Rest Fest 2026: Healing Richmond from the Ground Up

The Vision: A World Healed from Within

We often look to presidents, prime ministers, or political movements to "fix" a world that feels increasingly fractured. But what if the real change doesn’t come from the top down?

Rest Fest was born from a vision downloaded and manifested by Richmond resident Rick Plautz. As a sound bath and Reiki practitioner, Rick believes that the true path to healing the globe starts much closer to home—through a radical rethinking of our relationships with ourselves, our neighbors, and our community.

We believe that wellness workers—the healers, facilitators, and practitioners working in the trenches every day—are more likely to change the trajectory of our world than any policy or politician. Rest Fest is Richmond’s way of proving it.

Breaking the Silos

Richmond’s wellness community is vibrant, but it is often hidden in silos—lost in word-of-mouth circles or buried in Instagram feeds. For someone seeking guidance or healing, finding "their people" shouldn't feel like a mystery.

Rest Fest brings Richmond’s best leaders and practitioners to one central location: Dogwood Dell and the Carillon Lawn. By gathering our local wellness-based businesses, we aren't just hosting an event; we are supporting the small businesses doing the hard work of healing hearts and minds right here in our city.

A Groundbreaking Moment: Richmond’s Biggest Sound Bath

This year, we are attempting something never done before in our city. Imagine the historic Dogwood Dell amphitheater filled with 100 people, all "ohming" in unison to the resonance of beautiful sound bowls.

This isn't just a performance; it’s a collective frequency shift. What kind of healing could we ignite in Richmond with such a massive, groundbreaking event? We want you to be there to find out.

Why We Need Your Support

To keep this event accessible to everyone, we operate on a "donate-what-you-can" model. However, building a movement requires resources. We are seeking $12,000 to:

Fund Operations: Covering the logistics of hosting a large-scale event at Dogwood Dell.
Support Our Team: Providing a small stipend for the dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy to make this possible.
Raise Awareness: Creating a platform for Richmond’s wellness businesses to be seen and supported by the wider community.

Join the Movement

The world is damaged, but it isn't beyond repair. Healing starts when we choose to rest, to connect, and to support the people who make wellness their life’s work.

Will you help us manifest this vision for Richmond?

Donate: Every dollar goes directly toward operations and stipends.
RSVP: Join us on Saturday, May 9th for a day of yoga, community, and the city’s largest sound bath.
Share: Tell a friend who needs a moment of rest.

Rest Fest 2025

Check us out on the Vera House podcast here.

RVA Rest Fest 2026

Help Us Manifest Rest Fest 2026: A Movement for Collective Healing

Team Members