Events

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Green: World Kidney Cancer Awareness Day on June 20

    Jun 20, 2024

    Kidney cancer is cancer that begins in the kidneys. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They're located behind your abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of your spine. In adults, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Other less common types of kidney cancer can occur. Young children are more likely to develop a kind of kidney cancer called Wilms' tumor. The incidence of kidney cancer seems to be increasing. One reason for this may be the fact that imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) scans are being used more often. These tests may lead to the accidental discovery of more kidney cancers. Kidney cancer is often discovered at an early stage, when the cancer is small and confined to the kidney.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Lime Green: Lights on for Lisa (Marie Young) on June 30

    Jun 30, 2024

    Lisa Marie Young (21 years old) has not been seen since the early morning hours of June 30, 2002 after leaving a house party in the community. Nanaimo RCMP investigators believe Young met with foul play. Lights on for Lisa brings awareness and hopefully new leads to bring Lisa Marie Young home and justice for her loved ones.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Red and White: Canada Day on July 1

    Jul 1, 2024

    The day commemorates the anniversary of the Constitution Act, which consolidated three territories into the single nation of Canada in 1867. Canadians across the country and around the world show their pride in their history, culture and achievements. It's been a day of celebration since 1868, where many festivities are held across the nation. Canada celebrated its 150th birthday in 2017.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Red, Blue, White, Green, Gold: BC Day on August 5

    Aug 5, 2024

    British Columbia Day in Canada is the name for the first Monday in August when residents of British Columbia celebrate their local heritage.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Blue: Prostate Cancer Awareness from September 1 - 7

    Sep 1, 2024

    September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a month to join together to transform the future of prostate cancer for the 24,000 Canadians expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Nearly 100% of people with prostate cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis if the cancer is caught early. But if it’s diagnosed late, just 3 in 10 people are expected to survive five years.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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!

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