Events
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Lions FREE Swim 2026
Apr 11, 2026, 12:30 PM
The City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation, Lions Club of Nanaimo, Country Grocer and many other community sponsors are proud to present the Lions Free Swims. Held Saturdays, April 11-June 27, 12:30-2 pm at Beban Park Pool. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Red on June 9 & 10, 2026 for Cavernous Malformation Awareness Month
Jun 9, 2026
June is recognized globally as Cavernous Malformation Awareness Month. Also referred to as CCM or cavernoma, it is a rare vascular condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. This month is dedicated to driving research, advocating for better treatments, and supporting those impacted by the disease -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on June 11, 2026 for Lipedema Awareness Day
Jun 11, 2026
Dedicated to educating the public and medical professionals about a chronic, often misdiagnosed, painful fat disorder affecting mostly women. It aims to reduce stigma, promote early diagnosis, and to support research. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on June 15 for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Jun 15, 2026
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), marked annually on June 15, is an official United Nations observance dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Initiated in 2006, it promotes dignity, rights, and community action to protect seniors, recognizing that elder abuse is a critical global public health and human rights issue. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on June 19, 2026 for World Kidney Cancer Day
Jun 19, 2026
Kidney cancer is a disease where kidney cells mutate, growing uncontrollably to form a tumor, most commonly starting in the filtering tubules (Renal Cell Carcinoma). It often develops in one kidney but can spread (metastasize) to lungs, bones, or liver. While often asymptomatic early, symptoms can include blood in urine, back/side pain, and weight loss. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on June 21, 2026 for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Day
Jun 21, 2026
A progressive, terminal neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. It causes muscles to waste away, leading to loss of voluntary movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing, with an average survival of 3–5 years. -
Glow in the Dark Skate - June 21, 2026
Jun 21, 2026, 3:00 PM
Join us for Glow in the Dark Skates this spring and summer. Regular admission rates apply. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Purple and White on June 23, 2026 for XLH Awareness Day
Jun 23, 2026
X-Linked Hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a lifelong metabolic disorder that causes excessive phosphorus loss, leading to soft bones, joint pain, and dental complications. Landmarks across Canada will light up in purple and white on June 23 to raise awareness of the disease and to provide support to patients affected by XLH and promote ongoing research. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Red and White on July 1, 2026 for Canada Day
Jul 1, 2026
July 1 commemorates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act united the colonies (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario) into the single Dominion of Canada. It's a national holiday for Canadians to celebrate our history, diversity, culture, and achievements through events, reflecting on what it means to be Canadian. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Gree on July 6, 2026 for Canadian Injury Prevention Day
Jul 6, 2026
An annual awareness day dedicated to reducing preventable, serious injuries across Canada. Led by Parachute, a national charity, it highlights that injuries are the leading cause of death for Canadians aged 1 to 44. To educate Canadians on how to prevent injuries at home, at play, and on the road. -
Glow in the Dark Skate - July 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026, 6:30 PM
Join us for Glow in the Dark Skates this spring and summer. Regular admission rates apply. -
Glow in the Dark Skate - July 19, 2026
Jul 19, 2026, 3:00 PM
Join us for Glow in the Dark Skates this spring and summer. Regular admission rates apply. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on July 25, 2026 for World Drowning Prevention Day
Jul 25, 2026
World Drowning Prevention Day is a global advocacy event held annually on July 25 to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drowning and promote life-saving prevention solutions. Declared by the United Nations, it highlights a public health issue that claims hundreds of thousands of lives every year. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Red, Blue, White, Greeen and Gold on August 3, 2026 for BC Day
Aug 3, 2026
Created in 1974 (the first Monday in August) to honour the province's heritage, culture, and pioneers. It's a statutory holiday in BC for families to enjoy the summer with festivals, travel, and community events, recognizing our diverse history. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Orange on August 4 & 5, 2026 for Autoinflammatory Disease Awareness Month
Aug 4, 2026
First established in 2015, the month aims to raise global awareness for rare, often-genetic conditions that cause the innate immune system to trigger painful, recurring episodes of inflammation. -
Glow in the Dark Skate - August 5, 2026
Aug 5, 2026, 6:30 PM
Join us for Glow in the Dark Skates this spring and summer. Regular admission rates apply. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Pink and Yellow on August 7, 2026 for World PVNH Awareness Day
Aug 7, 2026
Periventricular Nodular Heterotopia (PVNH) is a congenital brain malformation where neurons (grey matter) fail to migrate to the brain's outer surface during fetal development, instead forming abnormal clumps (nodules) around the fluid-filled cavities (ventricles) inside the brain. August 7 is observed annually to bring support and awareness to this rare disorder with the hope of one day finding a cure. -
Glow in the Dark Skate - August 16, 2026
Aug 16, 2026, 3:00 PM
Join us for Glow in the Dark Skates this spring and summer. Regular admission rates apply. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Gold from September 1 - 4, 2026 for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Sep 1, 2026
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is observed globally every September to honor young patients, support families, and fund vital pediatric cancer research. The international symbol of the movement is the gold ribbon, and supporters across North America frequently "go gold" to raise awareness. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Red on September 9, 2026 for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day
Sep 9, 2026
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, affecting the brain and body. It is a "hidden disability," meaning most individuals have no outward physical signs. Symptoms vary widely but typically include challenges with learning, memory, emotional regulation, and communication. September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day. Recognized globally on the 9th day of the 9th month, the date symbolizes the importance of an alcohol-free pregnancy for the full nine months.
Special Events
The City of Nanaimo hosts special events year round, so check back here often or join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter as we are always adding more!
Hosting a Special Event in a City of Nanaimo Park?
Do you have plans to host an event in one of Nanaimo's Parks?
If you are looking for community events happening in and around Nanaimo, visit www.tourismnanaimo.com and view the events page.
Clubs and Organizations in Nanaimo
The City of Nanaimo is home to several clubs and organizations. From arts, social, sports or community, check out this Clubs and Organization Listing and see how you can get involved! Email parksandrecreation@nanaimo.ca to add your non profit group to this list or to update your organization information.
Bastion Lighting Events
Do you have a cause or organization and would like to have a Bastion lighting event? Visit our Bastion Lighting Requests page to get details on how to qualify and request the Bastion be lit for you!
Last updated: June 11, 2025
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