Upcoming Polyamory Events,
next 12 months

Any I missed?  Updates needed?
Write me at  alan7388 (at) gmail.com
—Alan M.,  Polyamory in the News


2024


October 17 – 21, 2024
Breckenridge, CO

This gathering is now held twice a year, in early summer and October. "Relaxing vacation time with poly friends. The Colorado Polyamory Weekend is a long weekend retreat hosted in a beautiful mountain lodge with all meals provided. The retreat is for polyamorous people and people in poly-relationships to hang out together in a poly-normative, accepting environment. The weekend goes from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning and is held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado.  Come relax, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies!" 

 

Fall 2024? TBD
London, UK

Pre-Covid, Polyday was drawing a total of 200-plus people. The 2018 Polyday got a nice writeup in Vice UK. From the website: "Polyday is an annual day for ethically non-monogamous people and our allies to get together and share our knowledge and experiences -- the questions we've encountered, the lessons we've learned, and the joys and sorrows we've experienced. It is a day for responsible non-monogamous people to experience a comfortable, non-judgmental environment with their fellow poly people and their families. Children of all ages are welcome. Polyday provides an educational and community support network for people who are involved in ethically non-monogamous loving relationships, or who would like to be allies. We promote mutual, collaborative encouragement, solace, and exploration.Facebook pageIn past years Polyday has sold out in advance.

Update: Polyday 2022 was brutally cancelled by a hostile political faction, a failed competitor that had tried to use its name. After this, Polyday's future is unknown; its organizers have expressed fear and burnout, and hope others will revive it.


November 23 every year

Polyamory Day began in Canada in 2017 and has spread worldwide. Here are articles with free graphics and other publicity materials you can use to spread the word. More graphics! Google "Polyamory Day [your year]" for current doings.


2025


Love Is Love (Germany)
January 10  14, 2025
Homberg/Saar, Germany

The German organizations PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V. (Polyamory.de), and Bisexuelles Netzwerk e.V. (BiNe.net) created this new conference in 2022 as the region emerged from the pandemic disruptions. The working language is German.

PolyAmores Netzwerk normally runs trans-regional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities." (Also, see the Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)


February 2025? The future of Poly Living is still to be determined.
Philadelphia, PA

2024 banner

This is a direct descendent of the first, original polyamory convention (PepCON 1987) and through 2024 was still put on by Loving More (once a print magazine, now a nonprofit). But Loving More director Robyn Trask, who was pretty much solely responsible for the conventions for many years, announced at the 2024 Poly Living that this would be her last. Will a replacement emerge?   

Poly Living missed two years during Covid but came back in force in February 2024, with about 160 attendees. Here was the 2024 schedule.  Here's my writeup of the first Poly Living I attended (2006). In 2012 I gave the keynote speech

Loving More, "supporting polyamory and relationship choice since 1985," is the original poly organization of the modern era and played an early central role in getting the whole movement going.


Feb. 27  March 4, 2025
Neuhof, Germany

The German organization PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V., at Polyamory.deruns transregional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities. The programme is self organized by the participants." Minimum age 18. In past years the meetings have sold out within days of being announced. (Also see Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)


February 28 every year

Metamour Day (Valentine's Day times two) celebrates "polyamory's most distinctive relationship!" Articles with publicity materials you can use. Lots more images. Google to find current doings.

April 4  6, 2025
Phoenix, AZ

SWLF, under new management, moves in 2025 from Tucson to bigger Phoenix. And it will run for three full days, from Friday morning into Sunday afternoon. "Immerse yourself in a weekend of connection, learning, and celebration at the Southwest Love Fest 2025. Discover diverse relationship experiences through engaging workshops, vibrant social events, and a welcoming community.

"As always, we maintain our mission to create greater opportunities to find community and learn from others' diverse relationship experiences." Code of conduct.

"Our 2025 event is expected to be 300-500 attendees. Workshop material can range from educational to fun to healing. Some workshops also qualify for professional CEU credits for therapists available through the NBCC."

