Discover the art of diamond painting and learn how to create your own shimmering designs! This session will include a live demonstration and hands-on experience using fun bookmark kits, so you can make your own unique creation to take home. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to try a new hobby!

RockAbility is a band of musicians with developmental disabilities who play alongside local mentor musicians who gig and record. Enjoy hearing them rock out popular tunes!

Join Psychic Mystic-Medium Maggie Mondello and Psychic Medium Rev. Stacy Blecher for Spirit Messages. Maggie and Stacy connect audience members with loved ones who have crossed over, providing accurate and validating evidence of the Afterlife, and incredible messages of love, hope, inspiration, and healing. While attending does not guarantee a reading, group sessions provide an incredible source of emotional healing, forgiveness, laughter, and communion for all. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with the spirit realm.

Join the fun with Rise Up: Northeast Ohio's immersive science experience! Participate in hands-on experiments at two mini science stations—one exploring chemical bonds, and the other featuring solar cars to construct, race, and take home. Research scientists will be there to guide you and answer all your questions. Science is for all of us, and Rise Up is here to make it exciting and accessible!

Come spend some time with adorable adoptable dogs, courtesy of Muttley Crue Rescue! Whether you're looking for a new furry friend or just want to enjoy a play session with pups of all ages, this is the perfect spot to meet lovable dogs who are looking for their forever home. Play, cuddle, and discover your potential new companion at the Pet Playpen!

Welcome to the world of Dungeons & Dragons! In this introductory session, you'll explore the history of D&D and learn the fundamentals of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Discover how to create player characters, navigate maps, and embark on epic adventures! Whether you're a beginner or just need a refresher, this program will prepare you for the D&D Build and Play event, where you can put your new skills to the test!

Do you love it when someone tells you all about something they love? That's called infodumping, and we love it, too! Come watch some excited people give 10-minute presentations about stuff they're really into. Plus, marvel at a collection of science-fair-style posters made by the community! (Wanna submit your own poster or slideshow? Visit www.NDculturefest.com/sst)

Join Kate and Samantha for an hour of creativity and connection! In this hands-on workshop, you'll make your own beautiful friendship bracelets to keep or gift. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or new to bracelet-making, our step-by-step guidance will help you create a unique piece of wearable art. All materials will be provided. See you there!

Step into a tranquil space designed for relaxation and reflection. Our Meditation Station offers a serene environment with soft music and cozy areas to sit and unwind (and to provide respite for anyone feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated). Stop on by, enjoy the soothing atmosphere, and find your inner peace.

Blakk Jakk Dance Collective invites you to explore creative expression through movement. This workshop is designed to help develop physical skills, stamina, creativity, expression, and musicality using a wide range of exercises, activities, and musical styles. Give it a try and discover fun and inventive ways to keep your body moving!

A family-friendly show to spotlight neurodivergent drag and performance artists.

Dive deeper into the magical realm of Dungeons & Dragons in our Build and Play program! Here, you’ll get hands-on experience with character creation, using pre-generated characters or crafting your own from scratch. We'll guide you through the basics while you engage in a short game, giving you the chance to see your character in action. This program is perfect for participants who attended the TTRPG 101 session or anyone curious about joining the adventure. Whether you come for a few minutes or stay for the entire event, you'll leave with free dice and memories of your epic journey!

Join Naturalist Nicole Hindman—accompanied by "BB" the Big Brown Bat—to explore the fascinating world of bats! Learn about the unique traits that make these nocturnal mammals so special and get a feel for them (literally!) with biofacts like furs and skulls. Discover the truth behind these often-misunderstood creatures of the night and leave with a newfound appreciation for their vital role in maintaining balance within the ecosystem.

Unleash your creativity at our Freestyle Art Space! With a selection of materials at your disposal, you’re free to craft whatever sparks your imagination. Whether you’re looking to relax or enjoy some hands-on fun, this space invites you to explore and create at your own pace. Great for emotional regulation, too!

Join us for an exclusive screening of the 2021 documentary film ‘Neurodivergent’ in partnership with the Cleveland ReelAbilities Film Festival! In this 24-minute film, director Afton Quast Saler documents her journey getting an ADHD diagnosis as a 35-year-old woman. Turning the camera on herself and her family to process what this diagnosis means, this profoundly personal mixed-media experience explores why women are often under-diagnosed with ADHD and the consequences it can have on their lives. After the screening, audience members are welcome to participate in a moderated open discussion about the film.

Fruitfly describes themselves as internet indie/emo for sad nerds. Dipping their toes into math rock, bedroom pop, funk, vaporware and more, their music largely revolves around trying to make sense of the unprecedented times it was written in. Fruitfly released their second full length album, When the Weather is Nice, in April of 2024, and has just recently come off of their Fruitjuice 2024 summer tour. Featuring Kyle Thompson on lead vocals, guitar and sampler, Stitch O'Donovan on guitar, Matt Muenzberg on keys, TJ May on bass/backing vocals, and Jake Conder on drums/backing vocals.

Experience the healing power of Reiki and learn to channel your energy in a holistic way! Join Lori Madzelonka of Crystal Earth Magic for a meditative journey that incorporates traditional Reiki practices with a variety of alternative energy practices. Connect to one another, and to yourself, through this transformative and centering experience.

For many fans, the devices and vehicles that populate fictional worlds are just as iconic as the characters themselves. In this presentation, hobbyists from the local Ghostbusters fan group will share their approach to designing and constructing prop replicas from scratch—such as proton packs and Ectomobiles—and discuss everything from 'in-universe' functionality to real-world techniques like 3D printing and found-item DIY construction. Whether for cosplay, fan films, or just for display, this session will equip you with the skills, tips, and inspiration to recreate iconic props from your favorite universes!

The Neurodiverse Marketplace is a vibrant 'expo-hall-meets-craft-fair' experience where attendees can buy, trade, and explore a variety of neurodivergent vendors and small businesses. The marketplace aims to empower ND entrepreneurs by providing opportunities outside traditional employment settings—and it offers festivalgoers the opportunity to shop for cool stuff!

Have you ever seen a colored skunk? Well now you can! Get an up-close-and-personal look at different skunk colors thanks to Skunk Haven, a nonprofit group dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and educating the public on wild and domestic skunks. For a small fee, you can pet a skunk, get a picture with a skunk, and play games to win prizes! Stop by the Skunk Haven booth anytime during the festival for a fun and educational experience.

Are you interested in meeting new people, but nervous about starting conversations? Do you wish you could socialize in a more structured format? Then visit the Firehouse Cafe—which we jokingly refer to as the festival’s 'designated social space'—and find like-minded people to chat with thanks to Table Topics! Each table will be labeled with a particular subject (travel, sports, pop culture, books, etc.), and include a box of corresponding conversation cards if you need an icebreaker. Anyone can join any table at any time; it’s just a way to take the guesswork (and anxiety) out of talking to new people. There will be tables without a theme as well for those who just want to go with the flow! (P.S. The Firehouse Cafe is just a chill environment to hang out and have a coffee, not an actual cafe. Food Trucks will be nearby for anyone who's hungry!)

If there's something strange...in your neighborhood...you're in the right place! The Ghostbusters: Cleveland group will be hanging out all day, offering a variety of props and inflatables for fun photo ops, including their very own Ectomobile. Join the fun, snap a pic, and channel your inner “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts” energy!

The Gaming Library offers a welcoming space to choose a game, settle in at a nearby table, and play at your leisure. With a diverse selection of board games, card games, and puzzles, there's something for everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a favorite game or try something new, a Game Counselor will be on hand to teach the rules and answer any questions.