Completely designed, budgeted for, created, implemented, and carried out by Texans with lived mental health experience.

A project of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, in which the foundation turns over the finances, additional fund raising, decision-making, and planning for the event completely to the planning committee.

Having a mental health challenge, issue, or illness is not easy and most of us do not get to take a break from the hard work it takes to be and stay well. When we encourage our attendees to come and be themselves, we mean it fully. If you are hungry, eat. If you are tired, sleep. If you are lonely, visit the Comfort Den. If you want to play, go to the water park, the Creativity Cave, or explore Grapevine. You do not have to pretend you are doing anything other than what you want to do and what is best for your wellness! Isn’t that freeing?

Different than a traditional conference focused only on education and networking, PeerFest is created with the attendees’ full experience in mind. Programming occurs between 7am and 10pm in order to best accommodate people’s varying body clocks and individual best times for wellness and connection. Due to the self-care and wellness focus, attendees are encouraged to enjoy the environment, learn, connect with others, play, experience, and rest & relax, without pressure to conform to a standard conference agenda.

With multiple creative opportunities, attendees can explore their passions or try something brand new. Enjoy time in the Creativity Cave where you can paint, build, draw, make a mess, add color, and more all in a beautiful setting. Take experiential classes indoors and out. Share a song, poem, dance or skit at Peers-Got-Talent.

Held in a desirable Texas location where almost all needs are taken care of including comfortable lodging and healthy balanced meals. Attendees pay a nominal registration fee and must manage their own travel. Once they arrive, they are warmly welcomed, fed generously, and treated with the unconditional high regard they deserve and haven’t often experienced.