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 2026 IOAD theme is “25 Years On. Still Needed,” reflecting a shared global truth: overdose continues to affect people from every walk of life. Behind every statistic is a person – someone once loved and valued. And behind every loss is a ripple felt by families, friends, and communities everywhere. It also points to something else – something hopeful. Overdose is preventable. We know what works. From timely access to care and support, to education, to life-saving interventions, there are proven ways to reduce harm and save lives. Yet too often, these solutions are not fully seen, shared, or embraced. This year’s theme honours the dedication of those who have carried this work forward over 25 years, while inviting more people into the conversation. It calls on all of us – across cultures, professions, and communities – to keep learning, to speak openly, and to act with compassion and on evidence.
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 page will be updated frequently up until IOAD. If you would like to add an event, send it to [email protected]
View events by Health Authority:
Event listings
Fraser Health
Abbotsford
- When: August 27, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Where: Jubilee Park (2552 McCallum Rd.)
- Details: Food truck, resource fair, scavenger hunt, VYPER youth dancers, prizes, art activities, Naloxone training, community recognition, plus free lunch for the first 100 visitors.
Chilliwack
- When: August 27, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Where: Shxwha:y Village Community Hall (44680 Schweyey Rd.)
- Details: Music from Hidden Voices band, live butterfly release, and open mic time, as well as a video of past overdose awareness and stigma reduction event, “Community Action In Motion.”
Coquitlam
- When: August 31, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Where: Town Centre Park Community Centre (1207 Pinetree Way)
- Details: Local artists, lived experiences and story sharing, mental health, substance use and holistic resources, as well as community workshops and interactive education.
Hope
- When: August 31, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Where: Hope Memorial Park (corner of Wallace and 4 Ave.)
- Details: Shoe memorial display, Naloxone training with Hope Rapid Access to Addiction Care Clinic, Hope Junction tent with interactive community art piece and information, youth-specific table with a memorial purple chair for people to remember their loved ones, raffle, freezies and water, plus wildflower pouches to give away.
Interior Health
Penticton
- When: August 29, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Where: Gyro Park (55 Main St.)
- Details: Syilx land welcome and opening ceremonies led by Penticton Indian Band and opening words by Chief Greg Gabriel & Mayor Julius Bloomfield. Also a round dance, musicians Poppa Nuge & Nankama Drum & Dance with Okanagan Valley Wudang, a kids area, a free BBQ, free reusable water bottle swag, a memorial photo display and memorial art to honor those we have lost to overdose and drug toxicity.
Island Health
Campbell River
- When: August 31, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Where: Spirit Square
- Details: Music, free pizza and beverages, information, education, activity booths, Purple Chair and other arts and crafts activities and installations, plus community conversation space with scheduled conversations and topics between peers, agencies, and interested public.
Duncan
- When: August 29, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Where: Charles Hoey Park, Duncan (124 Canada Ave.)
- Details: Opening ceremony with Tzinquaw dancers and drummers, memorial tent, service provider booths, arts and music, prize basket giveaway and a free BBQ at 12:00 PM.
Parksville
- When: August 29, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
- Where: Parksville Community Park – Picnic Shelter (193 Island Hwy E)
- Details: In addition to speakers talking about their journeys out of addiction, Project Connect local agencies will be in attendance to display their resources. A great opportunity for everyone to connect with the various organizations working in Oceanside. Moms Stop the Harm will host a candlelight vigil to the new memorial bench in the park. Food and music will be available throughout the afternoon.
Port Alberni
- When: August 31, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
- Where: Roger Creek Park
- Details: Resource booths, peer support and connection, memorial and honouring ceremony, Naloxone education, food and refreshments, and children’s activities.
Northern Health
Dawson Creek
- When: August 28, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Where: Nawican Friendship Centre (1320 102 Ave.)
- Details: Bringing together Indigenous families, community members, service providers, and people with lived and living experience to promote remembrance, harm reduction, education, and hope. The day will feature a free community BBQ, Naloxone, and Hands-Only CPR training led by BC Emergency Health Services paramedics, three guest speakers sharing stories of hope and recovery, local drummers, and live Indigenous entertainment. Community organizations will also host information tables to connect participants with local health, wellness, and support services. A Community Memorial Wooden Plaque will be there for participants to write messages of remembrance, hope, or encouragement on purple tags to create a lasting tribute to those lost to the toxic drug crisis. Additional family-friendly activities will include rock painting, tie-dye bandanas for youth, a bouncy castle, and community vendors.
Prince George
- When: August 31, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, candlelight vigil and memorial-bench unveiling ceremony at 7:00 pm
- Where: Wood Innovation Square Park (1142 5th Ave.)
- Details: Guest speakers, drumming, resource booths, BBQ lunch, activities, evening candlelight vigil hosted by Moms Stop the Harm, and unveiling of a memorial bench designed by Moms Stop the Harm.
Coastal Health
Sechelt
- When: August 31, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
- Where: Hackett Park (5765 Dolphin St.)
- Details:
- 1:00 pm: Welcome and Gather
- 1:30 pm: Grief Circle, Devil’s Club bracelet workshop, Naloxone training
- 3:00 pm: Food and community