Nanaimo International Jazz Festival

09/28/2026

And that’s a wrap on another Nanaimo Jazz Fest! 🎷❤️

Last night, Jocelyn Gould and her trio took the stage for the final show of the festival at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, giving us the perfect way to close out our 10th anniversary celebration. One last night of incredible live jazz, shared with a room full of people who continue to show up for music and the arts in Nanaimo.

A festival like this doesn’t happen without the incredible support of our community.

A huge thank you to our funders, sponsors and community partners who helped bring live jazz to Nanaimo this year:

Province of British Columbia
BC Arts Council
City of Nanaimo Local Government
Canadian Heritage
HA Photography
Listentochly1017fm
Long & McQuade Musical Instruments
Hullo Ferries
106.9 FM THE WOLF
102.3 The Wave

And, of course, thank you to our artists, volunteers, audiences and everyone who came out to support live music in Nanaimo.

Ten years of Nanaimo Jazz Fest. What a milestone. Thank you for helping make this anniversary one to remember. 🎶 ❤️

09/27/2026

What a night! 🎶✨

Alex Cuba lit up the stage last night with his incredible musicianship, infectious energy and signature blend of Latin rhythms, soul and jazz.

A huge thank you to Alex, everyone who helped bring the evening together, and our amazing audience for coming out and filling the room with so much energy.

Another unforgettable night at the Nanaimo Jazz Festival. ❤️ 🎷

📸 HA Photography

09/27/2026

🎷 DOORS OPEN IN 5!

The stage is set, the musicians are ready and we’re about to kick off another incredible night of live jazz. 🎶

Still deciding? Consider this your sign. Grab a last-minute ticket and come join us!

🎟️ Tickets available online or at the door or here: https://www.eventist.ca/nanaimoJazzFest

See you inside! ✨

09/23/2026

Frank Zappa fans, this one is for you. 🤘🎷

Zappostrophe' is an eight-piece Vancouver band dedicated to recreating AND reimagining Zappa’s extraordinary catalogue.

📅 September 26
⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Shaw Auditorium
🎟️ $49: www.eventist.ca/nanaimoJazzFest

Need something to look forward to as the dark nights roll in? Whether you're on the mainland or the island, we're bringing the party to you! Come and celebrate the start of the cozy season the right way—indoors with great company and a stage full of incredible musicians bringing you a Zappa show to remember.

We've got the fan favourites and the hidden gems, brought to life with the unique flair that only Zappostrophe' can deliver.

Coming to Zappa Nite? Then you'll get a whole night of stellar Frank Zappa tributes including Unzappologetic & Lets make the water turn black - and we'll be closing out the night on a high note.

Where will we be seeing you? Let us know in the comments!

09/22/2026

One more week. Three HUGE shows. 🎷

FRIDAY → Grammy + Latin Grammy winner Alex Cuba
SATURDAY → Zappostrophe’ takes on the wild world of Frank Zappa
SUNDAY → JUNO Award-winning guitarist Jocelyn Gould.

🎟️ Tickets are $49: www.eventist.ca/nanaimoJazzFest

Which show are you coming to?

09/21/2026

Coming up this week...

Zappostrophe' are bringing their fresh take on Zappa's incredible repertoire to Nanaimo Jazz Festival!

Get your last minute tickets to our headline show this Saturday, September 26 at Vancouver Island Conference Centre

With a set that ranges from classics like "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow" and "Montana" to complex masterpieces such as "Inca Roads," you're in for an impeccable show from a band of eclectic talent.

Grab your favourite baby seal and Nanook your way down to the Shaw Auditorium for a night celebrating the music of Frank Zappa!

For more info and tickets, head to www.nanaimojazzfestival.ca

See you this weekend!

09/21/2026

Now THAT was a Meating! 🎷

the meating took over the Parkade at 1515 Dufferin today, bringing live music, community, and plenty of energy to an unexpected Nanaimo space.

Thanks to everyone who came out, donated, listened, danced, and spent the afternoon with us. 💛

And we’re not done yet! There’s still one more weekend of Nanaimo Jazz Festival to come.

Photos: HA Photography

09/20/2026

What a night! 🎶 Dee Daniels brought the house down last night, and we’re still riding that Jazz Fest high!

And we’re not done yet. Today we’re gearing up for The Meating 🎷

📍 Parkade at 1515 Dufferin (next to The Drip)
⏰ Today at 2 PM
🎟️ Admission by donation

Please don’t park in this actual parkade to avoid traffic sounds during the performance. Exercise caution if you do use the parkade.

Come hang out, catch some incredible live jazz and keep the festival weekend going!

Photos: HA Photography

10/31/2025

Happy Flashback Friday!

The Mardi Gras style Second Line parade is always a festival highlight, we can't wait to see everyone's costumes today (Happy Halloween!) and at the parade every year.

PC HA Photography