The Michigan women’s festival is ending, now what?

Close up look at night stage entrance. Photo by MJ.

There’s lots of “now what?” Like many of you, I’m sad about this cultural institution ending, but there’s still women’s community out there. Here’s a list. Study it. There will be a quiz later.

(If you want to know more about the festival and its end, there’s a great article here.)

Women’s festivals still exist

There are several, from the Virginia Women’s Music Festival, to west coast’s Fabulosa Fest. If you’re not a camper, try the National Women’s Music Festival. There’s a more complete list at the end of this post.

Play music with other women

If making music with other women is what flips your switch, try one of these women’s music camps –– WoMaMu  (California),  Summer Sing (Montana), NW Women’s Music Celebration (Washington state), Women’s Hearts and Hands Guitar Camp  (California) and Women and Harmony Music Camp (Virginia).  Want to drum? Try the Ontario Womyn’s Drum camp. or Born to Drum (California). If you’re into singing with women, check out the plethora of women’s choruses. Google “your city, women’s chorus” or start with the Sister Singers Network.

Looking for the goddess?

There are women’s spiritual festivals, like the Elderflower Womenspirit Festival (California), Daughters of Diana (California)  and Womynspirit Festival (Ontario).   Not to mention the Wiccan temples, Unitarian Churches and so many other spaces that offer women-only empowerment.

Other festivals

The Midwest Wimmin’s Festival offers a lot. There are other groups that organize similar events. If not, start one!

Other women’s space

The Highlands Inn is a great place to stay. They offer free concerts for their guests. There are women’s B&Bs, as well as women’s land, all over the world. Google ’em.

Create your own space

Women are already talking about what they want to create after Michigan is gone. All power to us! Keep plugged into social media to see what’s going on. Know of a cool campground near you? Create your own mini-festival.

As of this writing, Michigan organizer Lisa Vogel hasn’t said what will happen to the land. If it’s sold, I hope the people who buy it are prepared for an influx of women every August.

All performer jam at the National festival. That’s me in the middle with my hand up. You expected some shameless self-promotion, right? Photo by Janice Rickert.

 Continue to support women’s art

There are lots of female indie musicians and comics who tour. Support them and tell your friends. The same for visual artists and for other performers like playwright Carolyn Gage. They aren’t going to stop because one festival ends.

All right, Amazons, rise!

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Festivals:

Amazon Music Festival

Boldfest

Fabulosa Fest

Iowa Women’s Music Festival

National Women’s Music Festival

Sisterspace

Ohio Lesbian Festival

Virginia Women’s Music Festival

In the comments below, let us know about any events not covered here.

Want to read more about women’s festivals? Check out my other posts:

Twelve reasons to attend a women’s music festival

Women’s music festival myths

I have credited the photographer where she is known. If I have used one of your photos and not credited you, please let me know and I’ll add your credit or remove the picture.

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