Fort Lauderdale is ushering in a new tradition this September with the launch of the Las Olas Wellness Weekend, a multi-day celebration of health, mindfulness, and community connection. Running from September 11 through September 14, 2025, the event brings together local wellness businesses, nonprofits, educators, and community leaders for a diverse lineup of activities designed to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
The weekend begins with a poignant opening ceremony on the evening of September 11 at the Riverwalk 9/11 Memorial. Known as the “Never Forget Event,” the ceremony honors first responders and the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds will deliver the keynote address, joined by State Representative Chip LaMarca, Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Ben Sorensen, and 9/11 survivor David Greenberg. Organizers note that the opening night is not only about remembrance but also about inspiring resilience through community and wellness. Proceeds from this ceremony will support organizations such as the Thank You First Responder Organization and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, both of which are dedicated to mental health and other support programs for first responders.
Following the opening event, downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Flow Breezeway, located at 221 S.W. 1st Avenue, will transform into a hub of activity. For the next three days, visitors can take part in guided yoga sessions, group meditation, nutritional workshops, and fitness classes hosted by local studios and health professionals. The programming is intentionally broad, allowing residents and visitors of all ages to engage in activities that range from stress relief and mindfulness to physical training and nutrition education.
Organizers also emphasized that the weekend is designed with inclusivity in mind. The events are family- and dog-friendly, with many offerings free of charge. Some specialized workshops and sessions will require tickets, but the general aim is to ensure accessibility for as many people as possible. Vendors and community organizations will be on hand to provide resources, host demonstrations, and share wellness-related products and services. The event’s format encourages participants to explore not only physical health but also emotional resilience and social connection.
One of the standout features of the Las Olas Wellness Weekend is its focus on supporting the well-being of first responders. In addition to fundraising for first responder-related nonprofits, the event is partnering with the WhiteFlag App, which provides peer-to-peer mental health support. The John Maxwell Leadership Foundation is also offering a free leadership development course specifically designed for first responders and service-disabled veterans, underscoring the event’s commitment to giving back to those who serve the community.
Local leaders and wellness advocates say the event is particularly timely. After years of stress brought on by the pandemic, rising mental health challenges, and increasing public awareness of the importance of work-life balance, there has been growing demand for initiatives that prioritize holistic health. Fort Lauderdale’s decision to host a citywide wellness weekend reflects a broader movement seen across the country, where cities and towns are investing in community well-being alongside traditional economic and cultural programming.
The connection between wellness and remembrance is also central to the spirit of the Las Olas Wellness Weekend. By launching the event on the anniversary of 9/11, organizers aim to transform a day of solemn reflection into an opportunity for healing and growth. They believe that by coupling remembrance with activities that nurture body and mind, the city can foster resilience while honoring those who sacrificed and served.
Fort Lauderdale officials have expressed optimism that the Las Olas Wellness Weekend will become an annual tradition, one that builds community bonds while promoting long-term wellness practices. With a mix of fitness, education, remembrance, and social engagement, the event is designed not only to draw attendees downtown for a weekend of activity but also to spark lasting conversations about health, mindfulness, and the importance of community connection.
For residents and visitors alike, the Las Olas Wellness Weekend offers more than just a schedule of events. It represents a shift in how communities can approach both collective memory and contemporary challenges — by remembering the past while investing in healthier, more connected futures.
