Island Events
What's on across Vancouver Island
Community events across Vancouver Island, collected from approved public sources — HarbourLiving's public Vancouver Island feed plus municipal event calendars such as the City of Nanaimo. We store only the minimum details needed to help you find an event, and every entry links back to the original source so you can confirm times, admission and tickets before you go.
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Glow in the Dark Skate - August 16, 2026
Sunday, August 16, 2026, 3:00 PM · Nanaimo
Join us for Glow in the Dark Skates this spring and summer. Regular admission rates apply.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Gold from September 1 - 4, 2026 for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 · Nanaimo
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is observed globally every September to honor young patients, support families, and fund vital pediatric cancer research. The international symbol of the movement is the gold ribbon, and supporters across North America frequently "go gold" to raise awareness.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on September 5 and 6, 2026 for Histiocytosis Awareness
Saturday, September 5, 2026 · Nanaimo
Histiocytosis is a rare group of disorders where the body makes too many histiocytes (a type of white blood cell that fights infection). These extra cells build up in organs and tissues like the skin, bones, and lungs, causing damage or tumors. Common types include Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Purpose on September 7 & 8, 2026 for International Literacy Day
Monday, September 7, 2026 · Nanaimo
International Literacy Day is an annual event that celebrates literacy and the importance of reading and writing. International Literacy Day was started in 1966 by UNESCO as a way to promote youth literacy and global understanding through reading.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Red on September 9, 2026 for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 · Nanaimo
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, affecting the brain and body. It is a "hidden disability," meaning most individuals have no outward physical signs. Symptoms vary widely but typically include challenges with learning, memory, emotional regulation, and…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal on September 10 & 11, 2026 for Big Brothers Big Sisters Month
Thursday, September 10, 2026 · Nanaimo
Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in British Columbia and across Canada is officially recognized every September to raise awareness and celebrate the power of youth mentorship, recruiting volunteer role models, and raising awareness about children waiting for support.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Pink on September 13, 2026 for World Sepsis Day
Sunday, September 13, 2026 · Nanaimo
World Sepsis Day, held annually on September 13th, is a global initiative to raise awareness of sepsis, a life-threatening, often preventable, reaction to infection. Established in 2012 by the Global Sepsis Alliance, it aims to reduce the estimated 11 million annual sepsis deaths through education, improved…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on September 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, 2026 for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Monday, September 14, 2026 · Nanaimo
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, dedicated to raising awareness for the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. With 1 in 8 men expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime, the month emphasizes early detection, research funding, and support.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colours Blue and Gold on September 18, 2026 for Pitt Hopkins Syndrome Awareness Day
Friday, September 18, 2026 · Nanaimo
Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by changes to the TCF4 gene. It can cause developmental delays, limited speech, seizures, breathing episodes, digestive issues, anxiety, ADHD, sensory differences, and distinct facial features
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Green September 19th for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month
Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Nanaimo
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.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on September 20, 2026 for Living Donation Week
Sunday, September 20, 2026 · Nanaimo
Living Donation Week Canada celebrates living donors and transplant recipients while raising awareness about living kidney and liver donation options. The initiative brings together hospitals, researchers, and patients across Canada to provide hope, education, and actionable advice to those waiting for transplants
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on September 23, 2026 for National Forest Week
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 · Nanaimo
National Forest Week 2026 takes place from September 20–26, 2026, with the official theme "Forest Pathways: Innovation and Sustainability". It is an annual public awareness event in Canada designed to celebrate the country's rich forest heritage, recognize forests as a valuable and renewable green resource, and…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Orange on September 30, 2026 for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 · Nanaimo
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.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Yellow and White on October 2, 2026 for International Wrongful Conviction Day
Friday, October 2, 2026 · Nanaimo
International Wrongful Conviction Day is an annual global observance held on October 2nd that shines a spotlight on the causes and severe consequences of convicting innocent people, while promoting necessary legal reforms to fix broken justice systems.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Green on October 9, 2026 for Inflamed Brain Alliance PANS/PANDAS
Friday, October 9, 2026 · Nanaimo
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…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colours Red, Brown, Yellow, and Orange on October 12, 2026 for Thanksgiving Day
Monday, October 12, 2026 · Nanaimo
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.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal from October 13 - 16, 2026 for DCD Awareness Week
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 · Nanaimo
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor skill learning, planning, and coordination. DCD Awareness Week is a global initiative dedicated to increasing understanding of DCD and celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of those…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Red on October 27, 2026 for Duty Counsel Day
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 · Nanaimo
Initiated by Canada's legal aid associations, this annual day raises awareness of the essential role duty counsel play in Canada's justice system, providing legal advice and representation to people who would otherwise face court alone.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on October 29, 2026 for Rett Syndrome Awareness
Thursday, October 29, 2026 · Nanaimo
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that primarily affects females. After a period of normal development for the first 6 to 18 months, affected individuals experience a severe regression of skills, including a loss of purposeful hand use, loss of speech, and the onset of repetitive hand movements
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Orange on October 31, 2026 for Halloween
Saturday, October 31, 2026 · Nanaimo
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,…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Teal on November 2, 2026 for Alzheimer's Awareness
Monday, November 2, 2026 · Nanaimo
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…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on November 3, 2026 for Eczema Awareness
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · Nanaimo
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,…
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Red from November 5-11, 2026 for Veterans' Week and Remembrance Day
Thursday, November 5, 2026 · Nanaimo
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.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Blue on November 12, 2026 for World Pneumonia Day
Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Nanaimo
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.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colours Red and Orange on November 13 and 14, 2026 for Medical Radiation Technologist Week
Friday, November 13, 2026 · Nanaimo
To bring awareness to the essential role that Medical Radiation Technologists play in the healthcare system.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colour Purple on November 15, 2026 for World Prematurity Day
Sunday, November 15, 2026 · Nanaimo
World Prematurity Day is an international awareness event observed globally on November 15. It highlights the challenges of preterm birth. Babies born before 37 weeks which affects about 1 in 10 newborns worldwide.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Bastion Lighting Colours Red and Green from December 22-January 1, 2027 for Christmas
Tuesday, December 22, 2026 · Nanaimo
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.
Source: City of Nanaimo
Events are imported from official public listings and shown with attribution. Always confirm times, tickets and cancellations with the original organiser listing.