Bar
• Coco Café
• Hearthstone Artisan Bakery
• Javawocky
• Lobelia’s Lair
• Mad Rona’s Coffee Bar
• The Buzz Café
• Serge and Sew
• Stir Cooking School

Unfortunately I was only able to stop at a few places, and they did not disappoint. Check it out!

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First stop was Coco Café out in Cedar.  This is an amazing little café with a mission to be successful in providing employment, training, and socialization opportunities for people with development disabilities within their community.  I have to say I was so pleased by the staff for they were so welcoming and friendly.  Their contribution to the Nanaimo Bar Trail is their Nanaimo Bar Cake Pop.  It is a chewy soft coconut chocolate cake stuffed with a creamy custard and dipped in milk chocolate.  I am not going to lie, it tasted like heaven on a stick. It tasted so yummy my friend and I went back for seconds!

 

The next stop was the Hearthstone Artisan Bakery. This is THE sweetest little bakery in the south end of Nanaimo.  The staff there was also just as amazing, as we were welcomed with nothing but smiles and happiness. They offer two types of Nanaimo Bar’s all year round which are the Classic Nanaimo Bar and the Peanut Butter Crunch Nanaimo Bar.  I definitely had to try the Peanut Butter Crunch Bar and it did not disappoint.  The awesome part about the Hearthstone Bakery is that they also offer seasonal Nanaimo Bars that they switch up throughout the year.  I will definitely be checking out what they will have next!

The Peanut Butter Crunch Nanaimo Bar

After the Hearth Stone Artisan bakery, my friend and I decided to hit up Javawocky Coffee House and see what they had in store.  Again, we were welcomed with delight and friendliness and their choices of Nanaimo Bars did not let us down.  Now we thought we were only going for a traditional Nanaimo Bar, which looked amazing, however, we found out that Javawocky also offers something much more amazing.  They call them Nanaimo Bites and they are heavenly.  They are the bottom of the traditional Nanaimo Bar, with either raspberry or salted caramel custard piped on on top, and drizzled with Chocolate.  You can sit and relax as you look out over the harbour and enjoy a Nanaimo Bite with a cup of coffee. Seriously amazing!

We also wanted to check out Lobelia’s Lair in the Old City Quarter.  Although they do not offer a sweet delicious treat, they do offer an amazing massage oil, with a recipe made specifically for the Nanaimo Bar Trail.  They also have a luscious soap which allows you to enjoy the scrumptious scent of the chocolate-y Nanaimo Bar on your skin.  Smelled deliciously good!

Credit: Tourism Nanaimo/Arbutus Avenue

The last stop on the trail for me was The Buzz Coffee House.  Their take on the West Coast classic is a Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake.  Yep you read it correctly, Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake! My mouth is watering just reminiscing about it.  It was an amazing light alternative to not only a traditional cheese cake, but also to a traditional Nanaimo Bar.  It had all the right flavours, and it was not too rich and not to sweet.  To quote Goldielocks, “it was just right!” It was also the perfect size for 2 to easily share.  With the cool vibe of The Buzz itself and their awesome staff, it is definitely the perfect place to kick back with a latte and enjoy a nice slice of Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake.

Those are all of the stops I was able to hit up that day, and I definitely cannot wait to try out more!  The Nanaimo Bar Trail has so much more to offer than just sweets and soaps, with 39 stops now of some very yummy beverages, spa treatments, and super awesome keepsakes for yourself or anyone visiting Nanaimo.  You can pick up a Nanaimo Bar Trail Brochure at the Visitor Centre on Northfield Road and the Parkway, or downtown in the Bastion.

Au Revoir until my next Nanaimo Adventure!

Cheers,
Emily

 

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Have YOU tackled the Nanaimo Bar Trail? If so, what’s your favourite stop? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear your feedback!

www.tourismnanaimo.com/nanaimobartrail 

Feastival Pours into Nanaimo

A blog by Nancy Shields.

