This two-day event celebrates & cultivates love for diverse people and for the planet we all depend on.
It’s about love in the radical sense, the way Martin Luther King, Jr. taught it.
It’s about love as a verb, not just a feeling, the way bell hooks wrote about it.
It’s about love as biophilia, or love of living things, the way E. O. Wilson defined it.
It’s about love as the antidote to hate, the way our nation needs it.
This uplifting weekend features talks, workshops, and fun in two themes:
Love for People & Love for Planet
| Super Supportive Karaoke | Make & Take Classes |
| Community Voices Storytelling | Outdoor Recreation & Relaxation |
| Letter Writing Tent | Guided Nature Hikes |
| Self Care Breaks | Seed Planting Service Project |
| Nonviolence Trainings | Personal Climate Action Planning |
Registration opens in May and will include camping and day passes.
Check back often for schedule updates.
Get Involved!
There are loads of ways to be part of the inaugural year of the festival. Facilitate a workshop or give a talk. Sponsor a presentation or activity tent. Sign up to be an art or food vendor. We welcome inquiries from anyone looking to contribute their time, treasure, or talent.
Interested? Let us know! Fill out this quick interest form, and we’ll reach out to gather and share more details.
Partners in Growing Love
We’re excited to be partnering with diverse artists, nonprofits, educators, foodies, and businesses to bring the festival to life. Check back often for updates on new partnerships and how they’re contributing.
Rural Action’s mission is to build a more just economy by developing the region’s assets in environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways. They’re leading programming in both festival tracks.
The Bookmobile is coming to Love Grows! Pick up a book to find something new to love about different cultures, landscapes, and creatures! This community treasure is always free and open to the public, and will be parked outside the main festival entrance, no ticket required.
Ohio University’s Festivals, Events, and Event Management (FEEM) certificate program is a key partner in planning this first year. Professor Thom Stevenson and students in his practicum course are taking the lead on feeding festival-goers, using mostly local & regional ingredients.