Also: "Southwest Love Fest is expanding to offer year round Love Fest Events! Love Fest Events include mini conferences, symposiums, online workshops & other events all over the country and virtually. If you missed our special joint offering with Mikaela de la Myco for a Light Heart Retreat, we plan on making it a yearly event on Valentine's Day weekend. Past Love Fest Events include Somatic Integration for the Male Experience and Sex By Southwest, a collaboration mini-conference with Sex Down South ConferenceEmail us to organize one in your hometown!"

The first Southwest Love Fest in 2018 sold out with over 225 attendees, and the second in 2019 had over 400. I was at SW Love Fest in 2018 and found the vibe exuberant and excited, the attendees (80% from Arizona) great-hearted and significantly diverse. The Saturday-night social events included, simultaneously, a treasure hunt, an EDM dance party with costuming available, and a cuddle puddle in a big pop-up gazebo under the stars.


April 17  20, 2025
Bastrop State Park near Austin, Texas


"Poly Big Fun (PBF), the longest running polyamory event in Texas, is a community-organized retreat open to all families. Unlike most events it is 100% community run. Everyone pays the same amount and their are no paid speakers. Workshops are given by members of our community on topics that they are knowledgeable and passionate about. Board game and other geek enthusiasts abound. There will be a Polyamory 101 class and ice-breaking events, so whether you have been practicing polyamory for 2 weeks or 25 years, you will find opportunities to connect with your community HERE!

"Previous events have featured dancing, board games, crafts, hiking, bike riding and other events! Bring your passion, volunteer to teach, help make our shared experience better!" Facebook page.


May 2025? To be decided.
Abrams Creek Retreat Center, Mt. Storm, WV

New Culture events, in my experience, always draw about 70% polyfolks and are super poly-friendly. 2024 description: "We're transforming New Culture Spring Camp into a long weekend 'getaway' focused on ease, relaxation, and intimacy. The May Getaway is for people who have been to at least one New Culture retreat, and for new folks who are sponsored by returning attendees. 
* Dance * Meditation * Nature Walks * ZEGG Forum * Emotional Healing * Conscious Touch * Cuddles * Loving Community * And much more! *" Details.

New Culture events are alcohol and drug free and are Covid-cautious. For this event in 2024 daily rapid (antigen) tests were required for two days beforehand and then on arrival. 


Late spring 2025, dates to be set.
Galliners, Catalonia, Spain

This will be OpenCon Catalonia's 12th year. It runs self-generated unconference style. The 2024 description: "IOCC is an opportunity to get together in a friendly environment and share our experiences, our questions, the lessons we’ve learned, and the joys we’ve experienced in this new territory of polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships. We’ll be about 40 people, and the basic plan is to combine workshops with plenty of opportunities for relaxing and socialising. Check the what will happen page to get an idea of how it could be, and don’t forget to read our Code of Conduct. Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be provided from Friday dinner to Monday lunch." The working language is English. Over 18 only (infants OK).


June 17  22, 2025
Rittergut Lützensömmern, Germany

The German organization PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V., at Polyamory.deruns transregional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities. The programme is self organized by the participants." Minimum age 18. In past years the meetings have sold out within days of being announced. (Also see Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)


● Colorado Poly Weekend Retreat – Summer
June 26 – 23, 2025
Breckenridge, CO

This gathering is now held twice a year, in early summer and October. "Relaxing vacation time with poly friends. The Colorado Polyamory Weekend is a long weekend retreat hosted in a beautiful mountain lodge with all meals provided. The retreat is for polyamorous people and people in poly-relationships to hang out together in a poly-normative, accepting environment. The weekend goes from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning and is held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado.  Come relax, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies!" 


Summer 2025. Dates to be decided 
Alborache, València, Spain

"Un fin de semana de convivencia, debates, talleres y actividades lúdicas. Una oportunidad de conocer gente con ideas y actitudes abiertas en torno a las relaciones afectivas.

"Este encuentro anual se lleva a cabo cada verano, en el mes de junio o julio, en un albergue en plena naturaleza. Constituye un espacio donde compartir experiencias e inquietudes sobre modelos de vínculos entre las personas, desde una perspectiva feminista, solidaria y basada en el respeto. El contenido de la OpenCon lo proporcionan las personas asistentes, por lo que cada convocatoria es una sorpresa y una experiencia única."


