Metro Vancouver roads closing for busy street festivals this weekend

The busy summer events calendar is slowly winding down, but road closures for two major street festivals this weekend could cause some delays for commuters and residents.

Community celebrations are taking place in Vancouver and New Westminster as part of a weekend full of fun things to do around the region.

Roads in New West are closing for Canada’s largest addiction and mental health recovery festival on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The free street festival will feature performances by Jann Arden and Cameron Whitcombe, live entertainment, kids’ activities, food trucks, and an information fair with dozens of health and wellness booths.

The City of New Westminster has announced that Sixth Street will be restricted to single-lane alternating traffic between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue starting on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. to allow for event setup.

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Several full road closures will also be in effect on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., including:

• 6th Street from 7th Avenue to 4th Avenue
• 6th Avenue from 7th Street to 5th Street
• 5th Avenue from 5th Street to 6th Street

A taxi pickup and drop-off location near Recovery Day will be set up on 7th Avenue near 6th Street.

A number of surrounding streets will be for local access only, allowing resident vehicles to enter through a checkpoint once it is safe to do so. They include:

• 6th Street from 8th Avenue to 7th Avenue
• 5th Street from 6th Avenue to 5th Avenue
• Princess Street from 8th Street to 6th Street
• 6th Avenue from 8th Street to 7th Street
• 5th Avenue from 7th Street to 6th Street
• Brantford Street from 7th Street to 6th Street

Car Free Day Vancouver is also returning to Main Street on Sunday, Sept. 13.

Visitors will find lots to see and do during the free street party, including live concerts and performances, artisan vendors, community booths, food trucks, and more.

The City of Vancouver has stated that a full closure of Main Street from 10th Avenue to King Edward Avenue will be in place for the festival, which runs from noon to 7 p.m.

The massive street festival is held to promote the growth of car-free culture and spaces.

Each year, thousands of attendees check out the community booths and food vendors, kids’ activities, and more during the annual event.

Recovery Day BC

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: Noon to 6 p.m.
Where: 6th Street from 5th Avenue to 6th Avenue, New Westminster
Cost: Free

Car Free Day Vancouver – Main Street

When: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: Noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Main Street from East 10th Avenue to King Edward Avenue
Cost: Free