Events

  • Bastion Lighting Colours Pink, Navy & Pink, Blue from March 7 - 10 for Shining Light on Autoimmune Disease

    Mar 7, 2025

    Autoimmune diseases impact millions internationally and have been deemed a public health crisis. These diseases are largely understudied and underfunded, taking a toll on patients, families, and the healthcare system. Despite rising incidence rates, it takes roughly 5 years and 5 different doctors for patients to receive a proper diagnosis. The Autoimmune Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to autoimmune disease advocacy, awareness, education, and research. With over 100 diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Type 1 diabetes, and Hashimoto’s, many have been impacted by these conditions but still face stigma and lack of support, which is why it is so important to raise awareness.
  • Lions FREE Skate 2024/2025

    Mar 16, 2025, 12:00 PM

    The City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation, Lions Club of Nanaimo, Save-On-Foods and many other community sponsors are proud to present the Lions Free Skates. Held Sunday's at Frank Crane Arena from 12-1:30 pm.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Green on March 17, 2025 for St. Patrick's Day

    Mar 17, 2025

    The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and, by extension, celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Yellow and Blue from March 18 to 15, 2025 for World Down Syndrome

    Mar 18, 2025

    March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet know why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health. Down syndrome occurs when an individual has an extra partial (or whole) copy of chromosome 21. It is not yet know why this syndrome occurs, but Down syndrome has always been a part of the human condition. It exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics and health.
  • Super Hero Fun Aquatic Special Events

    Mar 21, 2025, 12:00 PM

    Bring your family to our Super Hero Aquatic Events! We will have: -Super Splash Diving Board Games -Tactical Target Practise -Lighting Fast Running Mat Play & MORE!
  • Lions FREE Skate 2024/2025

    Mar 23, 2025, 12:00 PM

    The City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation, Lions Club of Nanaimo, Save-On-Foods and many other community sponsors are proud to present the Lions Free Skates. Held Sunday's at Frank Crane Arena from 12-1:30 pm.
  • Lions FREE Skate 2024/2025

    Mar 30, 2025, 12:00 PM

    The City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation, Lions Club of Nanaimo, Save-On-Foods and many other community sponsors are proud to present the Lions Free Skates. Held Sunday's at Frank Crane Arena from 12-1:30 pm.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on April 4, 5 and 6, 2025 for National Dental Hygienists Week

    Apr 4, 2025

    The month of April is Oral Health Month and an important part of this celebration is National Dental Hygienists Week™, celebrated annually April 4-10. Focusing on the importance of maintaining good oral health practices and helping Canadians understand the role and importance of the dental hygiene profession.
  • Lions FREE Swim 2025

    Apr 5, 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 Green on April 7, 2025 for Green Shirt Day

    Apr 7, 2025

    This became known as the “Logan Boulet Effect”. On April 7, the anniversary of the day Logan Boulet (defenseman for the Humboldt Broncos hockey team who was injured in the bus crash in Saskatchewan April 6, 2018) became an organ donor, Canadians recognize Green Shirt Day by wearing green and talking about the powerful impact of organ donation. April is also Organ Donation Awareness Month across Canada.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Green, Grey, Blue, and Red on April 9, 2025 for Vimy Ridge Day

    Apr 9, 2025

    Vimy Ridge Day is a day to commemorate the deaths and casualties of members of the Canadian Corps in the Battle of Vimy Ridge (France), which took place during the First World War in 1917. By April 12, the Canadians had taken all of their objectives, as well as 4,000 prisoners. The Canadians held Vimy Ridge. This victory came at a high cost as 3,598 Canadians lost their lives, and 7,000 were wounded during the four-day battle. April 9, 1917 is still the bloodiest day in Canadian military history. The holiday has been observed annually on 9 April since 2003.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Blue and Green from April 11 - 13, 2025 for the Association of V.I. Coastal Communities Conference

    Apr 11, 2025

    The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities is a body formed for the purpose of representing in one organization the various municipalities, regional districts and other local governments of Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, qathet/Powell River, the North Coast and the Central Coast. Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo are hosting the conference in 2025.
  • Lions FREE Swim 2025

    Apr 12, 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 Red on April 17, 2025 for World Hemophilia Day

    Apr 17, 2025

    On April 17, 2025, the global bleeding disorders community will come together to celebrate World Hemophilia Day. This year’s theme is “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too”. Today, women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBDs) are still underdiagnosed and underserved. The global bleeding disorders community has the power—and the responsibility—to change this. Through recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and care, the quality of life of women and girls will improve, and the bleeding disorders community will become stronger.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Yellow, Green, Pink, Orange, Blue, and Purple from April 18 - 21, 2025 for Easter

    Apr 18, 2025

    Easter is a religious Christian holiday observed around the world to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the spiritual leader of Christianity—and to Christians, the son of God. But with some aspects of the holiday rooted in pagan and Jewish traditions, the origin of Easter dates back to centuries before Christ was even born.
  • Lions FREE Swim 2025

    Apr 19, 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 Green on April 24, 2025 for Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW)

    Apr 24, 2025

    To raise awareness about fertility and its impact on more than 1 in 6 people living in Canada. The event aims to educate the public about the causes and treatment options for fertility and the emotional, physical, and financial toll that it can take on those affected by it. In addition to raising awareness, CFAW also aims as a catalyst for increased advocacy for more universal and equitable access to fertility care throughout Canada.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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

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!

Last updated: February 26, 2025

Thank you for your assistance. One of our website team will look into the reported issue shortly. Loading animation

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.