Living Sober's 50th Anniversary

In 1976, something remarkable happened. A group of LGBTQIA+ people in recovery gathered in San Francisco for the first-ever conference of its kind. That weekend was more than just a few workshops and some fellowship—it was a spark that lit the way for queer people in recovery to come together, connect, and thrive. Living Sober has carried that spark for five decades, growing it into a fire that has inspired similar gatherings across the country.

Now, we’re getting ready for something truly special.

In 2026, Living Sober will celebrate its 50th Anniversary, and to mark the occasion, we’re bringing the conference to the heart of San Francisco’s Castro LGBT Historical District. This isn’t just a change in scenery—it’s a chance to fully integrate the conference into the magical recovery community of the Castro, to welcome visitors into that energy, and to let that fire serve as a beacon for those who have yet to find us.

We’re planning a full week of events, kicking off with SF Pride Sunday and building toward the Living Sober conference weekend, July 3rd through July 5th, 2026. For the first time, Living Sober will fully come alive in the streets, theaters, meeting halls, fellowship restaurants, and gathering spots of the Castro. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration—it’s a transformation. We’re expanding what recovery looks like and where it happens, with bold, creative programming that reflects the richness of our community. Picture morning yoga in the park, sober food pop-ups, dances, theatrical shows, guided neighborhood history walks, and other ways to experience recovery that are joyful, embodied, and deeply rooted in connection.

The weekend itself will still include the big meetings, workshops, and speakers you know and love, with the larger events hopefully held at the legendary Castro Theatre and other gatherings hosted in local sober spaces. As always, the program will be centered in Alcoholics Anonymous with Al-Anon participation honoring the shared path of healing and recovery that brings us together. This year, we’re also opening up new ways to connect—with each other, with the neighborhood, and with a vibrant queer history.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or thinking about joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to see you.

Host or Publisher Western Roundup Living Sober