For those of you who arent familiar with PlayThink 2024, it’s a fun and creative festival in Kentucky where people of all ages come together to enjoy music, art, and movement. It takes place in place at Barren River Magic, in peaceful, nature-filled settings, with hills, open skies, and a beautiful flowing creek. PlayThink is family-friendly and completely sober, with no alcohol or other substances allowed, so everyone can feel safe and connect in a positive way. There are hundreds of “playshops”—workshops in movement, music, art, healing, and more—that help people try new things and feel creative!

This was my first festival adventure on my own, and I felt both excited and nervous at first. Walking into a big field with strangers, I wasn’t sure what would happen. But by joining group dances, listening to live musicians, and hopping into playshops, I started talking to people (and photographing people which really helped open up the conversation!). I ended up making a mess of new friends by the second day! We laughed together during workshops, shared snacks by the bonfire, and cheered for music under the stars. It felt amazing to belong somewhere and find friends who loved the same things I did.

Something I really loved was spending quiet time reading. I brought two books with me, and I finished both of them over the weekend! In between dancing and craft classes, I’d find a shady tree or cozy spot by the pond to dive back into the stories. They were the best companions, along with a special butterfly that hung around my campsite all weekend. PlayThink 2024 was extra special: I found new friends, learned cool artsy stuff, and lost myself in great books. My very first solo festival turned into one of the most wonderful weekends I’ve ever had. Spoiler alert: PlayThink 2025 went even better!