From May 29 to June 1, Laurel Hill is proud to host the Philadelphia Death and Arts Festival (PDAF), a collaborative, artist-led experience that reimagines the culture of dying. The festival’s three themes– aging, dying, and grieving– are explored with performances, workshops, panels, and more from some of Philly’s best artists in conversation with some of Philly’s best deathcare professionals (including beyond Philly, too!).

The festival invites attendees into a vision of a culture of dying that is person-centered, community-oriented, and care driven.

Learn more about the artists here!

Events throughout the weekend will take place at both Laurel Hill East (3822 Ridge Avenue) and Laurel Hill West (215 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd).

Tickets to performances are available on a sliding scale, so please select the amount you feel comfortable paying to support the Philadelphia Death & Arts Festival. All ticket prices offer the same access. No one will be turned away for lack of funds–contact phillydeathandarts@gmail.com with any questions. Workshops and panel discussions are free or pay-what-you wish. Please RSVP if you plan to attend a program.

Friday, May 30

3 PM – How to Die in Philadelphia for Cheap (Conservatory at Laurel Hill West)

4 PM – Shrouding Workshop (Conservatory at Laurel Hill West)

4 PM – Eiko Otake + DonChristian Jones Talk (Tent at Receiving Vault, Laurel Hill East)

5:30 PM – mayfield brooks: Viewing Hours (Nature’s Sanctuary Laurel Hill West)

5:30 PM – Green Burial Workshop (Conservatory at Laurel Hill West)

6 PM –  DonChristian Jones: The Politics of Mourning IV* (Receiving Vault at Laurel Hill East)

6 PM –  Eiko Otake: A Body in Laurel Hill* (Receiving Vault at Laurel Hill East)

7:00 PM – Mel Hsu: deciphering the knots in the pine beams (Conservatory at Laurel Hill West)

8:00 PM – Singing Our Grief (Conservatory at Laurel Hill West)

*This performance by DonChristian Jones is connected to A Body in Laurel Hill by Eiko Otake. Please note that a ticket to either one of these performances includes admission to the other which will take place during the same time period and place. Total run time for both pieces is 90 minutes.