Simonholt Restaurant

09/26/2026

The Pontiac Bandits have been making their way around Vancouver Island all summer, from local stages to the main stage at SunFest. Now they’re finally saddling up for a night in Nanaimo.

Expect hard-edged country, outlaw tunes, soulful Americana, rock ’n’ roll and a whole lot of music made for dancing.

📍 Simon Holt Restaurant
📅 Saturday, September 26th 7:30PM

09/25/2026

Saturday October 10th

7:30pm-9:30pm

At Simonholt Restaurant Nanaimo

James Vickers Band
Formed in July 2023, The James Vickers Band has become a standout on Canada’s West Coast blues and
roots scene, delivering high-energy performances built on sharp musicianship, tight chemistry, and original
songs written by frontman James Vickers. Their debut self-titled EP, The James Vickers Band, arrived on June
21, 2024, establishing the band’s sound with a set of fresh, guitar-driven originals.
On May 12, 2025, the band released their latest full-length album, Last Goodbye, once again featuring songs
written by James Vickers. Tracks including “Long Way Down,” “Momma,” and
“You Make Me Wanna Fall In Love” have earned significant radio airplay internationally, helping expand the
band’s reach well beyond British Columbia. With a growing catalog and a reputation for dynamic live shows,
the James Vickers Band continues to build momentum with festival, venue, and private event performances
across Vancouver Island and mainland B.C., and an active schedule ahead.
At the centre is James Vickers (17), a rising Indigenous artist of Gitxaala, Heiltsuk, and Haida ancestry. A
commanding vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist, James began performing publicly at 11. In January 2024, he
represented the Fraser Valley Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, and upon
returning became the youngest artist to host the Queen’s Sunday Blues Jam. He has shared stages with
respected Canadian artists including Jim Byrnes, Crystal Shawanda, and Wide Mouth Mason.
The band’s sound is powered by a distinctive lineup: Carson Maertz, an in-demand guitarist known for
versatility and precision; Sara Varro, a powerhouse drummer who has been playing since age five and is
widely sought after for her feel and intensity; and Jeffery Adams on bass. Jeffery is from a musical family and
has been playing bass for ten years. Jeffery and Sara were in band class together, in high school. He is the
newest member of the band and has fit in, perfectly.
With an original, radio-proven catalog and a lineup built for the stage, The James Vickers Band is a
compelling booking for festivals and venues looking for a modern blues-rooted act with real energy, strong
songwriting, and musicianship that lands with audiences.
Lineup: James Vickers (vocals, guitar) • Carson Maertz (guitar) • Sara Varro (drums) • Jeffery Adams (bass)

All minors must be accompanied by their parent/guardian.

09/25/2026

🚨 CALLING ALL SINGLE MEN 55+! 🚨

38 WOMEN ARE READY TO MEET YOU! ❤️

Ladies have signed up — now we’re looking for more single men to join us for a fun evening of Speed Dating at Simonholt Restaurant!

If you’re single, 55+, and open to meeting someone new, this is your invitation. Come enjoy a relaxed, friendly evening, have some great conversations, and see where a simple “hello” might lead. ❤️

📅 Sunday, September 27
⏰ 5:00 PM
📍 Simonholt Restaurant, Nanaimo

🎟️ COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS FOR MEN!

✨ Suggested age: 55+
✨ All adults are welcome
✨ Meet new people face-to-face
✨ Relaxed, fun and pressure-free atmosphere

38 women have already signed up — gentlemen, we’re waiting for you!

Tag a single dad, brother, uncle, friend, neighbour or coworker who should come! 😄

❤️ You never know who you might meet.

09/23/2026

Join us 6pm tonight for a fun gemstone crafting!

09/14/2026

Coming to the Simonholt Restaurant, October 4th, 7:30pm from the US, the dynamic Duende Libre trio. Duende Libre is an award-winning jazz trio whose original music celebrates the connections between global rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and the Mediterranean with the American jazz tradition. This is an incredibly vibrant and dynamic trio who will have your toes tapping in short order!

The Trio features Alex Chadsey (bandleader and keys), Jeff Busch (percussion), and Farko Dosumov (electric bass) and they have played with many fine world class players, including; Chucho Valdés, Carlos Santana, Clinton Fearon, Dudley Nesbitt, Dave Hassel, Jesse Bannister, Martha Gonzalez, Quetzal Flores, Joe Santiago, and Marc Seales to name a few.

