Hiking Haslam: Another #ExploreNanaimo Adventure

Hey guys! TN Blogger Megan here. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Long Weekend! Mine was filled with family, food & fun outdoors.

Since our Thanksgiving Dinner with my family was on Monday this year, we decided to embrace the sunny weather on Sunday morning and head south to Haslam Creek Trail & the Haslam Creek Suspension Bridge. This particular walking trail is a favourite with our family. It’s close to home (we live in the south end), the kids love looking for animal prints and slugs along the trail, and the best part is the suspension bridge over the creek.

Read more here: http://explorenanaimobc.com/2016/10/11/hiking-haslam-another-explorenanaimo-adventure/ 

What’s Happening in Nanaimo: Oct. 7-12

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week

October 7, 2016 – October 12 , 2016

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

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FEATURED EVENTS

THE ROGUE TURKEY SHOW! Sat @7:00 PM, Gabriola Community Hall, Adult $20 Child $5

Mark your calendars, get you tickets! This event WILL sell out and you don’t want to miss out! The Rogue Turkey Show is an extravaganza of music and fun in celebration of Gabriola’s 20^th Annual Studio Tour, a Gabriol Arts Council/Lulu Performance Arts Society Co-Production. Join us for an evening of musical thanksgiving and fun in the spirit of rogue turkeys that road out island home!

20th Annual Gabriola Island Thanksgiving Studio Tour, Sat @ 10:00 Am – 5:00 PM, Gabriola Arts Centre, FREE

This year’s Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour on the ‘Isle of the Arts’ will be a must see with 16 new artisit on the tour. Did you know that Gabriola Island is the 6^th highest concentration of artists in the workforce in Canada? Maybe it has something to with the the Island’s inspiring natural and artistic wonders. From cermics, glass, mixed media to textiles and silversmithing, there’s something for everyone! You’re bound to fall in love in love with a piece of art to take home.

 

Nanaimo Bar Trail Run, Tues @ 9:30-11am, Diana Kroll Plaza, $15

Go for a 6-8K run, chat, learn about Nanaimo while seeing some sites, and then we eat a Nanaimo Bar at one of the locations on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Everyone welcome

KIDS ACTIVITIES

Family Pool Party, Fri@7-9pm, Beban Pool, $3

Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun time with games, inflatables, and much more.

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.

McNab’s Corn Maze and Pumkin Patch, Daily @ 10-6pm, rain or shine

Family fun in the country! Enjoy a 7-acre corn maze, pick out your Halloween pumpkin and hayrides. Don’t forget your boots.

Lions FREE Skating, Sun @12-1:30pm, Frank Crane Arena, FREE

Everyone welcome, from beginners to advanced, bring the whole family and have form fun

CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

The Original Legends of Rock ‘n’ Roll presents CLASS OF ’59, Sat @ 7:30 PM, Port Theatre, $49

Get ready to rock with Buddy Holly, Elvis, Bill Haley, Jackie Wilson, Sam Cook, The Everly Brothers and the Big Bopper!

“Counrty On the Dock”, Fri@7pm, Dinghy Dock Pub, $20 incl ferry

An Acoustic Concert Series featuring: Sunshine & Whiskey, Kyla Gillett, Grace & Grit

Sleep Kit & Colliding Canyons, Fri@9pm, The Corner Lounge, $5

A must see concert, Sleep Kit brings rave reviews from far and wide.and is praised to be the “best psych rock coming out of Calgary”.

“She Could be Trouble” at the Dock, Sat@ 7:30pm, Dinghy Dock Pub, S20

These ladies are a force! Brodie Dawson, Tracy Riley, and Christy Vanden are excited to collaborate and unleash this dynamic trio of heavy-hitting Femmes!

“Father’s Day” (PLAY), Sat&Sun @7:30pm, Cedar Community Hall, $20

YellowPoint Drama Group’s Fall play is comedy “Father’s Day”, by Eric Chappel, based on the British TV Series “Home To Roost”

80’s Night, Sat @9pm, Wellington Pub, FREE

It’s 80’s Theme night at the Wellington Pub. Come dress up like you did in the 80’s and listen to STAR69 play some of your favorite 80’s hits

Sunday Jazz Sessions, Sun@7pm, Corner Lounge

The Corner Lounge kicks off a New Weekly Event with an exciting night of music and inspiration. A little bit raw, a little bit awesome, and a whole lot of fun, come on down to The Corner

Happy Humpday Acoustic Wednesday, Wed@8pm, The Corner Lounge, by donation

The Corner Lounge presents a break from the mayhem of life and a chance to celebrate the middle of the week with song, a beverage and a few laughs.

FARMER’S MARKETS

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

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

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

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

Gabriola Farmers’ Market, Sat @ 10-2pm, AGI Hall, FREE

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Out of Sight, Daily @ 10 AM, Nanaimo Art Gallery, FREE

Out of Sight features some of the work of Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) and Harold Edgerton (1903-1990), two giants in the history of photography.

Voices from the Engraver Exhibition, Daily except Sun, Nanaimo Museum, $2

From concept to final product, the artistry behind Canadian currency and stamps is on exhibit at the Nanaimo Museum.

Nanaimo Clippers, Fri@7pm, Sat@6pm, Frank Crane Arena

Cheer on Nanaimo’s Junior A team as they go up against Trail and Powell River.

Indie Author Day: Poetry Reading, Sat @ 11-12:30pm, Harbourfront Library, FREE

Join local poets Andrew Brown, Tim Lander, Vicki Drybrough and Stephen Novik to celebrate your local authors with a poetry reading starting at 11am

Fabulous Fall Fantasy Burlesque Show, Sat@ 8pm, Vancouver Island Conference Centre, $30

Time for another round of exceptional performers to dazzle and titillate you, bringing back this one-of-a-kind show for an experience you are not soon to forget! All new numbers by all new performers to be shown only in Nanaimo!

Movie Night at the Library, Tues @ 5pm, Harbourfront Library, FREE

Drop in to Harbourfront Library for a free movie! This week they are showing “Captain America Civil War

Yellow Point Drama Group Fall Play “Father’s Day”,  Sat& Sun @ 7:30 PM, Cedar Community Hall, Adult $15 Student $15

Based on the British TV series “Home to Roost”, the fun begins with divorce Henry Willows enjoying a peaceful evening at home. His routine is interrupted when his estranged son  arrives unexpectedly with his Goth girlfriend in tow. Shortly afterwards, his ex-wife arrives uninvited. The antics that follow this impromptu family reunion ends with an unexpected results.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Run, Tues @ 9:30-11am, Diana Kroll Plaza, $15

Go for a 6-8K run, chat, learn about Nanaimo while seeing some sites, and then we eat a Nanaimo Bar at one of the locations on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Everyone welcome.

What’s Up in Nanaimo: Sept. 30-Oct.5

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week

September 30, 2016 – October 5, 2016

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

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FEATURED EVENTS

Cranberry Harvest Days, Sat-Sun @11-3pm, Yellow Point Canberries, FREE

Ever wanted to know how  cranberries are grown and harvested? This is your chance to explore a local cranberry farm in the heart of Yellow Point. Chat with the owners and join a complimentary tour at 11:00, 11:30 and 12:00 and the tasting room will be open for you to sample the cranberry delicacies.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure 2016, Sun @ 10 AM, Beban Park, Donation

We invite you to run or walk with us on Sunday, October 2, 2016 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in Nanaimo. Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve participated for years, we look forward to having you join the movement and make this year’s event inspirational, memorable, and bring us closer to a future without breast cancer.

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.

Disney Sing Along, Sat @2:30-4:30pm, Nanaimo Harbourfront Library, FREE Come sing along with classic songs from some of your favourite Disney movies! With the magic of our green screen behind you, it’ll look like you’re singing in the same world as all the characters! Costumes encouraged. For kids ages 4 – 10 years.

FARMER’S MARKETS

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

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

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

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

Gabriola Farmers’ Market, Sat @ 10-2pm, AGI Hall, FREE

CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

Songs for Syria, Fri @ 7 PM-9PM, Christ Community Church, Donation

Songs for Syria brings together a diverse group od musicians to present an electic mix of folk, jazz, Latin, bluegraa, and more in  benefit concert to raise funds to bring a Syrian refugee family of four to make a new home in Nanaimo.

Happy Humpday Acoustic Wednesday, Wed@8pm, The Corner Lounge, by donation

The Corner Lounge presents a break from the mayhem of life and a chance to celebrate the middle of the week with song, a beverage and a few laughs.

Sean McCann of Great Big Sea, Wed@ 7:30, Malaspina Thetare, $26.50

Séan McCann’s love for Newfoundland and Labrador folk songs shot him to international fame as a founding member of the renowned group Great Big Sea.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Out of Sight, Daily @ 10 AM, Nanaimo Art Gallery, FREE

Out of Sight features some of the work of Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) and Harold Edgerton (1903-1990), two giants in the history of photography.

Voices from the Engraver Exhibition, Daily except Sun, Nanaimo Museum, $2

From concept to final product, the artistry behind Canadian currency and stamps is on exhibit at the Nanaimo Museum.

Tunes on Tap, Thu@8-11pm, White Sails Brewing, FREE

Tunes on Tap is a mash up of live local music and open mic night. Local performers will be playing sets throughout the night, with time in between for open mic!

Ecstatic Dance with Emerson Lim (creator of Ecstatic Yoga), Fri @7:30-9:30pm, OmTown Yoga Studio, $15

Ecstatic yoga was originally created by Emerson as an exciting way to engage homeless youth and has since gained a huge following. Set to music of our time, everyone is welcome from toddlers to seniors. Special needs are very welcome.

Swap-O-Rama-Rama, Sat@11-3pm, St Andrews United Church, FREE

Swap-O-Rama-Rama, Nanaimo is not your average clothing swap, (SORR) is a not-for-profit clothing swap combined with “creation stations” staffed by local artists and makers. Bring a bag of clean gently used clothing & take what you want.

Nanaimo to Cowichan Wine Tour, Sat & Sun-10:00 AM,  $120

Join us for a 6 hour tour to three wineries in the Cowichan Valley. Tour includes a behind the scenes tour of one of the local wineries, private tastings, bottled water to ensure the next day is a good one, more wine samples than they should probably give you and discounts on wine at select wineries

NCDC Telethon, Sun @ 12 PM – 8 PM, Port Theatre, Donation

We invite friends, families.,individuals, business and service groups to participate the telethon broadcast by making a donation live at the Port Theatre. All funds raised at this event will go towards the much needed programs and services provided at the Centre.

Nanaimo Bar Trial Run, Tues @ 9:30-11am, Diana Kroll Plaza, $15

Go for a 6-8K run, chat, learn about Nanaimo while seeing some sites, and then we eat a Nanaimo Bar at one of the locations on the Nanaimo Bar Trail. Everyone welcome

OFFstage Lobby Theatre Series: Lost and Left Behind, Tues@ 7pm, Port Theatre Lobby, $25

A story telling show by Brent Hirose, 2012 winner of Winnipeg Fringe Best of Fest. In 1942 the Canadian government forcibly relocated Japanese Canadians living on the west coast to the Canadian interior. Those displaced included Brent’s grandparents, who eventually settled in Winnipeg.

 

SUMMERTIME BLUES FESTIVAL SETS A SOULFUL AND ROCKIN’ HIGH BAR IN NANAIMO

By Guest Blogger Nancy Shields

The 2016 Summertime Blues Festival in Nanaimo had it all: deep soulful tunes, spirited uplifting songs and incredible musicians from near and far.

The promoters showed true diligence when it came to selecting the artists. This year featured 21 acts, including the British blues/rock legends Savoy Brown, American blues legends Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, along with locals like Lazy Mike & The Rockin’ Recliners.

– See more at: http://explorenanaimobc.com/2016/09/26/summertime-blues-festival-nanaimo-bc/#sthash.5RwVew5C.dpuf

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week: Sept. 22-28

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week

September 22, 2016 – September 28, 2016

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

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FEATURED EVENTS

4^th Annual Latin American Festival, Sat @ 5 PM, Beban Park Recreation Centre, $20

Come out to emmerse yourself in local Latin American culture! This year’s event will showcase food from different Latino countries , entertainment from talented local performers, and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes because we will be dancing until the last one drops!

