- Workshops, Discussion & Support Groups
- Pools
- Dancing
- Merchants
- Young People's Camp Within a Camp
- Open Mic
- Arts Space
- Films & Videos
- Sports, Games and Hiking
- General Store
What is the SisterSpace Weekend?
The Sisterspace Weekend is one of the longest running lesbian festivals in the USA. We got our start in 1975 in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. Back then, it was called the Lesbian Feminist Weekend (LFW) and began as a self-defense weekend for women. Over the years, the event grew and evolved - attendance reached as high as 1,200+ women in the late 80s and early 90s!
We occupied several different camps in the Poconos, and in the late 90s, relocated to our current camp in the beautiful Brandywine Valley - just a short distance from the majestic Susquehanna River in rural Maryland. The Weekend is smaller now - we like to think of it as an intimate party for 500 women - but it's still produced by a diverse and dedicated group of volunteers, some of whom have been coming to the Weekend for as long as it's been in existence (and many of whom weren't yet born when that first LFW was taking shape over 30 years ago!).
Fast forward to 2008...and the Weekend is still going strong! Featuring a full slate of performances on both Friday and Saturday nights, entertaining and life-enhancing workshops, an awesome dance party, wonderful merchants and craftswomyn, plus bodyworkers, sports, drumming, and more, the Weekend provides the chance to connect and create community with hundreds of women from all over the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
Keep reading below for more information....
Workshops, Discussion & Support Groups
Workshops are an important part of the Weekend, and we strive to make our offerings as diverse as we are. If you are interested in presenting a workshop or leading a discussion or support group, click here to find out more. And if you'd like an opportunity to network with other women with a specific interest, let us know and we'll try to make it happen. Support will also be provided for women interested in holding 12-step program meetings.
Pools
The outdoor swimming pool, centrally located by the dining hall and general store, is a favorite spot for sunbathing, swimming, pool volleyball, and summer fun.
Dancing
Let the dancing begin! Dance till you drop! The Dance is held after the Saturday night concert - at around 10:30.
Merchants
The merchants' area gives you a chance to sample a variety of women's crafts, merchandise and services. Shop for the holidays, or for yourself, or sign up with one of the bodyworkers to feel great all over. Women who are interested in vending at the Weekend can click here to find out more about being a merchant at the Weekend.
Young People's Camp Within a Camp
Female children of all ages and male children up to the age of 7 are invited to share in the Weekend and will be provided an exciting, entertaining range of activities throughout the day. Parents are responsible for their children at all times. Women registering with children will be assigned to a family cabin or tenting area. All women are encouraged to join the children and the child inside of all of us for fun summer days filled with crafts, games, stories and new friends.
Open Mic
Get into the spirit of the Weekend by sharing your talents at a two hour talent fest. All women are welcome! If you write, recite poetry, sing, do monologues or readings, play an instrument, do a skit, tell a story, dance or do comedy - OPEN MIC is the place for you to strut your stuff!
Arts Space
Come and create! The Art Space returns with even more art and craft media to explore. Make a key chain, paint a picture, design a mask ... and more. Bring your own art and craft supplies to share and use. Remember body painting? Ever work on a community mural? Art workshops will be offered on a variety of subjects. Release the creative woman inside ... just see what happens!
Films & Videos
A great, diverse selection of lesbian & lesbian-interest videos old & new will run in the Video Room throughout the Weekend.
Sports, Games and Hiking
If you're a sports woman, a fan, or just have an active fantasy life, bring your competitive spirit to softball, flag football, basketball or volleyball. There are also facilities for tennis, croquet and horseshoes, so there's something for everyone who wants some activity. Plus, there are some beautiful trails down to the Susquehanna River for hiking.
General Store
It's not just business as usual! You never know what our creative retailer women will come up with to serve and entertain you. The store will, as always, be stocked with snacks, cold drinks (soda, juice, seltzer), ice, candy, and a variety of SisterSpace gear, plus the odds & ends you forgot to pack. No alcohol will be sold.