You are the main character, and your story awaits.
Decolonize & Discover
The Decolonize & Discover Festival was created with the desire to amplify the voices of BIPOC, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and people with disabilities within the worlds of creative storytelling.
At Decolonize & Discover, we invite you to try LARPing, cosplaying, podcasting, and more—to delve into the creative arts and tell a story that is uniquely yours. Through role-playing, games, panels, music, food, and workshops, we hope to foster a community that you’ll return to year after year.
Can’t wait until the festival to get your Decolonize & Discover fix?
Experience the Magic
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![color photo of person seated with a guitar on their lap]()
Live Music & Art
Enjoy a collection of performances of all kinds ranging from live music, to extreme sports and live art demonstrations.
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![color photo of person in cosplay with a toy weapon]()
Panels
Listen to the voices of BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and folks with disabilities talk about their experiences, expertise, and vision for the future.
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![color photo of person in a food truck preparing food with a customer waiting]()
Vendors
From fresh empanadas to smoked brisket, from artisanal dishes to comfort grillin’—you will be FED.
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![color photo of person in fairy cosplay seated in front of a tent]()
Accommodations
There are a variety of options for overnighting for the festival, including Cabin Rentals, Tent Rentals and Self supplied Camping
Ready to join us?
This event is for all lovers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror who have ever watched a movie or read a book and wished the characters were more like you.
Decolonization is all about creating worlds without the limits colonial history has placed on us—and that’s what this festival is all about.
2024 Festival Schedule
(subject to change)
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Friday, June 7th - Opening Day!
Friday - June 7 Opening Day!
3 PM - Doors Open - Check in
4 PM - Icebreakers & Games
5 PM - Icebreakers & Games
6 PM - Food & Vendor Hall Open
7 PM - Opening Remarks
8 PM - Decolonize & Disco Draglesque Show (tavern)
8 PM - All Ages Movie Night (barn)
9 PM - Dance Party -
Saturday, June 8th - The Main Event!
9 AM - Check in & Breakfast
10 AM - Keynote Speech
11 AM - Scavenger Hunt
12 PM - Panel - STAND UP: Discussing the Intersectional Nature of Activism and Advocacy
1 PM - Food & Vendor Hall Open
2 PM - LIVE Dungeons & Dragons Group Play
3 PM - Knight Fight
4 PM - LARP Speed Dating
5 PM - Panel - OUR STORIES: A Conversation on Creative Expression Across Disciplines
6 PM - Posapotluck & Vendor Hall Open
7 PM - LIVE Music Performance: TBA
8 PM - LIVE Music Performance: TBA
9 PM - Karaoke and Dance Party -
Sunday, June 9th - Family Day!
Sunday, June 9 - FAMILY DAY!
9 AM - Check in & Breakfast
10 AM - Closing Day Speech
11 AM - Goblin Brunch
12 PM - Cosplay Contest
1 PM - Food & Vendor Hall Open
2 PM - Light Saber Class
3 PM - Closing Remarks and Festival End
Get Involved
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If you are a musician, painter, poet, dancer, or artist of any kind and want to show off your skills at the festival, we want to know! If you’re a subject matter expert with an idea for workshop, panel, or discussion, we want to know that too!
>Click here to submit your interest in being a performer or panelist
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Want a table to sell your wares at the festival?
> Click here for our 2023 vendor application, due by May 31, 2023
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Interested in supporting Decolonize & Discover?
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No festival is complete without volunteers to help the event run smoothly!
> Click here to fill out our 2023 Volunteer Application
Accessibility
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The performances and the majority of planned activities will be taking place in the tavern. This area is accessible by car and if needed staff will be available to drive attendees and their mobility devices there for them.
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There will be ASL interpreters present for scheduled panels and spoken word performances. If you would like to volunteer please reach out to us HERE.
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All events presented by Sanctum World Simulations have a dedicated decompression room in the front of the tavern. There there will be ear plugs, sun glasses and activities available for attendees that might need them.
FAQs
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Short answer? No. This is YOUR experience. If you choose to, you can purchase passes for 1 or 2 days, or you can buy the weekend pass for all three.
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Food will be available and is included with your admission. Guests are welcome to bring food from home to have our staff grill for them, and may even grill outside if they choose to do so. Diet restrictions should be brought to our attention before hand if possible, please email us at Admin@SanctumWorld.Com with any questions or concerns.
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In accordance with state and local guidelines and public health guidance, everyone is required to show a valid ID with their proof of full vaccination.
1. This event shall be presented in accordance with applicable public health conditions as of the date of the event which may change at any time as determined by federal, state or local government agencies or instrumentalities, artists or the promoter; such requirements may include, without limitation, changes to capacity, attendance procedures and entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination, and other protective measures such as requiring attendees to wear face coverings when inside venues.
2. All attendees agree to follow festival policies (including health and safety policies) and posted instructions while at the festival. According to the CDC, older adults and people of all ages with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk of death or severe illness from COVID-19. All attendees should evaluate their risk in determining whether to attend the festival. By entering the festival, attendees voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and confirm that they will adhere to local quarantine mandates and the CDC quarantine requirements, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html.
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Cabin & Tent rentals are available and include one general admission ticket for the person buying them. Attendees may also bring their own tents at no additional cost.
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As the festival takes place on the grounds of Ye Olde Commons, all attendees will be expected to follow the grounds’ Code of Conduct.
The Production Team: Decolonize & Discover 2023
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J Ryan LaFond
Chief Executive Director
They/Them
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Steven LaFond
Director of Operations
He/Him
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Zac Keith Scott
Production Manager
They/Him
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Jes Negrón
Marketing & Strategy
She/They
When we work together, anything is possible.
Would you like to support Decolonize & Discover today?
Our Partners
(Sponsorship opportunities are still available! To learn more, click here )