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It was a great weekend for foodies and beer drinkers alike in the coastal city of Nanaimo. On Friday June 17, craft spirit makers poured into the Vancouver Island Conference Centre for Feastival.

Credit: Nancy Shields

An annual event, Feastival showcases Vancouver Island’s artisanal delights.  The opening night gala is called “Sips,” and features 25 craft spirit makers including, Hoyne Brewing, Wolf Brewing Company, Enrico Winery, Tod Creek Craft Cider and many more.

Credit: Nancy Shields

The $39 entry fee got you a five sampling tickets and a commemorative tasting glass. Most of the vendors had multiple beers, wines and ciders on tap for sampling so all together, there were more than 100 brews and spirits to try.

Credit: Nancy Shields

This year marked the first ever “Brewed Right Here” competition which featured home brewers from Vancouver Island. The samples were free and drinkers voted on who would be crowned the best home brewer on Vancouver Island. Participants included: Reuben Matthew, Cody Anderson,  Tash Baycroft, Juhli Shauer, Dave Stone, and Brent Burgoyne.

Credit: Nancy Shields

Feastival is more than just beer and spirits. Known for it’s moderate climate, Vancouver Island is home to a plethora of locally-sourced products and ingredients. The two-day Feastival event is jam packed with local food and beverages from around Vancouver Island, as well as some delicious food trucks. One of my personal favourites was Taco Revolution which featured pulled pork tacos, fish tacos and the classic ground beef taco.

Credit: Nancy Shields

Credit: Nancy Shields

Feastival was a fantastic way to spend the weekend. The spirits were incredible, the food was out of this world, and the fact that everything was homegrown on Vancouver Island made everything taste that much sweeter.

Credit: Nancy Shields

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See you at the next Festival!

For more fun festivals & events, check out FestivalSeekers.com. See you at the next one!

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– Nancy Shields
Content Manager, Seekers Media
nancy@seekers-media.com
www.festivalseekers.com 

There’s no place like foam.

Credit: 5K Foam Fest

A blog by Nancy Shields.

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On Saturday, June 11, Vancouver Islanders prepared to get clean­ in the most popular and dirtiest way possible.

The 5K Foam Fest slid into the Arbutus Meadows Events and Equestrian Centre for what is essentially one big costume party as well as a 5K run with a bunch of crazy obstacles thrown in–just to up the fun factor.

Credit: Nancy Shields

I arrived to what felt like a giant party. Music was blaring, food trucks were bustling, and everywhere hundreds of excited particip
ants.  People were wearing an array of getups – from tutus, to wigs and capes, crowns, funny glasses, bunny ears and loud socks. They came in all ages and sizes and were ready to have fun – reminding me that fitness and fun don’t need any restrictions.

Credit: 5K Foam Fest

Credit: 5K Foam Fest

Credit: 5K Foam Fest

At the starting line, we were encouraged to dive into the foam and get dancing and that’s when I knew that the 5k Foam Fest was my kind of run. We were counted down by the MC and were off to the races.

 

Credit: 5K Foam Fest

 

What faced us were  crazy-sounding obstacles – like the Death Drop.  It’s one of the world’s largest inflatable slides which you have to slip and slide your way up and down. Other challenges included the Lily Pad sprint over a pond, the Chamber of Foam, a Cargo Climb and a Slip ‘n’ Slide.

Credit: 5K Foam Fest

Credit: Nancy Shields

Credit: Nancy Shields

I kept people whooping it up and cheers came from spectators and participants alike. On more than one occasion I heard, “This is so fun!” “I can’t believe I just did that, wow!” “I’m already thinking about next year!”

Seemed everyone was in the spirit and pumped about the Foam Fest.

As runners approached the finish line they were encouraged to join up with their teams and finish as one. Everyone was given the coveted 5k Foam Fest medal, a beach towel to help clean off the mud and foam, and finally, a refreshing popsicle.

