Events
-
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal: Big Brothers Big Sisters Day from September 18 - 20
Sep 18, 2024
National Big Brothers Big Sisters Day celebrates over 100 years of supporting youth in Canadian communities through mentorships and bringing awareness to the cause as well as an opportunity to demonstrate the need for positive role models in the lives of children-at-risk through our community programs. -
World Rivers Day 2024
Sep 22, 2024, 11:00 AM
Join us as we celebrate Rivers Day in Nanaimo at Bowen Park by the lower picnic shelter! There will be community booths, a StoryWalk and entertainment. This event is free for the community! There are also some registered programs to complement the event: -Watershed and Water Treatment Plant Tour (#128707) takes place on Sunday, September 22 10-11:30 -Nanaimo River Walking Tour (#129986) takes place on Friday, September 27, 9 am-3:30 pm ($20) -
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue: World Maritime Day on September 26
Sep 26, 2024
World Maritime Day holds immense significance as it serves as a global platform for recognizing and celebrating the pivotal role of the maritime industry in connecting nations, facilitating international trade, and ensuring the world's prosperity. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Orange: National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30
Sep 30, 2024
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. -
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Sep 30, 2024, 10:00 AM
Three Locations of Activities: OLIVER WOODS: TRADITIONAL WELCOME & BLESSING by Elder Lolly, BOUNCY CASTLES, OPEN GYM, STORYTELLLING with Elder David Laxiya (Artist & Knowledge Keeper), ARTS & CRAFTS, INTERACTIVE COMMUNITY BOOTHS, STORYWALK, REFRESHMENTS & FOOD TRUCKS, T-SHIRT SALES NANAIMO AQUATIC CENTRE: EVERYONE WELCOME SWIM (with capacity limits), WEIGHT ROOM, STORYWALK, GAMES & ACTIVITIES, T-SHIRT SALES (while supplies last) NANAIMO ICE CENTRE: EVERYONE WELCOME SKATES AT 10-11:45 AM, 12-1:45 PM, 2-4 PM -
Bastion Lighting Colours Red, Brown, Yellow and Orange: Thanksgiving Day on October 14
Oct 14, 2024
Canada's Parliament proclaimed a day for giving thanks for "the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed" in 1879. The holiday actually has much earlier beginnings, though, possibly beginning in some form back in 1587 with Arctic explorer Martin Frobisher. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Purple and Blue: National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) on October 17
Oct 17, 2024
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, held in October, was established to increase awareness of the positive outcomes of hiring persons with disabilities in Canada. This October, employers are encouraged to take part in a nationwide campaign that highlights the positive contributions that employees with disabilities make to Canadian workplaces. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Orange: Halloween on October 31
Oct 31, 2024
Halloween's origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, which was held on November 1 in contemporary calendars. It was believed that on that day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes, so people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off spirits. Virtually all present Halloween traditions can be traced to the ancient Celtic day of the dead. Halloween is a holiday of many mysterious customs, but each one has a history, or at least a story behind it. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Red: Veterans' Week and Remembrance Day from November 5 - 11
Nov 5, 2024
Every year, November 5 to 11 is Veterans' Week, an opportunity for Canadians to honour the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of those who served to protect Canada. November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day. The First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to our country. On November 11, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple: Shine the Light on Woman Abuse on November 25 - 27
Nov 25, 2024
Shine the Light on Woman Abuse is a registered trademark campaign created by the London Abused Women's Centre. The campaign began in 2010 as a small, grassroots effort within our community. It has since become an internationally recognized awareness campaign, exposing men's violence against women worldwide. Each year, the campaign brings awareness to the issue of men's violence against women by turning communities purple for the month of November. Participants show their solidarity with abused women and support them in understanding that any shame and/or blame they may feel does not belong to them but the perpetrators of their abuse. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Red and Green: Christmas from December 22 to January 1, 2025
Dec 22, 2024
Christmas is a time of spiritual reflection on the important foundations of the Christian faith. It's also a celebration. It's when Christians celebrate God's love for the world through the birth of the Christ child: Jesus. A day filled with Christmas carols, tree decorating, gift-giving and parties. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best of the New Year!
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 20, 2024
Help us improve our website
Collection and use of your personal information
Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.