Friday, April 24
Day oneNRGH Open House
Talk with recruiters and leaders about what it’s like to work for Island Health, and learn about employment opportunities in communities across Vancouver Island. No cost and no registration needed.
Food Truck Festival
Sample Canadian and international street food from Nanaimo’s wide variety of eclectic food trucks.
Cedar Pro-D Day Craft Camp
Hands-on craft and activities camp for kids. Creative projects, exploration, and outdoor activities if weather permits. Dress for mess; bring lunch and a snack. Questions: amandagarby@gmail.com
Walking With Elders
A community walk pairing participants with local elders for conversation, stories, and lunch. A chance to connect across generations and learn how to better welcome elders into shared spaces.
Portside Market
Nanaimo’s seaside artisan market, rain or shine. Features the “Cruising Ducks” tradition and shopping with “Market Clams.” Great for cruise ship passengers and locals alike.
In the Mood … to Sing Together
A Cappella Plus with the Village Voices of Qualicum Beach. Big Band, harmonies, variety, humour, and poignancy.
Nanoose Bay Studio Tour: Spring Showcase
23+ painters, sculptors, textile artists, ceramicists, woodworkers, jewellers, and mixed-media artists under one roof, plus guest artists. Door prizes throughout the day.
Adopt-a-Visitor
Community welcome group has maps, free lanyards, and locals to chat with and perhaps be “adopted” by for the weekend!
Bevy & Burger: Nanaimo Women Helping Women
Fundraiser dinner with burgers and fries (beef, chicken, or vegan; gluten-free buns available), plus live music from Vancouver Island artist Laura Kelsey. 50/50 draw and silent auction, including a $500 Tigh-Na-Mara gift card and two-night stay. Proceeds support women in intimate partner violence crisis through Nanaimo Women Helping Women.
Community Reiki Circle
A monthly drop-in circle featuring a sharing circle, Q&A, and guided meditation with Reiki. Come as you are. Bring anything cozy you need.
The Ladies Foursome
Norm Foster’s comedy follows four friends who hit the golf course the day after a funeral, trading long-kept secrets and hilarious confessions. Presented by the Chemainus Theatre Festival. Ages 16+.
Alpha Yaya Diallo
Guinean-born, Canada-based guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo brings his world music mastery to Nanaimo: acoustic and electric guitar, balafon, percussion, and his own compositions. 19+ (two pieces of ID required).
Moodswings Spring Fling Dance
A Big Band dance night with a swing dance lesson and demonstration, hosted by the Mid Island Community Band. Cash bar.
Two Rooms
Lee Blessing’s 1988 drama about an American professor held captive in Beirut and the wife who mirrors his isolation at home. Directed by Sheila Fremont-Male. Presented by Nanaimo Theatre Group.
Vibra Tropica: A Latin Afro Fusion Party
Grand launch of Vibra Tropica. Afrobeats, Amapiano, Reggaeton, Dancehall, and Latin anthems with DJs Nawalita and DFresh. 19+ (two valid IDs required).
Between Barnacle and Horizon: Opening Reception
A group sculpture exhibition exploring the BC coast through barnacle textures, kelp, jellyfish, and octopus forms. Curated by Joel A. Prevost.
Ladysmith Little Theatre: Prelude to a Kiss
A romantic fantasy by Craig Lucas. Newlyweds Peter and Rita have their lives upended when a mysterious old man kisses the bride at their wedding, swapping their souls.
Boy Player (Friday evening)
A solo show written and performed by Frank Moher about being orphaned as a kid in Edmonton and transplanted to New York City, and how theatre and a young woman named Diana helped save his life. Moving, funny, and filled with musical theatre songs. Presented by Western Edge Theatre.
Saturday, April 25
Day twoTai Chi & Qigong Day
The Mid Island Tai Chi Club invites practitioners and curious newcomers. Themed “One World, One Breath,” featuring a 10am Mass 108 Tai Chi synchronized with a global wave spanning 100+ cities in 80 countries. Mini workshops run 11:30am–noon.
Nanaimo Infusion Family Photo
The only official event of the Infusion weekend. Join the huge family photo of visitors and locals from across Canada.
Vancouver Island Symphony: Community Day
Free event for kids ages 6 and up. Musical Instrument Zoo runs 9:30–10:30am in the lobby. Open Rehearsal follows 11am–noon on the main stage (ticket required for rehearsal).
Earth Day Invasive Plant Work Party
Join the Regional District of Nanaimo to pull invasive plants at Colliery Dam. Equipment and training provided. Wear sturdy shoes; bring gloves and loppers if you have them. Best suited to those with a basic level of fitness.
Nanaimo Infusion Pride Social 🏳️🌈
A casual afternoon social during the Nanaimo Infusion weekend. A welcoming space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies. Food and drinks available for purchase. Tod and Jocelyn plan to be in attendance for part of the event.
Broadband 🏳️🌈
A five-piece band made up entirely of lesbians in their 70s, playing R&B, blues, rock, and country rock. Opens with storyteller and musician Jake Galbraith.