 

Credit: Nancy Shields

Credit: 5K Foam Fest

Nobody wanted to leave the the festival grounds once the run was over. With food trucks, the Skyfall (a brave jump off a tall platform onto an airbag), and a kids area, why would they?

I felt the same way and know that I’ll definitely be back again next year.

For more fun festivals & events, check out FestivalSeekers.com. See you at the next one!

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– Nancy Shields
Content Manager, Seekers Media
nancy@seekers-media.com
www.festivalseekers.com 

Nanaimo & Region Events: June 16-22

Featured Events:

Feastival ~ Friday June 17^th @6PM & Saturday June 18^th @ 10AM, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, $39 admission price.

 “FEASTIVAL” is Nanaimo’s second annual festival celebrating the Island’s culinary culture. This year, the mid-Island’s food and beverage festival takes place over two days at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Friday evening introduces “SIPS” – sampling of “local” craft brews, ciders, wines, and spirits. And by local, we mean some of the finest Vancouver Island and lower mainland craft producers! A new addition to Friday’s SIPS is the “Brewed Right Here” competition seeking the finest local home brew. A souvenir SIPS tasting glass and 5 complimentary tasting tickets are included in the $39 admission price. Additional tasting tickets are available on site.

 Nanaimo Kennel Club Dog Show Thursday June 16^th – Sunday June 19^th, Starting around 8:30-9AM @ Arbutus Meadows Equestrian Centre, Free

Come and bring your family for a free fun filled 4 days with the Nanaimo Kennel Club Dog show. This show includes: 4 All Breed Conformation Shows; 4 obedience and rally trials, working limited breed show and herding limited breed show. There will be food vendors and other vendors, but the real show will be the dogs!

CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

Live at Longwood, Thurs @ 8PM, Longwood Pub. FREE

Live at Longwood features Phoenix Rising. Enjoy local music and door prizes.

Summertime Music Series, Thurs @ 12PM-1PM, Albert Street Plaza, FREE

Bring your lunch and listen to some great local, live music!

Gold & Shadow Fri @ 7PM, The Queen’s, $15

TORCH, the debut full-length record for Vancouver Island art-rockers GOLD & SHADOW, is a beautiful synthesis of melody and noise, calm and chaos

Weekends at New York Style Pizza. Fri & Saturday @6pm, New York Style Pizza and Pasta, FREE Marty Steele, Nanaimo’s most versatile keyboardist, dishes up a wide repertoire of jazz, blues, and rock tunes.

Live Folk Music, Fri @ 7PM, Hope Lutheran Church. Suggested donation: $5

Live original artists sing and play music from around the world using acoustical instruments and beautiful voices in a cozy venue. Quality coffee and treats are offered to complete this coffee house atmosphere.

The Femme Fatales Live at Queens. Fri & Sat @9:45PM, Queens. $8

The Femme Fatales, from Nanaimo, British Columbia, are a high-energy, versatile ,ALL female dance band that is taking hold of Vancouver Island’s music scene. From creative medleys and mash ups, to funky bass lines and stacked vocal harmonies in their original material, there is something for everyone.

The Moonshine Mollys & The Femme Fatales play for Relay for Life @ 7PM, The Rotary Bowl. Free.

All Female Country Music Band from Vancouver Island. Moonshine Mollys have a magnetic sound made up of Cassandra Smith’s Lead Vocals, along with Kairis Gingerysty and backed up by our fabulous band, The Femme Fatales.

Marianne Trudel Quartet Feat. Ingrid Jensen Wed @ 7:30PM, Simon Holt. $25

Marianne Trudel is a multi-talented pianist, composer, improvisor and arranger. The exceptional jazz quartet includes the extraordinary JUNO winning trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, gifted bassist Rémi-Jean Leblanc and powerhouse drummer Rich Irwin. The quartet achieves new heights with their performances leaving audiences spellbound and demanding more.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

Art Lab Studio, Sat @ 10-3, Miner’s Heritage Picnic. Free

Let your kids connect with artists, experiment with materials, learn new techniques, and have fun with art making.

