Celebrate Canada Day at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park

Celebrate Canada Day at Nanaimo’s Maffeo Sutton Park

Published 5:30 am Sunday, June 28, 2026

The holiday will be filled with celebrations across the country, Nanaimo included. (News Bulletin file photo)

Nanaimo is gearing up for celebrating the country’s 159th birthday.

On Wednesday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. a festival will take place at Maffeo Sutton Park including live entertainment, cultural performances, family activities and community connection.

In a press release, Mayor Leonard Krog encouraged residents and visitors to join in on the celebration.

”Canada Day is an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate this amazing country and what makes Nanaimo such a vibrant and welcoming place to live,” Krog said. “From live entertainment and cultural performances to family-friendly activities and community connections, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Maffeo Sutton Park. On behalf of Council, I encourage residents and visitors to join us as we celebrate together as a community.”

The main stage will feature a performance from Unite the Beat International Drumming, followed by live music from Cosmosaurus, Latchkey Kids and Out Seer, as well as interactive performances from the Harbour City Magicians.

At a cultural community stage, audiences can see performances by the Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society, Historical Fencing Club, Vancouver Island Bhangra, Vibrant Studios and Flowers of Nanaimo Chinese Dancing, as well as square dancing, ballroom dancing, flamenco and Latin dance, and ballroom line dancing.

There will also be games, face painting, bouncy castles, food trucks and community interactive booths.

During the event, there will be no vehicle parking at Maffeo Sutton, but parking will be free on city streets and city-owned parking lots. A free shuttle service will also be available from Woodgrove Mall and South Parkway Plaza and a free bike valet service will also be offered near the park.

For more information about Canada Day celebrations, people are asked to visit the website online at https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/canada-day-celebrations.