Etsy Made in Canada, Sat@ 10-4, Northtown Centre, FREE

This is a yearly event, where  over 30 Etsy communities will be celebrating the buy local movement by simultaneously participating in pop-up markets all across Canada and this year Nanaimo is included. The etsy Nanaimo team of local entrepreneurs are proud to have 45 artists and entrepreneurs represented at their event. This is a family friendly event, woth free kids activities such as face painting and craft tables.

CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

Brisas del Palmar, Thu & Fri @ 7pm, Roxy Thetare (Gabriola), $20-15

This group is bringing their fantastic music once again to Gabriola Island. Last chance before they return to Cuba. You won’t be disappointed.

Live at Longwood, Thurs @ 8PM-10PM, Longwood Brew Pub, FREE

Live acoustic music…every Thursday night! This week featuring Josh Gellman

South American All-Stars, Cheko & The Lion Rockers, Fri @10pm, The Queens, $12

NANAIMO REGGAE MASSIVE presents a night of roots reggae, cumbia, and reggaeton featuring two great bands and local DJ, Rebel Selector! See these great bands in an iconic music location in Nanaimo.

Darby Mills of ‘The Headpins’, Sat @ 9 PM, the Queens, $22.50 – $25

Canadian rock icon Darby Mills of the “Headpins” rocks out at the Queens.

Marty Steele, Sat @ 6pm-8pm, New York Style Pizza & Pasta, FREE

Enjoy a great meal and some local live talent.

BoodAboom Live, Sat @9pm, Corner Lounge, $5

BoodAbooM is bringing their high energy dance party back to The Corner Lounge. Roots, rock, pop, reggae, blues and southern rock are all on the agenda for an up tempo night of wearing out your dancing shoes.

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.

Harvest Barn Dance, Sat@ 6:30, Costin Hall (Lantzville), $5

Come out for a fun all-ages event. There will be food, drinks and live fiddle music. No dance skills required – all dances will be taught that evening.

Nanaimo Rivers Day, Sun @11-2:30pm, Bowen Park, FREE

Nanaimo Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. Activities for the day include community group information and interactive booths, interpretive stream walk and fry trapping, live music by local bands.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

From Farm to Table, Thu @ 6-9pm, Costin Hall (Lantzville), $65

Carolyn Herriot will prepare meals based on her Zero-Mile Cookbook from healthy local ingredients.

Out of Sight, Daily @ 10 AM, Nanaimo Art Gallery, FREE

Out of Sight features some of the work of Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) and Harold Edgerton (1903-1990), two giants in the history of photography.

Voices from the Engraver Exhibition, Daily except Sun, Nanaimo Museum, $2

From concept to final product, the artistry behind Canadian currency and stamps is on exhibit at the Nanaimo Museum.

Island Sleuth Mystery Event, Fri @ 7pm, Eagle Mountain Church, $20

Everyone  will enter a makeshift “crime scene,” be handed a “case file” along with a fake “warrant” and will be asked to solve an island-based mystery. Prizes and bragging rights are up for grabs.

Nanaimo to Cowichan Wine Tour, Fri 10-4:30pm, $75 (special price: mention that you saw this on harbourliving.ca), regular price $120 registration required

Join us for a 6 hour tour to three wineries in the Cowichan Valley. Tour includes a behind the scenes tour of one of the local wineries, private tastings, bottled water to ensure the next day is a good one, more wine samples than they should probably give you and discounts on wine at select wineries

Comedy Night with Garrett Clark, Sat @ 8pm, Lantzville Pub, $15 Starting his comedy career at the soft, supple and pink-arsed age of 15, Garrett Clark is sure to make you laugh.

Cheese Making Course, various dates, Gabriola Island, $100, registration required

Join Paula and learn the art of making your own cheese. The course will teach several different cheeses and includes lunch as well as take home instructions and ingredients. .

VIU Mariners Soccer, Sat & Sun @ 1pm & 3:30, Merle Logan Turf Field, FREE

The local mens and women univerty soccer teams are hosting Langara (Vancouver) and Douglas College (New Westminster)

TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes 2016 – Nanaimo, Sun @ 10 AM, Rotary Bowl, By Donation

Walk together to demonstrate a desire to cure, better treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Families, organizations and communities register, raise funds and celebrate together on Walk day with fun activities, refreshments and inspirational messaging.