24^th Annual Miner’s Heritage Picnic, Sat @ 8:30AM -2PM, Deverill Park. Free

When you come to the South End Community Association’s Annual Miner’s Heritage Picnic, it’s so jam-packed with activities it’s hard to decide what to do first.  There’s live music and entertainment, art, painting and crafts, pony rides and a petting farm, a climbing wall, miniature train ride, bouncy castle, face-painting and more!

Drop-in Tabletop Gaming. Sat @1pm, Nanaimo Harbourfront (Downtown) Library, FREE

The Nanaimo Harbourfront Library has a variety of games available for you to play. Bring your friends or family to play with, or play a game with one of the librarians. Games include Chess, Cranium, Monopoly, Risk, Quelf, Settlers of Catan, Game of Thrones, Pathfinders and many more.

Free Family Fishing Day Sun @ 10AM, Colliery Dam. Free

Come give fishing a try up at Colliery Dam or be involved in a trout release, demos, fly tying, fish printing, games, crafts, community group activities and much more. A great way to spend father’s day or bring the whole family.

SHOWCASES and TOURS

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER  Thurs @ 7PM, Port Theatre. $52.50

Australia’s HOTTEST export – THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER are the total package, showing off chiseled bodies, seductive dance moves, saucy hysterics and boy-next-door charm.  Show starts at 7:30pm tickets available at Port Theatre Box Office

Nanaimo Art Gallery presents: Trusses, Thurs – Sun @ 10AM-5PM, by Donation

Trusses is an exhibition of works by contemporary artists and architects that explores how buildings resonate through their uses and their intersections with other forms of culture.

Innovate Dace Arts: Be Moved, Sat @ 2pm & 7PM, Port Theatre.  $20

Innovate Dance Arts dancers and faculty are proud to present “BE MOVED 2016”.
Two diverse shows featuring a variety of dance styles with dancers of all ages.

Bob McDonald Live Mon @ 7PM, Beban Park Social Centre. $10

The Nanaimo Astronomy Society is pleased to present a very special event! Popular Science Journalist Bob McDonald, the host of CBC Radio’s popular program Quirks & Quarks will talk about his journey in becoming a science journalist, and recount his exciting interviews with Canada’s three space-walking astronauts

Nanaimo Timbermen vs Langley Thunder, Sat @ 6PM. Frank Crane Area. $12 Sr. A Lacrosse. Tickets available at the door on game day.

Relay for Life  Fri @ 6PM, Rotary Bowl. Participants $15, Spectators by donation. Live Music @ 7PM.

Join us this year to Outlaw Cancer with the Moonshine Molly’s and The Femme Fatales. Food, entertainment, activities, contests and the victorious theme of survivorship and hope make Relay for Life a memorable event, with most participants returning year after year. Taking part in this heart-warming event creates a strong community of people striving to reach a common goal – to beat cancer.

12th Annual Charity Golf Classic Wed @ 1PM, Cottonwood Golf Course. $175

Your entry fee will include your Golf, a power Cart, an entry in to the Putting Contest, a $30 tax receipt, a Hole in One Contest, a GREAT dinner, PRIZES for everyone, and an Auction. REGISTRATION begins at 11:30, Shot gun start at 1pm.

HCTC Splash & Dash Triathlon Series Wed @ 6:30PM, Westwood Lake Beach 2. $12

The Hub City Triathlon Club in partnership with VI Endurance is pleased to present this year’s Splash & Dash race series. This year there will be 5 races in the series. Swim and run distances change with each race.

 OTHER HIGHIGHTS

Strategy Board Game Night, Tues @ 5:30PM-8PM, Nanaimo Habourfront (Downtown) Library, FREE

From settlers of Catan to worker placement, a librarian will be on hand to moderate and play. Bring your own games if you like but the library just got in King of New York, Munchking and Machikoro.

