Do you like to dance to the beat of your own music? Do your kids squee when they see furry animals, like dogs, cats and bunnies? Or, is your love language arts and crafts projects, preferably with glitter and gobs of color? If you answered yes — great news — you’re going to love the Fraser Festival, presented by Central Roofing Company, on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saint Paul RiverCentre.

The event is a sensory-friendly, community event, created for people with sensory processing differences and the community. The Fraser Festival, presented by Central Roofing Company, is both a celebration of neurodiversity and a judgment-free zone for people of all ages, abilities, neurodiversities, cultures and backgrounds to be themselves and have fun. And it’s free!

By registering today, you can skip the line at the event, and get to the fun faster.

The festival features a silent disco, which is a sensory-friendly way to experience music by allowing people to control their volume and music type. The event also features games like an obstacle course, football toss and mini golf. Festival participants can pet therapy animals like dogs, cats, bunnies and alpacas. And for all the artists, there will be arts and crafts projects, along with a gardening activity. Even thrill seekers have a place here, with a rock climbing wall to scale!

The festival was created to engage each of the body’s eight senses. You’re probably familiar with the five senses — taste, smell, hear, touch and see, but we actually have at least eight senses, including proprioception (coordination), vestibular (balance/movement) and interoception (feeling).

To keep the event truly inclusive, the festival also offers accommodations — like a calming space and Fraser Sensory Support volunteers — for those with sensory differences. These individuals experience discomfort from sensory input like loud noises, bright lights, strong smells and crowds. Sensory differences are common for people with autism and disabilities. The accommodations ensure everyone in the community can enjoy the festivities.

Donations are welcomed and help support individuals with autism and disabilities in our community. Sponsorships fund the event.

Fraser is nationally recognized for autism, mental/behavioral health and disability services for individuals of all ages. The Minnesota nonprofit is uniquely positioned to serve those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and co-occurring autism or mental health issues. The organization’s whole-person service line includes healthcare, housing, education, employment and support programs, across the lifespan. Learn more at fraser.org.