Heart of Midtown Festival Promotes Mental Health in Kingston

The Heart of Midtown festival made a vibrant return to Field Court in Kingston, New York, on September 20, 2025, attracting hundreds of attendees who rallied “all in for mental health.” This annual event, now in its third year, was organized by the Broadway thrift and vintage store, Rewind Kingston, and aimed to foster community engagement while raising awareness about mental health issues.

Launched in 2023 as a personal initiative by the Flood family, who own Rewind Kingston, the festival arose from their desire to support local mental health organizations following the tragic loss of their daughter, Cassidy Flood. The festival featured a full day of activities, including live music performances, workshops, and resources from various local organizations focused on mental health.

Attendees enjoyed performances from artists such as Natalie Forteza and Sarah Gross, who set the tone with their music early in the afternoon. Other notable acts included Shallow Alcove, Ginger Winn, Aubrey Haddard, Leo Lovechild, and Laszlo Lang, contributing to a festive atmosphere.

Local mental health and community outreach organizations played a significant role at the festival, with tables set up to provide information and resources. Among them were the Maya Gold Foundation, Gateway Hudson Valley, Family of Woodstock, and United We Om. Attendees were encouraged to participate in raffles, with ticket sales benefiting Rewind Kingston’s non-profit organization, Lovecass. This initiative funds free mental health and wellness events throughout the Hudson Valley region.

Creative workshops were a highlight of the festival. Participants engaged in a variety of activities, from flower bouquet-making and herbalism workshops to screen-printing, pilates sessions, and even pickleball. One participant, Hallie Arnold, crafted her own zine during a workshop led by Pluto’s. She shared her approach: “The zine is supposed to be about how you take care of your mental health, so I’m making mine kind of like a vision board. For me, it’s helpful to think about my goals and where I want to be in the future.”

Zines were a recurring theme throughout the festival, with attendees receiving a copy of “Your Mental Health Matters.” This publication offered insights into local and national mental health organizations, journal prompts, motivational affirmations, and even a mental health-themed bingo card.

Another engaging workshop allowed participants to create their own “coping map.” This exercise involved choosing a zine template and illustrating personal strategies for managing anxiety. Sage Larson expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s super cute and creative. I made caffeine island. Then there’s a cave for binge-watching shows. I’m still working on it.” She noted that the activity prompted her to reflect on her coping mechanisms, adding, “It’s making me think about the way I cope with stress.”

The Heart of Midtown festival has effectively combined community spirit with a focus on mental health, providing a supportive environment for attendees to explore their creativity and learn about available resources. For more information about the festival and Rewind Kingston, interested individuals can visit rewindkingston.com.