July 2025? Dates to be decided 
Abrams Creek Retreat Center, Mount Storm, WV

An evening discussion in the main dome. Other people were chopping vegetables in the kitchen for the next day's meals, chatting and snuggling in the lodge living room, camping in the night woods, or engaged in private activities.

I've attended this interesting, powerful, ten-day event for many years. It did not happen in 2024 but may return in 2025. Network for a New Culture explores building intimate community through practices of curiosity, transparency, self-exploration, and self-responsibility. The days are structured around 
ZEGG Forum, various self-improvement and human-potential presenters visiting to offer their stuff, and sharing life, work, and play in the West Virginia mountain woods.

“While not exclusively a poly event,” says co-founder Michael Rios, “Summer Camp East is about 70% polyfolk, and 100% poly-friendly.” Here are my impressions from my first year. Here's a bit more from my fourth (last two paragraphs).

From the description: "A 10-day experimental community for emotional intimacy, radical love, and global change. Experience what we’ve learned in our 25 years of exploration – the compassion, communication, and intimate connection that make a new world possible. Connect in the ways you’ve always wanted, learn skills to transform your daily life, and dive into the challenges of creating a world that works for all beings."

About 60 people usually attend. Vegetarian and vegan group meals; cabins and campsites in the woods (no vehicle hookups); bathhouse with sinks and hot showers. Conditions are mostly rustic, but some 
indoor accommodations are available onsite (priority goes to those with special needs), and a camp-owned motel is 3 miles away. Inquire whether there's a kids' program this year. A beautiful, and accurate, promo video (I'm in it!). Another camper speaks.

Covid protocols have been taken seriously, mostly testing. In 2022 and 2023 these included six daily rapid antigen tests before and during camp. I was there both years; not one positive Covid test showed up in some 520 rapid tests conducted and checked onsite, nor was anyone symptomatic, nor was there any reported case post-camp. And IMO, both were among the best Summer Camps I've been to.


July 14 – 20, 2025
US and worldwide

OPEN, the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy, launched a Day of Visibility for Non-Monogamy in July 2023. Signing on were 40 organizations spanning poly to RA to swinging that put on at least 19 local public events and more online. OPEN ran a publicity campaign beforehand and offered graphics, text, and other resources to help users spread the word. See my article on the project and its background

For 2024, feedback from the member groups revealed a clear wish for a Week of Visibility rather than a day. So OPEN made it permanently the third week in July. In 2024 the week was an even bigger success.

For 2025, sign up for OPEN's email list to keep up with developments, and/or join the discussions on their Discord server.


● Minnesota PolyCon
July 2025 (date TBD) 
Minneapolis, MN

"Minnesota’s premier one-day event dedicated to education and community for non-monogamous and related communities." In 2018, its first year, it drew 86 people, and 2019 "was a big success with an attendance of 171," wrote MNPoly organizer Randy Frehse. For 2020 he wrote "We are hoping for 200 - 250," but it was cancelled by the pandemic. Ditto 2021. But the c
on was back in 2022 and 2023, recovering with financial aid from The Polyamory Foundation. It had a new venue for 2024.

Sessions have included sex positivity & consent, anatomy of arousal, solo poly, polyamory & mental health, poly & parenting, poly & religion, deconstructing jealousy, being out & poly, and fundamentals of good communication in your polycule. Organized and run by the 1500-member 
MNPoly Meetup group.


Summer 2025, date TBD
Ottawa, Ontario

After running for several years Polywood Camp was cancelled for Covid in 2020, a version was held online in 2021, then was cancelled for 2022. In 2023 it was back at a new location, a woodsy campground in outer Ottawa. It was there again in 2024. Schedule of the 2024 workshops and events. Watch for 2025 date.




"A kid-friendly poly camping weekend. Join us at Polywood this year to laugh, learn, and community build under the stars. Meet fellow like-minded poly people around the large communal bonfire; take part in various relationship building and strengthening discussions; share your poly knowledge and experiences over wine and cheese. We have limited scholarship funds available; email us at polywood.camping@gmail.com for more information."


●  Rocky Mountain Polyamory Family Campout
August 2025? Check link for any 2025 update.
Carbondale (near Aspen), Colorado

(Not to be confused with the Colorado Polyamory Weekend Retreat, which is in a building with services.)

