I'm launching Thrive Alive Vegan Fest: You’re Invited!

For the past 7-8 years or so, every time I've attended a vegan conference, music festival, or wellness retreat (among many other events I've been attending) I've found myself dreaming about putting on my own multi-day vegan festival and retreat. 

An event that merges ethical vegan education and holistic health, freedom and liberation for all beings, and wellness inspiration with with incredibly FUN summer-camp vibes and the most welcoming and authentic heart-centered community you can find! 

A space where animal advocates, vegans, health enthusiasts, conscious-living seekers, and those who are just curious about a plant-based diet can gather. A place where we can share nourishing delicious whole foods plant-based meals, dance barefoot under the stars, learn from incredible speakers and workshops, and form real deep friendships that last long after the weekend ends.

This year, that dream is becoming a reality

I’m thrilled to announce the very first Thrive Alive Vegan Fest, happening September 18–22, 2025 at the beautiful Timber Lakes Camp & Retreat in Williamsburg, Kansas, just 45 minutes from Kansas City.

Why Thrive Alive?

Having been vegan since birth and growing up in the Midwest, I know firsthand that while veganism can be incredibly empowering and joyful, it can also feel extremely lonely, isolating, and depressing at times, especially given that we live a world that doesn't share our values and even undermines them on a daily basis. 

Growing up, I had the incredibly privilege of attending annual vegan conferences such as Vegan Summerfest, The Animal Rights National Conference, and others - and I got to experience the very REAL and incredible impact that immersive multi-day in-person events like this can have. Each year I would come back home feeling more empowered, inspired, and motivated to prioritize my health and take action to create a happy and healthy world for all being. 

Over the years, I’ve met so many people who are passionate about health, sustainability, and justice causes, who end up depressed, burnt out, or unhealthy, because they lack a community and support network of people who support them and share their values.  I've felt and seen first-hand time and again, the power that gathering like-minded people together for several days can have on flipping that script and literally changing your life in a matter of days. 

Community and connection are powerful and transformative - especially when paired with fun!! 

This is why I wanted to create a festival that’s more than just a lineup of speakers or a concert in the park. Thrive Alive is a retreat-style gathering designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. It’s about building community, celebrating plant-based living, eating communal meal together, and leaving feeling inspired, energized, and connected.

What to Expect

For five days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the best of vegan living:

🌱 100% Vegan Buffet Meals: Three delicious meals a day, focused on whole-food, plant-based goodness, with plenty of raw, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment: Featuring internationally acclaimed vegan musicians like Mike Love and Paul Izak, plus ecstatic dance, drum circles, and campfire jams.

🎤 Inspiring Speakers & Workshops: Learn from 30+ top leaders in plant-based nutrition, sustainability, and animal advocacy.  Confirmed speakers include: Dr. Sailesh Rao, Jamie Logan, Cyrus Khambatta, PhD, and many more! 

🧘 Movement & Wellness Classes: Start your day with meditation, yoga, or a body weight fitness class in the grass, and explore practices that leave you feeling strong and confident

🤝 Connection & Community: Through authentic relating games, communal meals, and summer-camp style housing and late night dance parties and bonfires (all with like-minded people) you’ll be able to make new best friends and feel truly part of something special and bigger than yourself 

🌲 Nature & Play: Enjoy kayaking, hiking, swimming, campfires, and fun “summer camp” style activities for all ages! 

A Festival for Everyone

Whether you’re vegan, looking to take your health to the next level, or simply curious about eating more plants, Thrive Alive welcomes you. This is a substance-free, family-friendly event where everyone can can feel safe, included, and connected! 

We have a range of accommodation options from tent camping and shared cabins to private suites, so you can create the experience that’s right for you.

Tickets Are Available Now

We’re keeping the first year’s festival intimate so we can truly connect, which means tickets are limited.

📅 When: September 18–22, 2025
📍 Where: Timber Lakes Camp & Retreat Center, Williamsburg, KS
🎟 Tickets: Get Yours Here

If you’ve been craving community, connection, and inspiration, come join us for a weekend that will feed your soul, connect you with incredible people, and leave you feeling high on life! 

Let's elevate and celebrate a happy and healthy world for all beings together! 

— Sarina