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Events

  • Bastion Lighting Colours Red, White, Orange on May 5, 2026 for Dutch Heritage Day

    May 5, 2026

    Dutch Heritage Day is observed in Canada annually on May 5 to honor the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian forces in 1945 and to celebrate the contributions of over one million Canadians of Dutch descent. Proclaimed in 2019, it coincides with the Dutch Liberation Day, often featuring celebrations of cultural bonds and the lighting of landmarks in orange

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on May 10, 2026 for World Lupus Day

    May 10, 2026

    Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage, commonly affecting joints, skin, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. It's characterized by unpredictable flares and remissions, with symptoms varying widely but often including fatigue, joint pain, fever, and a butterfly-shaped facial rash. While there's no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms and reducing flare-ups.

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on May 12, 2026 for Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

    May 12, 2026

    An international day dedicated to raising awareness about fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and related conditions, focusing on education, reducing stigma, and advocating for research and support through activities, purple ribbons and community events.

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Green on May 16, 2026 for Celiac Awareness Day

    May 16, 2026

    Celiac disease is a serious, hereditary autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers the immune system to attack and damage the lining of the small intestine. This damage hinders nutrient absorption, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on May 17, 2026 for Global Porphyria Day

    May 17, 2026

    A worldwide event to raise awareness for porphyria, encouraging everyone to wear purple. Porphyria is a rare hereditary disease in which the blood pigment hemoglobin is abnormally metabolized.

  • Bastion Lighting Colours Red and White on May 18, 2026 for Victoria Day

    May 18, 2026

    Victoria Day is a federal Canadian public holiday observed to honour and celebrate Queen Victoria (she reigned from 1837-1901) on her birthday. This holiday was declared by the Canadian government in 1845.

  • Bastion Lighting Colour red on May 28, 2026 for World Menstrual Health Day

    May 28, 2026

    This annual awareness day to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management . Why May 28? Because 28 represents the average length of a menstrual cycle. 5 (May is the 5th month) represents the average number of period days.

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on June 6, 2026 for  Migraine Awareness

    Jun 6, 2026

    Migraines are a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent, moderate-to-severe, throbbing, or pulsating headaches, usually on one side of the head. Lasting 4 to 72 hours, they are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks may be preceded by an "aura" (visual disturbances) and triggered by stress, hormones, or sensory stimuli. June is Migraine Awareness Month, a good time to highlight the impact of migraines and support those who suffer from them, especially the youngest among us

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on June 7, 2026 for ALS Awareness

    Jun 7, 2026

    Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscles to waste away and lose function. It results in loss of voluntary muscle control, leading to paralysis, difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing, typically within 2-5 years of diagnosis. There is no cure, but treatments exist to manage symptoms.

  • 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.

  • Bastioni 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 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 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 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.

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Red from November 5-11, 2026 for Veterans' Week and Remembrance Day

    Nov 5, 2026

    A national observance leading up to Remembrance Day (November 11) dedicated to honouring all who served in the Canadian Armed Forces. November 8 specifically recognizes Indigenous Veterans. It's a time for Canadians to reflect on sacrifices past and present by those who served. Wear a poppy to remember.

  • Bastion Lighting Colours Red and Green from December 22-January 1, 2027 for Christmas

    Dec 22, 2026

    Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and observed on December 25 with a broader cultural holidays with traditions of gift-giving, feasting, decorating, and family gatherings, blending Christian faith with secular customs.

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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