You’re in for a treat with this year’s top female-led music festivals. Start at She Rises in Taos for an all-female lineup and empowering community vibe. Head to Girls Just Wanna Weekend in Mexico, featuring Brandi Carlile and themed nights filled with energy. The Dinah in Palm Springs is a must for queer women, while the Statement Music Festival champions inclusivity in Sweden. Don’t miss out on the Essence Festival in New Orleans for a celebration of Black culture, or delve yourself in EDM at Electric Forest. Each festival promises an unforgettable experience tied to empowerment and change. Discover more wonders ahead.
She Rises Music Festival
Celebration and empowerment are at the heart of the She Rises Music Festival, set to take place on August 30-31, 2024, in the scenic surroundings of Taos, New Mexico. This distinctive event shines a spotlight on women in music, offering an international all-female lineup that promises to inspire and uplift. As you engage yourself in the festival, you’ll witness the powerful fusion of talent and diversity, emphasizing the importance of female representation in the music industry.
By attending, you’re not only enjoying incredible performances but also supporting a broader mission of inclusion and community. The festival’s motto, “When She Rises, We All Rise,” underscores its dedication to creating an environment that uplifts and celebrates women. You’ll find a vendor marketplace brimming with female entrepreneurs, showcasing their groundbreaking creations and fostering a dynamic community spirit.
Moreover, the festival supports the nonprofit Music Helps, ensuring your participation contributes to meaningful causes. Past attendees have shared heartfelt testimonies about the festival’s positive impact and the healing experiences they’ve encountered. It’s a space where acceptance and love flourish, leaving you feeling empowered and connected to a broader community of like-minded individuals.
Girls Just Wanna Weekend
While the She Rises Music Festival champions female empowerment in Taos, another spirited celebration of women in music awaits you on the sunny shores of Mexico. Welcome to Girls Just Wanna Weekend, an incredible festival founded by Brandi Carlile in 2019. This event takes place at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya and boasts an all-female lineup. Imagine enjoying performances from legendary artists like Sheryl Crow and Indigo Girls while soaking up the sun and sea breeze.
Girls Just Wanna Weekend offers more than just music; it creates a unique, empowering atmosphere through diverse activities and themes. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Morning Yoga Sessions: Start your day with peaceful yoga sessions to refresh your mind and body.
- Engaging Workshops: Participate in workshops that focus on creativity, wellness, and community building.
- Themed Nights: Enjoy nostalgic themed nights, such as “Ladies of the 80s,” that keep the energy high.
- Community Service: Collaborate with Positive Legacy to promote sustainability and community service.
This festival is a celebration of women, fostering a supportive environment for female artists and fans alike. Welcome the empowerment and camaraderie as you dive into this lively festival experience.
The Dinah: Club Skirts

Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend, Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend, CC BY-SA 3.0
As you explore the spirited world of female-led music festivals, don’t miss The Dinah: Club Skirts, the largest lesbian/queer women’s event globally. Founded in 1991 by Mariah Hanson, this lively festival unfolds annually in the sunny locale of Palm Springs, California. It’s not just a music festival—it’s an empowering experience that unites thousands of attendees in celebration of queer women’s culture and community.
The Dinah boasts an impressive lineup of performances from iconic artists like The Pussycat Dolls and Lady Gaga, alongside engaging comedy shows and themed parties. These events create a dynamic atmosphere where music and entertainment blend seamlessly with community spirit. But The Dinah isn’t all about the show; it’s also about giving back. Through annual donations, the festival supports organizations such as GLAAD, reinforcing its commitment to LGBTQ+ causes.
The heart of The Dinah lies in its dedication to creating a safe, inclusive space where women and LGBTQ+ individuals feel a profound sense of belonging and empowerment. This music festival is not just an event—it’s a crucial gathering that fosters connections, celebrates diversity, and champions inclusion. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!
