Humanity has never been so socially isolated
Published Study
“Strong social relationships reduce mortality risk by ~50%”
People with strong social connections live significantly longer than those who are isolated.
Harvard University
2010
Published Study
“Loneliness is As deadly as 15 cigarettes/Day”
Chronic loneliness increases mortality risk on par with major physical health risks. (et. 2017)
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Brigham Young Univ.
2015
In the last 15 yrs, tech has damaged our ability to connect. Study after study shows us that isolation destroys people’s mental health, and makes us all kinda miserable.
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(A Lot...)
(A Lot...)
Real Connection Is the key to mental wellbeing
Every study tells us that connection makes us happier, healthier, and more alive. For a world in a historic mental health crisis—connection may be the only solution...
Buuuut The issue is... many of us have kind of forgotten how to connect
what if you could completely rewire connection in your brain?
(in just one weekend)
A true recalibration of the social and emotional systems in your mind — and the way you experience connection.
That’s what this festival is all about—and that’s the outcome it creates.
The question is... are you in?
welcome... to Possibility Festival
The first of it’s kind—you’ve never experienced an event quite like this.
48 hours. 100 strangers.
the friends you were always meant to have
Here's how this thing works.
1. Choose
First — You select a festival in a city of your choice
Start by picking the scheduled date and city that works best for you.
2. attend
Then You Join 99 other people looking for Real, lasting change
Join a group of like-minded people who are investing in connection the same way you are.
3. rewire
you follow along for the weekend & start changing your brain
Experience the weekend step-by-step, meeting new people and reshaping how you think.
The whole time—we’re behind-the-scenes using research-based insights to create the schedule, activities, and structure that reliably create real connection with the people around you.
48 hours. 100 strangers.
the friends you were always meant to have.
Here's how this thing works.
First — You select a festival in a city of your choice
Start by picking the scheduled date and city that works best for you.
Then You Join 99 other people looking for Real, lasting change
Join a group of like-minded people who are investing in connection the same way you are.
you follow along for the weekend & start changing your brain
Experience the weekend step-by-step, meeting new people and reshaping how you think.
The whole time—we’re behind-the-scenes using research-based insights to create the schedule, activities, and structure that reliably create real connection with the people around you.
A weekend so impactful that Columbia University researchers studied it
In 2024, Columbia scientists did a study on Chicago Possibility Fest attendees. The goal was to figure out just how powerful the mental health impacts could be.
They Pre-measured Every Attendee’s mental health
Before attending, every participant took a comprehensive mental health assessment. This gave the researchers a clear snapshot of everyone’s initial wellbeing.
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Then Studied everyone for 2 months After The festival
After 2 months, researchers conducted follow-up assessments on each attendee. The goal was to study how long the positive effects of the event could last.
it turns out... 48 hours makes a pretty big difference
2 months after the festival, Possibility Festival attendees were:
→ Were less anxious (57.6% of attendees)
→ Had less mental pain (62.7% of attendees)
→ And were more confident (61.0% of attendees)
Real Stories from our previous attendees
Learn about the transformations people experienced after attending a Possibility Festival.
Bella, 24
“Now I feel there’s a sense of hope restored – that there are people who are loving and want to help you, for nothing in return.”
Hani, 20
“What I learned is that I am a sociable person and I find happiness in other people. I feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself.”
Indio, 20
“I now feel like I'm more me than I ever have before.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the common questions we receive from first-time attendees
frequently asked questions
Anyone and everyone. All are welcome. Because space is limited, you do have to submit an application by the deadline.
All ages are welcome! We’ve had attendees under 10 and over 60. If you are under the age of 18, a parental waiver will need to be signed.
Please only apply to attend if you can commit to attending the entire two days from start to finish. Check-in begins as early as 8:00 AM on Saturday. The event ends on Sunday around 8:00 PM.
Attendees are responsible for arranging their own lodging, transportation, and expenses. We will send out a list of hotels nearby our event site, but you can of course stay wherever you want. At past events, many attendees chose to share an AirBnb or hotel room to save money. We will circulate an open Google Doc so anyone who wants to find a roommate to split their lodging can find one.
Because we intentionally have a policy of never charging attendees and not having any corporate sponsorships, the only way to ensure the event stays free is to host the activities in public parks. There are no fancy stages or chairs. And all your personal expenses during the two days (meals, water, snacks, etc.) are your responsibility. Packing a big water bottle and snacks in your backpack has worked perfectly for all the attendees at past events. (And it’s fun!)
A suggested packing list will be emailed to all accepted attendees closer to the event.
Of course! But each individual needs to submit an application on their own.
Oh, yes! Most attendees come on their own, not knowing anyone, and they end up meeting the friends they always wished they had.
This is a collective effort of amazing volunteers who attended past events who are helping with this year’s festivals.
Mental Wellbeing doesn’t have to feel impossible
We believe that problem is simple — and the solutions are free
