Vanislander / Festivals and Events / Nanaimo Blues Festival

Nanaimo Blues Festival 2025

20th Anniversary Celebration!

There's a quiet hum beneath Nanaimo’s harbour breeze this summer—and soon, the blues will awaken under the Pacific sky. Something special is about to happen on August 8… and it's just the beginning. Stick around to discover why this isn't just another music event, but a milestone that vibrates with heritage, energy, and island soul.

Event Overview

Dates & Times

Festival Dates: Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025
Gates Open: 2:00 pm on Friday; 12:00 pm on Saturday & Sunday
Show Ends: ~10:00 pm nightly (Sunday closes earlier at ~8:30 pm)

Venue
Maffeo Sutton Park, Inner Harbour, 100 Comox Road, Nanaimo, BC—spectacular waterfront setting with grass lawns, shade tents, and ocean views

Tickets & Passes

Single Day: Approx. CAD 85 per adult per day
Full 3‑Day Pass: Around CAD 195
Youth & Children (<18): Free with youth pass
Kids 12 & under: Free entry

What to Expect

Lineup Highlights

This 20th anniversary brings 21 electrifying acts, mixing international stars with local Vancouver Island talent.

Headliners include Lee Oskar & Friends, Coco Montoya, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, and Vanessa Collier
Supporting artists: Shakura S’Aida, Tanika Charles, Angel Forrest, Lindsay Beaver, George Leach, Ruzz Evans Blues Revue
Youth & Indigenous spotlight: James Vickers, The Midnights, Jona Kristinsson, Renovation Blues Band, Mark Crissinger

Workshops & Pre‑Parties

Friday (Aug 8): Lee Oskar offers a harmonica workshop
Saturday (Aug 9): Shakura S’Aida leads a vocal stage‑craft session
Launch Party: Thursday, August 7 at The Queen’s Hotel
After‑Fest Party: Saturday, August 9 at The Queen’s, with local blues sets

On‑Site Amenities

Food trucks, artisan vendors & local merchandise
Licensed beverage booths (age‑restricted—ID required)
Portable washrooms, first aid tent, lost & found
Chair rentals, accessible seating, and plenty of shade tents/grassy areas

What to Bring

Low-back beach chair or blanket (max size individual 6′×3′; couple 6′×6′)
Refillable water bottle or sealed bottled water
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a light jacket or layered clothing
Earplugs if you’re sound sensitive
Small cooler (max 22″×15″×15″); no glass, cans, large tents, pets, banners or frisbees

Rules Reminder

Absolutely no glass or weapons
Service animals permitted; pets not allowed
Wristbands must stay on and valid photo ID required for alcohol purchases
Tickets are non-refundable but transferable

Why Visit Nanaimo Blues Festival This Year?

✅ A landmark moment: Celebrate two decades of blues vibrancy on the West Coast of Canada.
✅ Island and international talent: Feel the pulse of global blues alongside emerging Vancouver Island artists.
✅ Beautiful setting: Maffeo Sutton Park’s waterfront ambience is pure BC summer.
✅ Community & inclusivity: All ages welcome, youth entry is free, and accessibility is well supported.
✅ More than music: Parties, workshops, artisan markets, and culinary delights round out the experience.

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