Second Glances with Arabella

For residents of Second Life and virtual explorers alike, the Second Life Living Expo stands out as one of the most immersive, inspiring events in the virtual calendar and it’s more than a showcase of virtual creativity—it is a powerful expression of community-driven philanthropy, standing as a signature charitable event in Second Life, closely aligned with Relay For Life of Second Life in support of the American Cancer Society. Together, they demonstrate how virtual worlds can create real-world impact.

What Is the Second Life Living Expo?

At its core, the Living Expo is a large-scale, in-world event that celebrates creativity with purpose. Creators from across the grid—designers, builders, creators, musicians, and performers—come together to present original work while raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The result is an experience that feels joyful and inspiring, yet grounded in compassion and shared resolve.

Like a real-world expo, it offers curated exhibits, live entertainment, and social spaces—but with the limitless imagination that only a virtual environment can provide. This year it’s even bigger, with both the SL Fandom Con and SL Renaissance Festival having recently joined with the overall Living Expo, taking advantage of the dynamic synergy of each of these initiatives under one umbrella in the fight against cancer.

What You Can See and Do at the Expo

The Living Expo is designed to be explored, enjoyed, and participated in, with things like:

• 🎨 Creator Showcases
  Fashion designers, artists, and builders unveil exclusive pieces—often created specifically for the Expo. A significant portion (and frequently 100%) of proceeds are donated directly to Relay for Life kiosks benefiting the American Cancer Society.
• 🛍 Charitable Shopping Events
  Limited-edition releases and themed collections allow visitors to support the cause while discovering fresh design talent and collecting unique items.
• 🎭 Live Music and Performances
  First rate musical performances from DJ’s and artists fill performance stages throughout the event. Tips and donations during these sets go directly to cancer research, patient support, and advocacy.
• 🌐 Immersive and Interactive Builds
  Many installations are experiential—walk-through spaces that invite reflection, remembrance, and hope. These builds often honor survivors, caregivers, and those lost to cancer, weaving meaning into the environment itself.
• 💬 Community Gathering Spaces
  Lounges and shared areas provide places for conversation and connection. Relay teams, survivors, and supporters gather here to share stories and reinforce the sense that no one faces cancer alone.

A Fundraiser With Heart

The partnership with the American Cancer Society is not incidental—it is foundational. Every performance tip, every purchase, and every sponsored activity contributes to lifesaving research, patient services, and cancer prevention efforts in the real world. For many participants, the cause is deeply personal, transforming creative expression into an act of generosity and remembrance.

From the moment I landed, I could feel both the familiar excitement of an ACS event in SL, coupled with the new and unexplored feeling of a giant World’s Fair waiting to be discovered and revealed. Themed regions reflect this year’s theme “Wild for a Cure” in unique and interesting ways, from the Wild West to the Urban Jungles of New York and everything in between.

Stores and shops were being set up as I visited, including an area where gachas were out on tables like a virtual yard sale. At one such table I was drawn by a vibrant splash of blue, finding these cool and interesting cups from Mad Pea which I just knew would look great in the coffee shop I decorated for a client. Here I met DeeDee, who had gone to great lengths to lay out her wares in perfect symmetry, and along came I and messed that up by purchasing one (and later, two more). Unphased, she assured me that it was all for a great cause that she is happy to support.

Like every Second Life major event, prep work for Living Expo was a collage of SL residents of every form and type, working together to create the magic that draws thousands of in-world residents to experience the fun, promote the cause and make a difference. I saw friends like Olde and Cassie getting their shop ready to open, and Icer the Dragon working diligently on a display. I made a few new ones along the way, easily getting caught up in the spirit of things. I also left sadly in need of more Lindens, taking advantage of some of the stores that were already set up and ready!

This year, Living Expo includes 8 regions to explore, including one entirely made up of pixels (talk about nostalgia!), ancient Greco-Roman, Renaissance-Medieval, Urban New York and much more. I won’t tell you everything because you need to see it for yourself!

Before you head into Living Expo, I’m going to suggest you begin your journey at the newly redesigned ACS Island, which is the hub of all things American Cancer Society. The region has had a complete overhaul with all new things to see and places to visit, including the ACS Memorial Garden, Relay for Life Center, Strides for a Cure Pavilion, Volunteer Event Area and Hope Haven. You can learn about all of the initiatives supported by ACS here, while enjoying a peaceful venue to sit and reflect. Once you’re ready, head south into the region of SL Living Expo and start your exploration!

Impact on the Virtual World—and Beyond

The Second Life Living Expo leaves a lasting mark on both the grid and the wider community in several ways. It elevates creative voices by giving artists and designers a platform where innovation and generosity go hand in hand and it drives in-world economic good, turning commerce into charitable support. It also has tremendous potential to inspire collaboration and learning, as creators exchange ideas and skills, while also strengthening community bonds through shared purpose, empathy, and hope. In other words, it ticks many boxes for good in the virtual world, and I’m all in for that.

Over time, Relay-connected events like the Living Expo and others have helped raise millions of Linden dollars for the American Cancer Society—proof that virtual communities can mobilize for meaningful, real-world change. We can all, collectively, make a difference.

Why the Living Expo Matters

In a digital landscape defined by avatars and pixels, the Second Life Living Expo reminds us of something profoundly human: compassion. It shows that creativity can heal, community can empower, and virtual spaces can be used for genuine social good.

The Living Expo isn’t only about what you see—it’s about why you participate. And that purpose is what makes it one of the most meaningful events in Second Life. I hope you’ll take time to stop by, visit the shops, enjoy the music, hook up with friends and make some new ones, and most of all, support a cause that resists and fights the scourge of cancer every way it can. You can be a part of something much bigger than yourself and love doing it too.

The Second Life Living Expo opens on January 23rd, 2026 and runs through February 6th. I hope to see you there!

~ Arabella

Post Notes:

American Cancer Society Island: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/130/126/23

SL Living Expo (Accessible January 23): http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SL%20LIVING%20EXPO/128/253/24

SL Living Expo Website: https://sl-living-expo.org

SL Living Expo Lead: Roxy Chronotis (Roxy.Christenson)

SL Living Expo Lead: Cody Chronotis (Cody.Conundrum)

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