by Alexa Jesse (last update Sunday 6/15)
It’s here! If you’re still on the fence, buy your ticket! PS25 and our industry could really use the support. Use code MAPS15 for a discount. Before diving into the below, I encourage you to think about what your goals are for the trip. There are tons of amazing events and you can’t do it all! So dropping into your intention may help you feel into the spaces that you’ll best find what you’re seeking :). See you in Denver!
TL’DR: Read on for my personal recommendations for:
-> after parties (skip to pre-conference, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat),
-> conference tips, on-site activations, and booth highlights.
I haven’t been able to keep up with the crazy amount of events happening, so for the full list check out MAPS’ official site. Below you’ll find my top recs but here are plenty more amazing events!
after partiesss
after partiesss
Pre-conference
Saturday 6/14
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There are too many DOME events for me to keep up with! You can explore their site to see them all but I’ve listed a few favorites below.. Note these are NOT located at the convention center but on a nearby campus.
Sound Journey with David Satori & Borahm Lee (Visuals by Android Jones)
When/Where:
Saturday, 6/14, 8pm-10:30pm
Portal Dome, Auraria Campus
What To Expect:
Mindblowing 360 degree visuals accompanying a beautiful live music set by David Satori (Beats Antique, Dirtwire) & Borahm Lee (Pretty Lights, Break Science). The event will open with a ceremony by Veronica Lightning Horse Perez, I’ve seen her speak and she’s incredible.
Why Attend:
Opening night of the Dome! You’ve got no plans Saturday evening and want to dive into the week intentionally. Bummed I’m not here for this!
Sunday 6/15
PS25 Psychedelic Leaders Gathering at Ceremonia
When/Where:
Sunday, 6/15, 7pm-12:30am
Ceremonia
What To Expect:
An intimate group of professionals committed to the mission. Network in a stunning, intimate setting with sauna/hot-tub vibes.
Why Attend:
You’re in town early and want to make the most out of your week. Start off by dropping in, making some connections, and destressing at the Ceremonia spa-like house.
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Monday 6/16
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Planting Seeds: Celebrating the Launch of Colorado's Natural Medicine Program
When/Where:
Monday, 6/16, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Beacon RiNo, 2854 Larimer Street
What To Expect:
Tea, live music, and overall just a true celebration of the accomplishments of Healing Advocacy Fund and the National Psychedelics Association work in CO’s natural medicine program!
Why Attend:
You want to learn more about the legalities in Colorado to do work in the state or support other states in following suit.
TUESDAY6/17
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Where You’ll Find Me:
MAPS Kickoff Party - hosted by TANDAVA with Poranguí & Savej
When/Where:
Tuesday, 6/17, 7-1PM
Cervantes, 2637 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205
What to Expect:
Deep, beautiful, dancey medicine music with some comic relief from Dennis Walker (@mycopreneurofficial). Great music venue with an outdoor patio.
Why Attend:
Let loose, dance, connect organically and drop into your body before the conference begins.
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Update: Psychedelic Playhouse shifted their schedule earlier in the day — super smart move! Now you can stop by before the evening festivities kick off:
Psychedelic Playhouse (Night 1) by District216 & StudioDelic
When/Where:
Tuesday, 6/17, 3-9PM
Plant Magic Cafe
What to Expect:
Meaningful connection, authentic brand activations, micro-medicine floating about..
Why Attend:
Get a head start on the networking but in a loungey/vibey environment. Connect more intimately with some of the brands who may or may not be exhibiting on the main floor. Stock up on some goodies for the week!
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For the true psychonauts:
Sasha Shulgin's 100th Birthday Celebration by The Shulgin Foundation
When/Where:
Tuesday, 6/17, 6-11PM
The Kirk of Highland
What to Expect:
Food and drinks, networking with industry OGs, a deep dive into Sasha’s work and history.
Why Attend:
Learn and connect more deeply with the scientific history of this industry, meet some of the greatest minds and influencers in psychedelics.