Statement Music Festival
Founded in 2018 by Emma Knyckare, the Statement Music Festival stands as a pioneering event exclusively for women, nonbinary, and transgender individuals. This unique gathering promotes safety and inclusivity in a festival environment. Created in response to violence against women at music festivals, Statement Music Festival raises awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities. Entirely staffed by women and nonbinary individuals, the festival guarantees a safe and empowering space for everyone involved. From performers to security and other crucial roles, everyone plays a part in fostering a supportive environment.
By attending the Statement Music Festival, you’re not just experiencing a lively Women’s Music event; you’re also contributing to a broader movement for gender equity in the music industry. Here’s what makes this festival stand out:
- Community Engagement: Connect with others and share experiences related to gender equality and representation.
- Empowering Atmosphere: Feel celebrated and safe in a space designed for inclusivity.
- All-Female and Nonbinary Staff: From top to bottom, every role is filled by someone committed to creating a secure environment.
- Raising Awareness: Join a festival that actively addresses the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Don’t miss out on this empowering experience!
Essence Festival of Culture
The Essence Festival of Culture, born from the celebration of Essence magazine’s anniversary, has evolved into the largest African-American music festival in the U.S., celebrating Black culture and female empowerment. It’s not just about the music; it’s a lively fusion of arts, culture, and community. You’ve got powerhouse female artists like Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige who take the stage, setting the tone for a star-studded lineup that spans different genres. Their performances embody the festival’s mission to empower women, inspire, and entertain.

Dive deeper into empowerment with the festival’s Empowerment Experience. Here, you’ll find motivational speakers, workshops, and discussions all aimed at enhancing your personal and professional growth. It’s an opportunity to learn and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for empowerment.
Stroll through the Essence Expo, and you’ll encounter a thriving marketplace teeming with vendors, crafts, and cultural activities. This space is dedicated to fostering community engagement and supporting women-owned businesses. Plus, with discounted hotel packages, you can engage yourself fully in this lively celebration in New Orleans, making it both an enriching and affordable experience.
Electric Forest Experience
Step into the enchanting world of the Electric Forest Experience, where inclusivity and empowerment take center stage. Originally known as the Rothbury Music Festival, Electric Forest has transformed into a guiding light of inclusivity within the EDM scene. With its female-only camping section, it improves safety and comfort, making it a welcoming space for women attendees. The festival’s “Her Forest” initiative truly sets it apart, offering workshops, classes, and panels specifically aimed at empowering women and encouraging community engagement.
As an attendee, you’ll find a diverse lineup of performers that aims for gender equity, providing a platform for female artists to shine. Here are four highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- Her Forest Workshops: Immerse yourself in sessions that focus on personal growth and community building.
- Yoga Sessions: Participate in rejuvenating yoga classes that connect you with fellow festival-goers.
- Art Installations: Investigate creativity through interactive art pieces scattered throughout the festival grounds.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Engage with programs that support local organizations and promote women’s rights.
Electric Forest’s dedication to empowering women is evident in its commitment to gender equity, community support, and sustainability.
Rock & Rouge Festival
Mark your calendars for October 26-27, 2024, when the Rock & Rouge Women’s Music & Food Festival takes over Lafayette Square in New Orleans. From 11 AM to 7 PM, enjoy free admission to a celebration of female-fronted rock bands, all while supporting the empowerment of women and girls. Founded by musician and actress Lani Ramos in 2017, this festival goes beyond music, offering a platform for women of diverse backgrounds to shine as musicians, food vendors, speakers, and artists.
You’ll find the festival’s unique S.T.E.A.M. tent, designed for girls between 8-13 years old, where they can investigate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in an engaging environment. This initiative underscores Rock & Rouge’s commitment to education and community impact. In fact, the City of New Orleans has recognized the festival for its positive contributions to the community.
Moreover, Rock & Rouge supports local talent by hiring Union bands in collaboration with the local musicians’ union. This emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement makes it a must-attend event. So, gather your friends and family for a weekend of inspiring music and community spirit in the heart of New Orleans.