End-of-Life Festival

The Commons

Main Stage Conversations

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Let’s Talk Hospice: Local Voices, Real Stories Moderator: Colleen Biri Panelist: Julie Strassman, Eileen Spinner, Destiny Brooks

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

LGBTQIA2S+ Support at EOL Moderator: Kristina Golden Panelist: Sherrill Wayland, Katy and Atem, Charles Koehler, Luka Cai

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Mortality Lecture Hall: College Professors on Death & Dying in the Classroom Moderator: Delaney Rhea Panelist: Dr. Brian Carpenter, Dr. Meredith Verrochi, Dr. Cara Wallace, Dr. Colleen Biri

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Radical Roots: Eco-Friendly and Community-Based Paths After Death Moderator: Delaney Rhea Panelist: Bob Jenkins, Gina Sheridan, Jon Hughes, Alexis Hughes

Classroom 101 

Mini Sessions

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM 

Estate Planning Essentials: What You Need to Know – Alicia Albus

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

The Death Positive Movement – Lauren Ponder

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Swedish Death Cleaning – Kelly Tecklenburg

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

The Role of a Death Doula in Pet Loss – Kristina Golden.  

Last Call Lounge

Community Circles

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

R.I.P Book Club – Game time with the Death Deck

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Shrouding Demonstration

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

Chair Yoga + Guided Grief Meditation

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM

Sound Bath

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Death Cafe

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Storytelling Workshop

Anytime Activities – In the Quad 

Telephone of the Wind – A Telephone of the Wind is a disconnected, unconnected telephone, often placed in a peaceful natural setting, where visitors can hold a one-way conversation with deceased loved ones or others they miss, allowing them to express feelings, say goodbye, and process grief in a symbolic act of connection.

Labyrinth Walk – A labyrinth walk is a meditative, walking prayer practice using a single, circular path to move from the outside to the center and back, intended for spiritual centering, contemplation, or active meditation.

Gentle Touch Hand Massage – Gentle, purposeful massage focused on comfort and connection rather than deep tissue work.

Anytime Activities – In the Commons

Community Ofrenda – An ofrenda is a Spanish word for “offering,” referring to an altar or display created for the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration to honor and welcome the souls of departed loved ones back to the world of the living for a brief visit. Feel free to bring a picture to add to this community Ofrenda.

Grief Letter Station – offering an opportunity to share a memory, write a message, or honor the deceased in your own way.

The Missing Man – is a ceremonial display that honors fallen, missing, or imprisoned military service members.

Food Trucks – We’re excited to welcome back (for the fourth year) Chef Jon. Make sure to visit him the Quad. The menu will be a blended menu offering regular and plantbased options. 

VENDORS

Aging Ahead

BeLeaf Medical

COMMA, Creative Grief

Deadly Duo Art and Nails

Death Rituals and Art by L

FOREVER!

Hughes Funeral Alternatives

Last Call Swag and Services

The Laiderman Law Firm

Let Your Love Grow

Logan University

Mortality Mentor

National Home Funeral Alliance

Oasis Institute

SoS Senior Services

St. Louis Public Library

Last Call: An End-of-Life Festival is a one-of-a-kind gathering that brings together community members, artists, educators, storytellers, and death care professionals for a day of curiosity, connection, and collective reflection.

Launched in 2022, Last Call is equal parts festival and forum—a vibrant, welcoming space for people to explore what it means to live fully by acknowledging life’s end.

We believe that death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it. At Last Call, we aim to shift cultural attitudes around death and dying—inviting more agency, compassion, and creativity into how we plan, talk about, and honor the end of life.

By normalizing end-of-life conversations through bold, engaging, and interactive experiences, Last Call helps people face mortality with more meaning and less fear.

• Come and stay awhile! We have a full day of activities.
• We love Halloween, but this isn’t a Halloween event. No costumes please.
• Please note that photographs and footage will be taken throughout Last Call. These will be used by Last Call for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website and in social media or in any third party publication.
• There will be a free chair yoga class with grief meditation offered. You are welcome to bring a yoga mat if you prefer that over the chairs.
• Kids are welcome.  
• Bring money for the food trucks.
• Be ready to complete your Advance Care Directive. There will be notaries at the events if you would like to complete your directive. 
• You may want to bring a chair/blanket to relax, eat, and take in the beautiful scenery. 
• Don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen.
• Don’t want to leave your dog at home all day, bring them with you. Well behaved (vaccinated) dogs are welcome to join on a leash. Some presentations will be indoors, where only service dogs will be permitted. 
• If you need accommodations due to limited mobility, please let us know. We want to work with you to make sure you can join. Email lauren@withlove.events to plan for a great day. 
• Eden Seminary is wheelchair accessible and offers accessible parking.