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Events

  • 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 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 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 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 Teal on November 2, 2026 for Alzheimer's Awareness

    Nov 2, 2026

    To educate the public, reduce stigma and support those living with dementia. Highlighting the immense responsibility of caregivers and providing resources for them. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and eventually the ability to perform simple tasks. As the most common cause of dementia (60-80% of cases), it involves abnormal protein buildup in the brain—amyloid plaques and tau tangles—causing nerve cells to die

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on November 3, 2026 for Eczema Awareness

    Nov 3, 2026

    Eczema (or dermatitis) is a chronic, non-contagious condition causing inflamed, itchy, dry, and red skin patches, often resulting from a damaged skin barrier. It is common in children but affects adults, with flare-ups triggered by environmental factors, allergens, or stress. Treatment typically includes moisturizers, topical medications, and avoiding triggers. Annual Eczema Awareness campaign raises awareness about the burden of eczema and quality of life impact.

  • 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 Colour Blue on November 12, 2026 for World Pneumonia Day

    Nov 12, 2026

    World Pneumonia Day is observed globally on November 12 to raise awareness about the world's leading infectious killer of children under five and a major respiratory threat to adults. Established in 2009, the day emphasizes prevention through immunization, proper nutrition, and global healthcare access.

  • 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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