Nanaimo Marine Festival & Bathtub Race

Nanaimo Marine Festival & Bathtub Race revs up the harbor city every summer with three days of waterfront fun – think epic bathtub-boat sprints, family-friendly zones, live music, and enough food trucks to fuel your next sea trial. Since 1967, this quirky world-championship race has drawn DIY tubbers and cheering crowds alike, all wrapped in that laid-back West Coast vibe (pro tip: pack a silicone pouch for your phone if you plan to lean over the rail).

Festival Schedule For Nanaimo Marine Festival & Bathtub Race

Friday, July 25 | 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Vendors, food trucks, kids’ zone, and a 19+ evening concert to kick off the weekend.

Saturday, July 26 | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

All-day vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, Beer Garden (2:00–10:00 PM), and the Sailpast on Wheels Parade down Commercial Street at 10:30 AM.

Sunday, July 27 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Final marine market stalls, food trucks, kids’ zone, Beer Garden (1:30–6:00 PM), and the World Championship Bathtub Race starting at 11:00 AM with finish under the Frank Ney statue at Maffeo Sutton Park.

Highlights

• World Championship Bathtub Race: DIY tubs roar from the harbor to Maffeo Sutton Park – don’t blink or you’ll miss a bow splash.
• Sailpast on Wheels Parade: Float your own decorated cart or marvel at the world’s largest bathtub cruising downtown.
• Live Music & Beer Gardens: Local bands and craft brews keep the energy high when you’re not ogling those fiberglass racers.
• Family Fun Zone: Face painting, balloon animals, and interactive splash stations ensure the little deckhands stay happy.

Visitor Info For Nanaimo Marine Festival & Bathtub Race

• Admission: Free for spectators – just show up with sunglasses and a sense of wonder.
• Fee: $50 (cash only)
• Late Entry Fee: Additional $25
• Parking & Transit: Limited downtown lots; consider public transit or carpool to skip the gridlock.
• Best Viewing Spots: Maffeo Sutton Park, Neck Point Park, and balconies along the Inner Harbor.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a silicone pouch for your phone – waterproof is the new black.

For full details, volunteer opportunities, and the official event guide, sail over to the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society.