2026 Spirit and Place Festival | Come Sit With Me: Stories That Connect Us

Come Sit With Me: Stories That Connect Us is coming to the Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park on Saturday, November 7, as part of the 2026 IU Health Spirit & Place Festival. It's an interactive storytelling experience that takes its cue from Humans of New York—the kind of thing that asks you to slow down, listen closely, and build a connection through real stories. The whole day is split into a morning session and an afternoon session, so you can drop in for one or stay for the full day.

It's a collaborative effort, put together by Storytelling Arts of Indiana, Earth Charter Indiana, Y'all for All, the Immigrant Welcome Center, and the Peace Learning Center. That mix of partners tells you a bit about where this sits: it's less of a formal performance and more of a community gathering, with the storytelling acting as the bridge between people who might not otherwise cross paths. The focus is on listening and connection, and the interactive part means you're not just sitting in a chair watching someone else talk—you're part of the conversation.

Because it's part of the Spirit & Place Festival, it's one of several events happening across the city that weekend, but this one keeps things local to Eagle Creek Park. If you're already out there, it's an easy addition to your Saturday; if you're coming in from elsewhere, the Peace Learning Center is the spot. The day runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and since it's divided into two sessions, you can pick the half that fits your schedule best.

Admission is free, and registration covers your park entry, so you'll want to sign up ahead of time. The sessions run from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturday, November 7, at the Peace Learning Center in Eagle Creek Park.