Events
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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 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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Please include: what you were trying to access, where the barrier happened, what the barrier was and any recommendations you might have.
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