Second Annual Cherry Grove Weekend of Women Returns to Fire Island Celebrating Feminine Joy

Cherry Grove, Fire Island—long celebrated as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ people—will host the second annual Cherry Grove Weekend of Women (CGWoW) from October 3 to 5, 2025. This three-day festival is designed to center and uplift queer women, nonbinary people, and their allies, expanding on a tradition that began just last year and quickly became a beacon for intersectional community-building and unapologetic joy .

Inspired by the renowned women’s weekends in Provincetown, Massachusetts, festival founder Sheila Morgan sought to create a similar experience on Fire Island. “It’s long overdue,” Morgan said, reflecting on the need for a comprehensive festival that would bring great DJs, musicians, vendors, and a wide array of queer women and allies together on the island .

The CGWoW team, now comprised of eight core members, is committed to making the weekend accessible and welcoming to all. The festival’s mission statement is clear: it’s a space for “all humans who identify as women and all allies who ardently believe that women deserve the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—regardless of race, religion, and economic status” .

A sliding scale ticketing model allows participants to purchase all-in-one weekend passes ranging from $100 to $300, ensuring broader economic accessibility. While some events are free to attend, organizers emphasize the importance of financial support to cover production costs and fair compensation for artists and staff .

One of the most anticipated features of the festival is the symbolic takeover of the Belvedere, a Venetian-style property traditionally operating as a guesthouse for gay men. During the weekend, the Belvedere will serve as the festival’s headquarters, with at least 50 women staying on the premises and key events such as Friday’s “Leather and Lace” and Saturday’s formal Belvedere Ball taking place within its opulent walls .

Morgan described the takeover as an act of joyful reclamation: “We’re claiming this space as our own,” she said, highlighting the significance of women and nonbinary people gathering in a setting historically reserved for men .

CGWoW’s program includes more than a dozen events designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of interests and identities. Highlights include:

- Opening night “Leather and Lace” party at the Belvedere, featuring tarot readings, burlesque performances, and dancing
- Friday night welcome dinner at Cherry Grove Pizza
- Saturday afternoon marketplace at the Ice Palace nightclub, hosting over 20 queer women makers and vendors
- Saturday evening after-party at Cherrys on the Bay
- The formal Belvedere Ball on Saturday night, a signature gathering that underscores the festival’s spirit of transformation and celebration
- “Last Dance” event on Sunday at Island Breeze, located near the ferry dock .

Additionally, the festival will feature performances by more than 50 queer women artists and opportunities for connection through dance, art installations, and community conversations .

Organizers expect hundreds of attendees and encourage early ticket purchases and accommodation bookings. While several overnight options remain available, attendees can also opt for day trips, with Sayville Ferry Service providing transportation according to its early fall schedule (September 3–October 5) .

The festival team is also actively fundraising to ensure fair wages and housing for all performers and staff, further aligning with the event’s commitment to equity and sustainability within queer and feminist communities .

Morgan and her team envision CGWoW growing into a platform for arts, literature, and activism, with plans to invite authors, women leaders, and advocates in political science and social justice to future festivals. The aim is for the weekend to not only celebrate queer joy but also inspire deeper dialogue and empowerment across the LGBTQ+ spectrum .

From its inception, the Cherry Grove Weekend of Women has emphasized radical inclusivity and intersectional feminism. By reclaiming spaces, amplifying underrepresented voices, and celebrating diversity, the festival continues to provide a much-needed venue for connection, self-expression, and collective resilience within the LGBTQ+ community .

Tickets, event schedules, and additional information are available on the festival’s official website at cg-wow.com. Organizers encourage allies and all members of the LGBTQ+ family to join in this affirming celebration of queer feminine power.