A little less Comic-Con, a little more mortali-tea.
The Death Salons, Festivals, & Events Information Hub
Yes, people really do gather to talk about death, and the conversations are surprisingly uplifting. From public festivals to intimate salons, these events bring together artists, thinkers, grief workers, and the death-curious to explore mortality through creative expression and meaningful dialogue. Whether you’re a professional in the field or just someone with questions, there’s a seat for you at the table. And yes, sometimes there’s cake.
Key Things To Know
If you're imagining a quiet, somber affair, think again. These events are vibrant, curious, and often filled with art, laughter, and connection.
- Reimagine Festival Spans Cities and Online: This multi-day event hosts workshops, panels, and performances around death, loss, and transformation.
- Death Salon Brings the Experts: Historians, morticians, artists, and scholars come together to unpack cultural approaches to death.
- Events Can Be Playful and Profound: Expect live music, art installations, poetry readings, and yes, maybe some tears.
- Community Is at the Core: These events aren’t just for professionals, they often welcome anyone who’s curious about mortality.
- Creative Expression Helps Process Grief: Many festivals use storytelling, painting, or performance as tools for healing.
- You Don’t Have to Be Grieving to Go: Plenty of attendees are healthy, curious, or planning ahead. It’s about conversation, not crisis.
Death Salons, Festivals, & Events of Note
United States
Death Cafe
-
Location: Various locations across the USA
-
Description: A social franchise offering gatherings where people, often strangers, meet to discuss death over tea and cake. The objective is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives.
-
Website: https://deathcafe.com/
Death Fest
-
Location: Crozet, Virginia
-
Description: A communal gathering honoring death and dying, featuring workshops, discussions, and performances.
-
Website: https://www.panoramaburial.com
Death Over Dinner
-
Location: Various locations across the USA
-
Description: A unique gathering that aims to foster open and meaningful conversations about death and dying in a supportive and comfortable environment.
-
Website: https://deathoverdinner.org
Death Positive DC Events
-
Location: Washington, D.C.
-
Description: A series of events including Death Cafes, workshops, and discussions aimed at promoting conversations about death and dying.
Last Call: An End of Life Festival
-
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
-
Description: A two-day family-friendly event featuring speakers, artists, vendors, and food trucks, focusing on demystifying death and discussing end-of-life options.
National Healthcare Decisions Day Events
-
Location: Various locations across the USA
-
Description: Events aimed at educating and empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions, including discussions about advance directives.
Australia
Death Festival at Centennial Park Cemetery
-
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
-
Description: An event designed to demystify death, featuring speakers including ICU doctors, palliative care specialists, funeral directors, and a Buddhist nun.
-
Website: https://www.centennialpark.org/events/pure-land-home-hospice-death-festival
International
Lifting the Lid International Festival on Death and Dying
-
Location: Online
-
Description: An annual online festival that explores all aspects of death and dying through conversations, interactive events, workshops, art, and performances from around the world.
-
Website: https://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/event/lifting-the-lid-international-festival-on-death-and-dying/
Japan
Obon Festival
-
Location: Nationwide
-
Description: A traditional Buddhist event for commemorating one's ancestors, featuring Bon Odori dances, lantern lighting, and grave visits.
Mexico
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
-
Location: Nationwide
-
Description: A vibrant celebration honoring deceased loved ones, featuring altars (ofrendas), marigolds, food offerings, and festivities.
-
Website: https://dayofthedead.holiday
United Kingdom
Death Cafe
-
Location: Various locations across the UK
-
Description: Informal gatherings where people discuss death over tea and cake to increase awareness and comfort with the topic.
-
Website: https://deathcafe.com/
Sick! Festival
-
Location: Manchester, England
-
Description: A festival dedicated to exploring mental and physical health, mortality, and societal taboos through art, performances, and discussions.
-
Website: https://sickfestival.com
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and by Buried in Work is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney or subject matter expert for advice specific to your situation.