Louisville officials want you to strengthen your mind at MindFEST, a mental health festival
MindFEST is back this year in Louisville, with a full roster of activities to promote mental wellness.
The festival, held during Mental Health Month, is free and will take place from noon-6 p.m. on May 21 at Roots 101 African American Museum in downtown Louisville. Food, music, entertainment, arts, yoga and vendors will be on site for attendees, along with panel discussions and other activities.
This is the second year the event is taking place, but Lauren Muir, an organizer, said this year will be "bigger and better" with more vendors-- all related to mental health and wellness-- in the Humana courtyard across the street from the museum, along with more food trucks and more entertainment. The event will be hosted by Chris Redd and Ricky Mason, the founders of Network & Chill, according to the MindFEST Instagram page.
Last year's event was "more than any of us could have ever imagined," Muir said, which gave organizers confidence heading into 2023.
"It was a great day of people laughing, coming together," she said. "And there were people of all different ages, all different races, that come from all different zip codes together, having fun, healing and talking about mental health."
The focus of MindFEST is to strengthen the mind through various activities, the event's webpage says. This year's theme is "I have a Story to Tell," with a forum at 4:30 p.m. where Black leaders in the community will share their stories.
Organizers include Muir, co-owner of Louisville's Martin and Muir Counseling; Emily Elizabeth of the Wondering Mind Podcast; FAIF of FAIF Music LLC; Amanda Villaveces, founder of Mental Health Lou; and Randy Woodford, founder of MindFULL Brand. All of the people involved have a passion or background in mental health.
MindFEST also partnered with the Louisville Bats for Mental Health Awareness Night during a baseball game against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. The game will be at 6:35 p.m. May 18 and tickets can be bought through the platform Fevo.
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Mayor Craig Greenberg spoke Tuesday at the museum and mentioned some of the initiatives the city is putting together to combat mental health issues, including 911 mental health deflection services, which will allow social workers to handle some 911 calls instead of police officers.
"One of the good things that's happened over the last few years has been a greater awareness of the fact that our mental health is just as important as our physical health," Greenberg said. "It takes more strength to face mental health challenges and seek help than it does to hide from them. We all have challenges, and we all need help sometimes."
Want to go?
WHAT: MindFEST
WHERE: Roots 101 African American Museum, 24 N. First St.
WHEN: Between noon and 6 p.m. May 21
TICKETS: Reserve your spot through Eventbrite.
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Want to go?
WHAT: Mental Health Awareness Night
WHERE: Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St.
WHEN: 6:35 p.m. May 18
TICKETS: Tickets can be bought through the platform Fevo.
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Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: MindFEST, mental health festival, returns for second year in Louisville
