A unique gathering centered on wellness, grief, and collective action is returning to Sullivan County this summer. Now in its fifth year, the All Things Good festival—happening August 9–10 at New Memories in Parksville—invites participants to “wander into wellness” through a weekend of healing arts, protest training, and community celebration.
Organized by Ariana Kaminsky, the event goes beyond the typical festival format. “It was born out of my existential dread, which I’m sure many of us can relate to,” Kaminsky said. “Living in this current day and age can be overwhelming, and it can feel like, what can I actually do to make a difference? This festival is designed for any human who wants to make the world a better place to live.”
This year’s theme—grieving, healing, and organizing as a community—emphasizes both personal and collective resilience. Attendees can expect workshops on First Amendment rights, de-escalation tactics, and grassroots organizing, as well as sound healing, yoga, poetry, and live music.
Highlights include a Climate Café on Saturday with Gail King of Extinction Rebellion, a Stand Up for Your Rights workshop with Alexis Danzig of ACT UP, and a Saturday night dance party with DJ Cat Silk. Sunday is designated as family day, with children’s workshops such as Our Bodies, Our Power, designed to help young participants explore their emotions, voices, and physical presence.
Perhaps the most unusual feature of this year’s event is a community wedding ceremony planned for a couple facing hardships—whether financial, immigration-related, or tied to healthcare or LGBTQ rights. The package includes officiation by Once Upon a Vow of Boston, donated flowers from Earth Girl Flowers, a two-night stay at The Outlier Inn, and VIP tickets to the festival. “It’s so important to create space that recognizes love and hope in a period of such grief,” Kaminsky explained.
In addition to the main event, a pre-party is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, at the Coshocton Pump House from noon to 6 p.m., featuring live music by the Electric Orchards and a DJ set from Tikka Masala.
Kaminsky hopes participants leave the festival with a renewed sense of hope. “Even though things can seem so scary and uncertain, we have each other, we have community, and we have to live moment to moment by embracing the love and opportunity that exists all around us,” she said.
Tickets and more information are available at atgfestival.com or via @ATGfestival on Instagram and TikTok.
Image: All Things Good Festival organizer Ariana Kaminsky. (Credit: Ronald Kelson)