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Live Ceremony/Concert by Snow Rave in the PORTAL Dome
When/Where:
Tuesday, 6/17, 8-10:30PM
PORTAL Dome: Auraria Campus, Holly Lot
801 Curtis Street, Denver CO
What to Expect:
Snow Raven is art embodied. She will literally have your jaw on the floor, and acommpanied by 360 degree visuals, your brain will probably not be far behind, LOL.
Why Attend:
You love live performance by truly talented artists; you want to drop in and experience some magic with the fokls you’re with.
(Protip: If you haven’t listened to her and decide you want to go, don’t even listen beforehand, be surprised, she’s truly unique.)
Psychedelic Assembly: PS2025 Unofficial Welcome Party
When/Where:
Tuesday, 6/17, 7PM
MeowWolf
What to Expect:
Explore MW while getting to know your fellow PS crew.
Why Attend:
If you don’t have any other time to check out MeowWolf, definitely swing by! This is also a great place to network with the NY psychedelic crowd.
*Note, this is just a normal MeowWolf ticket but a bunch of industry folks will all be arriving at the 7pm time-slot. If you want to make a night of it, add on the comedy show with Shane Mauss.
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WEDNESDAY 6/18
Psychedelic Playhouse (Night 2) by District216 & StudioDelic
When/Where:
Wednesday, 6/18, 7-11:30PM
Jonas Brothers Building
What To Expect:
Programming, live art, yummy food and elixirs.
Why Attend:
Network and play simultaneously. Meet some great brands who are going to deliver beautiful activations.
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Elevate: Psychedelic and Wellness Cocktail Event by Changa Institute
When/Where:
Wednesday, 6/18, 7-11PM
Venue shared upon RSVP
What To Expect:
Live music, local bites, craft cocktails, scheduled programming.
Why Attend:
This event is targeting therapists. Changa Institute is a psychedelic training program, so if you’re interested in learning about their program or networking with other practitioners, definitely attend!
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Live Ceremony/Concert by East Forest in the PORTAL Dome
When/Where:
Wednesday, 6/18 8-10:30PM
PORTAL Dome: Auraria Campus, Holly Lot
801 Curtis Street, Denver CO
What to Expect:
A 360 degree sonic journey ranging from slow, deep dropping in to groovy beats, alongside 360 degree visuals.
Why Attend:
You love sound baths and good electronic music. This crew also knows how to produce a solid event.
(Fun fact: my husband and I had EF on repeat for the first three months of my baby’s life; the variety yet consistency of his work is beautiful. We somehow both moved and slept to his tracks.)
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It’s a PRATI Party
When/Where:
Wednesday, 6/18, 7-midnight
Town Hall Collaborative
What To Expect:
Happy hour vibes with food truck and cocktails plus live ecstatic music.
Why Attend:
PRATI is a research and training institute, so it’s a great event to network with other practitioners and doctors in the space.
THURSDAY 6/19
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State Programs Happy Hour
When/Where:
Thursday, 6/19, 5:30-8pm
Woods Boss Brewing Company
What to Expect:
A room full of advocates, activists, policy makers, and therapists working within state regulated markets.
Why Attend:
Connect with other advocates involved in legal state programs to help in building a strong foundation for (global!?) legalization.
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MeowWolf Takeover by PORTAL
When/Where:
Thursday, 6/19
MeowWolf
What to Expect:
Immersive journeying through far off galaxies👽.
Why Attend:
Bump into conference friends old and new while wandering through the MUST see MeowWolf Denver. If you don’t have any other time to visit, this is a must!
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PS2025 After Party hosted by Microdosing Collective
When/Where:
Thursday, 6/19, 8pm
Invisible City Clubhouse
What to Expect:
Industry influencers and elevated brand activations with a vibey ambiance.
Why Attend:
This crew knows how to curate an event. Support a great organization while networking with folks you follow on the internet.
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Queer Magic 2: A Queer Psychedelic Soiree and Book Release Party for Embrace Pleasure: How Psychedelics Can Heal Our Sexuality
When/Where:
Thursday, 6/19, 5-9pm
X-Bar, 629 Colfax Avenue, Denver
What To Expect:
A chill, queer happy hour / dance party supporting Dee Dee Goldpaugh’s new book.
Why Attend:
Gather with queer friends and allies, celebrate pride and the powerful impact that psychedelics have on sexuality. Bonus it’s a free event and it’s early, so pop by on your way to the next thing!
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4 Night Residency:
MAPS Official After-Party: LSZEE (LSDream / CloZee)
When/Where:
Thursday, 6/19, 7PM (+ Fri, Sat, Sun)
Mission Ballroom
What to Expect:
An epic dance party! Incredible electronic music with trippy visuals. Be ready to sweat. If you haven’t seen CloZee live, this is your opp!
Why Attend:
Shake off the week and let loose! Heal through dance. Most likely people will be doing this on Friday, but it’s way cheaper on Thurs :).
FRIDAY 6/20
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AFTERGLOW
When/Where:
Friday, 6/20, 8PM-3AM
Void Studios
What to Expect:
A conscious rave: an alcohol-free event with an intentional ceremony experience followed by electronic music, art, and harm-reduction support.
Why Attend:
You’re craving a festival-like evening. This seven hour event offers a blend of healing ceremony, networking, and dance party.
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Ecosexuality by Sex & Psychedelics
When/Where:
Friday, 6/20, 8pm-1am
Spectra Art Space
What To Expect:
Burner vibes: a night of playful connection, lush elixirs, live activations, tarot readings, and a special guest DJ.
Why Attend:
You’re in the mood for authentic connection where you can drop in and be yourself.
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Where you’ll find me! CloZee is one of our faves, and since having a baby my hubs and I don’t get to dance much so can’t resist!:
LSZEE (LSDream / CloZee)
When/Where:
Friday, 6/20, 7PM (+ Th, Sat, Sun)
Mission Ballroom
What to Expect:
An epic dance party! Incredible electronic music with trippy visuals. Be ready to sweat. If you haven’t seen CloZee live, this is your opp!
Why Attend:
You’re over the networking and just wanna dance.
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MOONTRIBE 32 Year Anniversary
When/Where:
Friday, 6/20, 9PM
Black Box Denver
What to Expect:
Cool people who like great music, awesome venue, underground vibes.
Why Attend:
You’re over the networking and just wanna dance, but in a more intimate setting, slightly more mellow vibe, and way cheaper than CloZee.
6/21
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PS25 Solstice Decompression by DEVA Collective
When/Where:
Saturday, 6/21, 10am-1pm
Private Residence
What To Expect:
Recover from the week with nourishing snacks, live music, sauna and a cold plunge.
Why Attend:
Support this incredible non-profit doing incredible research for mothers and psychedelics. This is event is invite only with a suggested donation of $50-$250 — add your name to the waitlist below for a chance to be invited, and donate to support the cause!
Decompression Brunch + Workshops at Ceremonia
When/Where:
Saturday, 6/21, 10am-7pm
Ceremonia
What To Expect:
A mini-retreat: start with a nourishing brunch followed by workshops, so be ready to do some inner work in a group setting. Plus free time to sauna, swim, and mingle. This ticket covers the day-time event only.
Why Attend:
You don’t have a flight to catch and aren’t quite ready to stop the connecting.
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Official Decompression Evening Party at Ceremonia
When/Where:
Saturday, 6/21, 7pm-late
Ceremonia
What To Expect:
A burner vibe party with a cacao ceremony, workshops, a mix of medicine music / live djs, sauna/hot tub, etc. This ticket covers the evening event.
Why Attend:
If you’re still in town, you should snag a ticket, this event sold out in 2023. Who doesn’t love a good house party?
experience the conference
experience the conference
ROOMS
501/502
Pace yourself! It’s a long week. Accept that you won’t be able to do everything. Do research ahead of time and mark your calendar with your absolute favorite talks/events, but otherwise remain flexible to where the tide takes you — and make sure to plan time for rest!
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Have a strategy! Whether your goal is to learn about a specific topic or find new clients/customers, plan ahead and set an intention. Collecting emails? Sharing business cards? Selling a product? Feel into what your personal or business needs are and plan accordingly.
