August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) — a global event held each year to raise awareness about overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of families, friends, and communities left behind. Around the world, events inspire action and encourage dialogue on evidence-based overdose prevention, drug policy, and compassionate support.
The 2025 IOAD theme is “One big family, driven by hope.” At CAI, and we see every day how hope grows stronger when people come together with a shared goal.
Across British Columbia, CAI-funded organizations and initiatives, partners, and allies are hosting events to honour lives lost, support those impacted, and take action toward a future without overdose. From memorials and vigils to music, art, cultural ceremonies, naloxone training, and community dialogues, these gatherings provide space for both grief and hope.
This year brings a sense of cautious optimism. After several years of rising toxic drug deaths in BC, the province is now seeing a downward trend. However, much work remains to understand the reasons behind this decline, especially since the decrease is not consistent across all regions or marginalized populations. While death rates remain significantly higher than when the public health emergency was declared in April 2016, the recent reduction offers a glimmer of hope. Still, every overdose death is preventable—meaning even one is too many.
This page will be updated frequently up until IOAD. If you would like to add an event, send it to [email protected]
Fraser
Abbotsford
When: August 28, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Jubilee Park, 2552 McCallum Rd, Abbotsford
Free public event dedicated to the lives lost to the toxic drug crisis and supporting those who continue to be impacted. Live music, Indigenous crafts, family activities, resource fair, Steet Community Art Show, Naloxone Training, Purple Heart Memorial, Free Lunch & Food trucks.
Chilliwack
When: August 28, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Shxwhay Community Hall, 44680 Schweyey Rd, Chilliwack
Opening prayer, blessing food, Naloxone training, butterfly release, sharing stories, peer support group, and grief and loss group.
Burnaby
When: August 31, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Where: Civic Square, 6100 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby
Community event to gather and honour those who have been lost and acknowledge the grief of loved ones. Raising awareness via open discussions, resources, referrals. All welcome.
Langley
When: August 31, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Where: Douglas Park Spirit Square, Langley
One Big Family Driven by Hope: remembering those we’ve lost and honouring the grief and experiences of the love ones left behind. Live music, stories of lived experience, memorial and candlelit vigil, resources and Naloxone training available.
Coquitlam
When: August 31, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Town Centre Park Community Centre, Coquitlam
Connecting community with local artists, mental health and substance use service providers. Sharing of resources, stories and creative expression to educate, prevent and intervene in the toxic drug crisis, honoring those lost too soon.
South Surrey/White Rock
When: August 27, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Where: White Rock Promenade Park
Public event with opening address by Semiahmoo First Nation, free hamburgers and hotdogs courtesy of The Rotary, live music by Hidden Voices and Candlelight Vigil at 8:30pm for loved ones lost to the toxic drug crisis.
Interior
Castlegar
When: August 28, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: 1306 Columbia Ave, Castlegar
Educational table with peers and staff to support connections to services, resources and referrals. Peer art display, handout of purple ribbons to honour those lost to the crisis.
Kelowna
When: August 28, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Where: 3731 Old Okanagan Hwy, West Kelowna
Brown Bag Lunch and Learn – Join us in raising awareness, offering support, and honouring all those affected in our community by the overdose crisis. Learn about overdose prevention and response. Access free Naloxone kits and training. Connect with local service providers offering education, resources and support.
When: August 31, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Kerry Park, 1480 Mill St, Kelowna
Starting with a Round Dance Celebration, this community event will raise awareness, reduce stigma and honour lives lost to overdose. Includes naloxone training, traditional Indigenous food, local organization booths, and opportunities for connection, healing and support. All welcome.
Grand Forks
When: August 28, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Gyro Park, Grand Forks
Educational community event with guest speakers Grand Forks Fire Chief Rich Piche and Mayor Everett, and resource tables from Grand Forks CAT, ANKORS, Interior Health, Freedom Quest Youth Services, Circle of Indigenous Nations Society, Boundary Family and Individual Services Society, Stay Safe Shelter and more. Food and refreshments provided.
Hope
When: August 28, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Corner of Wallce & 4th Avenue, Hope
Community gathering of remembrance, connection and support. Live music, complimentary haircuts, naloxone training, resources. Wildflower seeds and Bannock complimentary to all attendees.
