2026 Festival Schedule

The Women’s Storytelling Festival in-person events take place in Fairfax, VA. We are in the Eastern Time Zone. All times listed below are in EDT.

Storytellers in each showcase are listed in order of appearance. Please note that there will be shifts in schedule due to last minute changes. We have listed the schedule as accurately as possible.

Thursday, March 19 – Virtual Showcase

The Women’s Storytelling Festival kicks off with a virtual showcase featuring storytellers Natalie Jones, Jezrie Marcano-Courtney, Hope Wilder, Dr. Meghna Bhat, Neshama Franklin, Lyn Ford, and Elisa Pearmain.

March 19, 2026 · 8:00pm – 9:15pm Eastern

Emcee Elizabeth Ellis

Friday, March 20 – In-person Festival Kicks Off

The in-person performances of the WSF start Friday night at 7:00pm with a showcase featuring Megan Wells, Liz Weir, Kristin Pedemonti, Karin Amano, Jenn Kamara, and Regina Stoops.


March 20, 2026 · 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Emcee Bree Fram

Saturday, March 21 – Morning Showcase

Saturday morning stories with Bonnie Gardner, Jennifer Munro, and Denise Page performing her solo show, “Legacy of a Wealthy Slave.”


March 21, 2026 · 11am – 12:30pm

Emcee Jessica Robinson

Saturday, March 21 – History at the Women’s Storytelling Festival

The history of America cannot be accurately portrayed without American women. In this special showcase, we will hear: Lona Bartlett telling the story of Zitkala-Ša (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin), an influential Native American activist; Kristin Pedemonti performing as Marie Jenney Howe, feminist and Founder of Heterodoxy; Denise Page sharing a personal story set amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement; and Megan Wells appearing as Elizabeth Hamilton.

March 21, 2026 · 2pm – 4:00pm

Emcee Jenn White

Saturday, March 21 – Evening Showcase

After a short break, storytelling returns with storytellers Liz Weir, Jennifer Munro, Megan Wells, and Regina Stoops.


March 21, 2026 · 4:15pm – 5:45pm

Emcee Mayor Catherine Read

Saturday, March 21 – Nighttime Showcase

Saturday night’s storytellers are Karin Amano, Liz Pardue, Jamie McElhatton, Bonnie Gardner, Regina Stoops, Nina Lesiga, and Jennifer Munro.


March 22, 2025 · 7:00pm – 9:15pm

Emcee Holly Seibold

Sunday, March 22 – Morning Story Swap

Sunday morning is our open mic story swap. Bring a 5 – 6 minute story, put your name in the hat, and share the love. The story swap is live-streamed and recorded. If you’d like to share a story but not be on camera, please let us know when you sign up.


March 22, 2026 · 10:30am – 12pm

Emcee Miriam Nadel

Sunday, March 22 – Afternoon Showcase

Festival storytellers Regina Stoops, Nina Lesiga, Hope Wilder, Jennifer Munro and Liz Weir, share stories Sunday afternoon.


March 22, 2025 · 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Emcee Sherry Grimes

Sunday, March 22 – Finale Showcase

The Women’s Storytelling Festival finale showcase includes storytellers Bonnie Gardner, Karin Amano, Liz Weir, Megan Wells, and Jennifer Munro.


March 22, 2026 · 3:15pm – 5pm

Emcee Carol Moore