Vancouver Island’s brightest festival: Luminous Paths lights up Nanaimo

From January 22 to February 17 Luminous Paths will light up Maffeo Sutton Park
with free live performances, interactive booths,
and family-friendly activities.

This week, Nanaimo will come alive with light and creativity as Luminous Paths: Nanaimo’s 150 & Beyond transforms the city into a celebration of art, community, and history. From January 22 to February 17, 2025, this one-of-a-kind winter festival will illuminate public spaces with dazzling installations and immersive experiences, offering a tribute to Nanaimo’s rich heritage and bright future.

The festival begins with an opening ceremony at Maffeo Sutton Park on January 22, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Attendees will be treated to live performances, interactive booths, and family-friendly activities, along with food trucks serving a variety of delicious options. The festivities will continue over four weeks, culminating in a grand finale celebration on February 17, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Luminous Paths is a shining example of destination development, partnerships, and celebration that brings residents and visitors alike to our city,” said Carly Pereboom, Executive Director of Tourism Nanaimo. “This festival unites our community through light, art, and shared experiences, creating lasting memories while honouring Nanaimo’s vibrant history and showcasing its bright future.”

The festival’s significance is rooted in its opening date, January 22, which marks the 150th anniversary of Nanaimo’s first City Council meeting.

Featured Artists and Installations:

Luminous Paths will showcase the work of several distinguished artists, whose contributions reflect a wide range of creative practices:

Bailey Macabre: Interdisciplinary artist exploring themes of identity and heritage through comics, sculpture, and beadwork.
David Martinello: Sculptural works contemplating the expressive qualities of wood and its relationship to natural and built environments.
Jenny Smith: A multidisciplinary artist with a focus on community engagement, will present works that examine the intersections of technology, nature, and the unseen
Mauro Dalla Costa: Argentinian artist now based in Nanaimo, will contribute printmaking and 3D art that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
Monkey C Interactive: Victoria-based duo known for whimsical, large-scale public art that invites hands-on interaction.

The festival’s installations will be complemented by live performances and local musicians, enhancing the atmosphere and bringing additional energy to art locations throughout Nanaimo.

For more information on Luminous Paths: Nanaimo’s 150 & Beyond including additional information on artists behind the art installations, visit the Tourism Nanaimo.

Social Media: Follow Tourism Nanaimo on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok for the latest news and updates.

About Tourism Nanaimo: Tourism Nanaimo is the official destination management organization behind Nanaimo BC’s tourism industry. The organization is dedicated to promoting the uniqueness and one-of-a-kind experiences waiting to be uncovered in the Vancouver Island city. It achieves this through its newest campaign ‘Nanaimo Normal’, where locals and travellers alike get a flare for the unexpected–because what’s normal in Nanaimo might not be the norm where you’re from. The new campaign puts the community front and centre with a diverse mix of people, places and organizations. Marketing on a local, provincial and national level, Tourism Nanaimo is passionate about highlighting a destination where everyone is welcome, where it’s culture and rich history is celebrated, and where there’s something new to be experienced around each and every corner. For more information, please visit: tourismnanaimo.com.

Media release and image provided by Riley Carswell, kin digital pr.