The 7th Annual Women’s Storytelling Festival was held on March 19-22, 2026. Note that you can buy a festival pass through April 8th here, which provides access to watch the videos through April 28th. Most of the festival was live (and live-streamed) at Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, Virginia.
Not all of the wonderful storytellers we want to invite to the festival can travel to Virginia, so there was a virtual showcase on Thursday night, March 19th. Elizabeth Ellis emceed with enthusiastic introductions to our entertaining and insightful tellers. Natalie Jones started us off with a story about her aunt, who was at the heart of her family. Jezrie Marcano-Courtney was next, with a story about what an acting class taught her about herself. Hope Wilder followed with a humorous, but instructive, story about traveling alone in Europe as a 15-year-old. The next teller was Dr. Meghna Bhat, who told us an important and powerful story about her struggles with gynecological issues. Neshama Franklin shared two stories – one about a trip through the Grand Canyon and another about searching for the perfect shoes. Next up was Lyn Ford, with two very different stories about why we should extend hospitality to old women. The final teller of the virtual showcase was Elisa Pearmain, whose story involved pregnancy and midwifery and the wisdom women can bring one another. Overall, this showcase did an excellent job of presenting the wide range of women’s experiences.
The in-person festival started Friday night (March 20th) with a showcase emceed by Bree Fram, who spoke powerful words about the strength of people coming together. The first teller was Megan Wells, with an exquisite and spicy rendition of the story of Lysistrata. She was followed by Liz Weir from Northern Ireland, who told a story about her mother’s experience during World War II, followed by a story about a man who was seduced by a fairy woman. Next up was Kristen Pedemonti, who told about her experiences as the first American storyteller to participate in a storytelling festival in Iran. Karin Amano followed with a story about her struggles with healthy eating. Jenn Kamara was up next, with a moving story about dealing with her mother’s death. Regina Stoops closed out the night with a story about the complications of modern parenting. The evening was a fine mix of laughter, tears, and every emotion in between.
There were four showcases on Saturday. Jessica Robinson emceed the morning showcase, which featured three storytellers. Bonnie Gardner started things off with her moving version of Briar Rose, which had an interesting twist about gender identity. She was followed by Jennifer Munro, whose story involved the impact of class divisions on her English childhood. Finally, Denise Page brought us along to a little known part of African-American history, with two of the three parts of her one-woman show “Legacy of a Wealthy Slave.”
After a lunch break, there was a special showcase, emceed by Jenn White, to celebrate America’s 250th year, with the stories of four American women. First, Lona Bartlett told two stories by and about her cousin, Native American activist Zitkala-Ša (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin). Kristin Pedemonti was next, portraying Marie Jenney Howe, who persuaded many of the women in the audience that they should join the Heterodoxy clubs she had founded. The next teller was Denise Page, with a story about racism in her home town. Finally, Megan Wells embodied Elizabeth Hamilton in a detailed and enthralling tale.
There was a short break before the next showcase, which was emceed by Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read. Liz Weir started with two Irish folktales. She was followed by Jennifer Munro, with a moving story about her sister, who’d had a stroke, and an organization that worked with people with traumatic brain injury. The festival really needs a sponsorship from Kleenex. She continued with another emotional story about her mother’s later days. Megan Wells was next, teaching us how to eat an elephant. Regina Stoops finished off the showcase with a story about a stressful day and her attempt to channel the zen attitude of her late friend.
There was a break for dinner before the Saturday nighttime showcase, which started with a very special event. Delegate Holly Seibold (who was the emcee for that showcase) presented Jessica Robinson with a proclamation from the Virginia House of Delegates commending Better Said Than Done and honoring the festival. There were eight storytellers for that session, starting with Karin Amano telling us about her daughter, mini-Godzilla. Next up was Jamie McElhatton, with a story about finding one’s true self. Bonnie Gardner followed with a story about shopping for clothes to wear to a wedding. The next teller was Regina Stoops, with a modern version of Snow White as an influencer. She was followed by Nina Lesiga,who brought along with her to Global Elevator Day. Jennifer Munro finished off the evening with a story about how a challenging school experience taught her the true value of storytelling.
Sunday started with the Story Swap, emceed by Miriam Nadel. Twelve tellers participated, included a couple who had never told a story on stage before. Thank you to Kate Powell, Deanna Reina, Janel Woodland, Dr. Aperna Borum, Xue Yu, Jennifer Hine, Silvana Clark, Ginnae Harley, Nina Lesiga, Lien Tran, Hope Wilder, and Jane Dorfman for sharing their stories.
After a break for lunch, the festival continued with an afternoon showcase, emceed by Sherry Grimes. Regina Stoops started off the showcase with a moving story about her final time with her mother. She was followed by Nina Lesiga with a story about her participation in the annual New York City no-pants subway ride. The next teller was Hope Wilder who shared a story about the evolution of a friendship from teenage to adult years, despite significant differences in beliefs. Liz Weir took the stage next, with three stories, including one particularly spooky one. Jennifer Munro closed out the showcase with a story about a special teacher.
The festival concluded with a final showcase, with emcee Carol Moore. Bonnie Gardner kicked things off with a story about the decision to retire. Karin Amano was next, telling us about the death of her father and taking on the responsibilities associated with that. The next teller was Liz Weir, who told two stories. The first had to do with a family who suffered during the potato famine, leading the father and son to emigrate to Boston. The second was a lovely story about a baby miraculously rescued from a storm at sea. Then we heard a scary story from Megan Wells, who took us along with a young man who fished up something unexpected. Jennifer Munro closed out the festival with two family stories – one about her grandfather coming to live with her family and one about her colorful Auntie Lily.
Overall, it was a wonderful weekend, celebrating the full range of women’s stories. We laughed, we cried, we gasped, we hugged. While you continue to watch the recordings, mark your calendar for next year’s festival, which will be March 12-14, 2027 at Old Town Hall in Fairfax City, VA.
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