An afternoon of fall fun
VIU Fest features activities for all ages. From science activities to face-painting, there's something for everyone.
With all these great options to choose from, you're sure to have a good time – and maybe learn something too!
Science Mall
Social Sciences Hub
- Explore your evolutionary history through fossils and artifacts.
- Criminology scavenger hunt.
- Fishpond and colouring station.
- Cast your vote in a fun voting activity.
- Psyched to be here photo booth.
Pumpkin patch
Get ready for Halloween
Check out our pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin or two to take home.
Pumpkins are only $2.
At the Library
- Arts and crafts
- story time
- Political Studies PlayStation
- student research
- and more
View Gallery
View Gallery presents Heather Benning's Field-Doll-House, an installation feature a 16-foot long sculpture of a doll accompanied by a series of photos documenting the travels of the Benning's childhood doll. This installation speaks to our profound need for a sense of home and a deep desire for an authentic re-connection with place.
Location: Building 330
Indigenous Artists’ Market at Shq’apthut
Come gather at Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place for An Indigenous Artists’ Market featuring local artists, including
- cedar baskets
- jewellery
- carvings
- dreamcatchers
- art prints
- sage bundles
- and much more
Shq’apthut is the VIU centre for ceremony and Indigenous students’ home away from home while they attend VIU.
- Katie (Upton) Phillips
Selling: beaded earrings and ribbon skirts - Edith Fred
Selling: Jewellery, Indigenous arts and crafts - Don Bonner
Selling: Indigenous regalia items, drums, rattles, books, games - Linda Edgar
Selling: cedar weaving hat, headbands, bracelets and beaded necklaces - Quvi Taylor, Inuit artist
Selling: earrings and other jewelry - Kimmi Norris
Selling: keychains, earrings, pop sockets and lanyards - Leanne Meers
Selling: crocheted items, sewn pet items, beaded earrings - Trisha Thomas
Selling: modern First Nations shirts, jewelry and art
Community Corner
Explore the activities and information booths at the community corner.
- Nanaimo Art Gallery
Provides the community with exhibitons and education programming year-round - Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
Provides support to newcomers and refugees. - Mount Washington
Alpine skiing, snowshoeing, terrain parks and more - Red Frogs
Supporting, serving and safeguarding young people - Tourism Nanaimo
Attracting pathfinders, creators and independent thinkers - Nanaimo Chamber
Create. Develop. Succeed.