Introduction to Dragon Boating Sun @10AM, Nauticals Marina. $75

Join us — Discover the Joy of Dragon Boating – One more reason we love this city so much! Learn correct paddling techniques, commands, and the thrill of working together as a team. Open to All Adults, 19 to 90! No Experience Necessary – All Equipment Provided. Come prepared to get wet!

 Swap Meet, Home Show, Psychic Fair, Fri &Sat @ 8AM- 6PM. Bradley Centre, Coombs. $1

Admission gives you raffle ticket for tons of great prizes. Create your Perfect Space exhibits for the Home Owner. Enjoy a reading from one of our talented Mediums on site.

Pints & Playwrights Tues @ 7PM, White Sails Brewing. Free

Local playwrights Michael Armstrong, Frank Moher, Nicolle Nattrass, and Jennifer Wynne Webber will each read from their most recent work at White Sails Brewing. The plays run a wide variety of styles and topics, promising something for every theatrical taste.

 Ammonite Falls Hike & Yoga Wed @ 4:30PM, OMTOWN Yoga. $25

The month’s adventure leads up to Ammonite Falls! Ammonite Falls is one of three significant waterfalls in Benson Creek, in Mount Benson’s northwestern foothills. This is a vertical place, it’s cliff sides studded with oceanic fossils. Breathe deep, connect with nature, meet new friends and have some fun!

 Girls Learning Code + Makers Space Presents: Robotics, Electronics & Game Design, Fathers Day Edition, June 19th @ 10am. Donation.

Did you ever want to make your own video game? Teach a robot to tell your favourite jokes? Are you interested in learning about circuitry & electronics? Girls Learning Code and Makerspace Nanaimo have joined together to offer these fun activities on Sunday, June 19th (Father’s Day). This unique, tech focused event is for adult + child pairs, and is developed for children aged 7 11.

FARMER’S MARKETS

Island Roots Bowen Road Market, Weds @ 4-6:30pm and Sat @9-12pm, Beban Park, FREE. Nanaimo’s premier food-oriented market promoting the 100 mile diet.

Bastion Waterfront Farmers Market, Fri @10am-2pm, Pioneer Plaza, FREE. Find farmers, bakers, crafters and anything else locally grown, made or baked.

Nanaimo Flea Market. Fri @12pm, Wellington Hall, FREE. The Nanaimo Flea Market is open to everyone and has a variety of vendors. You can find holiday, everyday retro, jewelry, antiques, household goods, jam, jellies, baked goods, farmer’s eggs and so much more.

Cedar Farmers Market, Sun @10-2pm, Crow and Gate Pub Field, FREE. The market boasts over 70 full time vendors making it one of the region’s largest.

Lantzville Market, Sun @ 1:30-4pm, St. Phillips Church, FREE. This is a great little market featuring local vendors from Nanaimo and Region.

What’s Up in Nanaimo: June 9-15

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week!

Featured Event: Nanaimo Pride 2016, Tuesday June 9 –Saturday June 12

The Nanaimo Pride Society is hosting a week-long celebration to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the community, along with the very first Pride Parade in Nanaimo. The full schedule of events includes a flag raising, youth performances, pet parade, a dance and more. For a schedule of the events please visit http://www.nanaimopride.org/events.html

5K Foam Fest, Sat @ 8AM-6PM, Arbutus Meadows Equestrian Centre, Pre-Registration Required

This Fun Run is at the top of its class, and the smiles won’t stop! The 5K Foam Fest is not a hardcore race it’s a FUNCORE race. The goal is to have FUN!

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CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

Live at Longwood, Thurs @ 8PM, Longwood Pub. FREE. Live at Longwood features Paul Mitchell and Daniel Girad. Enjoy local music and door prizes.

Nanaimo Fresh Jazz Society, Thurs @ 9PM-11:30PM, The Vault Café, $10. New and exciting original music! The musicians include Lucas Smart – tenor sax, Dean Bolan – trumpet, Jesse Marshall – guitar, Astrid Lyre – bass, Andrew Homzy – piano, James McRae – drums.

