SUN, AUG 23 · 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Arts Weekend plan
Arts on the Avenue Festival
Ladysmith turns First Avenue into a free street arts festival with original work, live music, demos, and a youth art zone.
Sun
Aug 23
Nanaimo/Ladysmith
Why it's worth going
The street-festival format makes this an easy Ladysmith day: browse the work, stop for music or food, and keep the rest of the afternoon flexible.
What to expect
- Free to attend
- Family-friendly
- Food or drinks available
- Outdoor event
Good to know
- First Avenue is closed for the event
- use nearby public parking and expect a walk to the festival street.
- the organizer asks visitors to leave dogs at home.
More around Nanaimo/Ladysmith
Nearby dates from the same locally edited guide.
FRI, AUG 21 · 6:00–8:15 PM
Concerts in the Park: Tropic Mayhem & Mark Crissinger
Maffeo Sutton Park pairs Food Truck Friday with two free waterfront sets, making Nanaimo an easy harbourfront music stop.
Maffeo Sutton Park Free
THU, AUG 27 · 5:00–9:00 PM
Commercial Street Night Market
Nanaimo's final 2026 night market brings food, makers, live entertainment, and family-friendly downtown wandering.
Commercial Street, downtown Nanaimo Free
THU, AUG 27 · 6:00–7:00 PM
Concerts in the Park - Tides
Tides brings a free R&B and soul set to Westwood Lake Park as part of Nanaimo's End of Summer Splash.
Westwood Lake Park Free

