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This weekend Crimson Coast’s 28th Annual InFrinGinG Dance Festival will bring performers to venues across downtown Nanaimo. 

The festival welcomes people to “both engage in and witness movement, sound, storytelling and creative exploration.”

It features events such as a hip-hop dance battle and a kidz zone on Saturday, followed by a Cuban and Jamaican music and dance event on Sunday, with both being free events in Maffeo Sutton Park.

You can find the events listed below as well as other music, art and community events happening this week.

Thank you for reading,

Mick Sweetman

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"So many events to go to."

— A supporter of The Discourse Nanaimo

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🔎 Watch for 🔍

Sunday, July 12, 11 a.m.: Explore the dance and music of Cuba and Jamaica with Havana Meets Kingston at Maffeo Sutton Park. Part of Crimson Coast’s InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026.

🎵 Listen 🎤

Friday, July 10 

• 6 p.m.: All-ages metal show at The Globe Live Studio with Omniesia, Butcher and Decryptor. Tickets cost $15.

• 6 p.m.: All-ages indie and alternative show with Sparkle Blood, Aversions, Ancient City Teahouse Party and Death Drops at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $20.

• 6:30 p.m.: Tight Hair Disco Band at The Queen's. Tickets cost $20.

Saturday, July 11 

• 6;30 p.m.: All-ages punk and metal show with Caveman & The Banshee, Ape War, Gorilla Flip and Oklahoma at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $15. 

• 7:30 p.m.: Painted Faces: A showcase of Chinese Opera at The Port Theatre.Tickets cost $25.75 to $55.

🎭 View 🖼️

Friday, July 10 

• 12 p.m.: Lunchtime Tour of An Animated Assembly at Nanaimo Art Gallery. 

• 5:30 p.m.: Join Crimson Coast Dance for Politics and Pizza through contemporary dance at Mellow Drama Studio and Theatre. Part of Crimson Coast’s InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026.

Saturday, July 11 

• 11 a.m.: CHILL hip-hop dance battle at Maffeo Sutton Park. Part of Crimson Coast’s InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026.

• 11 a.m.: Kidz [only] Zone with Playbriola at Maffeo Sutton Park. Part of Crimson Coast’s InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026.

• 2 p.m.: Pacific Arts Market Grand Opening.

Sunday, July 12 

• 11 a.m.: Havana Meets Kingston at Maffeo Sutton Park. Part of Crimson Coast’s InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026.

⛹️ Meet 🎲

Thursday, July 9 

• 5 p.m. to 9 pm: CULTURE CYPHER The Null Island Dance Cypher, Drum Cypher and Closing Drum Circle will take to the Commercial Street Night Market’s culture stage at Bastion and Fitzwilliam. 

• 7 p.m.: Salsa in the Park with Nanaimo Salsa Dancing at Lion's Pavilion Maffeo Sutton Park.  Part of Crimson Coast’s InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026.

Saturday, July 11 

• 6 p.m.: Speed Dating for singles between 35 and 50 years of age at Wolf Brewing Company. Tickets cost $54.58.

Sunday, July 12 

• 4:30 p.m.: Fruity Fruit Loop Float SPLASHmob at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon. Part of Crimson Coast’s InFrinGinG Dance Festival 2026.

Tuesday, July 14 

• 10 a.m.: Knitting Group at Nanaimo North LIbrary. 

Wednesday, July 15 

• 3 p.m.: Island Roots Farmers' Market at Beban Park.

• 5 p.m.: Kill Team Drop In at Drop Zone Games.

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