Nanaimo International Jazz Festival 2025

When Jazz Meets the Island

Imagine walking along Nanaimo’s waterfront just as the sun dips—then suddenly, a cascade of saxophones, rhythms, and melodies breaks the hush. What’s about to happen? That’s the mystery—and the magic—awaiting at the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival 2025.

Event Overview

Festival Dates: Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 28, 2025
Location: Various venues across Nanaimo—indoor stages, pubs, clubs, and free outdoor shows at Maffeo Sutton Park and the Waterfront Walkway
Organizer: A volunteer-driven, not-for-profit association dedicated to bringing vibrant jazz experiences to Vancouver Island

Why Visit the Nanaimo Jazz Fest This Year?

A Month-Long Festival with Surprises

Unlike one-day events, this year’s fest stretches across four weekends. Expect 16 live performances that unfold across diverse venues—from intimate Bistro gigs to open-air stages by the sea.

Eclectic Lineup, Unscripted Moments

Headliners include Canadian jazz icon Holly Cole performing her Dark Moon Tour on Saturday, September 13, at the Port Theatre. But beyond that, the festival is famed for its spontaneous energy—local drummers like Graham Villette note “[artists show up] to play and blow the roof off the place!”

Free Community Experiences

Open-Air Concerts: Saturday & Sunday, September 13 & 14 at Maffeo Sutton Park with food trucks and family fun (free admission)
Parade: “Mardi-Gras style” jazz parade starts at the Waterfront Walkway around 11:00 a.m. on September 13

Evening Delights & Surprises

Opening Night: Graham Villette Quintet graces the Lighthouse Bistro on September 6, setting a high-octane tone for the month ahead
Late-Night Jazz Jam: On September 13, post-Holly Cole, head to The Vault Cafe for Nico Rhodes’s open-stage jam from 9:00–11:00 p.m.

Quick-Guide Schedule

Date(s)	Highlight
Sept 6 (Opening Night)	Graham Villette Quintet at Lighthouse Bistro (5:30–7:30 p.m.)
Sept 13	Parade (11 a.m.), Open-Air Concerts, Holly Cole headliner (7:30 p.m.), Jazz Jam at The Vault (9–11 p.m.)
Sept 14	Continued Open-Air shows, Maffeo Sutton Park with family activities
Sept 16–28 (Other weekends)	More concerts in pubs, venues, closing with Arrowsmith Big Band

Date(s)

Highlight

Sept 6 (Opening Night)

Graham Villette Quintet at Lighthouse Bistro (5:30–7:30 p.m.)

Sept 13

Parade (11 a.m.), Open-Air Concerts, Holly Cole headliner (7:30 p.m.), Jazz Jam at The Vault (9–11 p.m.)

Sept 14

Continued Open-Air shows, Maffeo Sutton Park with family activities

Sept 16–28 (Other weekends)

More concerts in pubs, venues, closing with Arrowsmith Big Band

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Visitor Essentials

Tickets

Sold by individual shows; check the official site for pricing and availability

Membership Perks

Memberships offer perks like $5 off ticket prices for select shows

Getting Around

Venues are centrally located—most are within walking distance downtown, and Maffeo Sutton Park is accessible via the Waterfront Walkway

Family-friendly

Free concerts and Family Fun Fest on September 14 make this a great outing for all ages

Insider Tip

Stay alert for local pop-up performances—those are often the gems that surprise and stay with you long after the show ends.

What will the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival 2025 truly feel like? You’ll only know when the music takes over the city—whether it’s a soulful solo echoing through a theatre, a lively parade spilling onto the streets, or a late-night jam session that keeps the energy alive.
Follow the rhythm, find your spot, and let Nanaimo’s September nights become your own jazz story. For the full schedule, ticket details, and artist lineup, visit the official Nanaimo International Jazz Festival website.

More

Less