*If you need help creating your strategy, email me.
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Make dinner reservations for a large group even if you don’t have a group! (make sure there is a flexible cancellation policy). It’s always fun to invite new friends to dinner and see who ends up around the table, plus folks who didn’t plan ahead appreciate it.
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Dress in whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. Don’t worry about typical business casual conference attire. This is not your typical conference. Be funky, be festy, but mostly just be you. But most most importantly, be comfortable :).
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Come prepared so you can make the most out of your time. Make sure to bring: a backup phone charger, snacks/lunch, layers, business cards, notebook/pen, water bottle… Also wear comfortable shoes or bring a cozy back-up!
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The programming is epic but don’t forget to walk the exhibitor floor - these brands put it a ton of effort to make the trip! Also make sure to swing by booth 530 and drop-in with a sonic experience by PsySonics (where I’ll be spending some time!).
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The Sacred Fire:
Inside the Sacred Space Station
If you attended in ‘23 you’ll be sad to learn that Deep Space as we knew it won’t be returning, however the new Space Stations will be more intimate spaces to drop-in and connect with yourself and others amidst the craziness of the conference.
One of the must-see installations is The Sacred Fire, located inside of the Sacred Space Station (Rooms 501/502), and created by my husband(!!), Sean Stillwell (www.s-s-studios.com). The Sacred Fire is an interactive 12’ artificial fire sculpture surrounded by a cozy lounge at the heart of the Sacred Space Station. This immersive installation is a de-programmed space for ceremony, storytelling, song, and authentic connection.
The whole space is going to be incredible, in MAPs words: Connection—to ourselves, to the earth, to each other—is sacred. Relax with friends old and new in our tea lounge brought to you by Tea Tribe, learn from the wisdom of elders over fireside chats next to the sacred fire, and pay homage to the land we inhabit surrounded by nature altars built in reverence of plant teachers.
The fire specifically will be a space for storytelling, sharing song, getting lost in the fiery visuals, releasing messages in our alters, and more.
Pizza & Psychedelics:
Global Ecosystem Perspectives
When/Where:
Wednesday, 6/18, 12-1pm
Colorado Convention Center
What To Expect:
Pizza with the founders of Global Psychedelic Week featuring a fireside chat with speakers from every continent. Expect honest insights, cross-cultural exchange, and community connection.
Why Attend:
You want to tap in to what’s happening with psychedelics around the globe! Plus pizza :).
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Calling all therapists, faciliators, clinic owners, etc. If you’re still using free playlists during psychedelic journeys or are distracted by the current music options available, meet psysonics! The new, veteran owned sound journey company born out of MAPs’ FDA MDMA trials.
Swing by the booth for a sonic experience to hear it for yourself!
I’m honored to be supporting this badass group of women and mothers who are moving the needle for psychedelic research focused on women’s health. Drop in with DEVA, enjoy some tea and shop some beautiful women owned brands to support an amazing, and vital cause.
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If you’re not yet familiar with Kanna, educate yourself! I’ve just started taking this legal plant medicine and am really loving it. Kanna Extract Company will be vending a curated selection of Kanna offerings, including pure extract powders, oils, formulated blends, and craft chocolates infused with Kanna. Stop by to sample, purchase, or simply learn!
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Speaking of Kanna, FunGuy is the another main Kanna company on the market, female founded with a delicious product line of chocolates, gummies, tinctures and more. They are debuting their latest product DRIP at the conference, gummies to enhance libido ;). Check em out and tell Phoebe I sent you!
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Whether you’re a therapist seeking patients or a consumer seeking therapy or safe medicine, Psychedelist is an amazing directory of safe, vetted practitioners, products, and services that you can rely on. Also the team is rad and sure to put a smile on your face!
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MORE TO COME!
LODGING
Still looking for a place to stay? If you want a house where you can cook etc and also dont want to spend a ton $$$, try Kindred! Kindred is an incredible house swapping site and you get 5 free nights for signing up. Use my link to learn more:
