Events

  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on May 18, 2025 for Global Porphyria Day

    May 18, 2025

    This day is a time to raise awareness of porphyria, a rare blood disorder, and advocate for better access to diagnosis and treatment.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Yellow and Green on May 20, 2025 for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness

    May 20, 2025

    Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness is increase public understanding about MCS and environmental sensitivities, and to advocate for recognition and support for those living with these conditions.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on May 24, 2025 for National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day

    May 24, 2025

    Three percent of the population will experience psychosis. One in 100 people will be diagnosed with schizophrenia. But while attitudes toward mental health and mental illness are shifting, the myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions surrounding psychosis and schizophrenia remain stubbornly high. The most common myth being that schizophrenia is not manageable or treatable. Like any other illness, it is can be managed and treated with the right support. Wear purple to show your support for those living with schizophrenia and mental illness as a way to increase awareness.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on May 25, 2025 for Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

    May 25, 2025

    May is Cystic Fibrosis Month. Life with cystic fibrosis can come with many unexpected obstacles and unseen challenges. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that changes a protein in the body. The faulty protein affects the body's cells, tissues, and the glands that make mucus and sweat. The medical abbreviation of cystic fibrosis is CF. Normal mucus is slippery and protects the airways, digestive tract, and other organs and tissues.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Red on May 28, 2025 for Menstrual Health Day

    May 28, 2025

    The Period Purseâ„¢ works to build awareness and advocacy for period poverty and menstrual equity across Canada.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Teal from May 29 - 31, 2025 for Food Allergy Awareness

    May 29, 2025

    May is Food Allergy Awareness Month in Canada and aims to provide a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis.
  • Lions FREE Swim 2025

    May 31, 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 on June 1, 2025 for Migraine Awareness Month

    Jun 1, 2025

    Migraine remains undiagnosed and undertreated in at least 50% of patients, and less than 50% of migraine patients consult a physician. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in migraine advocacy and awareness efforts. By raising awareness within the medical community and increasing educational opportunities across the world IHS aims to have a real impact on the lives of people with migraine.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple from June 3 - 15, 2025 for Nanaimo Pride

    Jun 3, 2025

    June 3, 2025 at Nanaimo City Hall will be the flag raising event starting at 6 pm in the upper parking lot for the start of Pride Week to celebrate the importance of being yourself.
  • Lions FREE Swim 2025

    Jun 7, 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

    Jun 14, 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 on June 16, 2025 for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

    Jun 16, 2025

    The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Lime Green on June 17, 2025 for CDLK5 Awareness Day

    Jun 17, 2025

    International CDKL5 Day is celebrated on June 17th. It's a day to recognize CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a genetic disorder that affects the brain and causes seizures, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on June 18, 2025 for National Deafblind Awareness

    Jun 18, 2025

    n Canada, June is National Deafblind Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about deafblindness which is a complex disability involving a combination of hearing and vision loss. The aim is to celebrate the achievements of deafblind individuals, and promote understanding of their experiences.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Green on June 19, 2025 for World Kidney Cancer Day

    Jun 19, 2025

    Since it was established in 2017, it is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the local and global impact of kidney cancer, educating people about the disease, and making a difference in the lives of people affected by kidney cancer.
  • Lions FREE Swim 2025

    Jun 28, 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 Lime Green on June 29 and 30, 2025 for Lights on for Lisa

    Jun 29, 2025

    Lights on for Lisa was organized as a sign of hope in guiding Lisa Marie Young home after going missing in Nanaimo on June 30, 2002. Lime green was her favourite colour.
  • Bastion Lighting Colours Red and White on July 1, 2025 for Canada Day

    Jul 1, 2025

    Canada's national holiday is celebrated on July 1. 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.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Green on July 7, 2025 for National Injury Prevention Day

    Jul 7, 2025

    This annual health promotion day aims to raise awareness about the impact of preventable injuries in Canada. FACTS: Injury is the leading cause of death for Canadians ages 1 to 44. Every day, 48 Canadians die and 634 are hospitalized because of injuries. 75% of injury-related deaths are from unintentional causes, such as falls, car crashes, and poisonings. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and hospitalizations.
  • Bastion Lighting Colour Pink on July 22, 2025 for World Fragile X Awareness Day

    Jul 22, 2025

    World Fragile X Day celebrates families impacted by Fragile X and highlights advances of research to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure. As the most common inherited single gene cause of autism, Fragile X is the best key we have to solving autism. Treatments for Fragile X are also likely to help people who have Alzheimer’s or other brain disorders.

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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