📬 My Nanaimo This Week - August 18, 2025

August 18, 2025

This Week...

Snowbirds soared over Nanaimo Harbour this weekend, Culture Awards nominations are now open and join us for our final Family Fun Night at Maffeo Sutton Park. Read on for more!

A child climbs into the cockpit of a Snowbirds aircraft with help from an adult in a red jumpsuit, while other children and adults watch nearby. The aircraft is parked on an airstrip with mountains in the background, and 'Snowbirds' is visible on the side of the plane.

Seven red aircraft lined up on a cracked airfield tarmac, with orange traffic cones in the foreground. The sky is overcast and trees are visible in the background.

Snowbirds Event

During the weekend, Nanaimo’s skies came alive as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds returned to perform two breathtaking aerial shows over Nanaimo Harbour — their first in six years. People gathered at prime viewing spots like Pioneer Waterfront Plaza and 1 Port Drive to witness the legendary team’s tight formations, dramatic solo passes and awe-inspiring stunts, all choreographed to a powerful soundtrack and broadcast live on 102.3 The Wave.

Additionally, we'd like to extend a thank you to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the Nanaimo Flying Club and YCD, for hosting the VIP Snowbirds BBQ & Mingle that brought together community leaders, supporters and aviation enthusiasts for an afternoon of celebration, connection and gratitude.

The City of Nanaimo extends its sincere thanks to the Snowbirds, the Port of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation and YCD for their incredible collaboration and support in making this weekend such a resounding success. Your efforts helped create a truly memorable experience for our community.

A group of five people standing in front of a floral backdrop, each holding bouquets of flowers and wearing traditional woven hats. The word "Congratulations" is illuminated in the background.

2026 Culture Awards

The City of Nanaimo is seeking nominations from the community for the 2026 Culture Awards. These awards honour outstanding organizations, groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to the city’s vibrant arts, culture and heritage communities.

LEARN MORE

A colorful flyer promoting a free "Family Fun Night" event at Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday, August 22 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. It highlights activities such as community booths, kids' games, bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting, arts & crafts, and live entertainment. Two concerts will feature Moonshine Mollys and Larry Mike & the Argyle Attic. The flyer invites families to join for a spectacular day of fun.

Family Fun Night & Concerts in the Park

We have our final free Family Fun Night on Friday, August 22, 4:30 to 7:30 pm at Maffeo Sutton Park. It will be part of Food Truck Friday and will include two Concerts in the Park featuring artists Moonshine Mollys (from 6 to 7 pm) and Lazy Mike & the Argyle Jets (from 7:15 to 8:15 pm).

Activities also will include community interactive booths, bouncy castle, kids’ games, carnival games and more.

LEARN MORE

Two children wearing winter hats, jackets, and rain boots walk across a small wooden bridge over a narrow stream in a forested area. One child wears a green jacket and blue boots, the other a blue jacket and green boots. Both hold sticks as they cross. The scene is surrounded by lush greenery and autumn foliage.

Fall & Winter Activity Guide

Register for all of your fall and winter programs with Parks, Recreation and Culture TODAY! There are three ways to register:

ONLINE: www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/register-for-a-program

TELEPHONE: 250-756-5200

IN PERSON: Bowen Park, Beban Park, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Nanaimo Ice Centre and Oliver Woods Community Centre

ACTIVITY GUIDE

A group of six people, including children and adults, pose on a playground structure. Below the image is a blue banner that reads "FREE Summer PROGRAMS" with an illustration of a kite featuring colorful tails.

Fun Summer Programs

Join us in Nanaimo’s parks for family fun with our Parks, Rec and Culture team!

Roving Playground Program: This week, join us at Maffeo Sutton Park from 10 am to 4 pm with the exception of August 22 where the time will be from 1 to 8 pm with the Family Fun Night kicking off at 4:30 pm.
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is hosting its Aquatic Adventure on Thursday, August 21, from 12 to 2 pm. The theme will be Hydro & Heroes where you can show off your super powers. Regular admission rates apply.

An outdoor musical performance under a large tree featuring two musicians—one playing a violin and the other a guitar. A microphone stand is positioned in front of them. Several audience members are seated, watching the performance. The background includes additional trees and blurred figures.

Recap of Cultural Family Fun Night & Concerts in the Park

July’s Cultural Family Fun Night & Concert in the Park at Harewood Centennial Park was pure joy from start to finish. Huge thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate Nanaimo’s Parks, Recreation and Culture with us, including our incredible musical guests Clanna Morna and the amazing community partners who helped make it all happen.

Photo by: Sean Fenzl Photography

An outdoor garage sale set in a parking lot with multiple tables and vehicles displaying clothes, household goods, and miscellaneous items. Several people are browsing and chatting. Trees and buildings are visible in the background under a clear sky.

Car Trunk Sale

The second and final Car Trunk sale takes place this Saturday, August 23 from 9 am to 2 pm in Vancouver Island University's Parking Lot A.

Anyone looking for a bargain or a unique buy can join up to 150 vendors selling used items from the trunk of their cars at this free event.

Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. For more information on Nanaimo construction projects, visit the current Construction page on the City's website.

Expect single lane alternating traffic along Hammond Bay Road between Rutherford Road and Ventura Drive intersections while crews work on replacing sewer and water mains.
Commercial Street is now open to vehicle traffic between Wharf Street and Church Street however, intermittent lane closures can be expected during working hours. FREE daily 2-hour parking is available along downtown streets and on Levels 2 & 3 of the Bastion Street Parkade for the duration of the project.
The Townsite Area Utility Upgrades is completing road reconstruction on Millstone Avenue. The road will be closed for paving from Townsite Road to Hunter Street for 24 hour/day (local access only) until August 22. Follow all detours in place using Sunderland Avenue or avoid the area and use alternate routes if possible.
There will be single lane alternating traffic on Rosstown Road and Powder Works Road as work continues in the area. From August 21 to 25, access to Rosstown Road east of Powder Works Road will be closed. Local traffic is asked to use detour Via Whitney Road and Browns Lane. Get complete latest updates, including detailed maps at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/MidtownGateway
There will be construction of a new crosswalk at the intersection of Campbell Street and Selby Street. Campbell Street will be closed August 18 and 19, 7 am to 5 pm. Detours will be in place. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of August or early September 2025.
There will be single lane alternating traffic or eastbound lane closures on Jingle Pot Road at the intersection of Holland Road. Eastbound traffic watch for detour using Holland Road and Ashlee Road.

Note: All businesses in the construction areas are open unless otherwise posted. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Remember that construction zone speed limits are 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted. If you know your commute is taking you through any of the areas below, please allow for additional time and plan ahead.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS