DAY 1: Friday, September 4

Experience Richmond through engaging dialogue and immersive experiences led by historians, artists, and local leaders.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM, Morning Coffee + Connect

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, Featured Conversation: Behind The Declaration of Liberation

The Declaration of Liberation brings together leaders, artists, and change makers for an engaging conversation exploring the intersection of history, healing, and humanity.

Together, panelists will reflect on belonging, civic trust, creativity, and our collective responsibility to shape a future where individuals and neighborhoods can thrive.

Featuring

• Ashley Williams Hillman

• Dr. Ram Bhagat

• Gary Flowers

• Janine Bell

Lunch, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Enjoy lunch while supporting local food vendors and continuing conversations with fellow attendees.

Curated Richmond Experiences, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Discover Richmond through one of three thoughtfully curated experiences led by historians, artists, and local leaders.

Each experience offers a unique perspective on the city's history, creativity, and future while creating space for learning, reflection, and connection.

Choose one experience during registration. Capacity is intentionally limited to provide an engaging, small-group experience.

Experience 1: Uncovering Richmond History Trolley Tour, Led by Gary Flowers

Presented by ICON Commercial

Explore the rich history of Downtown Richmond and Jackson Ward through stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, civil rights, and the people who shaped one of America's most influential Black neighborhoods.

Experience 2: Mending Walls Experience, Led by Hamilton Glass

Experience Richmond through public art and storytelling while exploring how creativity can bridge differences, inspire dialogue, and foster healing.

Experience 3: Expanding Freedom Exhibit at The Shockoe Institute

The Well Fest attendees will have the opportunity to experience the Shockoe Institute’s exhibit Expanding Freedom, which immerses visitors in the history of America's struggle to expand human freedom. Visitors will learn about the origins and growth of racial slavery in America and reflect on Richmond’s rise as an epicenter in the national trade of enslaved people. At the conclusion of the exhibit, visitors have an opportunity to act on what they’ve learned and consider how to put this history to work to improve our civic life.

THE WELL FEST SOCIAL, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Hosted in partnership with No. 303 (formerly Common House)

Close the day with an evening designed to bring people together through conversation, music, food, and celebration.

Hosted at the No. 303, The Well Fest Social welcomes artists, entrepreneurs, educators, civic leaders, and guests from across the region for one of the weekend's signature experiences.

Hosted by Kelli Lemon

Featured Conversation, What do we Create?

Panelists:

• Radio Blitz, Artist, Musician and Songwriter

• Kendra Feather, Restaranteur of Laura Lee’s. The Roosevelt and Garnett’s

• RK, Member Experience Manager, No. 303

🎧 Music by DJ Zairis

🍽️ Curated food and beverages

🤝 Opportunities to connect

🎁 The Richmond Collection Raffle supporting The Well Collective's youth leadership, education, and engagement initiatives

8:30 am to 10:30 am, Rooftop Wellness Experience

Location: Dominion Energy Headquarters Rooftop Greenspace

Close the weekend overlooking the Richmond skyline.

Designed to cultivate presence, well-being, and connection, the Rooftop Wellness Experience invites participants to begin the morning through movement, reflection, and breathtaking views of the city.

Experience Includes

☕ Tea by the Te’ Spot

🧘 Guided Movement with Sam Reed

🍹 Fresh juices from The Beet Box

🌿 Reflection and connection overlooking downtown Richmond