Between Barnacle and Horizon: Group Art Show
A group sculpture exhibition exploring the BC coast through barnacle textures, kelp, jellyfish, and octopus forms. Curated by Joel A. Prevost.
Pulling to Gather: Earth Day 2026
A community eco-art celebration on Snuneymuxw territory combining invasive ivy removal with collaborative art-making. Opening ceremony led by Snuneymuxw Elder Geraldine Manson, followed by ivy-pulling, communal lunch, artist-led creation sessions, and a closing dance circle.
Lawn Bowling Open House
The Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club hosts a free open house for anyone curious about the sport. A coach walks you through the basics, you throw some bowls and play a game, and learn about club membership. All ages welcome.
Ladysmith Little Theatre: Prelude to a Kiss
A romantic fantasy by Craig Lucas. Newlyweds Peter and Rita have their lives upended when a mysterious old man kisses the bride at their wedding, swapping their souls.
Vancouver Island Symphony: Romeo & Juliet
Season finale pairing spoken word with orchestral music. Poets Titilope Sonuga and Wakefield Brewster, alongside works by Lili Boulanger, Gabriela Smith, and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 2. Conducted by Cosette Justo Valdés.
Island Bel Canto presents Our Backyard
Two of Vancouver Island’s adult treble choirs join forces for an evening of music composed and performed by Canadian women. Features works by Joni Mitchell, Jane Siberry, and Montreal composer Marie-Claire Saindon, plus guest choir Encore! Women’s Choir from Duncan. About 90 minutes with a short break.
Two Rooms
Lee Blessing’s 1988 drama about an American professor held captive in Beirut and the wife who mirrors his isolation at home. Directed by Sheila Fremont-Male. Presented by Nanaimo Theatre Group.
The Ladies Foursome
Norm Foster’s comedy follows four friends on the golf course the day after a funeral. Ages 16+.
Boy Player (Saturday evening)
A solo show written and performed by Frank Moher about being orphaned as a kid in Edmonton and transplanted to New York City, and how theatre and a young woman named Diana helped save his life. Moving, funny, and filled with musical theatre songs. Presented by Western Edge Theatre.
Sunday, April 26
Day threeAmericans in Nanaimo Walk
An easy walk along the Millstream River, with waterfalls and a route conveniently located near downtown. Casual and low-pressure: all ages and paces welcome, including kids and pets.
Spring Women’s Circle
A women’s gathering to celebrate spring with organic rose petal tea, crystal singing bowls, and community connection. Bring a yoga mat, cushion, tea mug, water bottle, and journal.
Nanaimo Record Show
Over 344 feet of records from dealers across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and the occasional 78.
Queer Crafternoon 🏳️🌈
Free drop-in art and social space for queer, trans, and two-spirit folks of all ages, plus friends and family. Bring your own supplies; extras on hand. Snacks, tea, and coffee provided. Presented by PFLAG Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library.
Tropical Terrarium Workshop
A hands-on workshop where you’ll build your own terrarium using three indoor foliage plants, driftwood, moss, bark, and clay pebbles in a glass vessel. No experience needed. Tickets required.
The World of Orcas Tour
Board a private semi-covered vessel for a 3–5 hour tour of the Salish Sea with an orca expert. Stories, education, and, ideally, orcas.
Boy Player (Sunday matinee)
A solo show written and performed by Frank Moher about being orphaned as a kid in Edmonton and transplanted to New York City, and how theatre and a young woman named Diana helped save his life. Moving, funny, and filled with musical theatre songs. Presented by Western Edge Theatre.
Nanaimo Concert Band Spring Concert
The Nanaimo Concert Band, founded in 1872, presents an afternoon themed around adventure, space, and the sea. Programme includes music from 2001: A Space Odyssey, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Holst’s Planets.
Wina Wellness Dance
A pow wow dance program for Indigenous women and girls ages 13+, led by Indigenous women and rooted in the belief that movement is medicine. Commitment to all six sessions is required.
Sunday Blues Jam
The Nanaimo Blues Society’s weekly Sunday blues jam. Different host band every week.
Retro Video Dance Party
A 90s and 2000s throwback dance party raising funds for NDSS Prom. 50/50 tickets available. 19+ only.
In the Mood … for Fun and Frolic
A Cappella Plus and the Village Voices of Qualicum Beach return for a Sunday evening performance. Big Band, vocal jazz, a Mozart spoof, and plenty of humour.
Punk and Rock Night
A multi-genre punk and rock night featuring Vancouver’s Witiko (Indigenous-rooted existential grunge punk), Cheap Flavor (hardcore Americana), and Nanaimo locals Gorilla Flip and Dolly Desire. 19+.
Two Rooms (Sunday matinee)
Lee Blessing’s 1988 drama. Directed by Sheila Fremont-Male. Presented by Nanaimo Theatre Group.
The Ladies Foursome
Norm Foster’s comedy follows four friends on the golf course the day after a funeral. Ages 16+.
Ladysmith Little Theatre: Prelude to a Kiss
A romantic fantasy by Craig Lucas about newlyweds whose lives are upended when a mysterious old man kisses the bride at their wedding, swapping their souls.
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