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.

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

Gabriola Farmers’ Market, Sat @ 10-2pm, AGI Hall, FREE

Find farm fresh produce, fresh baked and over 30 local artisans and health practitioners

 

What’s Up in Nanaimo: Sept. 8-14

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week

September 8, 2016 – September 14, 2016

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

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FEATURED EVENTS

Harvest Festival, Saturday @ 11 AM, Wesley Street in the Old City Quarter, FREE

This annual event launches downtown Nanaimo into the fall season in the best way with entertainment, vendors, kid’s activities and harvest themed competitions!

Lantzville Minetown Day, Saturday @ 10 AM, Lantzville Huddlestone Park, FREE

Come out and celebrate the 42^nd annual Minetown Day Festival! The day will include lots of community fun for the whole family including a pancake breakfast, parade, hay and pony rides, live music games and more!

Paws for a Cause, Sunday @ 10:30 AM, Maffeo Sutton Park, $20 Adult, $10 Child

Join the walk to fight animal cruelty on September 11 at Maffeo Sutton Park. There will be plenty of activities for everyone, including live music from local bands and a lunch buffet courtesy of Dish in Nanaimo.

CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

An Acoustic Tribute to Arcade Fire, Fri @ 7:30 PM, Dinghy Dock Pub, $20 + s/c

Acoustic renditions of Arcade Fire songs by Vancouver Island musicians featuring Andrew Halliwell, Tora Leigh, Cory Friesenhan, Monique Hendricks, The Stacks

Marty Steele, Sat, 6pm-8pm, FREE @ New York Style Pizza & Pasta

Quiet enough to enjoy your dining experience, but with an upbeat energy, his style of playing matches the ambience of the restaurant—a mix of elegance and grit that will satisfy your musical tastes.

Live at Longwood, Thurs @ 8PM-10PM, Longwood Brew Pub, FREE

Live acoustic music…every Thursday night! This week featuring Josh Gellman.

David Gogo, Sat @ 8 PM, Lantzville Pub, $20 + s/c

Join us for an acoustic night of the blues with David Gogo! With a worldwide fanbase and impressive list of accomplishments, David’s new album is sure to perk up everyone’s playlist with its perfect blend of Gogo originals and handpicked working reinvented classics. One of Canada’s hardest working and most prolific guitar virtuosos, David will hit the road with shows across the country, including many festival dates. Sometimes the best art comes out of a journey.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Out of Sight, Sept 10-Sept 11 @ 10 AM, Nanaimo Art Gallery, FREE

Out of Sight is a touring exhibition from the Vancouver Art Gallery featuring a selection of recently acquired photographs by Eadweard Muybridge (1830-1904) and Harold Edgerton (1903-1990), two giants in the history of photography. Both artists are celebrated for their revolutionary works that expand our understanding of time and motion and extend the capacity of human perception by making time stand still. Brought together, these bodies of work explore ideas about perception and representation, challenging viewers to reconsider what we see in our everyday encounters.

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

Historic Walking 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, and an eclectic guide to bring it all to life!

Stories on Friday – What Could Possible Go Wrong? Fri @ 7:30 PM, Unitarian Hall, $5 at the door

The Around Town Tellers invite you to an evening of tradition storytelling. September’s theme is ‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” featuring stories from Christine Clarke-Johnsen, Sandy Cole, Deborah Goodman, Laurie Hutchinson, and Barbara Smith with music from Marty Howe and the Atkinson Brothers.

Kayak & Yoga., Thurs @ 5 PM, OmTown Yoga, $45

Join us for the final Kayak & Yoga event of the year! Beginning with a guided paddle to Newcastle Island followed by a chilled out yoga flow as the sun sets, spend the evening connecting with nature, getting your toes salty and meeting new friends! All levels are welcome, no yoga or kayak experience necessary. Snacks provided by Power House Food & Elevate Me.

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.

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

Gabriola Farmers’ Market, Sat @ 10-2pm, AGI Hall, FREE. Find farm fresh produce, fresh baked and over 30 local artisans and health practitioners.

 

What’s Up in Nanaimo: Sept 1 -7, 2016

What’s Up in Nanaimo & Region This Week September 1-7, 2016

For more local events, top ten things to do & itinerary idea visit: http://www.explorenanaimobc.com 

Photo Credit: Cinnabar Vista Productions

CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC:

The GORDS, SimonHolt, Fri, Sept 2^nd

Doors open at 8pm, Show starts at 8:30pm

Tickets: -Advance $20 –Door $25The Gords are an adult-contemporary/soft rock vocal band made up of veteran sideman/session musicians. All three Gords are gifted singer-songwriters who offer a truly remarkable rich sound.

Marty Steele, Sat, 6pm-8pm, FREE @ New York Style Pizza & Pasta

Quiet enough to enjoy your dining experience, but with an upbeat energy, his style of playing matches the ambience of the restaurant—a mix of elegance and grit that will satisfy your musical tastes.

Live at Longwood, Thurs @ 8PM-10PM, Longwood Brew Pub, FREE

Live acoustic music…every Thursday night!

Photo Credit: Sean Helmn

Knacker’s Yard for Labour Day, Fri-Sat (Sept 2^nd-3^rd) @ 7:30PM-10:30PM, Dinghy Dock Pub FREE

Traditional Celtic tunes from a very un-traditional group! These guys fill the dance floor and entertain with tales of woe. Come stomp your feet and raise a glass to welcome autumn!

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

An evening of art & live music. Food & Beverages will be available from The Bee’s Knees Cafe.

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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

Gabriola Farmers’ Market, Sat @ 10-2pm, AGI Hall, FREE

Find farm fresh produce, fresh baked and over 30 local artisans and health practitioners

Cedar Farmers’ Market (credit: Local Loves Nanaimo)

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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

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

Historic Walking 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, and an eclectic guide to bring it all to life!

Women’s Wednesday Night Rides Sept 7^th 6:30-8pm, FREE

Rides are easy-paced rides of 10 to 12 km in length. The routes are on quiet residential streets and portions of the E&N and Parkway Trails. All cyclists are asked to follow all the rules of the road, including wearing a helmet, and are responsible for their own safety.

Photo Credit: Cinnabar Vista Productions

#ExploreNanaimo

Catching a Wave with Captain Hans

Hi guys – it’s Morgane again!

I wanted to blog about my most recent FAM tour, aboard the Shadowfax. What an amazing time I had with Captain Hans on the open sea! Vancouver Island Catamaran Sailing is owned and operated by Hans Bongarts who has been sailing for 37 years and loves to take his guests on adventures.

The Shadowfax is the vessel that Hans uses and it is a real beauty. She was made for gently sailing along the Pacific coast and is she also eco-friendly. This catamaran can hold up to 12 people comfortably as there is ample room on the large deck and netting area.

Hans is very accommodating with his tours and lets people choose where they want to sail, how long the tour will be and if there is a special event, he is more than happy to let you bring your own food, drinks or party supplies aboard. He will often combine sailing with Island and beach activities, BBQ’s, hiking and swimming.

Our little group started from the Waterfront  Suites and Marina (where the Shadowfax makes her home) loaded with fruit, chocolate and of course a little vino! The sun was shining and although it was a little windy, the water was quite calm. I managed to score a spot on the netting in the front and take in some rays while Hans gave us a little history on Newcastle Island, which we were just passing.

Our trip took us around Newcastle and Protection Island as well as the downtown harbour. On the way we saw a few seals, lots of boats from all over B.C and the States as well as gorgeous views from all directions. At one point we encountered an area of water with bright orange piping around it and the mast of a ship sticking up from the water. Apparently, a boat had sunk in this area and now like the chalk outline of a dead body, the area was surrounded in order to keep people away from the tragedy. Okay, so I read a lot of crime books!

If you’re looking for a great way to see the Island, I highly recommend letting Captain Hans take you on a tour. Not only is he knowledgeable but he is very personable and seems to really love his job! Of course, what’s not to love about spending a sunny day on the sea with great company?! For more info, check out his website HERE.