Robyn Trask and Jesus Garcia of Loving More have held this informal family-friendly campout nearly every year for 20 years. About 20 or 30 people have usually attended. "Come spend a weekend in the amazing White River National Forest near Carbondale, CO. This area boasts abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and a rich history. Join us for hiking, exploring ghost towns, fishing, campfire cooking, conversations, and hanging out with other polyamorous families from the Rocky Mountain Region and beyond."

Robyn writes, "
I started hosting this event in 2003 at the earnest request of my children who loved going to the group camp each year and meeting other kids who had weird polyamorous parents. This event was the place my kids could have fun and gave them lifelong friends.

"My kids are grown and I still love hosting this event each year and the opportunity to share my passion for the beauty of the Rocky Mountains with my extended family, the polyamory community.

"Now twenty years later my daughter is bringing her own child and it fills me with happiness!
"

 
Summer 2025? 
Indianapolis, Indiana?
 
Last year's was the first Midwest Love Fest, put on the organizers of the highly successful Southwest Love Fest in Tucson. Will it be back for 2025? Stay tuned at the link above.

The summer 2024 description:

"The all new Midwest Love Fest is coming this August to Indianapolis! A one day conference on relationships, identity, community, and non-monogamy. Come see the great content and speakers you expect at Southwest Love Fest, but in your backyard. This event will run all day and into the evening so you can learn during the day and play by night." (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.) 3 different tracks with 4 workshops in each (12 total), plus an evening event. Schedule, workshops, and presenters. The Evening Connection Series.

"Continuing education credits (CEUs) will also be available for therapist professionals through the NBCC."

Note: Organizer Kate Kincaid says that she and co-organizer Sara Bachmann-Williams will help advise and mentor anyone who wants to start a hotel polycon in their own city. For free. Write to southwestlovefest AT gmail.com.


● Camp Menagerie (formerly PolyCamp Northeast)
August 2025? TBD. 
Central New Hampshire 

In 2024 PolyCamp Northeast expanded to a full week and changed its name to Camp Menagerie. "We believe this name more accurately reflects the beautifully eclectic bunch of humans that we are. Please be assured that it will be the same great Camp you know and love!" 

On the dock
PolyCamp Northeast began as a 3½-day gathering in August 2016 and has been running since, skipping 2020 during the pandemic. I attended three of the first four, and what a collection of loving hearts this was each time. Attendance is capped at 100 people. In 2021, 2022, and 2023 it sold out early. Attendees self-organized a variety of talks and activities: these have included nonviolent communication techniques, general poly discussion, genderqueer topics, yoga, nightly campfire, board games, crafts, a kayak race, cuddle party, talent show, dance.

The venue is a well-equipped old New England summer camp (each of the group cabins has an adequately functional full bath) in the New Hampshire lakes region about 2
½ hours north of Boston. Waterfront with docks, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes. Three meals a day included.

"We support each other in the full spectrum of relationship structures, sexual orientations, and gender identities. This is a space of love, inclusion and acceptance. It is a culture of respect, safety, communication and healthy boundaries. We bring our best selves together to form a community where we can all thrive. Thank you for co-creating this community with us!"


Summer 2025? TBA.     
Portland, Oregon


From the 2024 description:  "Dive into three dynamic workshop tracks designed for everyone from seasoned ethical sluts to curious newcomers finding out how to be more poly-secure.

"Learn from both local and visiting sex and relationship educators who will guide you through skills and insights to enrich your non-monogamous journey.

"Here's a broad outline of what we're planning:
   Friday night welcome event 7-11pm
   Saturday: two tracks of programming 8am-7pm
   Saturday night party 7-11pm
   Sunday morning goodbye event 9am-1pm

"If you are interested in helping to make this event happen, we need lots of volunteers at all levels!More about 2024.


Aug. 24 – Sept. 1, 2025
Nevada desert

Village of PolyParadise has been running at Burning Man since 1999. This is a large theme-camp cluster, typically 350 x 440 feet, usually with about 250 - 300 campers. Generally about half the campers are repeats from previous years, half are new. Workshops and events include Poly High Tea, the famous Human Carcass Wash, Poly Friendly Social/Mixer, Ethical Slut Meet & Greet, Fire Flow Yoga, the Twisted Swan Celtic Pub, and the non-alcoholic Temple of Bacchus. Writes Benevolent Dictator Scotto, "The Village of PolyParadise was absolutely incredible and our best effort yet at creating this amazing On-Playa home. Each year there are many challenges and together we find a way to make things right, together we build an amazing space within the gates of BRC, a place to really call home in the desert." History as of 2023.
 
