Why We Created the Love of Life Festival

The Love of Life Festival was created in memory of Kathryn Leigh “Kayleigh” Thurgaland, whose life continues to inspire the work of the Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation.

Kayleigh loved music, art, creativity, people, and experiencing life fully. After her death, her family wanted to create something that reflected who she was—not simply an event centered on loss, but a place filled with the things she loved.

The LOL Festival grew from that idea.

Today, it brings hundreds of people together to celebrate life through music and art while creating space for remembrance, connection, and community.

It is a place to dance, laugh, and sing.

A place to discover talented musicians and artists.

A place to spend time with people you love.

Celebrating Life. Remembering Those We Love.

One of the most meaningful parts of the Love of Life Festival is our Say Their Name Wall of Remembrance.

Families are invited to add a picture or write the name of a child who has died so that, for this day and within this community, their name is seen, spoken, and remembered.

The Wall reflects something deeply important to the KLT Foundation: the people we love remain part of our lives and our stories.

The Love of Life Festival doesn't ask people to set grief aside for a day. Instead, it invites them to carry love and remembrance into a joyful space. That's a rare balance; it's not about choosing between celebration and remembrance, it creates room for both.

Music, Art & Community

Music has always been at the heart of the Love of Life Festival.

Throughout the day, the Monarch stage features an exciting lineup of musicians and bands while artists, businesses, food vendors, and community organizations fill the grounds.

For 2027, we're also welcoming nonprofit organizations whose work serves and strengthens our community, giving guests an opportunity to learn about resources and organizations they may not otherwise encounter.

Whether you're coming for your favorite band, discovering a new artist, shopping with local vendors, grabbing something delicious to eat, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there is something happening throughout the day.

Our Work Beyond the Festival

The Love of Life Festival is one of the ways the Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation carries Kayleigh's name and love of life forward.

Throughout the year, the Foundation also supports families and students through two important programs.

Grief Week Program

When a family loses a child, everyday responsibilities don't stop.

Through our Grief Week Program, the KLT Foundation provides meals, care, and practical support to families during the first days after the death of a child—offering tangible help when even ordinary tasks feel overwhelming.

Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Memorial Scholarship Program

Kayleigh was a student and a young woman beginning the next chapter of her life when she died.

Through the KLT Memorial Scholarship Program, the Foundation honors her love of education, creativity, and the arts by helping graduating students pursue their own education and creative paths.

Together, these programs and the Love of Life Festival reflect the heart of the Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation:

We bring the light in the darkest of times.

Stay up to date with band announcements, Festival news, vendors, activities, and other updates by following the Love of Life Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

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Become a Community Partner

The Love of Life Festival is possible because businesses and individuals throughout our community choose to stand behind the work of the Kathryn Leigh Thurgaland Foundation.

Our Community Partners help us create an incredible Festival experience while supporting the Foundation's continuing work with grieving families and students.

There are several ways to be part of the 2027 Festival.

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For sponsorship information, contact Contact@KLTFoundation.com.

Interested in Being a Vendor?

We welcome artists, makers, businesses, food vendors, and other organizations to join us for the 2027 Love of Life Festival.

We work to provide Festival guests with a diverse selection of products and services and try to avoid having multiple vendors offering the same or very similar items.

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