Nanaimo Silly Boat Regatta

The 40th Nanaimo Silly Boat Regatta will be held July 19, 2026, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo. In the morning, teams representing local businesses and organizations will build boats on site at the park, and then in the afternoon, they'll see if their Silly Boats float as they race around a buoy in Nanaimo's inner harbour. The park will be filled with food and family activities, and renowned children's musician Fred Penner will be performing at 11:30 a.m. at the park's Lions Pavilion. The Silly Boat Regatta is the major annual fundraiser for the Nanaimo Child Development Centre, which provides services for more than 2,000 families with children with developmental disabilities and neurodivergencies. Visit www.sillyboat.com for more information.