Exploring the Intersection of History, Healing & Humanity

Three days. Three signature experiences. One unforgettable Richmond weekend.

The Well Fest is The Well Collective's annual gathering that brings together residents, visitors, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, historians, and civic leaders to explore the intersection of history, healing, and humanity.

Through thoughtfully curated experiences, engaging conversations, exceptional food, live music, wellness, and opportunities for meaningful connection, participants are invited to discover Richmond through its people, places, and stories while imagining a more connected future.

Sept. 4-5, 2026

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Sept. 4-5, 2026

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Sept. 4-5, 2026

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Sept. 4-5, 2026

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Sept. 4-5, 2026 ✳︎ Sept. 4-5, 2026 ✳︎ Sept. 4-5, 2026 ✳︎ Sept. 4-5, 2026 ✳︎

DAY 1

FRIDAY | SEPTEMBER 4: Experience Richmond through engaging dialogue and immersive experiences led by historians, artists, and local leaders.

Morning Gathering, 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM

Begin the day with locally roasted coffee and conversation before the morning's Featured Conversation.

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

Hosted at the Shockoe Institute

The Declaration of Liberation brings together leaders, artists, and changemakers 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

  • Special Guest

Lunch, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

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

Curated 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.

Walk the Ward, Led by Gary Flowers

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

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.

The Branch Experience, Presented by ICON Reality

Step inside one of Richmond's historic landmarks and discover how preservation, entrepreneurship, and community-centered development are shaping a more connected future.

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 featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Mad Skillz, alongside local leaders and creatives.

🎧 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

Popular


DAY 2

SATURDAY | SEPTEMBER 5, 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

Every Ticket Makes an Impact

Proceeds from The Well Fest directly support The Well Collective's youth leadership, adult education, restorative leadership development, and engagement initiatives.

Join us September 3–5 as we gather to celebrate Richmond, deepen connections, and imagine what's possible when we invest in people and place.

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Event Partners