Have fun out there!
~Morgane
info@tourismnanaimo.com
250-751-1556

What’s Up in Nanaimo: Aug. 25 – Aug. 31

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week

August 25^th, 2016 – August 31st, 2016

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

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Featured Events:

Nanaimo Blues Society’s Summertime Blues Festival.  Fri – Sun @ Maffeo Sutton Park, Single Day $52.50, Weekend $146. This long standing premier blues festival will bring some of Canada’s best blues artists for three days to Nanaimo. Enjoy every kind of blues you can imagine. This really is the Summertime Shades of Blues Festival. For complete line-up follow this link.

The End of Summer Bash. Sat @ 4:30 PM, Nanaimo Entertainment Centre, $50-60

NightLife Entertainment & Where It’s At Entertainment presents The End of Summer Bash, the biggest hiphop show to ever hit Vancouver Island! Featuring KXNG Crooked, ONYX, Snak The Ripper, Merkules, Prada West, Konfidential and the Tangible Two. This event is for all ages and tickets are going fast!

CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

Concerts in the Park, Mon @ 12:30PM & Wed @ 6PM, Maffeo Sutton Park. Free This summer, bring a lawn chair and a picnic while enjoying some great musical entertainment in two of Nanaimo’s most beautiful parks.  This Monday enjoy some Folk/ Pop by Little Crow and on Wednesday enjoy soft rock stylings by Glen Foster Group

Summertime Music Series 2016. Thurs @ 12 PM. Diana Krall Plaza. FREE EVENT

This week will be featuring Scott McGill and Hope King. Bring your lunch and listen to some great local music!

Live at Longwood. Thurs @ 8 PM. Longwood Brew Pub.

Live music every Thursday night, this week featuring David Bitonti & Clear The Coast

RED FOO & The Party Rock Crew, Fri @ 6pm, Beban Park, $40

This will be the ULTIMATE END OF SUMMER CONCERT that you don’t want to miss!! This is an ALL AGES Concert, BUT there will be a BEER GARDEN for those that are 19+

Sean Drabitt Quartet, Sun @7:30pm, Simon Holt, $15

Join Sean Drabitt, one of Canada’s best jazz bass player, and his quartet for an exciting evening of jazz music inspired by the compositions of Jaco Pastorius. This performance will be recorded live.

TOURS

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!

Newcastle Island Walking Tour  Sat -Sun @ 10 AM. & 2pm Newcastle Island. $10/adult, $5/child (no reservations required)

This 1.5 hour tour is led by an experienced Snuneymuxw guide who will introduce you to the Snuneymuxw First Nations history, stories and traditional medicines on beautiful Newcastle Island.

Newcastle SUP Race and Ocean Swim, Sat @ around 10am, prices vary, Newcastle Island (registration required)

The SUP Race is a 4km & 11km stand up paddle board race starting and ending on Newcastle Island. This is a great way to see the islands in front of our beautiful harbour from a new perspective.

Nanaimo Bar Trail Run. Tues @ 9:30 AM. Diana Krall Plaza. $15. Bring your running shoes and get ready for an approx. 6-8km run (nobody left behind). At the finish line indulge in a coffee and a world famous Nanaimo Bar!

OTHER HIGHIGHTS

Cannon Firing, Daily @ 11:45 AM, in the Square next to the Bastion, FREE.

Join the ceremonial cannon firing which is accompanied by Bill Poppy, the Nanaimo bagpipe icon.

Ecstatic Dance, Fri @ 7:30 PM, OmTown Yoga, $12.

Discover that you are naturally endlessly creative. In this open improvised and free form dance practice the body is a vehicle for authentic expression and joyful discovery of the stories we hold in our bones and hearts. This movement practice is energetic, fun and transformative. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of age, injury or experience!

Highland Dancers, Thurs & Sat @ 11:30 AM, next to the Bastion, FREE

Twice a week the cannon firing is accompanied by several local highland dance students. Be sure to be there early as they start at 11:30 a.m. before the actual cannon firing ceremony.

Vintage & Handmade Market, Sat @ 10AM, Milstone Winery. Free.

