Concerts in the Park are back this spring and summer

16 artists featured at 14 concerts in a variety of local parks

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 21, 2026 12:03 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture has released the schedule for the 2026 Concerts in the Park series. This free program is the largest to date featuring 16 artists across 14 performances taking place throughout the spring and summer. Concerts will be hosted in several of Nanaimo’s most scenic parks offering residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy live music in welcoming outdoor settings.

The 2026 lineup highlights a diverse range of musical genres, including blues, bluegrass, folk, reggae, ska, hip hop, rap, pop and country rock. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and dress appropriately for the weather. New this year, the series will also feature three lunchtime concerts scheduled from 1 to 2 pm.

The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, April 22, 6-7 pm, Westwood Lake Park: Terry Boyle (Roots/Blues) as part of Earth Day
• Friday, May 15, 6-7 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Murfitt and Main (Bluegrass Banjo) as part of Food Truck Friday
• Wednesday, June 3, 6-7 pm, Mansfield Park: Shel Prince (Folk) as part of Go by Bike Week
• Wednesday, June 10, 1-2 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Jared Popma and Band (Folk)
• Wednesday, June 17, 6-7 pm, Kin Park: Donny Boyd and Fine Company (Rock)
• Friday, June 26, 5:30-6:30 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Chris Noel and the Burning House (Roots/Blues) as part of summer soccer viewing party
• Friday, June 26, 6:45-7:45 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: New Road Echo (Country Rock) as part of summer soccer viewing party
• Wednesday, July 8, Mansfield Park: 1-2 pm, Glen and Maggy (Folk)
• Friday, July 17, 6-7 pm, Bowen Park Amphitheatre: Mad Riddim featuring Janelle Reid (Reggae/Ska)
• Wednesday July 22, 6-7 pm, Deverill Square Park: Tangible Two (Hip Hop/Rap) as part of Snuneymuxw Days
• Friday, July 31, 6-7 pm, Daynes Park: Mansfield (Folk)
• Friday, August 7, 1-2 pm, Bowen Park Amphitheatre: Paul Gelman (Rock)
• Wednesday, August 12, 6-7 pm, McGregor Park: Jordan Reems (Pop)
• Friday, August 21, 6-7 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Tropic Mayhem (Pop) as part of Food Truck Friday
• Friday, August 21, 7:15-8:15 pm, Maffeo Sutton Park: Mark Crissinger (Roots/Blues) as part of Food Truck Friday
• Thursday, August 27, 6-7 pm, Westwood Lake Park: Tides (R&B/Soul) as part of End of Summer Splash

A printable schedule and more details on each performance will be available on the City of Nanaimo website on the page "Concerts in the Park."

Parking is limited at many parks, so citizens are encouraged to use alternative transportation when possible.

Link to Strategic Plan: Adding to the livability in our community while supporting arts, culture and events.

Print News Release