2026 Spirit and Place Festival
Come Sit With Me: Stories That Connect Us
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (AM and PM sessions)
Location: Peace Learning Center, Eagle Creek Park
Cost: Free (park admission free with registration)
Inspired by the storytelling spirit of Humans of New York, this interactive experience invites the Indianapolis community to slow down, listen deeply, and build connection through real stories.
A partnership between Storytelling Arts of Indiana, Earth Charter Indiana, Y’all for All, Immigrant Welcome Center, and PLC, the day will be divided into a morning and afternoon session. You are welcome to attend one session or the full day but registration will be required.
Full Day registration: 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM
AM registration: 9:30 AM – 12:45 PM
PM registration: 1:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Across four sessions, four Hoosiers from diverse backgrounds will each share a personal story lasting fifteen to twenty minutes. These stories may center around moments of joy, challenge, identity, or transformation. They are not performances, but honest reflections of lived experience that offer a window into each person’s world.
Each story will be intentionally paired with a guided reflection experience designed to deepen connection and help participants process what they have heard. Rather than choosing from multiple options, participants will move together through each story and its corresponding reflection. Pairings may include a movement workshop, nature journaling, a guided hike, watercolor expression, or a restorative “sound bath.”
Participants will leave not only having heard powerful stories, but having reflected on their own in relation to others, reminded that even in our differences, there is always something that connects us.
SIGN UP HERE:
