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Description
- When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Where: 6th Ave and 6th Street, New Westminster, BC
- Cost: Free
- Hosted by: Recovery Day BC
Now in its 14th year, Recovery Day BC has grown into one of the world's largest events celebrating recovery from addiction and mental health challenges, drawing tens of thousands of people to New Westminster for a free street festival built around hope, community, and connection. Part health fair, part music festival, part community celebration, the day combines live music, health information booths, family activities, and a massive vendor market — all free to attend.
Main Stage Lineup
- Cameron Whitcomb — 3:00 PM showtime
- Jann Arden — 5:00 PM showtime
What to Expect
4 Music Stages
Live music runs across four stages throughout the day, anchored by the main stage headliners.
200 Community Booths
Local businesses, artisans, nonprofit groups, and mental health and addiction service providers fill 200 vendor spaces across the festival grounds, covering food trucks, health information, artisans, retail, and goods and services.
Food from Uptown New West
Local Uptown New West restaurants, cafés, and food trucks serve up food throughout the event.
Adventure Zone
Rock climbing, virtual reality pods, swing dancing, and axe throwing for those looking for something active.
Kids Zone
Face painters, clowns, magicians, and balloon art keep younger attendees entertained.
Overdose Memorial Tree
A dedicated space to honour those lost too soon, offering a quiet moment of remembrance within the festival.
About Recovery Day BC
Part of the broader Recovery Day Canada movement that began in 2012, Recovery Day BC exists to reduce stigma around addiction, show that recovery is possible, and celebrate those in recovery. The event brings together people in recovery, their families and friends, healthcare providers, support organizations, and the general public, aligning with National Recovery Month in both Canada and the U.S.
Support Recovery Day BC
Recovery Day BC runs as a free event with a large budget supported by volunteers and donations. Supporters can buy a 50/50 raffle ticket or make a donation directly, with organizers noting that every $1 invested in recovery saves more than $7 in healthcare and social costs.
Volunteer
The event relies on roughly 250 volunteers across security, stage support, the kids zone, and road closures. Those interested can sign up to volunteer.
Plan Your Visit
- Event: Recovery Day BC
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Location: 6th Ave and 6th Street, New Westminster, BC
- Admission: Free
- Website: recoverydaybc.ca
With Jann Arden and Cameron Whitcomb headlining four stages, 200 vendor booths, and activities from axe throwing to a kids zone, Recovery Day BC turns a Saturday in New Westminster into one of the world's largest free celebrations of recovery and community.