Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper

YOU’RE INVITED! 

  • Date: September 12, 2026 
  • Time: 12 pm – 4 pm 
  • NEW Venue: Work Point (Nixon Building and surrounding grassy areas)

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For more than a decade, Formation Fun Day has celebrated the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt community with vendors, music, food, drink, and activities like rock climbing, face painting, and bubble shows. Drawing more than 1,000 attendees year after year, Formation Fun Day is designed to provide an afternoon of good times and connection for the local Defence community. 

This year’s event brings an exciting change for attendees: Formation Fun Day 2026 is moving to Work Point from its long-time venue at the Naden Athletic Centre. With the Nixon Building anchoring the indoor fun and the surrounding grassy areas opening space for games, food, play, and performances, Work Point will offer the kind of layout that turns an afternoon into an adventure.   

What’s Inside: the Nixon Building 

A balloonist places a twisted balloon on a child’s head during Formation Fun Day 2025. Photo: Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper

Step inside for an exploration of more than 25 activities and booths, including face painting and glitter tattoos with Sparkle Storm; as well as engaging experiences from Kaleidoscope Theatre, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, Enchanted Fables, and the Greater Victoria Public Library. Community groups like the Scouts, Girl Guides, and the Esquimalt Proton Pulverizers STEM Robotics team will also be found indoors, alongside hobbyist clubs including the Base Model Railway Club, Vic LEGO Users Group (LUG), and the Base Golf Association. Indoor activities will include: a golf simulator and mini putt; a photo booth; a 20-foot obstacle course; and a Super Mario bouncy castle and slide. Attendees will also be able to drop by resource booths from BMO, CFMWS HR/Recruitment, MFRC Programs, CANEX, and SISIP.  

 

What’s Outside: Work Point Grounds 

A moment from an outdoor bubble show during Formation Fun Day 2025. Photo: Lindsay Groves, Lookout Newspaper

Outdoors, the fun continues with a Euro bungee; a 60-foot obstacle course; tiki rock climbing; battle archery; and a tropical bounce with dual lane slides. A dedicated Five and Under Zone will also offer safe, soft-play fun from Tiny Toes for the youngest event attendees. Additionally, a variety of yard games; a high striker to test strength; Kyle Mitchell the balloon-twister; live music by Stephanie Greaves; and a caricaturist, courtesy of Babcock, will also add to the outdoor energy. Static outdoor displays also return with vehicles from the Ashton Armoury Museum and the Base Auto Hobby Club, alongside displays from CFB Esquimalt Fire Rescue, Military Police Unit (Esquimalt), and the Urban Search & Rescue Team. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) remote control car and obstacle course will also be available and managed by Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific). RHIB rides and a waterfront activity station will round out the outdoor offerings. 

Food and drink will be available for members of the Defence community, including a community BBQ lunch hosted by the Esquimalt Military and Family Resource Centre (EMFRC) and Personnel Support Programs (PSP) and pizza from Domino’s Pizza. Other food options will be provided by Churros & Mor, Sweet & Dandy Cotton Candy, Serious Coffee, and the Esquimalt Bake Shop. Beverage samples from Red Truck Beer Company will also be available. Children are also encouraged to pick up an event passport and collect stamps for a scavenger hunt throughout the day for a chance to win prizes. A marketplace will also feature local vendors, including Eves’ 3D Printing & More, Full Sink Pottery, and Pawsessions Canada. 

Formation Fun Day 2026 will also provide a brand-new shuttle service bringing members of the Defence community located in Colwood and Naden to the event. The shuttle service will move through three key pick-up/drop-off points: the EMFRC parking lot, the CANEX parking lot, and at the event on Peters St. 

Mark your calendars and bring your whole family — Formation Fun Day’s new home at Work Point promises an accessible, familiar celebration with plenty of fresh engagements to discover. We can’t wait to see you there.  

Thank you to this year’s corporate sponsors and community partners for their generous support.