Extensive Francophone-infused entertainment, food trucks, workshops, and kids’ activities are among the offerings at the affordable festival free for kids 12-years-old and under.
Beyond food trucks outside the front entrance, several sweet treats, along with traditional French Canadian cuisine options will be offered inside.
The main stage features musical acts from local artists and headliners across Canada, who are all connected to Francophone culture, Veron said.
Over the years, the Maple Sugar Festival’s lineup of entertainment has become increasingly multi-cultural, Veron noted.
“We have different kind of music, like traditional Quebec music, but also west African music, hip hop, jazz, all kinds of music.”
Reflecting on the festival’s growth, Veron said the event has expanded on all fronts, which has served as an important gathering place for the Francophone community.
More people have attended from wider backgrounds over the years, Veron said.
“We can see how the festival evolved over the years. It started from a sugar shack, it was pretty famous, so it ended up being three days.”
Detailed information on the Maple Sugar Festival is linked here, while the Nanaimo Francophone Association’s main page is available here.
The event runs on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. and wrapping up at 4 p.m.
Day passes at the door are $15, day passes are $10, while admission is free for NFA members.
Nanaimo was formally selected last year by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada as a “welcoming community” for the quality of services offered in French.
Last year’s designation for the Harbour City, as well as 23 other Canadian communities, highlighted commitments to welcoming French-speaking newcomers transition to their new surroundings.
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