September 2024? Dates TBD.
Ávila, Spain

¿En qué consiste? Consiste en una combinación de debates, talleres y actividades lúdicas que te brindarán la oportunidad de conocer gente con tus mismas ideas y actitudes, compartir experiencias e inquietudes, ayudar a fortalecer nuestra comunidad y disfrutar de su diversidad. El contenido de la OpenCon lo proporcionan las personas asistentes, por lo que cada convocatoria será diferente. Os damos una idea de cómo fue la agenda de años anteriores.  Each year, this conference has sold out fast when registration opens.


Sept. 30  Oct. 5, 2025
Rittergut Lützensömmern, Germany

The German organization PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V., at Polyamory.deruns transregional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are (translated) "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities. The programme is self organized by the participants." Minimum age 18. The working language is German. In past years the meetings have sold out within days of being announced. (Also see Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)

_____________________________________________________________________


To add an event (of wide geographic interest, please) email it to me at alan7388 {at} gmail.com.



Kimchi Cuddles is based the cartoonist's real life. See her followup strip. And yes, she, "Rajeev" and "Terra" all made it to the Beyond the Love polycon in Ohio that year.





How to find your LOCAL POLY COMMUNITIES and their get-togethers!

 
For socials, potlucks, discussions, support, etc. near you, find and join your local poly group(s). You can:

● Try googling polyamory with your state and/or city. 

● Search Meetup.com with keyword polyamory and enter your zip code or city.

● Search Facebook Groups for polyamory with the name of your state and/or city, and for poly with your state and/or city. Ditto Instagram, Twitter.


● If you're on Fetlife (NSFW landing page and content; TW: BDSM), you can search its groups for polyamory with your state and/or city, and for poly with your state and/or city.

● In Canada see 
Canadian Polyamory Groups, a list put up by the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association ("last updated Aug. 2022").

And a caution: It's not like the old days. Most poly discussion-and-support groups are still safe, welcoming, and well behaved. But now that the word "polyamory" is a Trend, any rando with a motive -- or their own skewed definition of the word -- can announce a "poly meetup" and expect newbies to show up. Like you.

So don't be too quick to assume, as you walk in the door, that you've finally found your long-sought tribe. Watch out if a group seems to center on one strong personality and her or his acolytes. Watch out for anyone who tries to draw you into a faction; they're often guiltier of nasty crap than the opposing faction. Bad actors often try to turn you against their legitimate critics before you know any better.

If in doubt, ask around the larger community. It's a good sign if the group has been running a long time and its people are known and liked. An excellent sign to watch for is distributed leadership. That means you see various different people in charge of stuff and an easy and equal style of discussion and decision-reaching. Cults are bad news.

And when dating, of course, follow sensible safe-dating practices as always. (For instance. More.)

---------------------------------------------------------

Can't find a good local poly group? Maybe that's the universe saying you should start it! That's what Meetup.com is for.

Good people will and should be just a bit wary of you as described above, so make sure to spell out right on Meetup your idea of good poly, who the group is for, and at least a simple code of conduct. A standard rule in poly discussion-and-support groups, learned from experience, is no pickup attempts; the group is for friendship, support, and community. If friendships evolve to dating, that happens offline. "Socials" or "parties" may have more relaxed rules, but ask.

– Here is organizer Kitty Chambliss's Polyamory Guide to Community Building. "So perhaps you’d like to start a community from scratch in your local area. I’m going to give you a roadmap for success to do just that!"

– Here are Joreth's many thoughts on the kinds of poly community events that might work in your area. She's been an organizer for many years and has pretty much done it all.

– Simple, exact details of how to plan and run a good poly gathering for the public: How I run poly picnic discussions, by Andrea Green.

– Prefer audio? From the Polyamory Weekly podcast: Episode #365, Building Your Poly Community with Meetups, and Episode #464, Building Your Poly Community as it grows.

---------------------------------------------------------