Merritt
When: August 29, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: N’kwala Park, 1990 Maxwell Ave
Memorial ceremony offering smudging, open mic and a space to honour lives lost.
When: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Where: Spirit Square, 2051 Voght St, Merrit
Community ceremony with speakers, local resources and referrals, community engagement and healing activities. Food provided.
Nelson
When: August 28, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Where: Lakeside Park, Nelson
Memorial event to honour community members involved in the local toxic drug response. Resources and referrals to ANKORS, Mental Health an Substance Use, Tailgates Toolkit, Freedom Quest Youth Services, AXIS Detox, Moms Stop the Harm, Circle of Indigenous Nations Society and more. Keynote from MLA Brittany Anderson, people with lived experience, trades and an Elder to lead a healing circle. Naloxone training, pizza and drinks.
Kamloops
When: August 31, TIMING TBC
Where: Riverside Park and Paramount Theatre, Kamloops
Memorial event for community and followed by a screening of Love in the Time of Fentanyl at Paramount Theatre. In collaboration with Interior Women’s Centre Society.
Penticton
When: August 31, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Where: Gyro Park, 55 Main Street, Penticton
Community event promoting awareness, connection and support for people impacted by the toxic drug crisis. Includes live music, activities, drug checking, smudging, emotional support, a kids zone and information from local programing. Food available.
Trail
When: August 28, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Where: Jubilee Park, Trail
Memorial event co-hosted by Trail CAT and REDUN includes smudging, remarks from Leslie McBain (MSTH), municipal officials, MLA and poetry, music, drumming, signs and candle ceremony. Bridge over Columbia River will be lit up in purple lights. Naloxone Training. Letter to Media.
Island
Campbell River
When: August 29, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Spirit Square, Campbell River
Music, food, cultural support and a variety of activities allowing those who have been impacted by the crisis to honour our friends and family who have died. Resources and referral booths from community partners.
Port Alberni
When: August 25, 2:30 – 5:00 pm
Where: Alberni Valley Rescue Squad Hall, 4790 Tebo Ave
Guy Felicella keynote followed by screening of Toxic film. Open dialogue to challenge stigma and support vulnerable communities. Food and drinks available.
Victoria
When: August 28, 1:30 – 4:00 pm
Where: Pandora Green, Victoria
Memorial, resources, cultural support, Naloxone training, and food/refreshments.
Northern
Fort St. John
When: August 31, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Festival Plaza, Fort St. John
Opening and closing drumming and prayers by local FN; Naloxone Training and Harm reduction education; onsite testing (HIV, HCV, Syphilis); Memorial and candle vigil; cultural dancing; community walk; resource tables from community partners; free light lunch/food vendors.
Prince George
When: August 28, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm: Candlelit Vigil
Where: Prince George City Hall
In collaboration with Moms Stop the Harm and Positive Living North, this community event will include a flag raising ceremony, art projects, Elders and storytelling from people with lived experience, information booths, resources, referrals and a Candle Light Vigil (7pm).
Quesnel
When: August 31, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Where: Spirit Square, Quesnel
Elder will open event with a prayer for those lost and impacted by toxic drugs. Memorial tree with photos of loved ones, visual art displays, guest speakers, traditional dancers, Naloxone & overdose prevention training, service provider tables, flower drop, cultural supports and crisis counselling. Heritage Walking Bridge will be lit in purple to commemorate the day.
Coastal
North Vancouver
When: Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 2–6pm
Where: Ray Perrault Park
The Purple Chair Campaign is a North Shore–wide awareness initiative that honours community members lost to the toxic drug crisis.
Sunshine Coast
When: August 31, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Hackett Park, 5765 Dolphin St, Sechelt
Guest Speakers, Heart Circle, Food, Grief Support, Information Table, Naloxone Table, and Memorial Art Booth.
Power River
When: Throughout August, week of August 25, flag raising: August 29
Where: Flag raising at Powell River City Hall, 6910 Duncan St, Powell River
Articles, delegation and proclamation, HR training/education and awareness campaign, and flag raising.
Vancouver
When: August 31, all day
Where: Oppenheimer Park
Heart & Art in the Park metal mobile installation piece & community handouts including medicine bundles, HR kits, brush off and smudging ceremonies. Food and drink served.