Tickets for Duende Libre are $30.00 (students, NIJFA subscribers and Quadwrangle Regulars $25.00) and are available from Simonholt (250) 933-3338

09/13/2026

09/08/2026

🎄✨ MAKE YOUR COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY MAGICAL AT SIMONHOLT! ✨🎩
We’re bringing together:
🍽️ Great Food
🥂 Drinks
🎩 Live Magic
🎁 Gift Draws & Gift Exchanges
🎄 Christmas Celebration

Planning your company Christmas party?

Whether it’s 10 coworkers getting together for brunch, a department lunch, a cocktail-style celebration, or a full company Christmas dinner for 50–130 guests, Simonholt has an option designed for your group.

And this year, dinner is only part of the experience.

We’re bringing together:

🍽️ Great Food
🥂 Drinks
🎩 Live Magic
🎁 Gift Draws & Gift Exchanges
🎄 Christmas Celebration

All in one place.

🍽️ CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU OPTIONS

Choose the style that works best for your team:

🍷 Three-Course Plated Dinner — $55/person
A traditional sit-down Christmas dinner with a more formal atmosphere.
Groups up to 50 guests

✨ Five-Course Plated Dinner — $70/person
A more elevated dining experience for companies looking to make their Christmas celebration extra special.
Groups up to 50 guests

🎄 Dinner Buffet — $55/person
Perfect for larger groups looking for a relaxed, social Christmas celebration.
Minimum 50 guests

🥐 Brunch Buffet — Starting at $14/guest
An easy and relaxed choice for company brunches and daytime celebrations.
Minimum 10 guests

🥗 Lunch Buffet — Starting at $26/guest
A great option for daytime company Christmas lunches.
Minimum 20 guests

🍽️ Lunch Plated Options — Starting at $19/guest
Perfect for office Christmas lunches and smaller daytime gatherings.
Minimum 10 guests

🥂 Appetizer Menu
Displayed or passed appetizers for cocktail parties, social gatherings, receptions and celebrations of all styles.

🧀 Display Platters
Perfect for casual mingling, cocktail-style gatherings and smaller celebrations.
Designed for approximately 20–25 guests

🎩 AND THEN… ADD A LITTLE MAGIC.

What makes a Simonholt Christmas Party different?

Featuring magician Bruce Wow, live magic can be woven throughout your celebration instead of being limited to one traditional stage show.

✨ Customized Private Magic Show
Kick off your party with an interactive magical opening created around your company, team and Christmas celebration.

🃏 Table-to-Table Close-Up Magic
Magic happens right at the table during dinner, cocktails and social time — without interrupting the flow of the evening.

🎅 Christmas Gift Draw Hosting
Let Santa help host your company prize draw with humour, interaction and magic.

🎁 Hosted Gift Exchange & Festive Finale
Turn your Secret Santa or company gift exchange into part of the entertainment and finish the night with laughter and memorable photo moments.

🎩 ALL FOUR MAGIC SERVICES

One Complete Entertainment Package — Starting at $150 CAD

⸻

🎄 FROM 10 GUESTS TO 130

FROM BRUNCH TO A FIVE-COURSE DINNER.

FROM THE FIRST DRINK TO THE FINAL GIFT.

Your Christmas party can be as casual, elegant, intimate or festive as you want it to be.

At Simonholt, we take care of the food, drinks, space and entertainment, so your team can focus on what the holidays are really about:

getting together and celebrating. ❤️

✨ DINNER IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

MAKE YOUR COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY MAGICAL.

📍 Simonholt Restaurant
6582 Applecross Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6G1

📞 (250) 933-3338
📧 [email protected]

🎄 Christmas 2026 dates are now available. Early booking is recommended for corporate groups.

The finest dining experience in Nanaimo

09/02/2026

🌿 Floral Arrangement Evening

Join us for a relaxing evening surrounded by flowers, greenery, and good company.

In this hands-on floral arrangement session, we’ll explore the beauty of natural lines, textures, and seasonal materials — creating something that feels simple, personal, and uniquely yours.

