Youth Week 2026
Regional District of Nanaimo, Recreation and Parks, ACRA (Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association), Society of Organized Services (SOS), Sources Community Resources, Career Centre and community partners are proud to celebrate National Youth Week from May 1 to May 7 annually.
Youth are a vital part of each community and contribute meaningful experiences through their participation in a wide variety of programs. Whether it is recreation, arts, civic engagement, drama, dance, sport, volunteerism, or leadership, their contributions help shape our community.
2026 Schedule of Events - more events coming
Youth Week Teen Swim – FREE
May 1, Friday, 7 – 9 p.m.
Regional District of Nanaimo, Recreation and Parks
Location: Ravensong Aquatic Centre, 737 Jones Str. Qualicum Beach
Head to the pool for a free teen swim. Inflatables, basketball and diving boards will be open. View all of the drop-in schedules online rdn.bc.ca/swim-schedule
Youth Art Exhibition "Mindfulness in The Art of Empathy and Kindness" - FREE
May 2, Saturday, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Official opening
Location: Qualicum Beach Public Library 660 Primrose Street Qualicum Beach
View the 4th annual Youth Arts Exhibition Mindfulness to celebrate Youth Week and explore the theme of "Empathy and Kindness" works created by grade 7 to 12 students. Youth Art Exhibition runs April 28 to May 10 at Qualicum Beach Library
Contact: Diane Moran moraninthemoon@gmail.com
Click for more information https://mindfulmay.artistquarter.com/
Youth Night 11-14yrs - FREE with pre-registration
May 5, Tuesday 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Regional District of Nanaimo, Recreation and Parks
Location: Oceanside Place Arena MP Room, 830 W Island Hwy, Parksville
Celebrate Youth Week with us. We are planning an action-packed night playing nerf tag, minute to win it games and fueling up on pizza. Free with pre-registration.
Click to pre-register Online Services
Meadowood Youth Recreation Night - FREE Drop-In
May 5, Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association (ACRA)
Location: Meadowood Community Hall
Enjoy floor hockey, games, needle felting and Subway sandwiches.
More information: https://arrowsmithrecreation.ca/youth-rec-night
Chicken Buddha Bowls and Mario Cart - FREE
May 6, Wednesday, 3-4:30 p.m.
Sources Community Resource Centre
Location: 198 Morison Ave, Parksville
We will be hosting a DIY chicken buddha bowl dinner for youth to eat. We will also have the switch on with Mario Cart for some racing fun. Once the event ends, we will be heading over to SOS Thrift shop for their Teen Shop event.
Teen Shop Event at SOS Thrift Shop - FREE
May 6, Wednesday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Society of Organized Services (SOS) Thrift Shop, 188 Hirst Avenue West
Ages 12 - 19 join us for free hotdogs, popcorn, games, spin-the-wheel for prizes, exclusive store discounts, gift card giveaways, a photobooth and live music with DJ Connor. Thrift Shop is closed to the general public and only Teens get to shop.
WHMIS Certification - FREE
May 6, Wednesday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Location: WorkBC Centre, #3 - 187 Bagshaw Street, Parksville
Learn the safe handling, storage and use of hazardous materials in this FREE workshop for youth. This certification may be required for work in the housekeeping, automotive, healthcare, retail and food industries.
Call 250-248-3205 to register or visit workbccentre-parksville.ca
Turning Your Passion Into a Paycheck - FREE
May 6, Wednesday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Spark House Coworking, #110-198 Island Highway East (right beside Lucky Loonies Dollar Store)
If you're interested in starting a small business from scratch this summer (or anytime), then check out this interactive, high-energy workshop. You’ll learn how to focus your idea, build a plan, launch your business and market it to the right people. Plus, you'll hear real strategies that the workshop presenter used to grow a content creation business from the ground up. You’ll also hear directly from a high school student who started a non-profit at just 16, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what they learned along the way. The workshop is free, fun, and includes snacks and door prizes.
Pre-register at www.sparkhouse.ca
Building Connections at Sources - FREE
May 7, Thursday. 4-5 p.m.
Location: Sources Community Resource Centre, 198 Morison Ave, Parksville
Ages 12-18 and parents/guardians join us for snacks and build a planner together
Pre-registration is preferred but not required. Contact Kristen 250-360-6531 or Brittany 250-954-9359
3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament - FREE
May 7, Thursday, 6–9 p.m.
Arrowsmith Community Recreation Association (ACRA)
Location: Activity Building, Coombs Fairgrounds
ACRA is excited to once again host this 3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournament the first week of May. All levels are welcome. This single-day tournament is FREE to enter and the emphasis will be on having fun! Players need to pre-register at https://arrowsmithrecreation.ca/youthbasketballtournament
Check out our new Community Resource Youthconnect.ca and stay informed on youth programs and opportunties in Oceanside.
