Events
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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 Blue on September 5 and 6, 2026 for Histiocytosis Awareness
Sep 5, 2026
Histiocytosis is a rare group of disorders where the body makes too many histiocytes (a type of white blood cell that fights infection). These extra cells build up in organs and tissues like the skin, bones, and lungs, causing damage or tumors. Common types include Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). September is awareness month to educate the public on this rare, life-altering disorders with the hope to improve early diagnosis, funding, and support. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purpose on September 7 & 8, 2026 for International Literacy Day
Sep 7, 2026
International Literacy Day is an annual event that celebrates literacy and the importance of reading and writing. International Literacy Day was started in 1966 by UNESCO as a way to promote youth literacy and global understanding through reading. -
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. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal on September 10 & 11, 2026 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Month
Sep 10, 2026
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in British Columbia and across Canada is officially recognized every September to raise awareness and celebrate the power of youth mentorship, recruiting volunteer role models, and raising awareness about children waiting for support. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Pink on September 13, 2026 for World Sepsis Day
Sep 13, 2026
World Sepsis Day, held annually on September 13th, is a global initiative to raise awareness of sepsis, a life-threatening, often preventable, reaction to infection. Established in 2012 by the Global Sepsis Alliance, it aims to reduce the estimated 11 million annual sepsis deaths through education, improved prevention, and faster treatment -
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on September 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026 for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Sep 14, 2026
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, dedicated to raising awareness for the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. With 1 in 8 men expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime, the month emphasizes early detection, research funding, and support. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Blue and Gold on September 18, 2026 for Pitt Hopkins Syndrome Awareness Day
Sep 18, 2026
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by changes to the TCF4 gene. It can cause developmental delays, limited speech, seizures, breathing episodes, digestive issues, anxiety, ADHD, sensory differences, and distinct facial features -
Bastion Lighting Colour Green September 19th for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month
Sep 19, 2026
On September 19th, the Nanaimo Bastion will be coloured green for Light Up For Mito, alongside dozens of countries worldwide. MitoCanada will be lighting up as many national landmarks as possible in bright green to raise awareness for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on September 20, 2026 for Living Donation Week
Sep 20, 2026
Living Donation Week Canada celebrates living donors and transplant recipients while raising awareness about living kidney and liver donation options. The initiative brings together hospitals, researchers, and patients across Canada to provide hope, education, and actionable advice to those waiting for transplants -
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on September 23, 2026 for National Forest Week
Sep 23, 2026
National Forest Week 2026 takes place from September 20–26, 2026, with the official theme "Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability". It is an annual public awareness event in Canada designed to celebrate the country's rich forest heritage, recognize forests as a valuable and renewable green resource, and highlight the importance of the forestry sector. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Orange on September 30, 2026 for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Sep 30, 2026
To honour Residential School survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home. To remember the nearly 150,000 Indigenous children forced into residential schools starting in 1920 and to promote reconciliation. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Yellow and White on October 2, 2026 for International Wrongful Conviction Day
Oct 2, 2026
International Wrongful Conviction Day is an annual global observance held on October 2nd that shines a spotlight on the causes and severe consequences of convicting innocent people, while promoting necessary legal reforms to fix broken justice systems. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on October 9, 2026 for Inflamed Brain Alliance PANS/PANDAS
Oct 9, 2026
October 9 is World PANS PANDAS Awareness Day. Led by the Inflamed Brain Alliance (IBA) and global partners, this day highlights PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus). These conditions cause sudden-onset brain inflammation and psychiatric symptoms (such as OCD and anxiety) triggered by infections. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Red, Brown, Yellow, and Orange on October 12, 2026 for Thanksgiving Day
Oct 12, 2026
Canadian Thanksgiving is a harvest festival on the second Monday in October, focused on giving thanks for blessings and the season's bountiful harvest, celebrated with family, friends, and a traditional turkey dinner. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal from October 13 - 16, 2026 for DCD Awareness Week
Oct 13, 2026
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skill learning, planning, and coordination. DCD Awareness Week is a global initiative dedicated to increasing understanding of DCD and celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of those living with this often-misunderstood motor skills disorder. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Red on October 27, 2026 for Duty Counsel Day
Oct 27, 2026
Initiated by Canada's legal aid associations, this annual day raises awareness of the essential role duty counsel play in Canada's justice system, providing legal advice and representation to people who would otherwise face court alone. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on October 29, 2026 for Rett Syndrome Awareness
Oct 29, 2026
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects females. After a period of normal development for the first 6 to 18 months, affected individuals experience a severe regression of skills, including a loss of purposeful hand use, loss of speech, and the onset of repetitive hand movements -
Bastion Lighting Colour Orange on October 31, 2026 for Halloween
Oct 31, 2026
A festive event with ancient Celtic roots (Samhain) marking the end of harvest and blurring lines between worlds, evolving with Christian observances (All Hallows' Eve) and modern traditions like trick-or-treating, costumes, pumpkin carving (jack-o'-lanterns), and spooky themes, making it a blend of pagan, religious, and secular fun worldwide.
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!
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