Summertime Music Series, Thurs @ 12PM-1PM, Albert Street Plaza, FREE. Bring your lunch and listen to some great local, live music!

R&B Allstars at the Queen’s, Fri @ 7PM, The Queen’s, $27. Back by popular demand, the group features 8 original members and 3 new additions.

Weekends at New York Style Pizza. Fri & Saturday @6pm, New York Style Pizza and Pasta, FREE. Marty Steele, Nanaimo’s most versatile keyboardist, dishes up a wide repertoire of jazz, blues, and rock tunes.

Fiddles in the Park, Sat @ 6:30PM-8PM, Maffeo Sutton Park, FREE. Come check out the 3^rd annual Fiddles in the Park concert. The concert will feature three fiddle groups as well as the Nanaimo Youth Orchestra and a group of young Suzuki violinists aged 3 years and up.

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

Frank J Ney Fun Fair, Fri @ 4:30PM-8PM, Frank J Ney School, $25. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun and food for the whole family. Activities include pony rides, bucket rides, bouncy castle, carnival games, cake walk and raffle items. Concession stand and BBQ selling will be available as well. CASH ONLY.

Art Lab Studio, Sat @ 9:30-12:30, Nanaimo Art Gallery, $12/child. Let your kids connect with artists, experiment with materials, learn new techniques, and have fun with art making.

Children’s Father’s Day Workshop,Sat @ 10AM-11:30AM, Baumann Farm, $50. Bring the kids out for this great opportunity to connect with nature while making something special for DAD. Pre-Registration is required.

Drop-in Tabletop Gaming. Sat @1pm, Nanaimo Harbourfront (Downtown) Library, FREE. The Nanaimo Harbourfront Library has a variety of games available for you to play. Bring your friends or family to play with, or play a game with one of the librarians. Games include Chess, Cranium, Monopoly, Risk, Quelf, Settlers of Catan, Game of Thrones, Pathfinders and many more.

Nanaimo NatureKids Explorer Day – Fossil Hunt, Sat @ 3PM-5PM, Stephenson Point Beach, FREE. Come learn about the rocks and rock formations of Nanaimo! This is a ‘can’t miss’ adventure for the budding paleontologist or geologist in the family. All tools will be provided and pre-registration is required.

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SHOWCASES and TOURS

Geology Tour, Weds @ 9:30AM-12:30PM, Nanoose Place, $27.75. Dr. Steve Earle guides a interpretive geology tour on the beaches of Nanoose Bay. 

Nanaimo Art Gallery presents: Trusses, Thurs – Sun @ 10AM-5PM, by Donation. Trusses is an exhibition of works by contemporary artists and architects that explores how buildings resonate through their uses and their intersections with other forms of culture.

Feel the Vibe: 10^th Year Anniversary, Fri @ 7PM, Sat @ 2PM & 7PM, Port Theatre, $20. Expect to be thoroughly entertained at these shows featuring hip hop, locking, break dance, wacking, house, grooving, tutting AND…some fun ballet, jazz and contemporary pieces.

Mount Benson Regional Park Guided Hike, Sat @ 8AM, Mount Benson Regional Park, $35. A guided hike starting at Witchcraft Lake. Transportation provided from Oceanside Place Arena to trail head. Pre-registration is required.

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OTHER HIGHIGHTS

Strategy Board Game Night, Tues @ 5:30PM-8PM, Nanaimo Habourfront (Downtown) Library, FREE. From settlers of Catan to worker placement, a librarian will be on hand to moderate and play. Bring your own games if you like but the library just got in King of New York, Munchking and Machikoro.

Material Magic Quilt Show, Fri & Sat @ 10AM-5PM, Nanaimo Curling Club, $8. Over 300 quilt and fibre art exhibits including demonstrations, member boutique, mall, lunchroom, raffles, entertainment and amazing displays.

