Events
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Bastion Lighting Colours Grey, Yellow and Teal on May 3, 2025 for Brain Cancer Awareness
May 3, 2025
Brain Cancer Canada is a national charity, 100% volunteer, that funds research, neurosurgical technologies, and advocates for increased options for effective treatment of primary malignant brain tumours, pediatric and adult. -
Lions FREE Swim 2025
May 3, 2025, 1:00 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 5-June 28, 1-2:30 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (no sessions on Apr 26, May 17, May 24 & Jun 21). -
Bastion Lighting Colours Red and White on May 5, 2025 for the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands
May 5, 2025
Veterans Affairs Canada and their partners will mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. From the fall of 1944 to the spring of 1945, Canadian soldiers played a pivotal role in liberating the Netherlands town by town. Their perseverance paved the road to liberation and the eventual surrender of the remaining German forces. -
Bastion Lighting Colouring Yellow and Blue on May 6, 2025 for Falun Dafa Day Celebrating 33rd Anniversary
May 6, 2025
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a spiritual practice and a meditation discipline that originated in China in the early 1990s. It combines gentle qigong exercises, sitting meditation, and moral teachings centered on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. The practice is rooted in ancient Chinese traditions and emphasizes self-cultivation and spiritual development. -
RCMP Open House
May 10, 2025, 10:00 AM
Join us at the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment and see what we do and meet some of our members. This event is free and is perfect for the whole community! -
Lions FREE Swim 2025
May 10, 2025, 1:00 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 5-June 28, 1-2:30 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (no sessions on Apr 26, May 17, May 24 & Jun 21). -
Family Fishing Day 2025
May 11, 2025, 10:00 AM
Celebrate BC's annual Family Fishing Weekend with us! *Learn to Fish *Musical Entertainment *Trout Release -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple for Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
Every year, on May 12th, millions of people hold events to raise awareness for fibromyalgia, an invisible and debilitating chronic condition. Fibromyalgia can cause pain, fatigue, and lack of sleep, which can make it difficult to do daily activities or work. Other symptoms include: Muscle stiffness Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep Mental process problems, such as difficulty remembering things or concentrating Treatments can help relieve pain and prevent flare-ups. Some people with fibromyalgia experience fewer flare-ups and milder symptoms after finding treatments that work for them -
Bastion Lighting Colours Yellow and Green on May 13, 2025 for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Day
May 13, 2025
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and advocating for understanding and support for those affected by it. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Blue and Purple on May 15, 2025 for Huntington 's Disease Awareness #LightUp4HD
May 15, 2025
The Light It Up 4 HD campaign was created by the Huntington Society of Canada and due to their outstanding efforts, this campaign has grown into a global movement where buildings, monuments, and statues worldwide light up in blue and purple in the month of May to raise awareness of Huntington’s disease. Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disorder that causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to gradually break down and die. The disease attacks areas of the brain that help to control voluntary (intentional) movement, as well as other areas. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on May 16, 2025 for Celiac Awareness Day
May 16, 2025
Celiac disease is a serious, genetic autoimmune disease, and there is currently no medication or cure. For the 3 million Americans and 1 in 100 people worldwide with celiac disease, the only treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. May is Celiac/Coeliac Disease Awareness Month in the United States, Canada, and Europe, May 9-15 is Celiac Awareness Week in the UK, and May 16 is recognized as International Celiac Disease Awareness Day. To shed light on the seriousness of this autoimmune condition and the need for ongoing research, treatments, and ultimately, a cure. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on May 18, 2025 for Global Porphyria Day
May 18, 2025
This day is a time to raise awareness of porphyria, a rare blood disorder, and advocate for better access to diagnosis and treatment. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Yellow and Green on May 20, 2025 for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness
May 20, 2025
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness is increase public understanding about MCS and environmental sensitivities, and to advocate for recognition and support for those living with these conditions. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on May 24, 2025 for National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day
May 24, 2025
Three percent of the population will experience psychosis. One in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia. But while attitudes toward mental health and mental illness are shifting, the myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions surrounding psychosis and schizophrenia remain stubbornly high. The most common myth being that schizophrenia is not manageable or treatable. Like any other illness, it is can be managed and treated with the right support. Wear purple to show your support for those living with schizophrenia and mental illness as a way to increase awareness. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on May 25, 2025 for Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
May 25, 2025
May is Cystic Fibrosis Month. Life with cystic fibrosis can come with many unexpected obstacles and unseen challenges. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that changes a protein in the body. The faulty protein affects the body's cells, tissues, and the glands that make mucus and sweat. The medical abbreviation of cystic fibrosis is CF. Normal mucus is slippery and protects the airways, digestive tract, and other organs and tissues. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Red on May 28, 2025 for Menstrual Health Day
May 28, 2025
The Period Purse™ works to build awareness and advocacy for period poverty and menstrual equity across Canada. -
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal from May 29 - 31, 2025 for Food Allergy Awareness
May 29, 2025
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada and aims to provide a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis. -
Lions FREE Swim 2025
May 31, 2025, 1:00 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 5-June 28, 1-2:30 pm at Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (no sessions on Apr 26, May 17, May 24 & Jun 21). -
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on June 1, 2025 for Migraine Awareness Month
Jun 1, 2025
Migraine remains undiagnosed and undertreated in at least 50% of patients, and less than 50% of migraine patients consult a physician. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in migraine advocacy and awareness efforts. By raising awareness within the medical community and increasing educational opportunities across the world IHS aims to have a real impact on the lives of people with migraine. -
Bastion Lighting Colours Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple from June 3 - 15, 2025 for Nanaimo Pride
Jun 3, 2025
June 3, 2025 at Nanaimo City Hall will be the flag raising event starting at 6 pm in the upper parking lot for the start of Pride Week to celebrate the importance of being yourself.
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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