No experience needed. Just come, slow down, enjoy the creative process, and take your arrangement home at the end of the evening.

Wednesday, Sep. 30, 2026 | 6–9 PM
SimonHolt Restaurant, Nanaimo
$50/person — includes a $15 dining voucher

🌿 All floral materials and tools provided.

Come as you are. Create something beautiful.

08/31/2026

🎉 SEPTEMBER AT SIMONHOLT — LIVE MUSIC, JAZZ, KARAOKE, MAGIC, CRAFTS & NEW CONNECTIONS! 🎉

September is packed with reasons to get out, meet new people, enjoy great food and drinks, and experience something different at Simonholt! From magic, jazz and reggae to SAX DJ, karaoke, crafts, live bands and speed dating, there’s something happening all month long.

✨ Friday, Sept. 4 — Magic Show Special Event | $15
Experience the fun and surprise of close-up magic while enjoying your Friday night at Simonholt.
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM

🎸 Sunday, Sept. 6 — Jazz Night | $30
The Elliot Freedman Group with special guest John Stowell
⏰ 7:30–9:30 PM

🌴 Friday, Sept. 11 — Cheko Soto & Band | $15
A high-energy Live Reggae Night filled with rhythm and great vibes.
⏰ 7:30–9:30 PM

🎷 Saturday, Sept. 12 — SAX DJ LIVE | $15
Featuring Howard Anderson — saxophone meets DJ energy for a unique night out!
⏰ 7:30–9:30 PM

🎤 Sunday, Sept. 20 — Karaoke Night | FREE
Grab the mic, bring your friends and sing your favourite hits!
⏰ 6:30–9:30 PM

🎨 Wednesday, Sept. 23 — Craft Night | $25–$28
Lost Arts Club presents Gemstone Crafts — create, connect and have fun.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages welcome!
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM

🤠 Saturday, Sept. 26 — The Pontiac Bandits | $15
Live music, great food, cold drinks and Saturday-night energy!
⏰ 7:30–9:30 PM

❤️ Sunday, Sept. 27 — Speed Dating 55+ | $25
Designed especially for the 55+ crowd, but all adults are welcome! Your ticket includes one complimentary drink.
🚪 Doors 5:00 PM | Dating starts 5:30 PM

🌿 Wednesday, Sept. 30 — Floral Arrangement Night | $50/person
A mindful evening of nature, beauty & connection. Create your own floral arrangement, enjoy a relaxing evening at Simonholt, and bring your beautiful creation home!
🌸 No experience needed · All materials provided
🎁 Includes a $15 Simonholt Dining Voucher
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM

🎩 PLUS — MAGIC EVERY FRIDAY!
Sept. 4 is our $15 special Magic Show event, with FREE Magic Shows on the other Fridays. Come for dinner, stay for a little magic, and make Friday night something special.

September at Simonholt is about more than events — it’s about music, laughter, creativity, new friendships and building community right here in Nanaimo.

Come for dinner. Stay for the experience. Make a night of it! 🥂

📍 Simonholt Restaurant
6582 Applecross Rd., Nanaimo, BC
📞 Reservations: 250-933-3338

Great Food · Great Drinks · Live Entertainment · Good Company

See you this September at Simonholt! 🎶✨

08/31/2026

🎤 NANAIMO — KARAOKE IS BACK! 🎉🎶

After the huge success of our first Karaoke Night, we’re excited to announce the next one!

📅 Sunday, September 20
⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
🎟️ FREE EVENT • NO COVER CHARGE

Our first night was packed with music, laughter, amazing singers and incredible energy. ❤️ Thank you to everyone who grabbed the mic, cheered from their tables and made the night such a success!

Now it’s time to do it again! 🔥

🎤 Sing your favorite hits
🎶 All voices welcome
🥂 Great food & drinks
❤️ Great people & great vibes

You don’t have to be a great singer — you just have to be ready to have a great time!

🍽️ Come for dinner. Stay for Karaoke.
⭐️ And maybe YOU’ll be the star of the night!

⚠️ Reservations strongly recommended!

📍 Simonholt Restaurant
6582 Applecross Rd., Nanaimo
📞 250-933-3338

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 — SEE YOU AT THE MIC! 🎤🔥