Canada Day festivities at Maffeo Sutton Park

Celebrating our nation's 159th birthday

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed June 15, 2026 11:29 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo invites residents and visitors to celebrate Canada Day at Maffeo Sutton Park on Wednesday, July 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The annual celebration will feature a full day of live entertainment, cultural performances, family activities and community connection.

The festivities begin with an opening ceremony on the main stage, followed by a performance from Unite the Beat International Drumming. Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy live music from Cosmosaurus, Latchkey Kids and Out Seer, as well as interactive performances from the Harbour City Magicians.

A cultural community stage will also showcase a variety of local performers and groups, including the Nanaimo Chinese Cultural Society, Historical Fencing Club, Vancouver Island Bhangra, Square Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Vibrant Studios, Flowers of Nanaimo Chinese Dancing, Flamenco and Latin Dance, and Ballroom Line Dancing. In addition to live entertainment, the event will feature games, face painting, bouncy castles, a photo booth, a flower wall and interactive booths from community organizations, including the City of Nanaimo’s Drowning Prevention Coalition.

Food vendors will be available on site, along with a water fill station to help attendees stay hydrated throughout the celebration.

Residents are encouraged to use alternative transportation, as there will be no general vehicle parking available at Maffeo Sutton Park on Canada Day except for limited accessible parking. Free parking will be available on City streets and in City-owned parking lots.

To support event access, the City of Nanaimo is partnering with the Regional District of Nanaimo to provide free shuttle service from Woodgrove Mall and South Parkway Plaza. A free bike valet service will also be offered near the park providing secure bicycle parking for attendees.

For more information about Canada Day celebrations in Nanaimo, visit https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/parks-events/canada-day-celebrations

Link to Strategic Plan: Canada Day is an example of an event that improves the livability for residents in our community. Secure bike parking and transit shuttle services encourage active and public transportation.

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