Festival Nanaimo 2018!

Nanaimo, BC on Vancouver Island is a lot of things to a lot of people: home to some, an oasis of Pacific Northwest beauty to many, and a vast and vibrant arts community to anyone who spends any time here. This is a place where arts and culture grow and flourish, and there are so many opportunities to find amazing work here – but none better than...
 

FESTIVAL NANAIMO

Festival Nanaimo is dedicated to showcasing the vast variety of art that Nanaimo produces! A month long adventures that starts March 1, this festival has it all. In their own words:
Festival Nanaimo 2018 includes great entertainment, concerts, theatre, art and crafts, culinary delights, including Whiskey and Beer tastings , historical walks, runs, retreats, Nanaimo's Biggest Dog Photo, St. Paddy's Day, March Break activities including the 4th Annual PirateFest and GeekCon and finishing with Easter Weekend events! And of course a Festival celebrating Nanaimo would not be complete without our namesake dessert - the Nanaimo Bar!
Basically, that means you’re going to find something incredible to do all month long in March! Here are some of the events we’re looking forward to!
 

ALEX CUBA AND ALEJANDRA RIBERA

Two titans of world music, Alex Cuba is a Cuban-Canadian musician who combines traditions seamlessly into effortlessly sophisticated music, while Alejandra Ribera is a sultry-smoky singer who’s exotic sounds are absolutely intoxicating (I saw her several years ago, and I don’t mind telling you her voice absolutely took my breath away!). They’re sharing a double bill at the Port Theatre on March 8 – tickets here.
 

ANN MORTIFEE AND RICK SCOTT & NICK RHODES

Another double bill, this one on March 11, features two BC acts that reflect the diversity of the music scene here. Ann Mortifee was born in South African, and her profoundly moving music reflects her origins, while Rick Scott and Nick Rhodes combine traditional folk music with contemporary beats and sounds that energize their sound. Buy tickets here!
If you’re visiting Nanaimo to sample the best of the festival, stay at the Best Western Dorchester Hotel. Just steps from downtown Nanaimo (and the Port Theatre!) we offer incredible luxury with views of the water – and even better, we’re pet friendly! Book your room today.