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.

 

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 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

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

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week: Aug. 18-24

What’s Up in Nanaimo This Week

August 18^th, 2016 – August 24^th, 2016

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

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Featured Events:

The VIEx is in town!

 Gabriola Theatre Festival, August 18^th– 21^st, Gabriola Island, $20 a show

The Eighth Annual Gabriola Theatre Festival will have it all this August on beautiful Gabriola Island! There will be eight exciting main stage productions with a FREE Outdoor Performance Stage, a lively Artisans Avenue, a Human Library, Pancake Breakfasts, Fashion Show, Creative Kids Corner and a Creativity Workshop. And to kick off the whole shebang—a Toga Party!

VIEX: The Vancouver Island Exhibition, August 19^th -21^st, Beban Fairgrounds, Adults $11 a day or $22 for 3 days.

Summer Days and Country Ways is the theme for this year’s exhibition, featuring displays, demo’s competitions, great music…and lots of family fun. The Fair originally started over 100 years ago and continues now as an annual event to advance the education of agriculture and showcase local farmers and 4-H clubs, bringing agricultural awareness to our community.

Nanaimo Fringe Festival, August 11^th– 21^st, Harbour City Theatre or Vancouver Island Conference Centre, Show Times vary. $12 a show, festival passes are also available, 5 shows for $40.

The 6th annual Nanaimo Fringe runs August 11-21, 2016. Enjoy 48 live theatre show times. 8 companies will be performing in front of a live audience who may love, hate, become transfixed or even startled. This festival is perfect for developing, emerging and experimenting artists. 100% of ticket proceeds go directly to the artists. You need to be a member to attend. Get your $5 fringe button at the door and wear it throughout the festival.

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CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

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

Friday Fun at Minnoz, Fri @ 7 PM, Minnoz Restaurant, FREE

A ‘must be at’ for this exciting downtown night spot! Elegant & classy! Prime rib featured plus Wine, spirits or craft beer tastings courtesy various Vancouver Island vendors. No cover, reservations recommended! Mention promo code: @DaveHartMusic

Connor Stewart & The Rhythm Thieves, Thurs @ 9PM, The Vault, $10. Back at the Vault once more after receiving 2 standing ovations there in July these Vancouver Island musicians are guaranteed to put on a good show.

Sophia Danai, Fri @ The Vault. Mysterious and sensuous; a voice coated in vulnerability with melodies as dynamic as the inspiration it came from, Sophia Danai is a singer, a storyteller, a producer and an artist.

Saturdays & Wednesdays at New York Pizza. 6PM – 8PM. Quiet enough to enjoy your dining experience, but with an upbeat energy, Marty’s style of playing matches the ambience of the restaurant – a mix of elegance and grit that will satisfy your musical tastes.

BoodAbooM, Fri @ 9PM, Corner Lounge, $5. Expect to hear a blend of songs from lead singer Theo Massop’s current, previous and upcoming album releases alongside current and classic favourite dance hits.

1950’s Rock n Roll Dance with The Doctors of Rock n Roll, Sat @ 8PM, MGM  Restaurant, $5. Dance to the music of the Golden Era of Rock n Roll with the Doctors of Rock n Roll at the world famous MGM Restaurant.

Blue dirt girl Crazy Beautiful Tour, Sun @ 7PM, $20. Blue dirt girl is gypsy soul moving from jazzy to swing and back again. blue dirt girl is releasing our first album, Crazy Beautiful, and heading out on a Vancouver Island tour August 21-28th.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

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 guitar and vocals by Karen Kelm and on Wednesday enjoy some classic rock by Doctors of Rock n’ Roll

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 @ 9:30 AM – 3PM. Morrell Nature Sanctuary. $25/day. Learn about fast flyers and mighty mammals, ICKY insects, slime time or become a Forest Detective or Mad Scientist.

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 our neighbourhood playgrounds this summer for FREE family fun! Activities could include crafts, games, sports & arts.

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

Strategy Board Game Night. Tues @5 PM. Nanaimo Harbourfront (Downtown) Library. FREE. Love to play board games? From Settlers of Catan to worker placement, a librarian will be on hand to moderate and play. Bring your games, bring your opponents or come alone and meet others who share your hobby.

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. We’ll share stories, sing songs and do other fun activities on blankets beneath the setting sun. 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.

SHOWCASES and 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. Sun @ 10 AM. Newcastle Island. Ferry: Adult $9, Child $6. Begins at the Totem Pole where you will enjoy the regular tour of storytelling and a nature walk. Tours are approximately 2.5 hours, pre-booking required.

Nanaimo Art Gallery presents: Trusses. Thurs – Sun @ 10 Am. Nanaimo Art Gallery. By Donation. Trusses is an exhibition of works by contemporary artists and architects that explore how buildings resonate through their uses and their interactions with other forms of culture.

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

The Story Behind the Artifact. Daily @ 10AM. Nanaimo Museum. $0.75 – $2. The artifacts on exhibit range from ordinary household objects to those that have survived fatal accidents. They cover hundreds of years of Nanaimo’s history, from First Nations stone tools to surveying instruments used up to the 1990’s.

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, as well as your opportunity to participate in creating Nanaimo Art’s Council’s next tile mosaic!

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.

Highland Dancers, Thurs & Sat @ 11:30 AM, net 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.

Clay Tree Society 3^rd Annual Flea Market, Sat @ 8:30AM, 838 Old Victoria Rd, Free. Clay Tree is a non-profit, registered society that was incorporated in 1957 under the Societies Act of British Columbia.

GeekCon, Sat @ 10AM, Nanaimo Harbourfront Library. Free. Join us at the Harbourfront Library for a celebration of Geek Culture with all day entertainment, board games and PokemonGo including a cosplay competition, video games, Magic the Gathering and panel discussions. Fun for the whole family.

Yoga on Tap, Sun @ 11AM, White Sails Brewing, $20 Bring your mat and join us for a yoga class with live music, followed by a brewery tour and craft beer tasting.

Must be 19+ to bend at the brewery. Please bring 2 pieces of ID.

Hike & Yoga, Thurs @ 6PM. OmTown Yoga. $25

This month’s Hike & Yoga adventure leads us to Heart Lake, a scenic hike along Holland Creek behind Ladysmith and then up a steep but relatively short section to Heart Lake. It’s about 4k to the lake one way. Moderate fitness level recommended.

 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

 

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

What’s up in Nanaimo This Week: May 26-June 1

Featured Event: Nanaimo Paddlefest 2016, Sat-Sun, Departure Bay Beach, various prices and by donation

The 2nd annual Nanaimo Paddlefest 2016 is a community festival for all types and levels of paddlers! Come out to beautiful Departure Bay Beach and enjoy a great variety of different clinics, sprints, races, demos, presentations, children’s activities, live entertainment and a great selection of exhibitors/vendors in this spectacular setting.

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CONCERTS and LIVE MUSIC

AMP IT UP! Youth Concert, Thurs @ 7pm, Port Theatre, FREE

The 2nd annual free youth concert features Vancouver indie rock quartet Gay Nineties, with local knockouts Lovecoast and Ian Perry. It’ll be an evening of great music, local talent, food, prizes and fun.

Jazz Affair on the Coast, Fri @6:30pm, Coast Bastion Inn, $60

The Friends of Nanaimo Jazz Society proudly present an amazing award winning trombonists Delfeayo Marsalis, Miles Black on piano, Christian Fabian on bass and Ethan Olynyk on drums. Tickets include a gourmet buffet dinner and the show. Limited seating.

Vic Vaga- Rod Stewart Tribute, Sat @8pm, Harewood Legion, $22

Live from Las Vegas. Vic Vaga has all the flair, hair and  plays all the big hits.
The Enablers, Sat @ 8-12am, Wellington Pub, FREE

This explosive 4-piece party rockin’ dance band knows a few things about working a room and entertaining a crowd.

The Next Generation Leahy, Tues @7:30pm, Port Theatre, $35

This group is astounding audiences all over North America. Seasoned veteran Doug Leahy, his wife and their six children ages 13 down to 5, are keeping the family traditions alive through music, song, and dance.

Atlanta Boy Choir Concert, Wed @ 7pm, St. Peters Catholic Church, by Donation

Forty young and not-so-young men from this  Grammy Award winning Atlanta Boy Choir are in concert here in Nanaimo at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. This is a benefit concert with proceeds going to Covenant House Vancouver.

County on the Dock, Tues @7pm, Dinghy Dock Pub, $20 (incl. ferry)

Enjoy an evening of great music the The New Braeden Marshal and Jayden Halman On Canada’s only floating Rub and Restaurant.

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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.

PacificCARE’s 20^th Teddy Bear Picnic, Fri @ 10-12pm, Departure Bar Beach, FREE

Bring a Teddy Bear and join the crafts, games and entertainment. Rick Scott will be there as well. This a great event for caregivers, kids and parents.

Pop Up Playground, Sat @12-3pm, Georgia Ave Community School, $5 sugg. donation.

Your children are invited to come and experiment, play, and create with a variety of loose materials as they create the adventure playground of their dreams.

Avengers Academy, Sat @ 1-3pm, Harbourfront Library, FREE

Come test your skills through a series of stations including: – Fly over Cityscapes – Make your own cape, Defeat the villains. Plus a screening of the Avengers movie!

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THEATRE PRODUCTIONS, MUSICALS and PLAYS 

Shrek The Musical Jr, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @2pm, Malaspina Theatre, $12

Based on the smash hit animated film series, Shrek the Musical Jr.  follows the story of one very grumpy. Join 36 talented entertainers between the ages of 6-11 for this wildly funny tale.

Mary Poppins, Thu-Sat @ 7pm, Fri @10am, Nanaimo Christion School, $12/adult

Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins includes a score filled with timeless classics such as “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

The Wiz, Sat-Sun @7:30pm, Sun @2pm, Malaspina Theatre, $12

The timeless musical sensation The Wiz is a multi-cultural view of Oz with a soulful twist. It tells a touching story of friendship, family, and the universal power of home, while featuring a slew of now-classic pop songs

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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

WordStorm, Tues @ 6:30-9:30, The Vault Café, $5

WordStorm – Nanaimo’s popular Spoken Word and Open Mike event takes place at The Vault Café. Featured performers this month are Sandy Shreve and Elena Johnston. Everyone welcome.

Hammond Bay Spring Studio Tour, Sat-Sun @10-4pm, Various locations, FREE

This Studio Tour offers a unique opportunity to visit artists in the places they create.  Weather permitting, many of them will be actively creating.

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FARMER’S MARKETS

Island Roots Bowen Road Market, Wed @ 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

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