Hook-wielding, eye-patch-wearing, seafaring pirates are anchoring in the Harbour City.
On Saturday (April 2), downtown Nanaimo will become a pirates’ haven during the second annual PirateFest Family Funday, part of Festival Nanaimo celebrations, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at various locations.
“Last year, downtown was invaded by 400 pirates in costume ... it was pretty awesome,” said Margot Holmes, creator and coordinator of Festival Nanaimo.
PirateFest, a family-oriented event, happens rain or shine and there is a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for people to attend.
“We’ve expanded it to include more activities if people want to participate in different ways,” said Holmes.
The day kicks off with Pirate Disguises at the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s Art Lab. Attendees can create art to enhance their pirate costumes.
From 11 a.m. to noon is the Musical Instrument Zoo, presented by the Vancouver Island Symphony at the Port Theatre. At noon, participants can enter the Pirate Parade and walk or cycle from the Port Theatre to Pioneer Waterfront Plaza. Activities in the plaza include a sword fighting demonstration by the Nanaimo Theatre Group and TheatreOne is presenting activities based on its upcoming production 52 Pick Up. Members of the V.I. Raiders will be at the plaza from noon to 3:30 p.m. and the Songwaves Boys Pirate Choir will sing songs about pirates at 12:30 p.m. From 1-3:30 p.m. there are various activities being held at the Nanaimo Museum, by donation. The Nanaimo Harbourfront Library is hosting a pirate event from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Food Trucks on the Plaza is at Diana Krall Plaza from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com