Vancouver Island Exhibition

09/07/2026

🎨 Home Arts displays are coming back to the 2026 VIEx!

Check out the creativity, talent and hard work of these incredible exhibitors:

🌳 Clay Tree Society
🦚 Daysha-Rea
💙 Fran’s Friends
🎨 Jonanco
🪙 Mid-Island Coin Club
🧱 Mid Island LEGO® Users Group
🤝 Nanaimo Association for Community Living
🔥 Phoenix Rising Studios

Be sure to explore the Home Arts displays during this year’s fair and discover what our community has created!

📅 September 25–27
📍 Beban Park

09/03/2026

Take a peek behind the scenes as Fran's Friends gets ready for the 2026 VIEx! 💚🧵

After joining us last year, Fran is back and busy preparing her display — putting her creativity to work on everything from a custom apron and handmade promotional pieces to a digital showcase of her projects.

Be sure to stop by, say hello and check out Fran’s Friends during VIEx weekend!

📅 September 25–27
📍 Beban Park, Nanaimo

https://fransfriends.com/2026/08/25/fran-prepares-f...

09/03/2026

THE HEAVY HORSES ARE BACK! 🐴

After many years away, heavy horses are making their return to the fair!

Catch them in action twice a day, all three days:
🐴 Morning — Carting Demonstration
🪵 Afternoon — Log Pull Demonstration

They’ll also be on display throughout the fair, so make sure to stop by, meet them up close and see these incredible horses for yourself.

08/20/2026

🐮🐷 NAME OUR COW & PIG CONTEST!

Our cow and pig need names—and we want to hear your best ideas! Drop your name suggestions in the comments for a chance to win four General Admission one-day passes to the VIEX!

Entries close September 15. Good luck! 🎡

08/19/2026

Think your BBQ sauce has what it takes? 🔥

Put your secret recipe to the test in the first-ever VIEx BBQ Sauce Competition! It’s free to enter, open to everyone, and the winning sauce will be featured on The Landlubber Pub’s menu!

Entries must be dropped off at the Centennial Building at Beban Park on Thursday, September 24, between 10 AM and 5 PM.

🌶️ Get the full competition details: viex.ca/bbqsauce⁠

08/12/2026

🤩 2026 SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

We’ve got an action-packed weekend planned!

Some of this year’s featured attractions include:
🐶 SuperDogs
🤼 VI Pro Wrestling
🪓 West Coast Lumberjack Show
⚔️ The Company of Blue Dragons Medieval Buhurt Demonstrations
🎩 Craig the Magician
🚜 Mid Island Vintage Tractor & Equipment Club
…and much more still to come!

From high-energy shows to agricultural displays and family entertainment, there will be something happening around the fairgrounds all weekend long.

08/12/2026

🎟️ GET YOUR VIEx TICKETS NOW!

Why wait until September?
Tickets for the 132nd Vancouver Island Exhibition are available NOW!

Three days of entertainment, agriculture, animals, live music, special attractions, midway rides, food, vendors, competitions and family fun are coming to Nanaimo September 25–27.

🎟️ BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY:
https://www.showpass.com/vancouver-island-exhibition-2/

Get yours early and get ready for an incredible weekend at the VIEx!

08/11/2026

🏨 COMING FROM OUT OF TOWN? BOOK OUR VIEx HOST HOTEL RATE!

We’re pleased to once again offer a special accommodation rate for those travelling to Nanaimo for the Vancouver Island Exhibition.

Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo

Special VIEx Rate: $169 CAD per night

Available for stays associated with the Vancouver Island Exhibition from Friday, September 25 through Monday, September 28, 2026.

⚠️ Last day to book the special group rate: Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Rooms are subject to availability, so we recommend booking early!

Book the VIEx group rate:
https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1784581781863&key=GRP&app=resvlink

08/10/2026

It’s here!

The 2026 VIEx Prize Book is now available, packed with classes, entry information, rules and everything you need to get ready to enter this year’s fair.

Whether you’re entering livestock, Home Arts, baking, crafts, photography, produce or one of our many other competitions, now is the time to start planning your entries!

Pick up a printed copy at the VIEx office or view the Prize Book online:
www.viex.ca/prize-book

07/21/2026

ONow Hiring: Cashiers – VIEx Fair Weekend

The Vancouver Island Exhibition (V.I.Ex) is currently seeking 8–10 experienced Cashiers to join our team for Fair Weekend.

Position Details:

Role: Cashier
Shifts: Minimum 6.5 hours per shift
Wage: $18.25/hour
Dates: September 25, 26 & 27, 2026
Location: Beban Park, Nanaimo
What We’re Looking For:

Previous cashier or cash-handling experience
Strong customer service skills
Reliable and able to work in a fast-paced environment
Available for scheduled shifts during Fair Weekend
Requirements:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check
This is a great opportunity to be part of one of Nanaimo’s largest community events while gaining valuable event experience.

Application Deadline: August 15, 2026

How to Apply:
https://forms.gle/myrjyojApwDtPtnJ9

or Contact Aleah Balcke at [email protected]