A charming outdoor market with fresh food, vintage treasures, handmade items & live music! Over 25 vendors – lots to see & do! Bath bombs, soaps, jewelry, wooden signs, rustic & farmhouse decor, lots of vintage treasures & collections, vinyl records, fresh flowers, GREAT food, live music & lots more!

Cheese Making Course, Sun @ 10:30-2:30pm, Gabriola Island, $95 (reservations required)

This is your chance to learn how to make mozzarella and Chevre cheeses with Paula on beautiful Gabriola Island. Lunch and take home ingredients are included. Make it a day trip and Gabriola Island. Ferry schedule here.

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.

Summer Activities at the Museum. Wed & Fri @ 1:30 PM. Nanaimo Museum. Incl. in admission. This 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!

Summer Playground Program. Mon – Fri @ 10 M. Various Locations. FREE. Hey, kids 5-12! Drop into one of the neighbourhood playgrounds this summer for FREE family fun!.

Art Festival, Sat @ 12PM, Gallery Row, Free. We will have live music from Boomshack and Shed, hot food, silent auction for charity (ART LAB), face painting and goodie bags for the kids, chair massages, and more.

Drop-in Tabletop Gaming. Sat @ 1 PM. Nanaimo Harbourfront (Downtown) Library. FREE. Bored? Like games? The come check out our Board Game Afternoon!

Sunset & Stars Storytime, Tues @ 7PM, Maffeo Sutton Park. Free. Join us at Maffeo Sutton park for a special evening storytime outside to say goodbye to summer. For ages 2 – 6 and their entourages.

Wacky Wednesdays at Aquatic Centre

Come and enjoy some weird and wacky fun  each Wednesday in July and August! Regular admission rates apply.

KinPark Kids Camp

KinPark Kid’s Camp is preparing for another awesome summer of gardening, growing and cooking fun! We are now accepting registration for the summer.

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.

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

Gabriola Farmers’ Market, Sat @ 10-2pm, AGI Hall, FREE

Find farm fresh produce, fresh baked and over 30 local artisans and health practitioners

Get to Know the Tourism Staff: Natasha

As we continue in our weekly series of getting to know the Tourism Nanaimo staff, we now get to meet the lovely Natasha. Have a look at what she likes and loves about Nanaimo:

In your opinion, what is Nanaimo’s best kept secret?

If I told you Nanaimo’s best kept secret, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore 😉 I used to think that Ammonite Falls was one of Nanaimo’s best kept secrets, but now it is on our Nanaimo and Region Map so I don’t think it’s much of a secret anymore. Now I would maybe say the Nanaimo River, which has several quite spots to set up for a day of fun in the sun, swimming, snorkeling and enjoying a nice picnic. Plus it is a great place for the pups to play too!

Nanaimo River swims are refreshing and perfect in the summer heat! (Credit: Cody Nelson)

What’s one place/event/activity in Nanaimo that you have not yet participated in but would love to one day?

Something I would love to do here in Nanaimo, but have not yet had the chance to do is to go diving. I have heard that Nanaimo has some of the Island’s best Dive Sites and I am eager to explore. I have only ever dived in tropical waters so diving in the Pacific Ocean will be a bit different and I imagine a lot colder.

Jacques Cousteau named us Best Cold Water Diving in the World

If a visitor was only in Nanaimo for one day, what would you recommend they must see?

If I only had one day in Nanaimo I would want to hike up to the top of Mount Benson. Although this hike might not be suitable for beginner hikers, but once you reach the summit the views are absolutely amazing, and it would only be a half day trip so I could go tour some of the breweries or wineries in the area depending on my taste bud’s mood as a little self-reward for making it up to the top 🙂

Mount Benson Summit (Credit: Richard Kelly)

What’s the most interesting/surprising thing you’ve learned about Nanaimo since working for Tourism Nanaimo?

I think the most interesting thing I have learned since starting to working for Tourism Nanaimo is all the history that surrounds Nanaimo. I never knew exactly old it actually is, or that it is one of BC’s oldest cities. The Nanaimo Museum has a few great exhibits, not to mention one of our Tourism offices is located in the historic Bastion in downtown Nanaimo.

Lots of great exhibits at the Nanaimo Museum!