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FARMER’S MARKETS

Island Roots Bowen Road Market, Weds @ 4-6:30pm and Sat @9-12pm, Beban Park, FREE. Nanaimo’s premier food-oriented market promoting the 100 mile diet.

Bastion Waterfront Farmers Market, Fri @10am-2pm, Pioneer Plaza, FREE. Find farmers, bakers, crafters and anything else locally grown, made or baked.

Nanaimo Flea Market. Fri @12pm, Wellington Hall, FREE. The Nanaimo Flea Market is open to everyone and has a variety of vendors. You can find holiday, everyday retro, jewelry, antiques, household goods, jam, jellies, baked goods, farmer’s eggs and so much more.

Cedar Farmers Market, Sun @10-2pm, Crow and Gate Pub Field, FREE. The market boasts over 70 full time vendors making it one of the region’s largest.

Lantzville Market, Sun @ 1:30-4pm, St. Phillips Church, FREE. This is a great little market featuring local vendors from Nanaimo and Region

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For more local events, visit www.tourismnanaimo.com/events

What’s Up in Nanaimo & Region: June 3-8, 2016

Featured Event: Festival of Architecture, Tuesday June 8 –Saturday June 11, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, FREE

The Festival’s theme this year is CONNEXIONS, which reflects some of our shared values – how the built environment connects a community; how well-designed spaces shape our life experiences, and how architects working together can contribute to solving problems even on a global scale, such as climate change. This is the architecture and design event of the year!

Oceans Day in the Park, Sun @ 1-4pm, Descanso Bay Regional Park (Gabriola Island), FREE

Celebrate and learn about the marine environment by spending an active, educational afternoon at Descanso Bay Regional Park on Gabriola Island. This event features interactive sea life displays, marine information booths, a diving demo, a children’s afternoon outdoor program with games, crafts, storytelling and face painting. Bring a picnic and enjoy some time at the beach with friends and family. Talk to marine biologists about their work and peer through microscopes at the wonders of sea life. Make it a complete outdoor adventure by walking, cycling or taking the Gabriola community bus (GERTIE) to the park. The GERTIE BUS will be free of charge on Oceans Day.

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CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

Fort McMurray Benefit Concert, Thurs @ 8pm, Evolve Nightclub, by Donation

The show will feature local musicians in a benefit concert for Fort McMurray. All proceeds will go to Red Cross, including staff and performer tips. 19+ and 2 pieces of I.D. are required.

Live at Longwood, Thurs @ 8pm, Longwood Pub. FREE

Live at Longwood features Bella Donna. Enjoy local music and door prizes.

 First Friday Art Night. Fri @5pm, Blue Poppy & The Bee’s Knees Community Café

An evening of art & live music featuring a different local artist on the first Friday of each month. This week’s artist is Port Alberni’s Sarah Williams. Food and Beverages will be available.

Weekends at New York Style Pizza. Fri & Saturday @6pm, New York Style Pizza and Pasta, FREE Marty Steele, Nanaimo’s most versatile keyboardist, dishes up a wide repertoire of jazz, blues, and rock tunes.

JAMZ Beer and Burger Fundraiser. Sat @6pm, The Queen’s, $16

Tickets include 1 beer and 1 burger with an evening filled with acoustic entertainment by local artists. $10 from every ticket goes to JAMZ and to help youth in Nanaimo. Tickets can be purchased at Catwalk Fashions

Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra: Vive le Concerto. Sat @8pm, Brechin United Church, $20

As spring turns to summer, the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra turns to youth, once again its season of concerts featuring the winner of the annual Concerto Competition for Young Musicians.

Ukrainian Dance Concert. Sun @2pm, VIU Theatre, $10

Vesna Ukrainian Dancers from Nanaimo will be hosting their year-end concert.

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KIDS ACTIVITIES

Drop-in Tabletop Gaming. Sat @1pm, Nanaimo Harbourfront (Downtown) Library, FREE

The Nanaimo Harbourfront Library has a variety of games available for you to play. Bring your friends or family to play with, or play a game with one of the librarians. Games include Chess, Cranium, Monopoly, Risk, Quelf, Settlers of Catan, Game of Thrones, Pathfinders and many more.

Nanaimo NatureKids Explorer Day: Intertidal Exploration. Sun @12pm, Neck Point Park, FREE

Learn about Bivalves, Univalves and all other creatures that make their home in the intertidal zone! Biologist and nature mentor Charlotte Haley will lead the day.

 

Art Lab Studio, Sat @ 9:30-12:30, Nanaimo Art Gallery, $12/child

Let your kids connect with artists, experiment with materials, learn new techniques, and have fun with art making.

SHOWCASES, TOURS and COMEDIES 

First Friday Art Night, Fri @5-9pm, Blue Poppy & The Bee’s Knees, FREE

An evening of art & live music featuring a different local artist on the first Friday of each month. Food & Beverages will be available from The Bee’s Knees Cafe.

Cracking The Vault! Sat @9pm, The Vault, $7

The Vault has lined up another tremendous show for you. Featuring comedic talents of the gentle prince of soft spoken absurdism, Dylan Jay Williamson.

Nanaimo Fine Art Show. Sat & Sun, @9am, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, FREE

See the art work of some of Vancouver Island’s best artists presented by the members of The Federation pf Canadian Artists.

Intertidal Mecca Park Tour. Tues @1pm, Nanoose Moorecroft Regional Park, $15.50

Join a park naturalist in Moorecroft Regional Park for an intertidal mecca tour. From barnacles to the “love cycle” of the sea cucumber, you don’t want to miss this interesting session in the tidal pools.

Nanaimo Art Gallery presents: Trusses. Weds @7pm, Nanaimo Art Gallery, Donation

Trusses is an exhibition of works by contemporary artists and architects that explores how buildings resonate through their uses and their intersections with other forms of culture

OTHER HIGHIGHTS

The Big LeBOWLski, Fri @7-10:30pm, Brechin Lanes, $35

We will feature a fun 3-game bowling tournament, with teams of 3 (just like the film) and cash prizes. There will also be a costume contest, so come dressed as Walter, Donny, Jesus, or even Mr. Lebowski himself. And a trivia contest can’t miss either.

Nanaimo Pirates vs Victoria Eagles. Sat @12pm & 2pm, Serauxman Stadium

Come cheer on the Pirates, Nanaimo’s very own BC Premier Baseball Team, when they host a double header against the Victoria Eagles.

Nanaimo Pride 2016: Flag Rising. Weds @6pm, Nanaimo City Hall Grounds, FREE

The event that begins Nanaimo Pride Week, and kicks off West Coast Pride! Stand with dignitaries, Nanaimo Pride representatives, and community members as the rainbow flag is flown over City hall and Pride Declaration is read. Entertainment to follow.

FARMER’S MARKETS

Island Roots Bowen Road Market, Weds @ 4-6:30pm and Sat @9-12pm, Beban Park, FREE

Nanaimo’s premier food-oriented market promoting the 100 mile diet.

Bastion Waterfront Farmers Market, Fri @10am-2pm, Pioneer Plaza, FREE

Find farmers, bakers, crafters and anything else locally grown, made or baked.

Nanaimo Flea Market, Fri @12pm, Wellington Hall, FREE.

The Nanaimo Flea Market is open to everyone and has a variety of vendors. You can find holiday, everyday retro, jewelry, antiques, household goods, jam, jellies, baked goods, farmer’s eggs and so much more.

Cedar Farmers Market, Sun @10-2pm, Crow and Gate Pub Field, FREE

The market boasts over 70 full time vendors making it one of the region’s largest.

Lantzville Market, Sun @ 1:30-4pm, St. Phillips Church, FREE

This is a great little market featuring local vendors from Nanaimo and Region.

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For more local events, visit www.tourismnanaimo.com/events