The Before I Die New Mexico Festival and Death Is Not a Dirty Word Resource Fair drew an enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 attendees on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Albuquerque. An additional 60 participants joined virtually via Zoom for three panel discussions exploring everything from psychedelic therapy for grief to practical end-of-life options in New Mexico.
Festival organizer Gail Rubin, CT, known as The Doyenne of Death, said attendees expressed heartfelt appreciation for the depth and breadth of the day’s programming. “So many people came up to thank me for organizing such a comprehensive and inspiring event,” Rubin said. “Our goal is to make it easier — and even uplifting — for people to talk about death, plan ahead, and live more fully in the meantime.”
The Death is Not a Dirty Word Resource Fair gave festival sponsors and community partners the opportunity to connect with motivated attendees eager to learn about everything from green burial and hospice to estate planning and death doulas. There were 30 vendors at the fair…